Activities at Gasparilla Island State Park
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BeachesPristine beach on the Gulf of Mexico. This beach is perfect for shelling, swimming, snorkeling, fishing, and sunbathing. |
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BicyclingEnjoy a leisurely bike ride on our trails, which meander through our beautiful barrier island. You must furnish your own bikes. |
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Canoeing & KayakingYou must furnish your own canoe or kayak. (More info will be added). |
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FacilitiesBathroom facilities are available and ADA accessible.
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Fishing
The Gulf of Mexico beaches provide year-round excellent saltwater fishing in the waters adjacent to the park and in the deep waters of Boca Grande Pass.
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Hiking/Nature TrailsEnjoy a leisurely walk on our nature trails, which meander through our beautiful barrier island. Along the way you can see many species of birds, including several rare and endangered, that visit our island in the spring and fall, during their migratory journeys. Some of these species use our island’s natural resources for their nesting activities. |
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Interpretive ExhibitThese programs, given by our rangers, cover a wide variety of topics including the history of the island and interpretation of the natural resources found on the island. (More info will be added) |
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PetsPets are allowed in this park, however, not on the beaches. They must be well-behaved and kept on a six-foot, hand-held leash at all times. Pets must not be left unattended, nor taken into restroom facilities or onto playground equipment. Service animals are welcome in all areas and buildings of the park, as required by law. Scuba: Scuba diving can be done off of the beaches. |
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PicnickingTwo picnic areas, with covered tables and restroom facilities, are located in the park which offer scenic views of the surrounding water. |
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ShellingGasparilla Island State Park offers good shelling, especially during the winter months. Visitors are reminded that the taking of live shells is prohibited. |
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ShowersOutdoor fresh water showers/rinses are available for rinsing off after a day at the beach/park. |
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SnorkelingSnorkel in the pristine, blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico. You must provide you own equipment. |
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SwimmingSwimming and sunbathing are very popular activities and along the gulfside of the island are four parking areas, Range Light, Sea Grape, Dunes, and Seawall, which offer access to our beautiful gulf beaches. |
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Visitors CenterPlease come and visit the Lighthouse Museum & Visitor Center. Located in the park is the Boca Grande Lighthouse Museum. Also located in the Lighthouse Parking Area is the restored Amory Memorial Chapel. This chapel was built in the 1950s and served the residents of the dormitories that were located in what is now the Dunes Parking Area. The chapel is available to rent for public and private events. |
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Wildlife ViewingSome of the protected animal species that may be seen on the island are the West Indian manatee, gopher tortoise, southern bald eagle, least tern, royal tern, sandwich tern and the American oystercatcher. |
