Aerial view of residential houses in island small town Boca Grande on Gasparilla Island in southwest Florida – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Image by Bilanol
Only a small percentage of the nearly 140 million tourists who visit Florida each year make their way to tranquil Gasparilla Island and Boca Grande, the island’s main town, which is an upscale but down-to-earth neighborhood on the Gulf of Mexico that’s just the right amount of sleepy (except when it comes to its status as the “Tarpon Capital of the World”).
The stoplight- and franchise-free neighborhood is “like stepping back in time,” according to Nikki Heimann, manager of The Pink Pony, a beloved ice cream parlor on the island that her grandpa founded in 1988.
“Our beaches are stunningly clean and our water is usually clear and sparkling, with a bountiful variety of sea life,” she says. “A big allure is game fishing in our deep-water pass for tarpon. We have two well-maintained historical lighthouses with a museum and state park on the south end, and a smooth bike path that runs the whole length of the island, so many people enjoy renting a golf cart or bicycle to spend the day cruising around. It’s a great place to visit if you’re looking for peace, tranquility, and quiet time.”
Beyond its attractiveness, Boca Grande is tough; in September 2022, Hurricane Ian ravaged much of Southwest Florida, particularly Sanibel and Captiva Island to the south.
“Although we had a speedy recovery compared to many places affected by the hurricane, there is still quite a ways to go on a full recovery,” Heimann admits. The Pink Pony reopened soon after the storm, but other establishments were not so fortunate. “Many iconic features of our landscape are gone forever. Everyone around here has their story and struggle that they’re going through. We are just thankful we didn’t get washed out.”
Resuming its normal activities, Boca Grande is still a fascinating destination to visit. It is a calm haven from the hectic pace of our contemporary world (and much of Florida), with a small-town charm all its own. Consider using a bicycle, golf cart, or your own two feet to get around.
Best Times to Visit
Like many towns in the Sunshine State, Boca Grande is visited seasonally.
“Most people enjoy coming to the island during our busy ‘social season’ when the town is bustling with activity and the Florida sunshine is a delightful reprieve from the winter snow up north,” Heimann says. This period lasts from approximately Thanksgiving to spring break.
“Then we roll into tarpon season when the fishing families come to town and enjoy the island through summertime,” she continues. “Many downtown businesses close during August and September, so that’d be the time to come if you like to sweat in solitude.”
Although Boca Grande is less crowded and quieter in the middle to end of the summer, you might have problems getting a room because the Gasparilla Inn is closed for the entire year from mid-July to early October. Though there are a variety of hotels that remain open and accommodations for vacationers.
The hurricane season, which runs from June 1 through November 30 every year, means there is always a potential for storms during the summer and fall when planning a trip to Florida.
Things To Do
The best activities in Boca Grande are in, near, or on the ocean or beach, including fishing, shelling, boating, beaches, and biking, as one might anticipate from America’s best small beach town.
The number one thing Heimann advises tourists or first-timers to Boca Grande do is not so much an activity as it is an experience: taking in a sunset on the beach, even though there is plenty to keep the activity-fueled traveler entertained. (However, twilight is a good time to fit in an activity as well: “It’s even better from a paddleboard in the Gulf,” she claims.)
However, if you want to make the most of your stay in Boca Grande, you should schedule a few excursions, such as climbing the Gasparilla Island Lighthouse (also known as the “range light” locally) or visiting Gasparilla Island State Park for picnics, swimming, snorkeling, fishing, and shell hunting. Tarpons frequently jump and roll in the deep waters of Boca Grande Pass, so keep a watch out for them.
More tarpon time, please? Visit during the World’s Richest Tarpon Tournament, an event that has been held every year since the early 1980s and has thousands of dollars in prizes on the line.
Gasparilla Island is only seven miles long and half a mile wide at its widest point; the best way to see it all is to cycle along the 6.5-mile Boca Grande Bike Path, stopping at attractions like the breathtaking Banyan Street, the Boca Grande Historical Society, the legendary Whidden’s Marina, and the charming Johann Fust Community Library. Then, take to the water: Heimann advises kayaking around the decommissioned railroad trestles on the island’s northern edge. “Glass Bottom Rentals has clear kayaks and guided tours,” she suggests.
If you’re fortunate, attempt to obtain a membership to the adjacent members-only Useppa Island; if not, a day excursion to Cayo Costa should satisfy your need for an island adventure. It can only be reached by boat or kayak, and ferries run from a number of mainland areas.
Where to Stay
Although there aren’t many places to stay in Boca Grande, they range from basic (camping in the neighborhood’s Cayo Costa State Park) to opulent.
Gasparilla Inn & Club
Boca Grande Hotel
The Palmetto Inn
The Innlet on the Waterfront
Where to Eat & Drink
Gasparilla Inn restaurants
The Temptation Restaurant
Scarpa’s Coastal
Eagle Grille and Miller’s Dockside at Boca Grande Marina
Outlet Restaurant
3rd Street Bistro
Sisters Restaurant
The Pink Pony
Shopping
You are not visiting Boca Grande to go shopping. Instead, go to local stores like Barbara Anne’s or Fugate’s, which Heimann describes as “a classic island gift store that has a little bit of everything,” to find a beautiful piece of jewelry to remember your trip.
You may find gorgeous regional artwork at the family-run Smart Studio Art Gallery & Shop (which also has a site in Maine), featuring original paintings, prints, driftwood sculptures, souvenirs, and home decor. Or, visit Boca Grande Outfitters if you’re looking for outdoor gear like apparel and accessories or light tackle.
How to Travel There
There are many public airports close by in addition to the private Coral Creek Airport, which is located less than 10 minutes from Boca Grande. The closest airport is Punta Gorda Airport (PGD), which is about an hour away. Sun Country and Allegiant Air offer nonstop service from roughly 50 cities.
In addition, Tampa International Airport (TPA), which is about two hours distant by vehicle, and Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), both of which are about an hour and a half away, are other options. Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Miami International Airport (MIA) are both roughly 3.5 hours away from Boca Grande.
There is only one way onto Gasparilla Island, the Boca Grande Causeway, regardless of where you land.
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Chris began his writing as a hobby while attending Florida Southern College in Lakeland, Florida. Today he and his wife live in the Orlando area with their three children and dog.
