Location: Matlacha
Top Things to do in Matlacha
What to do and see in Matlacha, United States: The Best Places and Tips
Matlacha ( /ˈmætləʃeɪ/ MAT-lə-shay "MAT-la-shay") is a census-designated place (CDP) in Lee County, Florida, United States. As of the 2000 census, the CDP had a total population of 735. It is part of the Cape Coral-Fort Myers, Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area.
Restaurants in Matlacha
1. Lovegrove Gallery & Gardens
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 246 reviews
Lovegrove Gallery & Gardens is the international headquarters for Florida artist, Leoma Lovegrove and one of the most colorful destinations in the sunshine state. The gallery showcases Lovegrove's original art and it is here where you can step into her techinicolor world of tropical artistic flair and experience the authentic island style life of an artist. Paint your own Florida souviner in her world famous botanical waterfront gardens (Paint and brushes included). Or paint your very own coconut postcard to keep or mail back home (no box needed- mails as is). You can also paint your own painting in the garden with the help of Vino's Picasso (Seasonal Nov-April). You can also enjoy homemade ( "Love Boat Ice Cream")ice-cream right out of a real coconut shell and guess what? You can keep the shell and take it back home to remind you of the happy memories you made while visiting one of Florida's most popular historic landmarks and destinations. Sunday's with Tucke, (Jim Tucke, the musical genius and Beatles historian) begin in December and her performs every Sunday through March. Hours for the live music is 2 pm - 5 pm. The event is FREE. Leoma's private studio and guest cottage is adjacet to the gallery so chances are you see Leoma busy painting a canvas or planting a flower or beating on her drum on the garden stage.
Reviewed By TRIB2 - Cape Coral, Florida
If you love bright colors and funky art, Leoma Lovegroves is a MUST on your bucket list. There is a wonderful colorful garden in back of the Art Store. Take the kids to paint a coconut or sign up for art classes. This is one of my favorite places to go in SW Florida in the small Fishing Art Town of Matlacha
2. Randell Research Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 69 reviews
Reviewed By Gayle C - Fort Myers Beach, Florida
Calusa heritage days was held at the park this past Saturday. Representatives were present from all Calusa sites( including the amazing site at the Mound House,Fort Myers Beach) as well as fabulous vendors. Basket makers, Sanibel shell car, Calusa tastings, and all things Calusa were in the beautiful park like setting of the Randell Research Center. The speakers were awesome. Captiva Cruises were on hand to give harbor tours. Education with a smile!!
3. Promised Land Mangoes
Overall Ratings
5 based on 29 reviews
Our Florida island-grown mangoes are the best! Promised Land heirloom mangoes are better than organic, naturally delicious and available at the grove. Our family has also produced some truly wonderful Mango Preserves and Mango Grove Honey for you, available at our farm stand. The Old Pineland Mango Grove is located on 40 beautiful acres in Pineland, FL on Pine Island.
Reviewed By pweninger - St. Marys, Georgia
We stopped by Promised Land Mangoes to purchase mangoes for my husband. I also ended up purchasing 2 types of honey and some mango butter. The owners were very helpful and answered all our questions. I was concerned about leaving the mangoes in the hot car the next day as we were travelling to the beach and then home. They picked less ripe mangoes for me and told me what to do with them while at the beach. They also have samples of the mango products they sale, for you to try first.
4. Museum of the Islands
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 16 reviews
Reviewed By Michael D - Bokeelia, Florida
With a wealth of historical artifacts, the Museum of the Islands is an excellent source for any type of knowledge of Pine Island and the surrounding area. Alone the newspaper clippings provide insight to the true history of modern island evolution. The volunteer staff are also awesome! They are not only helpful, they truly care about sharing the knowledge of our community.
If you are a resident or just passing through, stopping by the museum should be something on your to-do list.
5. Matlacha Community Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 23 reviews
Reviewed By JEBSV3 - Doylestown Pa
We spent 40 minutes here before we went on a kayak tour with a nearby business. There is plenty of parking, nice restrooms, picnic tables, and a beautiful pier for fishing (cleaning station) or enjoying the view. It would be a wonderful place picnic with food that you buy from one of the restaurants close by. People were launching their boats here and exercising, too. A real jewel to enjoy the water and get away from the madness for an hour.
6. Island Conclave Fine Art Gallery
Overall Ratings
5 based on 2 reviews
Island Conclave Fine Art Gallery features local artists & artisans who embrace the island spirit. Shop for original fine art, pottery, metal art, mixed media, glass, wood & other sculpture, photography, as well as prints, jewelry, books, gifts, cards and more.
Reviewed By retiredandlovingit07 - Toledo, Ohio
This is their 2nd season and they're going strong! They offer nice local art and organize occasional art shows on their grounds. The items are fairly priced for the area. It's a nice hub of activity. If we were here longer I would partake of their offerings of craft/art classes.
7. Fishing Charters, Inc.
Overall Ratings
5 based on 4 reviews
Charters available in the following locations: fort myers - sw florida area, orlando, and sebastian inlet at fishing charters, inc., we dedicate ourselves to bringing customers and captains together for a fishing adventure of a lifetime. All of our boats meet us coast guard standards and our captains are insured, licensed and seasoned professionals. Located in matlacha (pronounced mat-la-shay) island florida, near cape coral in the ft. Myers area, matlacha is a quaint little town between cape coral and pine island. Matlacha has some of the best restaurants in the area for the freshest seafood and all are right on and overlooking the tropical waters of matlacha pass. Most of our restaurants have live bands almost every night, making your dining experience a memorable one. It also has some of the most unique gift shops and local art galleries in the area including the art gallery of leoma lovegrove known worldwide for her art and paintings. We offer inshore saltwater fishing in the ft. Myers sw florida area, orlando area, and sebastian inlet. We have available boats including flats back country boats, bay boats, to a 24 foot tri toon in matlacha, where we have inshore saltwater fishing charters, eco nature tours and dolphin and manatee tours aboard the miss matti. Do you have questions about our charters? Contact us today. The central florida lakes offer some of the best bass fishing in the country. One of the lakes we bass fish is the 18,000-acre, big lake tohopekaliga (big toho), rated one of the top five bass lakes in the country. The current lake record is a 16.5-pound florida largemouth bass. We have several captains with bass boats and bay boats on big lake toho.
Reviewed By fsubird - florida
I had a wonderful time fishing with Captain Rick out of Matlacha. I am a novice fisherman and I was interested in both fishing and enjoying the scenery and wildlife. Captain Rick found the fish - was in the middle of a bunch of speckled...MoreThank You!! I'm happy that you enjoyed your charter ans I look forward for your continued business. Captain Rick Brothers
8. Matlacha Bat House Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2 reviews
Reviewed By Debbie H - Cape Coral, Florida
Bat House Park is a tiny piece of land that has been turned into a fishing pier of sorts. The city has done a fantastic job of planning and building it.
Located at the end of the drawbridge, which attracts bats, you will find restrooms and a fish cleaning table. The bridge is also one of the most popular places to fish from in the area - it's been named one of the Top 10 bridges to fish from in the country.
Head out and try your luck!
9. Sirenia Vista Park
Overall Ratings
4 based on 30 reviews
Reviewed By V819YVsusan - Southwest Gulf Coast, Florida
Sirenia Vista Park is set up for manatee watching during the winter months. It has informative placards describing the manatees as well as a large fishing platform. There is also a kayak launching ramp. The park is new, so the trees are still small, so be prepared with hats and sunglasses. The park is well worth a trip.
10. Griffen American Center for Haitian Art
Art gallery featuring Hatitian art.
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