If you’ve ever wished Florida could slow down just a little—before the high-rises, mega-resorts, and bumper-to-bumper traffic—this one’s for you. The good news? “Old Florida” isn’t gone. You just have to know where to look.
This easy, nostalgia-packed tour highlights three places in Southwest Florida that still deliver that mid-century feeling: colorful Matlacha, laid-back Everglades City, and history-rich Koreshan State Park. Think: weathered docks, mom-and-pop charm, shady trails, and stories that make the place feel real.
Let’s hit the road.
1) Matlacha: A Tiny Fishing Village Turned Colorful Art Stop
Matlacha (pronounced “Mat-la-SHAY”) is one of those blink-and-you’ll-miss-it places—except you won’t miss it, because the buildings are famously bright and the vibe is unmistakably funky. It’s long been known as an “Old Florida” fishing village, and today it’s beloved for its artist community, little galleries, and waterfront hangouts. For a quick feel of what makes Matlacha special, this overview captures the classic mix of mangroves, cottages, seafood, and local art.
What to do “Old Florida” style:
- Stroll in and out of small galleries and shops (no rush, no itinerary stress).
- Grab fresh seafood and eat it outside if the weather’s nice (it usually is).
- Watch boats and birds in the mangroves—simple, timeless, and very 1950s Florida.
Local tip: Matlacha is also the gateway to Pine Island, which has famously resisted overdevelopment. If your goal is “Florida before it got busy,” you’re headed the right way.
2) Everglades City: The Gateway to the Ten Thousand Islands
(and a Different Pace of Life)
Everglades City feels like it belongs to another era—in the best possible way. This is “frontier Florida,” where the main attractions are water, wildlife, and history, not shopping malls. It’s widely known as the gateway to the Ten Thousand Islands, making it a perfect base for boat tours, kayaking, and that classic Everglades scenery you can’t replicate anywhere else. Visit Florida’s official destination page sums it up well: Everglades City is a small waterfront community and a prime staging point for Everglades adventures and Gulf fishing (Visit Florida).
Don’t miss:
- A boat tour into the mangrove maze (it’s the most “Old Florida” way to experience the area).
- Local seafood—Everglades City is famously associated with stone crab season (Visit Florida notes the season runs Oct. 15 to May 1) (Visit Florida).
Up-to-date note (worth planning around): Everglades National Park has been working toward opening a new Gulf Coast Visitor Center facility in Everglades City, with reporting indicating a soft opening targeted for early 2026 and programming starting mid-January 2026 (Florida Rambler). If visiting in 2026, it’s smart to check current status before you go.
3) Koreshan State Park: Vintage Florida History
(With Real-Time Visitor Updates)
If your version of the 1950s includes roadside attractions, local legends, and places that feel “frozen in time,” Koreshan State Park delivers—while also being an easy, low-key stop between Fort Myers and Naples.
Koreshan preserves the Koreshan Unity Settlement, a fascinating late-1800s/early-1900s community with historic buildings, gardens, and shady trails along the Estero River. The park’s official page highlights guided tours, historic structures, and the industrial area featuring a 1929 Fairbanks-Morse engine (Florida State Parks).
Why it belongs on an “Old Florida” tour:
- The preserved settlement buildings make it feel like you’ve stepped into a different chapter of Florida life.
- It’s an easy walk-and-wander destination—perfect when you want a slower travel day.
Important up-to-date planning details: The Florida State Parks site includes current operational notices. As of their posted updates, the campground has been closed effective July 7, 2025, and the boat ramp/parking lot closed effective Nov. 19, 2025 (with canoe/kayak rentals not available during that closure) (Florida State Parks). Always double-check before you go, especially if paddling or camping was part of your plan.
The Bottom Line: Old Florida Is Still Here—If You Know Where to Look
The magic of an “Old Florida” tour isn’t about pretending time stopped—it’s about choosing places where the pace is human, the scenery still feels wild, and the personality hasn’t been polished into sameness.
Matlacha brings the color, art, and classic fishing-village energy. Everglades City delivers true coastal Everglades adventure and that waterfront “end of the road” feeling. Koreshan State Park adds a memorable layer of Florida history—with the kind of details (tours, gardens, old machinery) that make the past feel close enough to touch.
If you’re craving a Florida trip that feels relaxed, authentic, and refreshingly unplugged, this is your sign: take the scenic route—and let “Old Florida” show off.
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