Things To Do
Port Boca Grande Lighthouse Museum
The Port Boca Grande Lighthouse is the oldest structure on the island, guarding one of the deepest natural passes in Florida, connecting Charlotte Harbor and the Gulf of Mexico. This house-dwelling style lighthouse has been a beacon to mariners since 1890, and is is home to a comprehensive museum that opened in 1999. This is a great place to gain an appreciation for the nautical history of the island, as well as a great beach to sit and watch the anglers in the pass catch tarpon.
Tarpon Fishing
Boca Grande is perhaps best known as a world-renowned sport-fishing destination. During this time of year, the deep and mile-wide Boca Grande Pass teems with silvery tarpon, as many as 10,000 at any one time, each weighing anywhere from 50 to 200 pounds. The World’s Richest Tarpon Tournament hands out a five-figure prize to the team that reels in the biggest fish each May. The rest of the year, the 39 members of the Boca Grande Fishing Guides Association take out tourists from far-flung corners of the globe to catch saltwater species like redfish, trout, cobia, snapper and grouper. May 30th is the height of the Tarpon season. Book early, as the guides are busy this time of year!
Village of Boca Grande
The Village of Boca Grade is a mere 5 square blocks, located in the middle of Gasparilla Island and adjacent to the Gasparilla Inn. However, within this space is packed quaint restaurants, art galleries and shops to wander around and enjoy. Grab an ice cream at the Pink Pony, lunch at the Loose Caboose, a sundress at Ariel's, or a fishing shirt at Gasparilla Outfitters - there are plenty of places to relax and enjoy.
Boca Grande Beaches
Gasparilla Island has some of the best beaches in Florida, with expansive white sands and world-class shelling. Access to the beaches can be done at many points along the western side of the island. Be sure to enjoy the beaches at their best - as the sun sets across the Gulf of Mexico.
Boating & Kayaking
Explore the island's waterways and coves by renting or hiring a boat for a few hours. A casual kayak trip along the island canals is a great way to see a unique view of Boca Grande. Or, charter a yboat to motor along the Intercoastal Waterway with local dolphin jumping in your wake. There are many companies in the area, but the Gasparilla Inn's marina is a full-service option that is open to the public and conveniently located in the center of the island.
Boca Grande Bike Path
The island started in the late 1880s as a deepwater port for ships that transported phosphate all over the globe. From 1907 to 1979, a railroad ran through its center, carrying that phosphate to waiting ships at the island’s southern end. The old rail bed is now part of a paved recreational trail that meanders through some of the island’s most scenic areas. Ride a golf-cart, bike, run or walk along it's 6.5 mile length to fully enjoy the island. The path transects the middle of the island, and is accessible anywhere along its length. Its flat, paved surface will be ideal for everything from a casual stroll or more vigorous run.
Banyan Street
Banyan street is one of the most picturesque spots on the island, with old banyan trees forming a canopy to shade and protect the residents of this street. A short 5-10 minute walk from most points in town, this is a must see (and photograph) stop during your visit.
Gasparilla Inn & Club
Even if you are not staying at "The Inn", you must wander its first floor, which is open to the public. Built in 1913 and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the inn was named the No. 1 resort hotel in Florida—and No. 7 in the United States—by Travel + Leisure in 2017. With its cheery yellow walls and bright pink, green and white tropical furnishings, this 107-year-old inn has welcomed famous folks like Thomas Edison, Henry Ford, Katharine Hepburn and the George H.W. Bush family. The Wedding Reception will also be held on its 'croquet lawn' on Saturday night.
Gasparilla Inn Golf Course
No round of golf is ever the same after experiencing the ‘island within an island’ championship course, where gentle breezes blow in from the surrounding waters of scenic Charlotte Harbor and the Gulf of Mexico. The par 72, 6,837-yard course features eco-friendly native Seashore Paspalum turf grass throughout, and each hole has five tees to suit all levels of play. Our master designer, Pete Dye, is especially fond of the 15th, a par 4 dogleg to the left. Both beautiful and challenging, The Gasparilla Golf Club is exclusive and only is open to guests of the Inn, and conveniently has no course tee times.
Pink Elephant
Enjoy a casual lunch or dinner at The Pink Elephant, affectionately known as ‘The Pink’, where Inn guests and island residents alike have gathered at this charming restaurant for great food, signature drinks and refined service for over 60 years. The Boca Hummer - an adult milkshake - is a must have! Fresh local seafood and regional comfort food are served in the downstairs pub, upstairs dining room and on the outdoor patio.
Temptation Restaurant
Not much has changed at the Temptation Restaurant - known to locals as "The Temp" - since US Navy man, Homer Addison, home from the war, opened the doors in 1947. For the past 73 years, it has meant good food, good drinks and good times. A jaunty neon martini glass attaches at a tilt to the second-story facade beckoning guests to park their pastel-colored golf carts and come on in. The screen door slaps shut and the evening starts at the bar, a pleasingly dim retreat from the Florida sun. Fish is the main attraction - grouper and snapper and pompano and soft-shell crabs and sometimes hogfish just pulled from the surrounding waters.
The Inn Bakery
With no Starbucks on the island, this is your 'go-to' for coffee and pastries in the morning. This casual café located in the village of Boca Grande offers a wide variety of signature coffees, morning pastries, desserts, inventive lunch fare and afternoon snacks. Favorite Inn beverages offered include cappuccino, macchiato, chai tea, cold brew coffee and smoothies. For the lunch crowd, the bakery offers a variety of sandwiches, wraps, and sides.
Miller's Restaurant & Eagle Grille
Located at Boca Grande Marina, near the heart of town, Miller's Dockside is a great, laid back destination for food & drink - their Tuna Nachos are Erin's favorite! Upstairs is Eagle Grille, a more 'formal' (by Boca standards) restaurant with excellent local catch and an excellent via of the wmarina & Charlotte Harbor.
Loose Caboose Restaurant
A great casual lunch-spot, specializing in sandwhiches and wraps, the Loose Caboose is most beloved by the Richardsons for their Ice Cream shop. Eat out on the patio, and soak in the casual, laid-back life at Boca's "busiest" intersection.
South Beach Bar & Grille
Near the southern tip of the island is South Beach Bar & Grille - an excellent option if you want to grab some conch fritters and a tropical drink, while you bury your feet in the sand.
Boca Grande Club Clubhouse
When Tyler & Erin are in town, sunset drinks at the tiki hut of the Boca Grande Club are a must! While the club is only open to guests and members, it is another great alternative location for accommodations.
Richardson Residence
Tyler's parents - Ken & Judi - have called Boca Grande 'home' since purchasing their house unexpectedly during a trip in 2002. They have since fallen into the casual groove of the island, making friends and supporting the intimate, local community.