Its downtown district also boasts of a proud and rich history.<\/p>\n
However, the village\u2019s main pull is its world-class fishing spots, clear blue waters, and sugar sand beaches.<\/p>\n
Boca Grande experienced quick progress after people discovered phosphate rock along the Peace River in 1885.<\/p>\n
After this discovery, businessmen transformed Gasparilla Island into a prominent port, which attracted more development.<\/p>\n
Likewise, rich Americans and Englishmen turned the Charlotte Harbor area into a world-class fishing hub.<\/p>\n
Many citizens credit fishing and phosphate rock as the main reasons for the village\u2019s progress.<\/p>\n
Today, Boca Grande is a highly sought-after location for major public weddings.<\/p>\n
Several wealthy people and celebrities have stayed in the village whenever they needed privacy.<\/p>\n
For example, Audrey Hepburn and the Bush family have called Boca Grande home from to time.<\/p>\n
Do you want to know more about Boca Grande, FL? <\/p>\n
Here\u2019s a list of the best things to do in town: <\/p>\n
Learn History at the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse & Museum<\/h2>\n
![\"Exterior](\"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Port-Boca-Grande-Lighthouse.jpg\")
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Henryk Sadura \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n
In 1890, the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse guided distressed ships to safety into Charlotte Harbor.<\/p>\n
The lighthouse also emits light bright enough that boats as far away as 12 miles can still see it.<\/p>\n
What makes this lighthouse unique? <\/p>\n
It\u2019s one of only six Florida lighthouses that\u2019s open to the public.<\/p>\n
![\"Far](\"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Port-Boca-Grande-Lighthouse2.jpg\")
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Henryk Sadura \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n
It\u2019s also the only (open) lighthouse on the west coast.<\/p>\n
Today, the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse has become a museum, containing artifacts featuring the unique history of Gasparilla Island.<\/p>\n
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Henryk Sadura \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n
Their exhibits should share information about the Calusa Native Americans, who first settled the island, and the 1900s phosphate industry.<\/p>\n
Likewise, the museum details the thriving tarpon fishing experience at the Boca Grande Pass.<\/p>\n
You can even touch the museum\u2019s collection of shells, fossils, and local bones.<\/p>\n
![\"Binoculars](\"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Port-Boca-Grande-Lighthouse4.jpg\")
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Dawn Damico \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n
Learn and Fish at Whidden\u2019s Marina<\/h2>\n
![\"Sign](\"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/bocagrande-whidden.jpg\")
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Mr. Johnson, often nefarious<\/a>, CC BY-SA 2.0<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n Sam Whidden founded the Boca Grande institution Whidden\u2019s marina on First East Street in 1926.<\/p>\n Little did he know that his humble marina would stand the test of time and help transform Boca Grande into the \u201cTarpon Capital of the World.\u201d<\/p>\n Today, his marina has become one of the oldest marinas in Boca Grande, which has stayed under the Whidden family since its founding.<\/p>\n Ebyabe<\/a>, CC BY-SA 3.0<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n During the early days, Whidden\u2019s Marina was also famous as a nightspot, serving as a dance hall and restaurant.<\/p>\n The place may have changed over the years, but it continues to offer Florida’s unique hospitality and flavor.<\/p>\n Today, the marina offers fishing charters to help you get the most out of your stay.<\/p>\n Norman Bateman \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n Earn your master fisherman credentials by spending the afternoon at Boca Grande Pass, the world-famous sportfishing destination.<\/p>\n Since it\u2019s also in the world\u2019s tarpon capital, the pass also hosts the popular fish.<\/p>\n The Boca Grande Pass is one of Florida\u2019s deepest natural passes, reaching a maximum depth of 80 feet.