Sometimes the Florida of today seems like a completely different world from the Florida of yesteryear. It’s rare to find a place that still feels like Old Florida, from a time before the first theme park or mall was ever built. The historic village of Boca Grande is definitely one of those places.
In Boca Grande, located on Gasparilla Island in Southwest Florida, you can expect to find lots of natural beauty and Old Florida charm.
What you won't find, however, are high rises or even traffic lights. In fact, there are only a couple of streets suitable for cars, and only one gas pump, so most people get around just fine on golf carts.
Here you'll find a few less parking lots and a lot more scenery than you might be used to. For example, Boca Grande is famous for its big, beautiful banyans.
The historic district is irresistibly charming, with unique shops and cafes, as well as one of the largest surviving hotels of its era, the Gasparilla Inn & Club.
The historic lighthouse, built in 1890, is a beloved local landmark, located in Gasparilla Island State Park. It is open to the public most of the year, but closed during the month of August.
Then, of course, there are the beaches. With their pristine white sand and emerald Gulf waters, they would be enough reason enough to visit this lovely town. This village is also well-known for its fishing opportunities.
Nearby Cayo Costa is a well-preserved island with totally natural beaches, wildlife, hiking and biking trails, and primitive cabins. Plus, this secret oasis feels like your own private island because it's only accessible by boat.
