8 Things to Do on Gasparilla Island

Gasparilla Island is a community off Florida’s west coast near Port Charlotte and Fort Myers. It is known for its pristine beaches, world-class fishing, and beachfront homes. The island has a rich history, including a past as a pirate hideaway, and it retains its small-town charm while still offering amenities for visitors and residents. Whether you are looking for sea or land activities, you will find them on Gasparilla Island.

If you are planning a trip or relocating to Gasparilla Island, there are many activities to keep you busy. You can take a scenic bike ride through the island’s many nature trails, fill your days with golf, or go fishing in the Gulf of Mexico. The island also has excellent shops and restaurants, offering a taste of local coastal cuisine.

The barrier island has many natural areas, including Gasparilla Island State Park. The state park is known for its excellent snorkeling and fishing, especially in the winter. Guests can walk nature trails and spot incredible wildlife, including endangered and rare bird species that migrate in the spring and fall. The park houses the historic Boca Grande Lighthouse, which was constructed in 1890 and is the oldest feature on the island. The lighthouse was operated by the Coast Guard until 1966 and was renovated and placed on the National Register of Historic Places. The lighthouse also has an accompanying museum for locals to learn about the landmark.

As one of the top-ranked fishing destinations in the world, Boca Grande Pass, located just off the southern tip of Gasparilla Island, is a must-visit for anglers of all levels. Here, you can reel in tarpon, redfish, and snook while enjoying breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico. Even if you are not experienced, charter boats and fishing guides are available to help you make the most of your fishing excursion. And while beachgoers can relax on the beach, it is primarily a spot for fishing.

The Gasparilla Island Lighthouse is 105 feet and was built in 1881 in New Jersey. The lighthouse was reassembled in Gasparilla in 1927, painted white, and maintained by the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse keepers. The lighthouse was restored in 2017 and is still open for tourists and locals to climb and take in panoramic views of the land and sea.

One of the many draws of Gasparilla Island is its diverse dining scene, offering both casual and upscale options. With fresh seafood caught on the coast, you can enjoy grouper sandwiches and shrimp scampi at local beachfront spots.

Temptation Restaurant is a café with colorful murals on the walls and traditional seafood and steak cuisine. The restaurant also has a lively bar serving specialty drinks in copper mugs. The restaurant staff is friendly and can recommend excellent food and drink pairings. The dining option also boasts an award-winning wine cellar and island-famous coconut creme pie.

The Gasparilla Inn & Club is a stunning old-world hotel that has served the community since 1913. The charming inn is a Historic Hotel of America Landmark featuring more than 140 luxury rooms and suites and incredible amenities like a beach club, spa and salon, fitness center, tennis, marina, and golf course. The original golf course sustained significant damage during Hurricane Ian, and the club is unveiling a restored course designed by Tripp Davis, scheduled to open in 2023.

The spa and salon are relaxing spaces with private treatment rooms, steam rooms, saunas, a lounge area, and an 80-foot lap pool in the private courtyard. The club is also known for its on-site dining options, including the renowned Pink Elephant. The Pink Elephant is open for lunch and dinner, featuring an upstairs dining room with beautiful ocean views and a first-floor pub with an outdoor patio. The restaurant serves signature seafood dishes and cocktails.

Cayo Costa State Park is an island unattached from the mainland, only accessible by boat. The state park is across from Gasparilla Island, making it an excellent day trip for boaters and explorers. The park features miles of pristine beaches, rolling dunes, and untouched forests, making it an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Activities on the island include snorkeling, kayaking, fishing, and hiking, with opportunities to spot dolphins, manatees, and bird species. With its abundant natural beauty and secluded location, Cayo Costa State Park is a must-visit for those looking to experience Florida’s Gulf Coast.

Gasparilla Island has more to offer than its stunning beaches and spectacular fishing. One of the island’s highlights is the Frazetta Art Museum, which showcases the work of renowned fantasy artist Frank Frazetta. The museum features a collection of his original paintings, drawings, and various merchandise related to his creations.

For those seeking a more immersive fishing experience, Gasparilla Island offers several fishing charters and boat cruises. These guided tours take you to the best fishing spots around the island and provide you with the equipment you need to find and catch big game fish like tarpon and snook. In addition to fishing, some charters offer sunset cruises and dolphin-watching tours, providing a unique way to explore the island’s beauty by sea.

Gasparilla Island, located on Florida's western coast, is a captivating locale known for its diverse real estate market, offering everything from luxurious waterfront estates to quaint cottages. This makes it an ideal spot for both permanent residents and those in search of vacation or retirement homes. The old-Florida charm of the island, coupled with modern amenities, provides a unique living experience. A key to making a well-informed real estate investment here is engaging a local expert like Olivia Jones, a seasoned real estate agent specializing in Southwest Florida communities, including Gasparilla Island. Olivia's profound understanding of the local market dynamics simplifies the process of finding the perfect neighborhood and property to match her clients' lifestyle and financial goals.

Known for her tenacity, negotiation skills, and marketing expertise, Olivia Jones navigates the competitive island real estate market to provide a seamless property buying experience for her clients. Her client-centric approach, extensive network, and familiarity with the various neighborhoods on Gasparilla Island are instrumental in identifying properties that offer value and meet unique preferences. The real estate journey on Gasparilla Island with Olivia transcends merely finding a house; it's about discovering a lifestyle resonating with the tranquil and beautiful essence of the island. By partnering with Olivia Jones, potential buyers are well on their way to exploring the enchanting environment and lifestyle opportunities Gasparilla Island has to offer, making the process of property search and acquisition a rewarding endeavor.