<\/p>\n It connects Charlotte Harbor to the Gulf of Mexico, receiving freshwater from the Peace and Myakka Rivers.<\/p>\n Norman Bateman \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n This freshwater creates the mangrove habitat for marine life and juvenile fish.<\/p>\n Besides tarpon, you can find various types of fish in Boca Grande Pass, including sharks and dolphins.<\/p>\n Sport fishermen come to this pass from all over the world to fish for snook, goliath grouper, and tarpon.<\/p>\n If you want to stay along the shore, you can also catch sheepshead, whiting, and redfish.<\/p>\n Start living a healthy life by grabbing fresh fruits and vegetables at the Boca Grande Farmers Market.<\/p>\n Located at the ball field on Boca Grande\u2019s Wheeler Road, this open-air market opens only during certain seasons, so be sure to mark it on your calendar.<\/p>\n Besides produce, the market offers seafood, pickles, cheese, and prepared fruits.<\/p>\n Likewise, you can buy flowers, native plants, smoothies, meat products, organic products, and many others.<\/p>\n Complete your Boca Grande trip by committing to a healthy diet.<\/p>\n Jim Schwabel \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n Take advantage of your Florida vacation by exploring the outdoor offerings of Boca Grande, especially the Gasparilla Island State Park.<\/p>\n Go swimming or fishing on the clean blue waters, comb the beach for seashells, or climb the historic Port Boca Grande Lighthouse.<\/p>\n The Toidi \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n If you want to try deeper waters, the state park also offers snorkeling.<\/p>\n You can also observe the wildlife through a nature study.<\/p>\n The park boasts excellent animal diversity.<\/p>\n Megan E Shannon \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n During your visit, you\u2019ll find bald eagles, ospreys, various terns, black skinners, gopher tortoises, and the West Indian manatee.<\/p>\n You can visit the park any time you want, too, since it\u2019s open year-round. During the summer, you may want to call to confirm park hours.<\/p>\n SunflowerMomma \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n During your visit to Whidden\u2019s Marina, you might want to stop by the Gasparilla Island Maritime Museum as well.<\/p>\n This museum aims to preserve the waterfront history in Boca Grande for future generations.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll find various artifacts inside this museum, such as buoys and gill nets.<\/p>\n Likewise, you\u2019ll enter a room filled with Sam Whidden\u2019s tools and even a sperm whale skull.<\/p>\n If you like literature, you\u2019ll enjoy the museum, too.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll find a pair of gorgeous mahogany fighting chairs which Ernest Hemingway himself used.<\/p>\n Writer of Westerns Zane Grey also used these chairs.<\/p>\n The master wood boatwright George Luzier built the chairs.<\/p>\n Besides chairs and whale skulls, the museum also features historic albums and photographs.<\/p>\n Ebyabe<\/a>, CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n In 1981, the Smart Studio opened right in the heart of Boca Grande, Florida.<\/p>\n Since then, it has become a top destination for visitors curious about the village art scene.<\/p>\n You can also spot the gallery quite easily, thanks to the bright green awnings amid the yellow-painted building.<\/p>\n Ebyabe<\/a>, CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n Two of the six showrooms feature the artwork of the award-winning artists Wini Smart and Gail Cleveland.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, the other four rooms display limited edition prints, laid out together with tasteful furniture and other home d\u00e9cor.<\/p>\n You can also avail of the gallery\u2019s custom framing service while you browse its selection of antiques and jewelry.<\/p>\n Visit the gallery between November to May.<\/p>\n There are many ways to explore the pristine waters of Boca Grande, but there are few more exciting ways to do so than paddleboarding.<\/p>\n If you want to try it, you need to hit up Paddleboard Adventures for customized tours on the waters of Boca Grande.<\/p>\n Likewise, you can even enroll in paddleboarding lessons if you want to do it yourself.<\/p>\n They could also teach you Stand Up Paddle Board or SUP.<\/p>\n Besides paddleboarding, you can also go snorkeling when you reach deep water.