Things to Do in Boca Grande for a Blissful Island Vibe — Naples Florida Travel Guide (2024)

If you’ve been wanting to explore the barrier islands around Gasparilla Sound in southwest Florida, there are some fun and unique things to do in Boca Grande, although the true beauty of this island is found doing less, not more.

There’s a quality of life in some remote parts of southwest Florida that demands a slower pace — the small towns and barrier islands that were slow to grow and develop along with the rest of Florida, but now find themselves richer from the lack of big infrastructure or tourism draws.

Places like Boca Grande, which blissfully feels like time has passed it by.

Long known for its premier tarpon fishing — one of our SWFL bucket list activities — it became semi-famous in the 90’s when the Bush family (H.W. and Dubya) outed it as one of their favorite angling destinations.

Since then, the clientele may have become a bit more exclusive, but it’s still a quiet place.

Travelers come to Boca Grande for something less, craving a slower pace of life for a while.

There are no theme parks here or any major attractions to speak of, and the only water park is the natural one surrounding it, pristine and undisturbed.

This was illustrated to us again on a recent visit to the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse Museum, when we couldn’t buy a t-shirt and a few bottles of water to support the museum and quench our thirst.

Their credit card system had been knocked offline by an electrical storm, and we had yet to stop at an ATM for cash.

On the other hand, that’s island life — something we all dream about long enough to visit but many of us probably couldn’t get used to full time.

If you’re longing for a place where the simple things in life still rule, you need to check out this island paradise — for a day trip or preferably longer.

There are plenty of things to do in Boca Grande Florida, but we understand if you’d rather not.

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Where is Boca Grande Florida?

The town of Boca Grande sits at the southernmost tip of Gasparilla Island northwest of Fort Myers, the island jutting south into Charlotte Harbor surrounded by nothing but water.

Contrary to what some might think, Boca Grande is actually located in Lee County though you have to drive through Charlotte County to get there on land.

It’s one of over 100 islands that dot the coastline of Pine Island Sound, Estero Bay and Charlotte Harbor.

And while it’s not one of those Gulf Coast islands that’s accessible only by boat, it’s certainly remote, but that’s exactly the point of going.

Getting to Boca Grande

Boca Grande is a destination all its own but getting there from Naples is a bit of a roundabout.

It’s one of those places you have to go out of your way to get to before circling back from whence you came, and then you’re there.

Is that clear as mud?

In other words, if you’re in Naples or Fort Myers, you need to drive north on I-75 or Rte. 41 through Charlotte County then head west and back down south again to get there.

There’s a $6 toll to cross the Boca Grande Causeway over Gasparilla Sound, a small price to pay.

Or, if you have a boat, you can get to Boca Grande in about 30 minutes from Cape Coral or Sanibel.

It’s 15 minutes from Pine Island as it’s just across the water from Bokeelia.

By plane, small craft can fly into the airport in Placida, or major airlines fly into Punta Gorda (PGD), Sarasota (SRQ), or Southwest Florida International (RSW).

A Brief History of Boca Grande

Boca Grande is best known for its sugar sand beaches, charming and historic downtown, and world class fishing.

Folklore has it that Gasparilla Island was named for the infamous, and possibly fictitious, pirate, Jose Gaspar, who is said to have used the island as a base and allegedly buried his treasure here, though the Boca Grande Historical Society has something to say about that.

With the discovery of phosphate rock on the Peace River in the late 1880’s, the south end of the island was turned into a major shipping port.

This rich phosphate market combined with unparalleled fishing spurred development of the town of Boca Grande.

The earliest settlers came here to fish and by the late 19th century the fishing industry was well established.

These early Spanish and Cuban fishermen caught literally tons of mullet and other fish which they salted and exported to Havana and several other markets.

Soon wealthy sportsmen discovered the incredible fishing in Charlotte Harbor, especially for world class tarpon.

