About This Beach
Gasparilla Island State Park features pristine beaches along the Gulf of Mexico with the historic Port Boca Grande Lighthouse as its centerpiece. The island has a fascinating history tied to the phosphate industry and wealthy winter residents including the du Pont family. The waters around Boca Grande Pass are known as the ‘Tarpon Capital of the World’ with premier sportfishing opportunities. The beach areas offer excellent shelling and wildlife viewing, including gopher tortoises on land and manatees offshore. The island’s village area maintains an Old Florida charm with no high-rises or traffic lights.