Boca Grande Beach
Boca Grande Beach: Address, Phone Number, Boca Grande Beach Reviews: 4.5/5
Boca Grande Beach
Boca Grande Beach
4.5
Full view
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
19 within 3 miles
Temptation Restaurant, Bar & Package
475
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Seafood • Vegetarian Friendly
The Inn Bakery
172
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Bakeries • American • Cafe
Loose Caboose Restaurant
532
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Scarpa's Coastal
50
0.3 mi$$$$ • Italian • Seafood • Tuscan
Sisters Restaurant
265
0.4 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Pizza • Vegetarian Friendly
Third Street Bistro
200
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Vegetarian Friendly • Gluten Free Options
Bella Vida Boca Grande
5
0.3 mi$$ - $$$ • Cafe
The Pink Elephant
674
0.6 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Seafood • Vegetarian Friendly
The Gasparilla Inn Main Dining Room
192
0.5 mi$$$$ • American • Contemporary • Vegetarian Friendly
Boca Grill
4
0.3 miAmerican • Bar • Grill • Pub
Attractions
9 within 6 miles
Gasparilla Island Lighthouse
28
0.3 miLighthouses
Smart Studio
4
0.4 miArt Galleries
Boca Grande Farm & Fish Market
5
0.4 miFlea & Street Markets • Farmers Markets
Gasparilla Island State Park
301
1.8 miState Parks
Cayo Costa State Park
421
State Parks
Boca Grande Historical Society and Museum
28
2 miSpeciality Museums
Boca Grande Bike Trail
82
Biking Trails
Margaret Albritton Gallery
30
Art Galleries
The Hatch Gallery
5
Art Galleries
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
482 reviews
Excellent
347
Very good
104
Average
17
Poor
9
Terrible
5
BrendaTRealtor
Port Charlotte, FL33 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Even though it costs $6 per car to cross the bridge it is worth every penny! Beautiful little town. Gorgeous beaches. Trillions of shells. If you can load up your bicycles; do so. Nice bike paths all over the island. Several pay parking lots $3 per day as well as free street parking with beach access only.
The lighthouse parking area at the south end has real bathrooms and outside shower. The Lighthouse is interesting with museum and gift shop. The South Beach Grill has good food and drinks. So convenient Right on the beach.
The lighthouse parking area at the south end has real bathrooms and outside shower. The Lighthouse is interesting with museum and gift shop. The South Beach Grill has good food and drinks. So convenient Right on the beach.
Written February 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
LABDRB
589 contributions
Feb 2021 • Couples
Not much narrative needed about this magical island. But to add color, Boca Grande was put on the map by way of Phosphate and Tarpon. Boca Grande Pass is one of the deepest natural inlets in Florida. Renting a golf cart makes parking and getting around on the island super easy! You can rent a deluxe one for about 80 bucks for a half-day. Be sure to stop at the lighthouses, and the Pink Pony for some ice cream and smoothies. The gulf water is so blue and the sand is powdery white on this island, it is almost like the Caribbean... everyone seems to be smiling here. The south end beaches are wide and less populated.
Written February 28, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Nicole T
North Port, FL4 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
One of the most beautiful beaches I’ve ever been to. White, sugary sand and gorgeous blue and turquoise water. It does cost a toll, I believe it’s $6.00, to drive on the bridge to the island, but it is worth it. Check out the lighthouse and how beautiful the homes are.
Written June 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Deborah B
Liverpool, NY20 contributions
Mar 2021
What a gorgeous beach! We didn’t realize how close this is to Punta Gorda where we live in the winter months. It is an easy drive to boca grande and the bridge fee is $6 on entry. Parking on the honor system is $3 at the lighthouse area beach which has restrooms. If yiu get there by about 10, there is generally no line and plenty of parking. It is just beautiful with amazing water color and nice shells and plenty of beach walking l. Try lunch in town and don’t forget to go to the bakery on your way out l.
