Located on the west shore of Pine Island, this town of 444 people is reached by cutting across land from Fort Myers and taking the causeway west to the island. The drive will take a little over 40 minutes, but we’d suggest a slightly slower trip through the bay. It’s longer, but the relaxing ride around the island through Pine Island sound behind the barrier islands making the Gulf of Mexico to the west is more than worth it.

This town is made for vacations, either by buying or renting a place to escape to during the year, or as a permanent vacation that most apes refer to as retirement. Either way, you might want to consider having a boat as the island has multiple marinas. There is even a dock at the Tarpon Lodge for guests and the restaurant. When you stop in to look around, you really need to check out the menu and atmosphere. It will become a favorite place to come back to time and time again.