9+ Unmissable Attractions in Boca Grande, Florida {2024}

If you're looking for a taste of "Old Florida," on your next Spring Break getaway, look no further than Boca Grande: the stunningly traditional southwest Florida island that'll take you centuries away from the real world with its beautiful beaches, charming, historic hotel, and enchanting downtown.

Disclosure: Some of the links below are affiliate links. If you purchase a linked item, I will make a commission, at no extra charge to you. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. ​Updated January, 2024

Considering a visit to historic
​Boca Grande, Florida?

Florida is a large and varied state - no matter what type of vacation you're after, chances are, you can find it somewhere in the Sunshine State! From the best theme parks in the world to beaches packed with light beer guzzling "Spring Breakers," it's different strokes for different folks.

If you're looking for life at a slower, more refined pace - where golf carts are the main mode of transit, mint juleps are still all the rage, and you won't look out of place in a giant floppy hat, then Boca Grande on its own tiny island ("Gasparilla Island") is absolutely the right Florida for you.

We're fortunate enough to have a family vacation home in "Boca," so as I'm planning my next visit, I thought I'd give you some Boca travel tips to help you plan your own visit to Gasparilla Island, including a few geographic and logistical basics, a bit on the island's history, what you need to know about the Gasparilla Inn, and my favorite things to do in downtown Boca Grande, 

"Can't repeat the past? Why of course you can...," Old Sport. So c'mon, your favorite experienced Boca Grande visitor will give you a behind-the-scenes look at this exclusive enclave.

Golf cart parking in Boca Grande

FAQ: Where is Boca Grande?

Boca Grande is a small, high-end residential community on Gasparilla Island, in the Gulf of Mexico. Boca Grande Pass separates the southern part of the island from Cayo Costa State Park. Boca Grande is accessible from the mainland by one road that connects it to Port Charlotte.

FAQ: What is so special about Boca Grande?

A charming, high-end, but enchantingly relaxed community boasting gorgeous homes, pristine white beaches (many of which are public), a 5-star hotel, and numerous dining and shopping options, Boca Grande is a true hidden gem.

FAQ: Is Boca Grande gated?

No. Any visitor is welcome to visit Boca Grande. There are a number of grated communities on Gasparilla Island, but the island itself is accessible to all and welcomes visitors, whether for a day or a week-long stay.

FAQ: How do you get to Boca Grande?

If you're coming from outside of Florida, the easiest way to get to Boca Grande is to fly into Punta Gorda. Punta Gorda offers limited flights, however, so Fort Myers, Tampa, or Sarasota will also work. From either airport, you'll have a drive to Boca, then across the giant bridge, and you're in paradise! Public transportation is not an option. 

FAQ: How much does it cost to get onto Boca Grande?

There is a small toll to get onto Gasparilla Island (less than $10).

FAQ: Are cars allowed on Gasparilla Island? Can you ride a golf cart on Boca Grande?

There is no real gas station on Gasparilla Island, and most Boca Grande residents use golf carts for the majority of their transportation needs. In fact, the island has no gas station (aside from a fill-up station for boats).

If you're visiting for a few days, golf cart rentals are available at The Gasparilla Inn golf cart rental. Drive safely!

History of Boca Grande & Gasparilla Island

Remains of the railway that made Boca Grande in the early 20th century

If you're anything like me, then you'll read up in "the Boca Grande book" - trying to figure out how this gorgeous place turned out the way it did. Boca Grande's earliest settlers came for the fishing, and European settlers did the same, centuries later.

​It wasn't until the end of the 19th century that the island started to take the form we know today. In the 1880s, phosphate was discovered on Boca Grande, and with the extension of the railroad lines into the area, came the wealthy Northern tourists who found that one of Florida's deepest ports also offered some of the state's best fishing. Tarpon is the name of the game - even today, you'll see massive tarpon displayed in restaurants: the crown jewels of decades-lost competitions (though Tarpon fishing is still common today). In the span of 10 years (1969-1979), Boca went from being the fourth busiest port in all of Florida, to having the railroad and phosphate industries abandoned and moved elsewhere.

​The demise of industry did not decimate the Island, however, as the tourism industry continued to thrive.

Gasparilla Island Lighthouse

Did you know?

Boca Grande is known for its excellent fishing, as the 'tarpon capital of the world.' If you're interested, a number of local fishing guides are on hand to take you out on a hopefully-successful fishing voyage, even if you don't have your own boat.

Boca Grande history, continued

Boca Grande's wonderfully historic hotel, The Gasparilla Inn, was built in 1911 and originally run by the railroad to attract tourists to its wholly-owned town, and has thrived in its century of life. Tourism now sustains the island's (small) economy, with seasonal and some year-round residents owning large homes on the island.