Written April 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Sharon U
Georgetown, DE47 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
Best beach by far. Used to go to Englewood Beach but too many young, Spring breakers there, plus smokers!
Now we go to Boca Grande, well worth the $6 for bridge. Not overly crowded. Beautiful water. You can sunbath & fish! Pretty white sand.
There is a restaurant on the beach with chairs and a few tables; always crowded..
We take our Bloody Mary's and just chill out.
Don't miss this beach. You will love it.
Now we go to Boca Grande, well worth the $6 for bridge. Not overly crowded. Beautiful water. You can sunbath & fish! Pretty white sand.
There is a restaurant on the beach with chairs and a few tables; always crowded..
We take our Bloody Mary's and just chill out.
Don't miss this beach. You will love it.
Written March 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Tom T
30 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
If you’re on boca grande you absolutely have to allow a half day or more to explore the beaches. The sand is soft and powdery and it’s not crowded. The water is that beautiful turquoise blue (at least when we were there) and we had a great time collecting sand dollars.
Written March 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Joan B
Venice, FL282 contributions
Sep 2020
After coming in from the gulf you can go near the old railroad bridge and there is a big sandbar. We parked the boat and waded in the shallow water, sat and talked with others. Wonderful, wonderful day.
Written September 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Venture659648
Port Charlotte, FL26 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
My daughter and friend was visiting from Tennessee. They wanted to see the lighthouses. Very crowded, beautiful drive along the coast. Very nice gift shop inside the light house and a small museum.
Written February 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
NaplesFLMaria
Naples, FL36 contributions
Jan 2014 • Friends
There is free parking on the beach access roads and dogs can swim and have fun. This section of Florida is truly dog friendly!
Written January 17, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
VACanuck
Ottawa, Canada556 contributions
Jul 2016 • Couples
We visited Boca Grande and FELL IN LOVE! This place is magical and beautiful; so unlike the rest of Florida.
The beach is beautiful. We did go up to the point where the lighthouse is situated; just where the bay meets the gulf. We actually saw two manatees in the water playing...it was amazing! The sand is white; the water is azure-colored and like the Caribbean. We collected sea-shells that I haven't seen anywhere else in SW Florida.
We spent some time at a beach just down the road; yes, you need to prepay for your parking; just bring three dollars and put it into the envelope. Your receipt hangs in your car and you can park anywhere else on the island that day....that's NOT expensive considering where you are. We paid five dollars for less than two hours in Naples and the beach was overcrowded; murky water and not that enjoyable at all. Come on, folks....three dollars to support such a beautiful place?? Why would anyone complain about that....? The alternative is an expensive ticket.
OK....marine 'life'. We spoke to a diver that was just leaving. We asked him about what he sees. "Bull sharks and hammerheads" was his reply. Apparently they go after the tarpons, and especially at the point at the lighthouse. Bull sharks are man-eaters and are among the most aggressive sharks in the world. Be cautious and don't swim near the point or alone. Avoid early mornings and dusk; this is when sharks are most active. Especially avoid any murky water...bulls hunt in murky waters. Despite this, we thoroughly enjoyed the beach and floated close to shore with other swimmers.
We read in a local paper that stingrays are also in the water and are buried in the sand, so if you're going in, do the shuffle and keep your two feet in the sand as opposed to stepping. This will disturb the rays (which are shy and don't want to be bothered) and they will move away from you without harming you.
This place is idyllic and we will definitely be going back. We ate at the South Beach grill and enjoyed the great food and amazing views! We also enjoyed coffee at the Inn Bakery in town. Amazing coffee!
If you found this review helpful, please give me a thumbs-up!
The beach is beautiful. We did go up to the point where the lighthouse is situated; just where the bay meets the gulf. We actually saw two manatees in the water playing...it was amazing! The sand is white; the water is azure-colored and like the Caribbean. We collected sea-shells that I haven't seen anywhere else in SW Florida.
