The US’s Most Beautiful Coastal Towns Include 2 Florida Locations
All up and down the Florida coast from the Panhandle down to the Florida Keys and back up the Atlantic coast there are countless beautiful coastal towns. Two of these Florida spots have been named among the top 16 most beautiful coastal towns in the country.
Must See Places went on a search to find the most beautiful coastal towns in the US. While we certainly think more Florida towns should’ve been included, it was nice to see two make their list.
Beautiful Coastal Towns
One of the Florida towns being recognized is Sanibel Island, right here in Southwest Florida. After Hurricane Ian in 2022, the island may look a bit different, but it still has that beach town charm and is making a come back every day. More and more businesses are opening their doors. In fact if you click here you can see a list of tons of restaurants back open for business. Outside of a bevy of dining options, Sanibel is the ideal spot for shelling, riding bikes and of course walks on the beach. You’re sure to see a dolphin on any part of the island. Sanibel never disappoints.
Additionally, the second Florida town making the list is just a short road trip from us in Southwest Florida. It’s just a two hour drive up the Gulf Coast on Anna Maria Island. Like Sanibel, Anna Maria island is full of beautiful white sand beaches with a quiet atmosphere perfect for a relaxing getaway with the Old Florida feeling we all know and love.
We live where people vacation!
Heartbreaking Photos Of Matlacha 17 Months After Hurricane Ian
It’s been a few months since my last trip to Pine Island. Every time I visit one of Southwest Florida barrier islands I still hold my breath, wondering what things are going to look like. What is still standing and what has been razed due to too much hurricane damage. It’s nice to see the piles of debris cleaned up. Hopeful. However, those wide open beaches and lots are also a cruel reminder that someone’s home or business once stood there. The island is showing great signs of recovery but there is still a long way to go as evidence by these heartbreaking photos of Matlacha 17 months after Hurricane Ian.
The bridge crossing from Cape Coral to Pine Island is still undergoing repairs and can get congested. Matlacha is the community that welcomes visitors to the island. It is small, on a narrow strip of land that is a haven for both artists and fishermen. It has an eclectic, funky vibe with brightly colored homes and businesses. Cottages full of upscale art share the island with dive bars full of shrimpers and everything in between. It is uniquely Florida and people love it.
What’s happening on Matlacha and Pine Island
I did not venture onto the rest of Pine Island this trip but was told it is in various stages of repair also. Part of the problem with rebuilding much of Matlacha is the fact that many structures were on land that eroded and were washed away by the hurricane. Not to mention the bureaucracy of insurance and government that so many hurricane survivors are all too familiar with.
If you go to Matlacha, many of the shops and galleries have reopened. For dining, The Perfect Cup is open and so is Blue Dog Bar and Grill. Further into Pine Island, The Lazy Flamingo and Tarpon Lodge are also open for dining. I was at the lodge over the summer and here are some photos I took from the drive out. You can see not all is gloom and doom.
Here is an update. Check out there photos of Matlacha 17 months after Hurricane Ian. Take a drive and visit the businesses that are open if you can.