ISLAND CLOSED indefinitely due to damage from Hurricane Ian.
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Exploring Pine Island
Pine Island is an oddity among Florida’s coastal islands. It sits where the waters of San Carlos Bay and Charlotte Harbor meet.
There is another island, North Captiva, protecting it from the Gulf of Mexico. So Pine Island has no beaches: it’s ringed by mangrove forests.
Without a sandy strand as an attraction, it’s remained very low-key, with much of its acreage taken up in tropical fruit orchards and public lands.
A bike path parallels the main road of the island, Stringfellow Road, showcasing the agricultural bounty.
There are several communities on the island. Artsy Matlacha, at the bridge from the mainland, is the one you won’t miss. Pineland, on the mangrove coastline, showcases Calusa history.
At the north end, Bokeelia is the launch point for trips to offshore Cayo Costa State Park. The south end, St. James City, is more residential.
Trails and Parks on Pine Island
Articles
INCLUDES: Bokeelia, Matlacha, Pineland, St. James City | NEARBY: Cape Coral, Charlotte Harbor, Fort Myers, Punta Gorda | PART OF: Pine Island Sound, Southwest Florida