Privately maintained trail in Boca Grande, used mostly by golf carts

Famous residents of Boca Grande

Boca Grande's famous residents have included, at least seasonally, the Bushes and a few Hepburns - along with a number of wealthy families, mostly from the North East and Midwest. Along with its Inn, it has served as a haven for tycoons such as JP Morgan, Henry Ford, Harvey Firestone, and the duPont family.

FAQ: Why is it called Gasparilla Island?

Perhaps one of the most interesting pieces of Boca Grande's history is the "tall tale" that grew up behind the name "Gasparilla Island." Though the name can be seen on maps pre-dating the "arrival" of Jose Gaspar, a legendary pirate captain whose story is woven into Florida folklore, the train companies that created, grew, and cultivated Boca Grande from the ground up similarly stoked the legend of Gaspar, including the idea that his buried treasure was said to have been hidden on the Island - and had never been found! His rugged image continues to be the incongruous emblem of the Gasparilla Inn. You'll see many a banker-on-holiday sporting a fantastical needle point belt with Gaspar's image.

Want even more Boca Grande history?

Stop by the Boca Grande Historical Society and learn all there is to know about Boca!

Top Things to Do in Boca Grande, Florida

Alright, we've gotten the basics out of the way! Let's discuss the top things to do on a visit to Boca Grande, Florida!

Things to do in Boca Grande, Florida:
Visit The Gasparilla Inn, The Heart of Boca Grande

The Gasparilla Inn, Boca Grande

The historic Gasparilla Inn's motto is "Florida the way it was meant to be," and is it ever.

​With Greenbrier-esque decor, featuring massive palm leaves and a slightly over-the-top pink motif, the Inn is absolutely immaculate. It carries its century of history well - clean and traditional, a bit stuffy, but with its service every inch the well-oiled machine. Though the dress code has relaxed a bit in recent years, there still is one - you won't see a bathing suit or flimsy beach flip flop in these lobbies. And though you no longer need a personal recommendation to get a reservation, it very much retains the feel of a private club. Here you'll find turned-out families sporting their best Lilly Pulitzer, from Mom to Chip, and everyone in between, dining with retired doctors - always the tucked-in polo- and their wives - blonde bobs, cajun shrimp nails, and J. McLaughlin abound.

Eccentric Yankees certainly are on display and "the business" is often the topic of conversation - and, of course, there's always an occasional famous face. 

The Gasparilla Inn continues to be, as it has been for many years, privately owned by the Farish Family - William Farish was the former U.S. ambassador to England, while his wife is a descendant of the DuPonts.

​Thankfully, that was not the case, and the Inn retains all the charm its ever had - along with its historic quirks, such as the Pelican Room, a billiard room built for the Pelican Club - a group of wealthy fisherman who frequently the Inn and the Island in the mid 20th century.

The Pelican Room, The Gasparilla Inn

With traditional Southern style, casual seating options abound throughout The Gasparilla Inn - while your fellow guests certainly do not.

Lobby seating in the interior of the Gasparilla Inn, Boca Grande

The Gasparilla Inn lobby

Sporting its own, country club-style restaurant, an 18-hole golf course, a spa, a pool, and two gift shops, the Inn is very much the center of much of the social scene on the south end of the Island.

​The Gasparilla Inn also owns two other restaurants in town - The Pink Elephant (more of an upscale island restaurant, without the country-club vibe of the Inn's actual restaurant).

​And never fear - the fabled Jose Gaspar is depicted subtly, and tastefully, throughout.

Grounds of the Gasparilla Inn, Boca Grande

FAQ: Is there another hotel in Boca Grande?

Yes! On the northern side of Gasparilla Island is Boca Grande Hotel (formerly "The Boca Grande Resort"). Significantly less grand than The Gasparilla Inn, it also costs a fraction of the price.

FAQ: Are there vacation rentals in Boca Grande?

Yes! If you aren't interested in staying at the Gasparilla Inn, there are a few other lodging options in Boca Grande. Airbnb has the best options, as among the rental providers, in my opinion. Looking for something high-end? Sotheby's Realty offers elite, long-term rentals.

Things to do in Boca Grande, Florida:
Explore the Historic, Downtown Boca Grande

There's quaint, and then somewhere far beyond the usual definition of the term, is downtown Boca Grande. 

Downtown Boca Grande is a unique combination of small scale and high-end, resulting in a number of gorgeous clothing and home stores, a couple trinket shops, a gourmet take-out kitchen, and an incredible charity shop - where you can certainly score excellent deals on the discarded treasures of Boca's many eccentric inhabitants.

