Boca Grande, Florida

Travel Note

Gasparilla Island & Boca Grande, Florida

As soon as you arrive on Gasparilla Island, you’ll feel the pace slow from the hustle of everyday life. Without a traffic light in sight, golf carts and bicycles are the preferred way to get around the island. Boca Grande, our historic island village, is lined with palm trees and peaceful streets with shops, restaurants, art galleries, and truly unique stops you won’t want to miss. One of a string of barrier islands along Florida’s southwest Gulf Coast between Fort Myers and Tampa, Gasparilla Island is bordered by of the Gulf of Mexico, Charlotte Harbor, Little Gasparilla Pass, and the Boca Grande Pass. The island is renowned for its white-sand beaches, beautiful golf-cart paths, and world-famous fishing, earning the the distinction as “The Tarpon Fishing Capital of the World.” We know that you will fall in love with this reminder of 'Old Florida', and will want to return even after our wedding.

Hotel

Gasparilla Inn & Club

The historic Garparilla Inn is a grand, columned wooden manor house built in the early 20th century, and will be the location for the Reception Saturday night. The "Inn" as locals refer to it was recently highlighted in Travel + Leisure, which described it as "the most exclusive club and hotel in Florida." https://www.travelandleisure.com/hotels-resorts/gasparilla-inn-florida In addition to enjoying the Old Florida elegance of the Inn, guest also get exclusive access to their Beach Club and recreational facilities, including their par 72 golf course and marina. While the Inn is fully booked for our weekend, we have secured a room block of 29 rooms and cottages through the weekend at a rates ranging from $285/night for a standard room to $2,040/night for a 4 bedroom house. To reserve a room, contact the Inn directly at 941-964-4628 or 941-964-4520 and mention the Kiehna-Richardson wedding.

Hotel

The Innlet

The Innlet is the waterfront sister property to the Gasparilla Inn & Cottages. It is about a 10 minute golf cart ride from the Inn. It also offers waterfront casual dining at its restaurant, The Outlet. Rates begin at $140 and you can book online (we do not have a room block).

Hotel

The Boca Grande Resort & Hotel

Located at the north end of the island, the Boca Grande Resort offers a quiet seclusion with deluxe efficiencies, tropical ambiance, and an attached balcony. We have secured a room block of 18 rooms at $169/night. When booking, please mention the Richardson-Kiehna wedding. As the hotel is located a short distance from most activities in town, we encourage you to rent a golf cart for the weekend at the adjacent Kappy Karts to fully experience Boca Grande like a local. We have secured 18 rooms for Friday and Saturday nights at $169/night. Call 941-964-4443 and mention the Kiehna-Richardson wedding.

Hotel

Boca Grande Club - Beachfront Condos

This resort community of condos on the north end of the island is a convenient 5 minute drive (or 10 minute golf cart) to the Village. It is a GREAT option for any families or anyone looking for a beach front rental. It has a full set of amenities available only to members and guests including a club house, 2 pools, excellent restaurant, tennis facility, fitness center, and beach front access. While we do not have a room block, rental condos are available ranging from $210/night for a one bedroom to $570/night for a two bedroom beachfront with a loft. If you stay, be sure to check out sunset over the Gulf of Mexico at the Tiki Bar!!

Hotel

Other Hotel Accomodations

In addition to The Gasparilla Inn and Boca Grande Resort, there are a variety of other options currently with availability: Boca Grande Flats in the Village has efficiencies ($189/night) and two bedrooms ($289/night). Call 941-964-1426 or visit https://www.gasparillavacations.com/ The Anchor Inn in the Village of Boca Grande has 4 options - one bedroom, studio, and two bedrooms. There is a 3 night minimum. Call Boca Grande Real Estaate at 941-964-5600 VRBO has a number of rental houses and condos available ranging from $200-$500/night. www.vrbo.com Finally, local realtors also have rental houses available - Southeby's, Boca Grande Real Estate, Gasparilla Vacations, and Michael Saunders.

Travel Note

Island Transportation

As Boca Grande is on a remote barrier island and not adjacent to major city, ride sharing services like Uber or Lyft should not be relied upon during your stay. The town of Boca Grande is very compact with quaint shops and restaurants, and the western edge of the island has one of the most highly rated beaches in the nation. If you are staying at or near the Inn, almost all activities are easily accessible by walking or renting a bike. If you are staying further afield, you may want to consider renting a golf cart for the weekend. There are a variety of Golf Cart Rental groups on the island, but the Boca Grande Carts and Kappy Karts are probably the best.

Rental Car

Getting to Boca Grande

Most guests will get from their airports to the island by rental car. However, as most visitors stay within this small community, you may find that you will not be using your car often throughout the weekend. In that case, we would recommend a few airport car services, and navigating the island on foot, bike or golf cart! Tarpon Executive Car Service 941-979-2602 https://tarponlimousine.com/ West Florida Limousines 941-923-4100 http://limosarasotaflorida.com/ NOTE: Uber/Lyft might be available to bring you to the island but should NOT be relied upon to take you to the airport. Please plan accordingly!

Flight

Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport

Sarasota (SRQ) offers non-stop flights from over 30 cities throughout the US and Canada on 9 airlines. Boca Grande is a 60-75 minute drive south from Sarasota.

Flight

Southwest Florida International Airport - Fort Myers

Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is located in Fort Myers, and is a 75 minute drive to Boca Grande. It is likely the most accessible airport in the area, servicing non-stop flights from over 50 cities with 11 airlines.

Flight

Other Area Airports

Tampa International Airport (TPA) is the most accessible major airport on the west coast of Florida, and is a convenient 90 minute drive to Boca Grande. Allegiant Air connects about a dozen smaller regional airports to Punta Gorda/Fort Myers (PGD), which is only about 45 minutes from Boca Grande. Fort Lauderdale (FLL) and Miami (MIA) are major international hubs on the east coast of Florida, and about a 3 hour drive to Boca Grande.