Day trip

Question

Hubby and I are planning on driving to Boca grande tomorrow as we haven’t been and it’s a fairly short drive. Thinking we’ll hit the beach and have lunch. Anything we should do or places we should go?

Answer

What a lovely idea for a day trip! Boca Grande is a peaceful, charming island with a lot to offer — relaxing beach time, history, local flavor, and beautiful scenery. Here are some great ideas for how to spend your day, plus a few tips.

What to Do / Where to Go in Boca Grande

Beach Time at Gasparilla Island State Park: Head to the state park’s beach accesses for beautiful, quieter Gulf-side beaches. The park has public beach spots, picnic areas, and restroom facilities.
Visit the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse & Museum: At the southern tip of the island is the historic Port Boca Grande Lighthouse, part of the state park. You can see the lighthouse, explore the grounds, and learn about the island’s maritime history.
Stroll / Bike Boca Grande Rail Trail: The old railroad path (the former Charlotte Harbor & Northern Railway) has been converted into a paved trail. It’s a lovely bike or walking route and gives you a great feel for the island.
Walk Through Historic Downtown (Park Avenue): Park Avenue is the heart of Boca Grande — walk through the historic district, browse boutique shops, art galleries, and local spots.
See the Banyan Trees on Banyan Street: These huge old banyan trees form a canopy over the street and are one of the island’s most iconic photo spots.
Beachcombing & Shelling: Boca Grande’s shores are great for shelling. If the tide is low, you can find all kinds of shells.
Paddle, Kayak, or SUP: Rent a kayak or SUP to explore the mangroves, tidal flats, or nearby sand flats.
Fishing / Tarpon Watching: Boca Grande is known as the “Tarpon Capital of the World.” Even if you’re not fishing, watching boat activity or chatting with guides can be fun.

Where to Eat / Grab Lunch

South Beach Bar & Grill: Right on the beach, with outdoor seating, local seafood, and laid-back vibes — perfect for a relaxing lunch.
The Temptation Restaurant: A local favorite with a retro old-Florida feel — great for something nostalgic and more “lunch + island charm.”
Keylime Bistro: In the historic downtown area — housed in a former train station — this is a casual spot where you can enjoy sandwiches, salads, or something light and local.
Ice Cream / Treats: After lunch, stop for something sweet — The Loose Caboose (in the old train depot) or Pink Pony are charming local spots for ice cream and treats.

Other Tips & Suggestions

Transport on the Island: Consider renting a golf cart or bikes to get around — Boca Grande is small, quiet, and very walkable / rideable, and golf carts are a fun way to experience it.
Bring Shelling Gear: If you want to shell, bring a small bucket or bag, especially for exploring the low-tide flats or walking the beach.
Timing for the Beach: For a more peaceful beach experience, head to the state park access points toward the southern end — they tend to be less busy.
Historic District Walk: Take some time to wander the historic district — the architecture is quaint, and the village feels very “old-Florida.”
Plan for Lighthouse Visit: Check the museum hours for the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse if you want to go inside or learn more; sometimes they have seasonal changes.

Sample Simple Itinerary for Your Day Trip

Arrive in Boca Grande and park / rent a golf cart or bike.
Head to a beach access point at Gasparilla State Park for a relaxing morning on the Gulf-side beach.
Go to the southern tip to visit the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse & Museum.
Ride (or walk) the Rail Trail on your way back toward town.
Stop on Park Avenue for lunch (e.g., Keylime Bistro or South Beach Bar & Grill).
Browse shops on Park Ave or take a stroll down Banyan Street to see the trees.
Finish with some shelling, or rent a kayak / paddleboard for a short watery adventure.
Grab ice cream or a snack before heading out home.

Overall, Boca Grande is perfect for a mellow, scenic day trip — you’ll get great beach time, historic charm, and local flavor without big tourist crowds. Enjoy your trip!

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