This small, utopian beach town in Florida seems to get overlooked by many, especially when it comes to planning a summer trip. Yet, filled with coastal charm and a warm, welcoming community, it is a wonder why this place would not be added to every “best of” list. There are plenty of reasons why exploring this tiny town is worth the trek, and it all starts with the pristine beautiful beaches…
- Gasparilla Island State Park
TripAdvisor Ruthi K. With Florida charm in abundance in Boca Grande, one of the top places to feel like you’re in the tropics is Gasparilla Island State Park. This is a fan-favorite beach for residents and visitors alike and you’ll absolutely see why once you visit.
- Gasparilla Inn & Club
Flickr Trish Hartmann Built in 1911 and still in operation to this day, many guests visit Boca Grande just to stay at this beautiful hotel. The well-maintained grounds and the pockets of nostalgia throughout make this a perfect place to lay your head during your visit.
- Port Boca Grande Lighthouse
Flickr Pete Markham This stunning lighthouse is an important part of the history of this small town. Officially being put into service in 1890, the lighthouse is a popular place for visitors to poke around and see the inner workings of such an appreciated fixture.
- The Pink Elephant
TripAdvisor ENDLESS-TRAVELSCOM Another reason to visit Boca Grande is for the delicious dining options. The Pink Elephant is one of the top restaurants in town, combining craft cocktails, plates of truffle fries, piled high brisket sandwiches and more. A perfect place to spend an evening after a day in the sun.
- Cayo Costa State Park
TripAdvisor WildernessJunkie One of the most secluded beaches in Florida is none other than Cayo Costa State Park. Known for beautiful stretches of sand and ocean, visitors to Cayo Costa State Park can only get there by boat. However, taking a full day trip by boat is a worthwhile adventure.
- Boca Grande Beach
TripAdvisor vox69nn It can’t really be a sleepy beach town without a sleepy beach, right? The thing about Boca Grande Beach is that it is a simple scene that is a bit off-the-beaten-path, but seemingly never crowded. Take some time to get away from it all and enjoy a day on the south end of town.
- The Outlet at the Inlet Restaurant
TripAdvisor KYBATMAN It’s always a good idea to find a worthwhile breakfast place for every weekend getaway. The Outlet at the Inlet Restaurant is that place in Boca Grande. With plates of food that will make your mouth water, plus waterside dining, this restaurant is reason enough to pay a visit to this small town.
- Fishing Tours
TripAdvisor A TripAdvisor Member One of the top reasons visitors come to Boca Grande is for the endless opportunities to cast a line. There are plenty of fishing tours offered in this ocean town, allowing guests to take to the water for an entire afternoon and test their skill in the open ocean.
- Temptation Restaurant
TripAdvisor Jeffrey S. Every quiet beach town has that one restaurant that might not look like much on the outside, but the experience is well worth the visit. Temptation Restaurant is that place in Boca Grande. An intimate restaurant brimming with unique wines and tasty plates this is one meal not to miss.
- Boca Grande Bike Trail
TripAdvisor SharonPat For bikers in Florida there is a trail in Boca Grande that is more than worth the trip to visit. The Boca Grande Bike Trail stretches around the island and is entirely paved, which makes it simple and straightforward even for beginners. But perhaps it’s the views that come with the bike trail that make for a perfect way to spend an afternoon.
What do you think? Do you have more reasons why visiting Boca Grande, Florida should be on your summer radar? Share in the comments section!
TripAdvisor Ruthi K.
With Florida charm in abundance in Boca Grande, one of the top places to feel like you’re in the tropics is Gasparilla Island State Park. This is a fan-favorite beach for residents and visitors alike and you’ll absolutely see why once you visit.
Flickr Trish Hartmann
Built in 1911 and still in operation to this day, many guests visit Boca Grande just to stay at this beautiful hotel. The well-maintained grounds and the pockets of nostalgia throughout make this a perfect place to lay your head during your visit.
Flickr Pete Markham
This stunning lighthouse is an important part of the history of this small town. Officially being put into service in 1890, the lighthouse is a popular place for visitors to poke around and see the inner workings of such an appreciated fixture.
TripAdvisor ENDLESS-TRAVELSCOM
Another reason to visit Boca Grande is for the delicious dining options. The Pink Elephant is one of the top restaurants in town, combining craft cocktails, plates of truffle fries, piled high brisket sandwiches and more. A perfect place to spend an evening after a day in the sun.
TripAdvisor WildernessJunkie
One of the most secluded beaches in Florida is none other than Cayo Costa State Park. Known for beautiful stretches of sand and ocean, visitors to Cayo Costa State Park can only get there by boat. However, taking a full day trip by boat is a worthwhile adventure.
TripAdvisor vox69nn
It can’t really be a sleepy beach town without a sleepy beach, right? The thing about Boca Grande Beach is that it is a simple scene that is a bit off-the-beaten-path, but seemingly never crowded. Take some time to get away from it all and enjoy a day on the south end of town.
TripAdvisor KYBATMAN
It’s always a good idea to find a worthwhile breakfast place for every weekend getaway. The Outlet at the Inlet Restaurant is that place in Boca Grande. With plates of food that will make your mouth water, plus waterside dining, this restaurant is reason enough to pay a visit to this small town.
TripAdvisor A TripAdvisor Member
One of the top reasons visitors come to Boca Grande is for the endless opportunities to cast a line. There are plenty of fishing tours offered in this ocean town, allowing guests to take to the water for an entire afternoon and test their skill in the open ocean.
TripAdvisor Jeffrey S.
Every quiet beach town has that one restaurant that might not look like much on the outside, but the experience is well worth the visit. Temptation Restaurant is that place in Boca Grande. An intimate restaurant brimming with unique wines and tasty plates this is one meal not to miss.
TripAdvisor SharonPat
For bikers in Florida there is a trail in Boca Grande that is more than worth the trip to visit. The Boca Grande Bike Trail stretches around the island and is entirely paved, which makes it simple and straightforward even for beginners. But perhaps it’s the views that come with the bike trail that make for a perfect way to spend an afternoon.
Otherwise, if you’re looking for more things to do this summer in Florida, check out this overnight stay in a yurt.
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