Pine Island vacation rentals

Despite being the largest island off Florida’s Southwestern Gulf Coast, Pine Island has an Old Florida feel, with small villages and miles of farmland, mangroves, palm trees, and tropical fruit groves. Its secluded, small-town atmosphere is unlike the high-rise buildings and commercial businesses in the region’s more popular tourist destinations. You can spend a day or two exploring the 17-mile island’s boutiques and small waterfront restaurants, many of which feature clam and crab chowders and freshly caught seafood.

Although lacking beaches, Pine Island provides some of the best fishing in Florida. On the Matlacha Pass Bridge, which connects the island to the mainland, you’ll often see visitors reeling in redfish, snook, grouper, or mackerel. Kayaking and canoeing are popular ways to experience the waters, and nature trails scattered around the island allow visitors to explore the land and local wildlife.

The island’s subtropical climate provides mild, dry winters and hot, wet summers. Visitors seeking rentals in Pine Island, Florida often find that October through May may offer the best weather for fishing. These months generally see clear skies, comfortable temperatures, and minimal rainfall. That half of the year is when many of the region’s major events occur. A festival held in nearby Cape Coral every January is one of the most significant art shows in Southwest Florida, with over 300 artists and numerous culinary options. In March, a food festival features delicacies from more than 20 Cape Coral restaurants.

The island experiences the most rainfall June through September, but it doesn’t stop singer-songwriters from all over from flocking to Fort Meyers and Captiva Island for a major music extravaganza every September.

Randell Research Center

The Randell Research Center teaches visitors about Southwest Florida’s ecology, archaeology, and history through its museum, heritage trail, and 100-acre shellmound site. The Calusa Heritage Trail, well marked with interpretive signs, winds through nearly one mile of the mounds and canals of the Pineland archaeological site.

Museum of the Islands

This small museum features a look into the island’s rich history, with an extensive collection of vintage household artifacts, tools, generations of dolls, and newspaper articles. In addition to more than 1,700 shells, the nature collection features exhibits of the island’s plants and animals.

Cayo Costa State Park

While Pine Island is not known for its luxurious beaches, the barrier island of Cayo Costa, which is only accessible via boat, features nine miles of beautiful white-sand beaches and six miles of hiking and biking trails. During the 50-minute boat ride from Pine Island, you may even spot manatees and dolphins. Once you arrive, you can fish, snorkel, or watch for snowy plovers, tricolored herons, and other coastal birdlife.