This influx of travelers brought the need for hotels like the Gasparilla Inn and restaurants serving the freshest local seafood.

By the 1940s the Gasparilla fishery had moved to Placida on the mainland, but in 1994 Florida also banned the use of entangling nets that caused a major decline to commercial fishing on Gasparilla Island.

Today Boca Grande is a mecca for tourists and sun worshippers seeking a casual laid-back vacation in an out-of-the-way location by the sea.

Where to Eat in Boca Grande

The Pink Elephant

91 Bayou Ave, Boca Grande

When it comes to local Boca Grande restaurants, the iconic Pink Elephant restaurant is an island tradition.

Known locally as “The Pink”, the eatery is part of the legendary Gasparilla Inn and Club, another reason for its popularity among locals and guests.

Located in a beautiful historic building adjacent to the Boca Grande bayou, the many faces of the Pink Elephant make it perfect for special occasions or a quick beer and lunch.

South Beach Bar & Grill

760 Gulf Blvd, Boca Grande

Located right on South Beach in Boca Grande, South Beach Bar & Grille offers a casual menu that includes fresh local seafood, steaks, chicken, and pasta.

There’s plenty of outdoor seating including umbrella tables on the beach, and it’s easy to watch a fiery sunset or enjoy a co*cktail to views of the Gulf.

Or if you’ve had enough fun in the sun, you can easily dine inside.

The Temptation

350 Park Ave, Boca Grande

The Temptation Restaurant Boca Grande exudes an old school charm so authentically retro at 75 years old, it’s cool.

From the few demi-round booths and rustic murals adorning the walls depicting early life on Boca Grande (complete with the names of the town citizens in them), to the adjacent old-fashioned bar and 1978 pull handle cigarette machine on your way to the restrooms, everything about this place screams nostalgia.

Accoutrements aside though, delicious food and excellent wait service never go out of style.

The fried fish and shrimp platters couldn’t get any fresher!

The restaurant closes for the season in August and September.

Truly one of the best Boca Grande restaurants!

Sisters Cafe

480 E Railroad Ave, Boca Grande

If you’re getting tired of fresh local seafood and just want a pizza or plate of pasta, Sisters Restaurant in the center of town may have what you’re hungry for.

Their pizzas are delish, and they also have good wraps and salads.

Plus, the outdoor setting under tall banyan trees rounds out a very nice setting.

Scarpa’s Coastal

321 Park Ave, Boca Grande

When you’re looking for something a bit more upscale or a special occasion place for dinner, Scarpa’s is the place for elegant Italian-inspired cuisine.

Known for their fresh seafood, pasta, and veal dishes, a visit here is a must when you’re visiting Boca Grande.

Where to Stay in Boca Grande

Most travelers come to Boca Grande for the amazing beaches and water activities.

So it may be surprising to many that there are no hotels on the beach like many places in Florida — one more reason to love this island!

Therefore, most of the accommodations you’ll find near the beach are private homes.

We happily did some of the research for you and found some of the best vacations rentals on Boca Grande — steps from the beaches or the backwater bayou for awesome kayaking:

• This 2 BR townhouse on the south end of the island adjacent to Gasparilla Island State Park has amazing Gulf views and 1130 sq ft — perfect for a family vacation.

• For a growing family, this 3 BR detached villa is stunning with 1485 sq ft to enjoy.

  And the walk out terrace with Gulf views from the MBr is amazing for your morning coffee— just sayin!

• This 1593 ft² detached vacation home is the perfect place to work, play, and stay for a while.

  It’s on the beach with plenty of room for the whole family to stretch, work from home, or relax.

The Gasparilla Inn & Club

The famous Gasparilla Inn & Club is the classic “old Florida” resort on Gasparilla Island, and an Historic Hotel of America Landmark on Boca Grande since 1913.

Now in its 108th season, the resort offers 142 luxurious accommodations and a host of fun activities for families, couples, and groups that enjoy “Florida as it was meant to be.”

