Port Boca Grande Lighthouse and Museum
The Port Boca Grande Lighthouse, built in 1890, was originally used to safely guide ships into the Charlotte Harbor. The lighthouse is an iron screw pile design with a wood frame and when lit, is visible from up to 12 miles away. It is one of only six lighthouses in Florida to be open to the public, and the only one on the west coast.
The Port Boca Grande Lighthouse is managed and operated with the help of our friends group, Barrier Island Parks Society.
The lighthouse is currently home to a museum filled with the rich history of Gasparilla Island. Learn about the Calusa Native Americans, the island’s role in the phosphate industry of the 1900s, and the world-famous tarpon fishing in the Boca Grande Pass. It also offers a family-friendly, “please touch” area featuring local bones, fossils and shells.
Knowledgeable volunteer museum docents will guide you through the history of the island.
Don’t forget to visit the gift shop on the way out! The small but well-stocked gift shop has a variety of souvenirs, apparel, jewelry and more.
Hours
November through May:
- Wednesday to Monday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Closed Tuesdays.
June through July:
- Wednesday to Monday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Closed Tuesdays.
The lighthouse is closed during the month of August and on major holidays.
September through October:
- Wednesday to Monday, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Closed Tuesdays.
Prices
- Free with park admission.
Contact
- Please call 941-964-0060.