<\/p>\n Look out for the manatees and dolphins that want to play with you underwater!<\/p>\n tiredshiba \/ Shutterstock.com<\/p>\n Another historic spot in Boca Grande is Banyan Street, located south of the historic downtown Boca Grande district.<\/p>\n The landscape architect Carl Rust Parker designed the street according to his 1914 master plan, with its notable feature being the line of banyan trees lining one block.<\/p>\n These banyan trees belonged to 100-year-old allee, comprising 26 trees divided into two rows.<\/p>\n Burntorange72<\/a>, CC BY 3.0<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n Each row has 13 trees standing 38 feet apart, facing each other across the street.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll also notice that this street lies perpendicular to the Gulf of Mexico, with the shaded tunnel of trees providing several wonderful photo opportunities.<\/p>\n Make sure to visit during sunset to see it for yourself.<\/p>\n If you plan to tie the knot anytime soon, you might want to drop by this gorgeous historic street to take photos you\u2019ll never forget.<\/p>\n Dining is a very important part of every memorable vacation, and Boca Grande suffers no shortage of exquisite dining options.<\/p>\n For instance, you can relish waterfront dining at the Eagle Grille and Miller\u2019s Dockside, a pair of restaurants nestled at the Boca Grande Marina.<\/p>\n These restaurants are also a stone\u2019s throw from downtown Boca Grande, so you don\u2019t even need to go very far.<\/p>\n A veteran chef and restaurant crew will serve you delicious seafood dishes at the Eagle Grille, which also boasts waterfront views from every table.<\/p>\n If you want to unwind from a day\u2019s trip on the water, drop by the Miller\u2019s Dockside island sports bar and have a cold drink.<\/p>\n You can also reserve the Eagle Grille and Miller\u2019s Dockside for private gatherings, such as cocktail parties, family events, rehearsal dinners, and many others.<\/p>\n Ebyabe<\/a>, CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n Since 1916, Fugate\u2019s has become one of Boca Grande\u2019s iconic beach souvenir shops.<\/p>\n The store features a department store that sells apparel, accessories, and other souvenir items.<\/p>\n During your visit, you can enter the department store\u2019s Men\u2019s and Children\u2019s apparel or the Patio Shop Ladies apparel section.<\/p>\n Ebyabe<\/a>, CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n Besides clothes and accessories, Fugate\u2019s also offers gifts, sundries, and even shoes for the whole family.<\/p>\n They also sell Fish Hippie, Southern Tide, and Tommy Bahama items.<\/p>\n Fugate\u2019s promises to deliver a truly unique shopping opportunity that people of all ages can enjoy.<\/p>\n In 1986, a group of local talented artists founded the Boca Grande Art Center, or \u201cBGAC,\u201d as a venue to showcase their art to the public.<\/p>\n Over the years, the center attracted scores of residents and visitors and became one of the village\u2019s major art institutions.<\/p>\n The gallery used to hold exhibits at the small Johann Fust Library, but their expansion pushed them to establish a new space.<\/p>\n Besides art displays, the art center also hosts art workshops and classes, so you can learn to exercise your creativity through art.<\/p>\n They also hold tours and special events to promote local culture and cultivate a public appreciation of the visual arts, enriching the village’s cultural life.<\/p>\n Likewise, the center also awards scholarships through its visiting artist program and its partnership with the Island School.<\/p>\n Ebyabe<\/a>, CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n If you prefer to stay in downtown Boca Grande, you should bookmark the whole afternoon to explore the historic district of downtown Boca Grande.<\/p>\n Since the village\u2019s founding in 1908, the downtown district has become its main commercial hub and the center of Gasparilla Island life.<\/p>\n The development of the village has attracted wealthy families and individuals, leading to the village\u2019s transformation into a top-notch winter resort.<\/p>\n Ebyabe<\/a>, CC BY-SA 4.0<\/a>, via Wikimedia Commons<\/p>\n From its origins as a grimy industrial port town, the village has truly come a long way.<\/p>\n Today, the 3-mile-long stretch boasts a collection of well-preserved historic buildings such as hotels, residences, and churches.