Experiences
Bicycling
Starting at the Gasparilla Island Toll Bridge, the island of Gasparilla offers miles of bike trails that end at our beautiful park. This scenic bike trail will take you through the cozy town of Boca Grande and along our main drive of the island before delivering you to the Boca Grande Lighthouse. You must furnish your own bike.
- Helmets are highly recommended for all cyclists and Florida law requires helmets for cyclists age 16 and under.
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.
- All fishing within the park must conform to regulations concerning size, number, method of capture and season.
- A fishing license may be required. More information is available at the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s website, Fishing in Florida.
Hiking
Enjoy a leisurely walk on the nature trails that meander across the beautiful barrier island. Along the way you can see many birds, including several rare and endangered species, that visit our island in the spring and fall during their migratory journeys.
Some of these species use the island’s natural resources for their nesting activities.
Scuba Diving
Scuba diving can be enjoyed off the beaches. You must provide your own equipment.
For everyone's safety, the following rules must be observed:
- All persons participating in scuba diving activities do so at their own risk.
- Each diver must dive within the limits of their certification.
- A dive party must consist of at least two divers.
- A diver-down flag must be displayed.
- Fossils and artifacts must not be disturbed or removed. Aquatic plants must not be trampled or disturbed.
- Do not carve or otherwise deface rocks or any other surfaces.
- Keep a minimum distance of 50 feet between you and manatees at all times.
- Dives must be completed one hour before sunset.
- Spearfishing is not permitted within state park boundaries.
Amenities
Accessible Amenities
Gasparilla Island State Park is committed to providing a variety of amenities accessible to all visitors. These amenities include:
- Museum and visitor center at Port Boca Grande Lighthouse.
- Amory Memorial Chapel.
- Picnic facilities with tables and grills.
- Interpretive exhibits.
- Beach wheelchairs are available for free on a first-come, first-served basis. Call the park ahead of time to make arrangements to reserve a chair.
- Parking.
- Restrooms.
Service animals are welcome in all areas of Florida State Parks.
Beach
The Gulf of Mexico beach is perfect for swimming, snorkeling, fishing and sunbathing. Visitors can access the gulf at any of our five parking areas. During the winter months, shelling is very popular; however, visitors are reminded that the taking of live shells is prohibited.
Beach wheelchairs are available for free on a first-come, first-served basis. Call the park ahead of time to make arrangements for reserving a chair.
Visitors to coastal parks are reminded to pay close attention to the Warning Flag Signs posted at welcome stations and on the beaches. These flags indicate the swimming conditions at the beach:
- Double red flags mean absolutely no swimming because of high winds and undertow currents.
- Red flag means high surf and/or strong currents. Swim with extreme caution.
- Yellow flag means swim with caution and stay close to shore.
- Green flag means that the waters are safe.
- Purple flag means that marine pests are present.
Please use caution - lifeguards are not provided.
Lighthouse
The oldest structure on Gasparilla Island and one of the oldest in Lee County is the 1890 Boca Grande Lighthouse. The U.S. Coast Guard operated the lighthouse until 1966. After 20 years of abandonment and a major renovation, the lighthouse was rededicated in 1986 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The state assumed ownership of the property and opened it to the public as a state park in 1983. The lighthouse contains a museum and visitor center depicting the history of the lighthouse and Boca Grande.
- November - May: Wednesday - Monday, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Closed Tuesday.
- June and July: Wednesday - Monday, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Closed Tuesday.
- August: Closed.
- September and October: Wednesday - Monday, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. Closed Tuesday.
- Holidays: Closed.
Pets
Pets are allowed in the park, but they are not allowed on the beaches or in the Boca Grande Lighthouse. Pets must be well-behaved and kept on a six-foot, handheld leash at all times. They must not be left unattended nor taken into restroom facilities or onto playground equipment.
- See our Pet Policy.
- Service animals are welcome in all areas and buildings of the park, as is required by law.
Visitor Center
Located in the park is the Boca Grande Lighthouse Museum and visitor center. The restored Amory Memorial Chapel is near the lighthouse parking area. The 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.