"Florida as it was meant to be"
As soon as you arrive on Gasparilla Island, you’ll feel the pace slow from the hustle of everyday life. Nature has blessed this lush barrier island with seven miles of powdery white beaches stretching the entire Gulf side and surrounded it with cerulean waters, the kind one usually finds only in the Caribbean, and with one of the most pristine and productive coastal ecosystems in the world.
At the center of the island lies the heart of this little community, The Historic Village of Boca Grande. Here, “Main Street” still exists with no stop lights, no billboards, no high-rises and no fast-food chains. You will find, however, pastel cottages and palm-lined streets, unique shops and art galleries, casual and fine dining establishments serving fresh seafood just caught by the local fishing captains and prepared by any of the island’s classically trained chefs.
Because Boca Grande isn’t much larger than one square mile, finding your way around doesn’t require GPS. If you get lost, simply drive towards the afternoon sun or ask a local. They’re easy to spot. Just look for someone in no particular hurry to get anywhere in particular. Then slow down, smile and relax. You’re on island time.
The 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 makes everyone feel like a regular and offers a wide variety of signature coffees, morning pastries, desserts, inventive lunch fare and afternoon snacks, all under the direction of The Inn’s culinary team. Coffee is self-serve, just put $2 in the mug on the counter!
The Pink Elephant
No, this restaurant was not created specifically for Rachel (hard as that is to believe) but yes, every glass does come with a tiny pink elephant on it! In fact, The Pink Elephant, affectionately known as "The Pink", has been an Island favorite for over 60 years. Lunch and dinner menus focus on imaginative regional cuisine, seafood and steaks. The more formal main dining room is upstairs and a casual pub area/outside patio downstairs. We recommend finishing your dinner with a Hummer!
*Note: To dine upstairs, we’d recommend a reservation and remind you that the Gasparilla Inn dress code is required (sport coats for men).
The Outlet at The Innlet
The Outlet serves breakfast and lunch daily from 7:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. and offers delicious breakfast essentials like pancakes, omelets, and great muffins. A waterfront brunch beneath the umbrellas on the back patio will never disappoint!
South Beach Bar
South Beach is located on the Southernmost tip of our little island and has the best beach view in town. Its beachside eatery offers American classics, seafood and cocktails in a relaxed, breezy setting with ocean views. Fun bike ride to lunch or a casual sunset supper!
Sisters
Homey local eatery with outdoor dining serving classic Italian comfort eats, pasta, pizza and vino. A quick walk from The Inn, this is a favorite casual dinner spot or a great place to take the kids for a slice!
Loose Caboose
Head to an iconic Boca Grande building for a quick lunch or scoop of homemade ice cream at the Loose Caboose! Located in an old railroad station, the Loose Caboose is a great casual lunch-spot specializing in sandwiches and wraps. Eat out on the patio, and soak in the casual, laid-back life at Boca's "busiest" intersection.
Temptation Restaurant
Great dinner spot for the freshest seafood in town with an old Florida atmosphere that can't be beat! 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. Record-sized marlin and tarpon hang high on the wall and murals depicting Boca Grande and Gasparilla Island life painted in the 1950s by local artist Deo Weymouth encircle the room. This jumble-box of a building offers different rooms with different charms but each with the same menu. Fish is the main attraction at The Temp, brought to the kitchen by local fisherman that day.
Historical Bike Tour (1.5 mi.)
Embark on a self-guided 1.5 mile bike tour (click link below for instructions) of Boca Grande's key historical spots, starting at the Gasparilla Inn and ending at the Gasparilla Island Lighthouse at the southernmost tip.
Historical Bike Tour Guide
Running & Biking Path
Spanning the entire length of the island, the 7-mile path along the old train tracks is perfect for running or biking.
Boca Grande Beach
Head to the beach for a day of sun, sand, and surf! If you’re staying at the Inn, there’s a private beach at the Beach Club, otherwise, there is plenty of public beach access.
Gasparilla Adventures
Gasparilla Adventures offers golf cart, bicycle, kayak and paddle board rentals, as well as guided trips leaving daily. Explore the island's waterways and coves by renting a kayak or paddle board. We recommend a self-guided Mangrove Tunnel Tour as a great way to see a unique view of Boca Grande!
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.
Boca Grande Outfitters: This fishing/outdoor gear store has the best Boca Grande t-shirts!
Fugates: The local drug store has been on the Island since 1916 and sells a variety of souvenirs along with an extensive selection of beachwear brands.
The Palm on Park: Lilly Pulitzer’s vibrant prints are emblematic of Florida fun! The brand, based in Palm Beach, is exclusively available at this boutique on the Island.
Newlins: Home goods and hostess gifts
Salt: Beach toys and stationary
The Inn Shop (lots of cute Gasparilla swag!): The Inn Boutique (resort wear), and the Golf, Tennis and Spa shops are great shopping spots right at The Gasparilla Inn.