Things to Do in Boca Grande

Tour the island by Golf Cart

There’s no better way to see and enjoy Boca Grande than from a golf cart!

You can go anywhere, including the beach, and don’t have to worry about a lack of parking.

They’re also quiet and a better fit for exploring the island than in a car. Plus, they’re a lot of fun!

If you’re thinking about golf cart rentals, Boca Grande has a few places to rent them.

The Gasparilla Inn rents golf carts by the hour, half/full day, and week, as does Kappy’s Market on the north side of town.

Gasparilla Adventures has reasonable rates on 4 or 6 passenger golf carts, and offer great service.

Go Kayaking or Paddleboarding

The tranquil back waters of Boca Grande Bayou are perfect for an early morning kayak adventure or stand up paddle boarding.

If you have your kayak or SUP, put in on the bay side of 19th Street in downtown Boca Grande where parking is limited, but you’ll find a small area perfect for launching a kayak or paddle board.

If you need to rent a kayak or SUP, local rental and tour companies can rent you kayaks for a self-guided tour, or take you on a guided tour of the local waters.

Our Lady of Mercy Church

261 W. Railroad Street

Designed and Built between 1949-50 by architect Francis Burrall Hoffman Jr. in the style of the 17th century Spanish mission churches, this hidden gem is one of the prettiest spots in Boca Grande.

Visit the Boca Grande Lighthouses

Gasparilla Island Lighthouse, the Range Light - 220 Gulf Blvd, Boca Grande

Port Boca Grande Lighthouse - 880 Belcher Road, Boca Grande

Boca Grande has not one but two unique and historic lighthouses open daily to the public: the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse and the Gasparilla Island Lighthouse (aka the Range Lighthouse).

The first Boca Grande lighthouse you’ll see as you drive south on the island is the historic Gasparilla Island Lighthouse (the Range Light, 1885-1932).

Originally constructed in 1885 in the state of Delaware, the lighthouse was decommissioned in 1918 due to erosion, disassembled and then reconstructed on Gasparilla Island in 1927.

But it wasn’t until 1932 that the light was re-lit and began service as the rear entrance range light for Port Boca Grande.

At the time, a front entrance range light was located a mile off shore in the Gulf of Mexico, and when the two lights lined up, a ships' navigators knew it was time to turn into Boca Grande Pass.

Today, you can tour the Range Lighthouse and even climb to the top periodically throughout the year.

Views from the top are incredible and well worth the advance reservation.

About 2 miles south of the Gasparilla Island Lighthouse at the southern tip of the island, is the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse (1890), the oldest structure on the island.

The lighthouse itself resembles a coastal home with a wraparound porch more than a tall stately lighthouse.

In fact, it’s hidden by enough scrub and trees that many visitors don’t realize it’s even there!

There’s a parking area, public restrooms, a covered picnic pavilion with tables, and handicap accessible boardwalks to the beaches adjacent to the lighthouse.

Inside the lighthouse is an interesting museum dedicated to Boca Grande’s history — and admission is FREE.

From here, you can stroll around the tip of the island on Boca Grande Pass.

Go Tarpon Fishing

If saltwater angling is what you’re after, you’ve come to the right place.

And if you want to try your hand at tarpon fishing, Boca Grande is the place to do it — there’s no better tarpon fishing in the entire world!

There are plenty of local guides who can put on to the giant ‘Silver King’ fish who roam these waters.

This full-day private Tarpon Fishing charter for 2 is a good place to start!

Johann Fust Library

1040 10th Street West

As you first drive into Boca Grande, this little gem shines brightly from its corner location.

The sign outside reads Johan Fust Community Library but it’s unlike any library you’ve ever seen.

The structure feels more southwest Spanish colonial than islandy Boca Grande, and it gets even better once you’re inside, and then outside again.

The library is built around a lovely garden and courtyard which is adorned with coral from St. Augustine, ceiling beams made from local cypress, and hand-carved Japanese panels.

