The largest island in Lee County and in the Gulf Coast of Florida, Pine Island is known for great fishing, boating and its Old Florida fisherman village charm.
Whether you enjoy solitude and relaxation or socializing with the locals, Pine Island is like a fresh breeze, offering a reprieve from modern society with gorgeous scenery and a relaxed, small-town atmosphere where everyone is welcome and treated as friend and fellow fisherman.
What you won’t find on Pine Island are high rises, beaches, or tons of traffic. The island doesn’t have a single traffic light! Miles of aquatic preserves and mangroves, acres of palms, tropical plants and fruit groves line the island. Nature lovers can adore the wildlife and bird watching from land or by water, as there are plenty of nature trails and kayak and boat rentals available.
Stringfellow is the main road connecting the island from Bokeelia on the north to St. James City on the south end. Pine Island has three distinct areas, each with unique character and charm, but all a rare and lingering remnant of Old Florida.
Bokeelia
Head north on Stringfellow and you will find an unincorporated community of small homes, condos and mobile homes called Bokeelia. There are cozy inns and cottages for rent, as well as the famous Bokeelia fishing pier with an incredible view of the neighboring lands of Charlotte Harbor, Boca Grande, and Cayo Costa. It’s a boaters dream community that offers the option to visit waterfront restaurants by car or boat, including the historic Tarpon Lodge Restaurant built in 1926.
Matlacha
There are no fancy hotels or fast food here. This quaint and eclectic artsy fisherman village is like no other and well worth a trip for anyone visiting Southwest Florida. Unique, brightly colored shops and galleries line both sides of the street, enticing shoppers with one-of-a kind, handmade goods, jewelry and more. Fishing is a way of life here – Matlacha boasts some of the freshest off-the-boat seafood, and is home to “The World’s Fishingest Bridge,” a two-lane drawbridge at the island’s entry.
St. James City
St. James City is a mix of waterfront homes that is sure to be an anglers’ paradise. The lush natural environment and waterways make for some of the finest fishing in all of Florida. This side of the island is a little livelier, with several local bars and restaurants options that can be reached by car or boat. This boaters community has a lot of canals that also play host to local wildlife such as dolphins, pelicans and manatees.
Need help finding your way around the island paradise?
Castaways Island Realty owner, Staci Stevens www.stacistevensrealtor.com, also known as the Marina Mama, welcomes residents and visitors to stop by Monroe Canal Marina and she’ll help get you on your way by land or sea!
