A Piece of “Old Florida” Paradise
Pineland, Florida
Inns, Lodges, Resorts
December 2023
By Polly Dean
Anglers have for generations experienced the charm and hospitality that Tarpon Lodge has provided its guests since 1926. The quaint resort in the community of Pineland sits on the waterfront overlooking Pine Island Sound. It offers convenient access to the waters of that piece of southwest Florida coast and provides a multitude of angling options. Those factors make it a celebrated and popular region of the Sunshine State.
Accommodations include the cozy and comfortable rooms of the historic lodge, as well as the separate Boathouse and Cottage, both of which provide a little extra privacy. The Cottage is a bungalow with a kitchenette and dining table, king bed, living space with sofa and loveseat. It also offers a small deck in front of the entrance.
The restored 1926 vintage Boathouse offers a king bed in the master bedroom, as well as bathroom with a Jacuzzi tub/shower combo. It also comes equipped with a kitchenette that has a full-sized refrigerator, ice maker, bar sink, microwave and coffee maker. The living room has a sleeper sofa and the option of a rollaway at no extra cost is offered as well. The unit provides a beautiful water view, where sunsets can be enjoyed from the front porch.
Guests may also opt for the comfortable rooms of the Island House. The Island House offers 12 hotel-style rooms, in a stilted building with a central hallway. On one side of hall are six water view accommodations, while the other side of the hall faces landward. Guests can choose rooms with a king-sized bed or opt for two queen beds.
The Tarpon Lodge Restaurant is open seven days a week for lunch and dinner, offering regular and kid’s menus. The fare is composed of constantly changing specials that are replete with fresh catches of the day and locally sourced delicacies. Also onsite is a full liquor lounge.
Adjacent to Tarpon Lodge is Pineland Marina where boats can be moored or launched for reaching the nearby islands of Cabbage Key, Useppa, Sanibel, Captiva, or Boca Grande Pass. Guests of Tarpon Lodge on Pine Island can also enjoy activities available other than outstanding boating and fishing. Birding, golf, a local museum, nature trails and art galleries all are nearby. Another treat is boating out into the sound to the lodge’s sister resort, Cabbage Key Inn & Restaurant. Day trips are also available for kayaking or to beaches for shelling and just exploring.
Gift cards good for stays, food at their restaurants and items in Tarpon Lodge’s gift shop, are available for purchase on their website.
