Gasparilla Island
Discover your dream home in the tropical paradise of Gasparilla Island, Florida!
A hidden gem in the Gulf of Mexico
Tucked away just ten miles north of Sanibel and Captiva, Gasparilla Island is a breathtaking barrier island that boasts crystal-clear emerald-green waters and pristine sandy beaches. This tropical oasis is a haven for those seeking tranquility and natural beauty.
Explore Boca Grande, the heart of the island
Boca Grande is at the heart of Gasparilla Island, a charming town that exudes old-world charm and hospitality. With its historic architecture, quaint shops, and renowned restaurants, Boca Grande offers a unique blend of relaxation and sophistication.
An idyllic location on Florida's Gulf Coast
Gasparilla Island is part of a barrier island chain stretching from Tampa to Fort Myers. This prime location provides easy access to world-class fishing, boating, and water sports activities. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or an avid golfer, this paradise has something for everyone.
Your gateway to owning a piece of paradise
BuyPropertyinParadise.com is your ultimate resource for finding your dream home on Gasparilla Island. Our comprehensive listings showcase a wide range of properties tailored to your preferences. Whether you're looking for a beachfront villa or a cozy cottage nestled amidst lush greenery, we have the perfect option for you.
Your Gateway to Paradise
Gasparilla Island, located just a 10-minute drive south of Englewood, is a hidden gem in the picturesque Cape Haze Peninsula. Surrounded by the stunning Charlotte Harbor, this island paradise offers a tranquil and idyllic setting for your dream property.
You are only one bridge away
Upon reaching Placida, you'll encounter the new drawbridge that connects you to Gasparilla Island. Operated by the Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority, crossing the bridge comes with a nominal fee of $6 per car per day, collected by our friendly toll-booth attendant.
An Alternative Option for Explorers
If you prefer to explore the island on foot or by bike, there's an alternative option available. Park your car in the convenient parking lot just before reaching the toll booth. Although there is still a fee to cross by bike, it allows you to enjoy the island at your own pace and enjoy its natural beauty. Gasparilla Island is more than just a destination; it's a lifestyle.
Gasparilla Island - Slide Show
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The Beaches on Gasparilla Island
Gasparilla Island has four beaches with parking lots for quite a few cars. Moreover, several smaller parking lots are on the Golf side, where only a few cars can park. They are hidden and not always easy to find, but it is worth looking for them when the main parking lots are full. However, an island is an island, and there is never enough space on a small piece of land.
Four Public Beaches
Sandspur Beach (adequate restrooms), Seagrape Beach (port-o-potty), Seawall Beach (port-o-potty), and the Lighthouse Park on Boca Pass (great restrooms and picnic shelters) are part of the Island State Park system. Both Sandspur and Lighthouse Park have lighthouses. Lighthouse Park also has a small museum, where you can learn a little about the island's history. Kids love it. Both lighthouses are not in service anymore because big ships are no longer coming to the island, and GPS systems are more accurate than light beams in the dark.
The Lighthouse Park is a State Park
Lighthouse Park offers a great view and, because of the museum, some entertainment. But if you are looking for a place where you can soak in the water, this would not be a perfect spot. The current in Boca Grande Pass is hazardous at all times. Don't ignore the "no swimming" signs unless your grandfather's name is Mark Spitz; those signs are there for a reason. They are real!
There are no lifeguards on any of the beaches. So, don't expect a beautiful blonde girl or an athletic young guy to jump into the water, pulling you out of that strong current in a heroic act. However, accept from the Boca Grande Pass all other beaches are as safe as a beach can be in Florida. When the wind is blowing, check for rip currents, and when you hear thunder watch out for lightning. Do your stingray shuffle in spring, and don't touch those manatees. You can watch them, but leave them alone.
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The Village
The Boca Grande Village on Gasparilla is a mix of well-kept homes in a lush, subtropical setting. Many of the older houses are smaller than the newer ones, but they are still well-appointed and meticulously kept.
The shopping area in the center of the village is only a couple of blocks wide. There are a few boutiques, an ice cream parlor (an excellent place to double your daily calorie-intake within minutes), coffee shops, and restaurants. You will see absolutely no chain restaurants or chain stores on the island. All stores are individually owned and unique. If you are craving for a Big Mac dinner, that thing is miles away on the mainland.
Not far away from the village is the old Gasparilla Inn. It has bee around for 100 years, and many wealthy and famous people have spent some time there. People like Henry Ford, J.P. Morgan, and the Bush Family stayed there. They seem to have enjoyed the beautiful island because many of them came back year after year.
Did Pirates live on Gasparilla? Nobody knows for Sure.
According to a legend, the legendary pirate and captain José Gaspar (nickname: Gasparilla, 1756-1821) had his base on what we today call Gasparilla Island. Although he is a popular figure in Florida folklore, there is no real proof or sound evidence of his existence. But the story, which came up in the late 1800's, has been around since then - and who cares if right or wrong - it makes the island more interesting, draws tourists, and the stores can sell skulls, swords, and other "historical" items "made in China." Every castle has its ghost, while every island has its pirate. Nothing wrong about that concept.