<\/p>\n Likewise, the district also hosts world-class restaurants, boutiques, and gift shops.<\/p>\n Downtown Boca Grande retains its elegant charm and character as the subtropical center of life on the island.<\/p>\n East of Boca Grande lies the Cape Haze Aquatic Preserve, between the Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park and the Gasparilla Sound-Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserve.<\/p>\n During your visit, you\u2019ll find a set of islands with several shallow passages hosting catfish and other species.<\/p>\n The waters in this preserve come from the Whidden creeks mixed with the waters from the Gulf of Mexico.<\/p>\n Likewise, this mangrove forest and seagrass meadows provide a thriving habitat for several species of marine life.<\/p>\n You\u2019ll find over 100 invertebrate species and 200 fish species, including crustaceans and shellfish.<\/p>\n Likewise, you can find important bird species from time to time.<\/p>\n Recreational activities include fishing, birding, and kayaking, designed for the preserve\u2019s shallow waters.<\/p>\n Your Boca Grande vacation is incomplete without going fishing.<\/p>\n Go hit up with the Reel Intense Inshore Fishing Charters for a safe but fulfilling fishing trip.<\/p>\n The company deploys a world-class, fully equipped charter boat with an experienced captain\u2014Captain Chris\u2014who has fished the area for more than 20 years.<\/p>\n First-timers and veteran anglers alike will enjoy the experience with Captain Chris and Reel Intense Fishing Charters.<\/p>\n The fishing tour will take you around Boca Grande, Charlotte Harbor, Pine Island, Lemon Bay, Gasparilla Sound, and Placida, giving you plenty of fishing opportunities.<\/p>\n Likewise, the boat comes fully stocked with excellent bait, making sure you won\u2019t return to shore empty-handed.<\/p>\n You can catch various popular fish species such as redfish, snook, shark, trout, tarpon, cobia, and goliath grouper.<\/p>\n Boca Grande has earned an excellent reputation as a refuge for vacationers and beachgoers.<\/p>\n The leisure and fun on this island village are not just reserved for the wealthy and celebrities.<\/p>\n Everyone of all ages can visit this charming seaside village and enjoy a memorable stay.<\/p>\n If you feel like experiencing the island life for a bit, book your trip to Boca Grande today!<\/p>\n Things to Do in North Fort Myers, FL<\/a><\/p>\n![\"Part](\"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/bocagrande-whidden2.jpg\")
<\/p>\nSpend the Day at Boca Grande Pass<\/h2>\n
![\"Men](\"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/Boca-Grande-Pass.jpg\")
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<\/p>\nGrab Fresh Produce at the Boca Grande Farmers Market<\/h2>\n
Soak Up the Sun at the Gasparilla Island State Park<\/h2>\n
![\"Sunset](\"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/boca-grande-Gasparilla-Island.jpg\")
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<\/p>\nLearn Marine History at the Gasparilla Island Maritime Museum<\/h2>\n
Check Out the Artwork at the Smart Studio<\/h2>\n
![\"Exterior](\"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/boca-grande-smart-studio.jpg\")
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<\/p>\nExplore the Waters of Boca Grande with Paddleboard Adventures<\/h2>\n
Tie the Knot at Banyan Street<\/h2>\n
![\"Banyan](\"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/boca-grande-Banyan-Street.jpg\")
<\/p>\n![\"Banyan](\"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/bocagrande-banyan-street2.jpg\")
<\/p>\nSavor Delicious Food at Eagle Grille and Miller\u2019s Dockside<\/h2>\n
Bring Home Unique Souvenirs at Fugate\u2019s<\/h2>\n
![\"Front](\"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/bocagrande-fugates.jpg\")
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<\/p>\nGet Creative at the Boca Grande Art Center<\/h2>\n
Enjoy the Village at the Downtown Boca Grande Historic District<\/h2>\n
![\"Clothing](\"https:\/\/www.travellens.co\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/01\/bocagrande-downtown.jpg\")
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<\/p>\nExplore the Living Waters of Florida at the Cape Haze Aquatic Preserve<\/h2>\n
Go Fishing with Reel Intense Inshore Fishing Charters<\/h2>\n
Final Thoughts<\/h2>\n
Discover More of Lee County, FL<\/h3>\n