Summer Day Trip to Boca Grande and Gasparilla Island
- Courtney Petrin
- 5 days ago
- 3 min read
A summer ritual for us include frequent visits to this barrier island. It’s Crystal blue waters and old Florida feel attract beach goes and tourists around the world. Not to be confused with little Gasparilla island which is only accessible by boat or ferry. Gasparilla island is accessible by car via the Boca Grande Causeway in Placida near the Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park. You will need to pay 6 dollar toll to enter the bridge but it’s worth it.
Have Lunch at The Pink Elephant
Set along the Boca grande bayou this charming restaurant for brunch or lunch is a must.We enjoy sitting outdoors on their patio dotted with pink umbrellas. The drinks are divine. Savannah likes to get the pink lemonade. She ordered the kids pizza and the shrimp cocktail is delicious.
Shopping
Aqua is a cool women’s shop with beachy dresses and sunglasses.
Ice cream
The Pink Pony right in town is the go to ice cream parlor. They also have iced coffee,Adult beverages like spiked root beer in their cooler, and smoothies. Of course it has a wooden rocking chair indoors.
A must see is The Gasaprilla Inn and a pretty iconic place. With its stately 3 tier porch and soft yellow color; it’s the center of everything in that area.
It’s been featured in many major publications and blogs. The hotel opened in 1913 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. It was voted the best resort by Travel and Leisure magazine.
Beach
I highly recommend some time at the beach, the water rivals the Caribbean with its color and clarity.
Gasparilla state park costs 3 dollars to park. It’s great for kids and shelling. The lighthouse is a beautiful historical site for outdoor viewing. However, the interior of the lighthouse remains closed to visitors due to Hurricane Milton.
Free beach access;
There is also beach access close to the main center of town and walking distance to the shops and restaurants. There are parking lots right off 5th street with free parking accessible to the beach with very short walks to the sand and water.
Banyan Street – Take a walk on the mild side on Banyan Street in which banyan trees that are more than 80 years old have created a beautiful, shaded canopy.
The homes dotted along the shoreline and bay are a tranquil backdrop. Homes range from coastal southern to key west style cottages. The eclectic architecture paired with the tropical landscape is a dreamy combo.
What to wear or pack for your trip
I definitely suggest a good pair of comfortable flats for as the area is highly walkable.
A cute wide beachy bag or purse and lightweight breathable clothing. The style here leans preppy-tropical. So I opted for linen, stripes and woven textures. For Savannah, colorful and comfortable. There is a golf course on the inn and the men tend to dress in polos and button ups.
Women
This cute slit linen skirt is on sale
Sandals
These are very comfortable
Earrings
Hat
I love all their hats
Bag
I bought mine at a thrift store but you can get similar or Etsy.
Replica purse
Towel
I love Turkish towels
For Him
Shorts
Shoes
Kids
Savannah is very particular about her clothing. Comfort is Everything . We tend to go with cotton or spandex and playful patterns. She loves her butterfly dress as shown here.
Girls
A cute tropical dress
Girls shoes
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