Guide to: Boca Grande

S T A Y

There is one hotel on the island, the Gasparilla Inn, but other than that it’s all vacation rentals. Good news, they have them at just about every price point and every size. We’ve stayed at this one the past two years now and it’s spoiled us. It’s a stunning beach front home with a pool and walking distance to downtown.

E A T

Pink Elephant – A nice place for dinner. I would recommend making a reservation (only a finite amount of options plus island time, things tend to book up quick!) And get seafood or their wings. Delish!

Pink Pony – ice cream heaven. If they have toasted coconut, get it. You won’t be disappointed!

Loose Caboose – a lunch spot where you can sit outside or inside

Miller’s Marina – view of the marina and tables outside. Great if you have kids!

The Temp – the local bar with good drinks, interesting decor and amazing people watching. Snake is typically the bartender. It’s an experience all to itself.

Cheeseburger in Paradise – theee spot! Gotta get there by boat (Cabbage Key), but that shouldn’t hold you back. Pin a dollar (or two) to the place when you get there. You’ll see why 🙂

S H O P

Hudson’s Grocery – yeah, Hudson’s very own grocery store 🙂 It’s the only one on the island – great for items you forgot (salt, diapers, bananas!?) and for fresh meat/seafood for dinners in.

Loose Caboose (Gift store) – super cute home decor items, kid toys and beach goodies.

Aqua Boutique – super trendy, on point island wear. You’ll want the whole store 🙂

Fugates – a classic! It’s got just about everything! Perfect for trinkets, gifts, Boca Grande branded shirts etc.

B E A C H E S

It’s the gulf coast so it’s typically more calm and pretty warm. The sand can be a little rough though, all the shells! But don’t let that deter you, it’s paradise.

Public beach spots – don’t fret if you’re not oceanside. They have (4) public beaches:

• Sandspur Beach 
• Seagrape Beach
• Seawall Beach
• Lighthouse Park on Boca Pass (our favorite)

*Keep an eye out – mini black shark teeth can be found. My father-in-law collects them every year. And the kiddos love it!*

A C T I V I T I E S

Banyan Street – the sweetest little street under a canopy of Banyan trees.

Bike rentals – the island isn’t very large so you could totally bike the whole thing.

Gasparilla Island State Park – tons to do and see!

Golf cart rentals – locals do it. It’s their main form of transport. Cart/bike baths are everywhere so it makes it easy.

Boat rentals – a lot of shallow water spots make for boat party central. Simply anchor and float. OR take it to Cheeseburger in Paradise and watch all the sweet dolphins on your way.

Charters – we’ve yet to do this since we typically bring a boat, but Tarpon fishing is THE thing here. So, if you’re into that sorta thing – you’ll have a great time.

Golf – head over the Gasparilla Inn. They will tee you up!

P A C K 

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