Five library spaces including separate Children’s and Young Adult libraries, and a rare book and reference library are accessed from the courtyard.

The library has some fascinating history about the library’s founders and amazingly, the Reading Room includes a leaf from the Gutenburg Bible printed in 1454, and a page from the The Book of the Dead, written in the first century BC and copied onto papyrus during the first century AD.

Hunt for Shells and Shark Teeth

This part of southwest Florida is renowned for shelling, but be on the lookout for prehistoric shark teeth too.

Hunting for shark teeth is a big thing from Boca Grande up to Venice, where they wash ashore by the truckload.

Eons ago when the giant Megaladon sharks inhabited the shallow inland seas, they deposited countless teeth.

Through the ages, the local rivers like the Peace River drained the seas carrying fossils and other relics and deposited them along the shores around Charlotte Harbor, Englewood, and Venice.

So, be sure and bring some mesh shelling bags with you to the beach. On most days, the waters off the beaches of Boca Grande are clear and you can easily find some beautiful seashells and sand dollars.

But scoop up the sand along the shore and look for the small black shark teeth!

Whidden’s Marina

190 1st Street East, Boca Grande

For a real taste of old Boca Grande, stop by Whidden’s Marina, one of Boca Grande's oldest marinas.

Founded by Sam Whidden in 1926 and honored with a spot on the National Register of Historic Places the same year, Whidden's was also a popular night spot, dance hall and restaurant back in the day.

Today, the Whidden family operates the Gasparilla Island Maritime Museum at the marina though it’s little more than a junk shop you have to root through yourself. (You may feel like you’re trespassing but if you see the pig in the pen, you’re at the right place.)

There are some fascinating relics to be seen however, like the pair of fishing boat fighting chairs that Zane Gray and Papa Hemingway himself reportedly once sat in to wrestle tarpon from Boca Grand Pass.

Boca Grande Beaches

You’re never at a loss for your own private beach on Boca Grande. Beaches here are plentiful and some of southwest Florida’s most beautiful beaches.

Many of them are secluded with just a few other people.

Gasparilla State Park and the Barrier Island Parks Society operates four beach access points on the island.

Beginning at the Range (Gasparilla Island) Lighthouse just south of 5th street, you’ll see several beach access points including additional points south ending at the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse.

Each lighthouse park offers ADA beach access with restroom facilities and fresh water showers, plenty of parking, picnic tables, and even shade canopies and grills.

Several of the beach access points on the south end of the island offer ADA beach access but no restroom facilities.

For a more secluded beach experience, one of the best beaches in the area — Cayo Costa — is a stone’s throw away from BG.

This idyllic island is a haven for boaters, kayakers, and shellers, plus the entire island is loaded with nature trails you can hike.

No matter how long you’re here, the beaches of Boca Grande are one of the biggest reasons to come — and you’ll have plenty of variety from which to choose!

Plan Your Visit

If you want to see Boca Grande at its most lively, plan your trip around two of the town’s most celebrated events: The World’s Richest Tarpon Tournament and the Sandbar Music Festival.

These are among southwest Florida’s best festivals and events, especially for lovers of fishing and great music!

The World’s Richest Tarpon Tournament is held annually in May. Boca Grande is known as the “Tarpon Capitol of the World.”

Since the early 90s the Boca Grande Chamber took over the tournament with first place winning over $100,000!

With a focus on conservation, this is a live bait only, catch and release event that draws anglers from around the world.

The Sandbar Music Festival is held annually at the end of summer on the Boca Grande Trainbridge Sandbar just off the causeway from Placida to Gasparilla Island.

You’ll need a boat, jet ski, kayak, stand-up paddle board to get there but it’s well worth it.

This is a super fun event on a hard packed sandbar surrounded by clear calm water with the old railroad trestle in the background.

So did we miss any of your favorite things to do in Boca Grande? Or are you the type to opt for nothing at all! ;-)