We spent some time at a beach just down the road; yes, you need to prepay for your parking; just bring three dollars and put it into the envelope. Your receipt hangs in your car and you can park anywhere else on the island that day....that's NOT expensive considering where you are. We paid five dollars for less than two hours in Naples and the beach was overcrowded; murky water and not that enjoyable at all. Come on, folks....three dollars to support such a beautiful place?? Why would anyone complain about that....? The alternative is an expensive ticket.
OK....marine 'life'. We spoke to a diver that was just leaving. We asked him about what he sees. "Bull sharks and hammerheads" was his reply. Apparently they go after the tarpons, and especially at the point at the lighthouse. Bull sharks are man-eaters and are among the most aggressive sharks in the world. Be cautious and don't swim near the point or alone. Avoid early mornings and dusk; this is when sharks are most active. Especially avoid any murky water...bulls hunt in murky waters. Despite this, we thoroughly enjoyed the beach and floated close to shore with other swimmers.
We read in a local paper that stingrays are also in the water and are buried in the sand, so if you're going in, do the shuffle and keep your two feet in the sand as opposed to stepping. This will disturb the rays (which are shy and don't want to be bothered) and they will move away from you without harming you.
This place is idyllic and we will definitely be going back. We ate at the South Beach grill and enjoyed the great food and amazing views! We also enjoyed coffee at the Inn Bakery in town. Amazing coffee!
If you found this review helpful, please give me a thumbs-up!
Written July 24, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Jennifer A
Milwaukee, WI100 contributions
Are there rinse off stations or showers at any of the public beaches?
Hinchley
Edgerton, WI12 contributions
Hi. I love your review, but anywhere I looked I can not take my dog. Where exactly were you where dogs can swim and play?
Edith K
Olney, MD
Are all beaches and facilities on boca grande open for visitors with sunbathing available for June 2020
Venture659648
Port Charlotte, FL26 contributions
As of now the beaches are open. Could change, of course, if a upsurge in cases begin. Charlotte County is not a hot spot in Florida.
Cheri DeAngelis
El Paso, TX
Can we bring alcohol to the beach
Venture659648
Port Charlotte, FL26 contributions
This is a no alcohol beach. Some people doing it in little red cups. Siesta key a little north and beautiful beach does allow alcohol. No glass.
_rebekahfernandez
South Windsor, CT17 contributions
been hearing a lot of things on the news about bacteria levels that are dangerous and the red tide concerns as well. Have things cleared up at Boca Grande beaches? We're flying out this Sunday and have lots of beach days plan with the kids
Deborah C
Rotonda West, FL532 contributions
Red tide can change from day to day depending on which direction the winds are blowing. Please check the Mote Marine website as they monitor the beaches.
greenwalt1221
Orange County CA2 contributions
Anyone who is been there in the last few days, are there any issues with red tide?
Rich A
Tonawanda, NY166 contributions
I was there last week and there were no issues. I think north in Sarasota there have been issues but the water was fine in Boca last week.
Frequently Asked Questions about Boca Grande Beach
- Hotels near Boca Grande Beach:
- (0.52 mi) The Gasparilla Inn & Club
- (0.31 mi) Boca Grande Village Inn
- (0.39 mi) The Palmetto Inn
- (0.42 mi) The Anchor Inn
- (0.84 mi) The Innlet
- Restaurants near Boca Grande Beach:
- (0.34 mi) Temptation Restaurant, Bar & Package
- (0.37 mi) The Inn Bakery
- (0.30 mi) Scarpa's Coastal
- (0.38 mi) Loose Caboose Restaurant
- (0.58 mi) The Pink Elephant
- Attractions near Boca Grande Beach:
- (0.16 mi) Boca Grande Art Center
- (0.25 mi) Gasparilla Island Lighthouse
- (0.31 mi) Gasparilla Adventures
- (0.31 mi) Park Avenue Massage and Bodyworks
- (0.31 mi) Island Bike 'n Beach