Downtown Boca Grande

FAQ: What are the best restaurants in Boca Grande?

Boca Grande is home to more than its fair share of delicious restaurants. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Gasparilla Inn's Dining Room, the most formal dining in Boca Grande
• Eagle Grille & Miller's Dockside, comfortable, elevated bar food, overlooking Boca Grande Marina and the Charlotte Harbor
• Pink Elephant, a more casual, but no less delicious offering down the street from The Gasparilla Inn
• The Pink Pony, delectable ice cream downtown Boca Grande
• Mimi's 3rd St Grille, the other out-post of South Beach, which was devastated by Hurricane Ian
• The Temptation Restaurant, Italian food, downtown Boca Grande

Things to Do in Boca Grande, Florida:
Visit Lady of Mercy Catholic Church

Boca Grande is home to an almost unbelievably charming Catholic church in the heart of its downtown, Our Lady of Mercy. 
Mass happens daily at 8 AM, and, of course, Saturday evening at 5 and Sunday morning at 9 and 10:30.

Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, Boca Grande

Things to Do in Boca Grande, Florida:
​Snap Some Pics on Instagrammable Banyan Street

Banyan Street, Boca Grande

Picture-perfect Banyan Street - a stunning expanse of banyan trees - is a must-see on any trip to Boca Grande. A common spot for weddings (and Instagrammers), it's also surprisingly easy to miss.


 Check out the map below before you go, unless you're lucky enough to have a guide who grew up frequenting the town, as I did.

Things to Do in Boca Grande, Florida: Explore Boca on the six-mile Boca Grande Rail Trail

Take a spin on the Boca Grande Bike Path, a 6-mile asphalt trail that spans nearly the entire length of Gasparilla Island. Didn't bring your bike? Several companies rent bikes to visitors, including The Gasparilla Inn bike rental.

Things to Do in Boca Grande, Florida:
Canals, The Gulf, and The Bay

What has drawn people to Gasparilla Island for centuries continue to do so now - easy access to water. Paying the toll gets you access to three forms of water - the bay to the East, the Gulf to the West, and canals throughout the Island.

​Our home is on one of these channels, and one great way to tour the Island is to go visit some of the other canals - as we whiled away hours on the porch, many people came by on boats or stand-up paddle boards, to check out the homes (and, of course, look for manatees).

The best manatee watching spot around - Boca's canals

Manatee, straight ahead!!

To learn more about the wonderful manatees, and to adopt or donate to protect them, check out Jimmy Buffet's charity, Save the Manatee.

Port Charlotte Harbor (East of Boca Grande)

FAQ: How do I access the beach in Boca Grande?

Unobstructed access to the pristine beach is easy, with a number of public parks dotting the Island, providing entry to miles of sugar sand beaches (and some good shell selections!) During the week, you'll find few crowds, with people spacing themselves out and generally not posting up for the entire day. Extra points for taking your golf cart to the beach - don't worry, there's a parking lot (we biked).

Sunset over the Gulf of Mexico at Boca Grande Beach

Things to Do in Boca Grande, Florida:
​Climb Gasparilla Island Lighthouse

Ironic Gasparilla Island Lighthouse is a must-see during your time in Boca. You've surely seen the lighthouse on nearly every promotional image you've searched in the lead-up to your visit. Rising out of the white-sand beaches, the Lighthouse has become a symbol of Gasparilla Island.

​It was damaged in Hurricane Ian, but is scheduled for a 'Grande' reopening set for April 17, 2024

Things to do in Boca Grande, Florida:
Discover Boca Grande Lighthouse

Boca Grande Lighthouse

One of the most well-known sights on Gasparilla Island, Boca Grande's historic lighthouse is now a museum (Port Boca Grande Lighthouse & Museum). So pop down to the extreme southern tip of the Island, pay the small parking fee, and explore the beach & capture some excellent view of the lighthouse!

View from the southern tip of Gasparilla Island

Things to Do in Boca Grande, Florida:
​Dive into the Historic Library

The Johann Fust Community Library is not your average book lender. Founded in 1949, and opening the following year, the Boca Grande library has benefited from the patronage of a number of wealthy Boca Grande residents, Mr. and Mrs. Richard Amory, who used their personal boat as a "book boat" to bring books to the surrounding community.


Learn more about the history of the Johaan Fust Community Library before your visit.

Thanks for stopping by!

Boca Grande is a remarkable combination of luxury and relaxation, history and style, discretion and class, that remains as pristine, yet fascinating, as it has been for a century. Hop in your time machine, stop by, stay a while, and experience this unique Floridian treasure.

"So we beat on, boats against the current, borne ceaselessly into the past."

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Things to do in Boca Grande, Florida