This Southwest Florida island getaway named best beach town in the nation. See where it is
Who knew that the supreme small beach city was somewhat in our backyards?
Sitting at the north end of Lee County, the tiny town of Boca Grande secured the crown of the best small beach town in the entire county.
Travel website Travel and Leisure determined that the Southwest Florida town ranks the highest due to its lifestyle, where "Old Florida meets laid-back island living." The seven-mile-long barrier island in Charlotte Harbor sees thousands of tourists each year.
How did this small island town earn a spotlight as the best beach town in America? Learn how it nabbed the first-place title and what you can do while in Boca Grande.
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Where is Boca Grande?
Boca Grande is the main town on Gasparilla Island, a barrier island that sits on the border Lee and Charlotte County in Southwest Florida.
Why was it highlighted as the 'best beach town in the nation?
Travel and Leisure experts write that Boca Grande is "an upscale yet down-to-earth community on the Gulf of Mexico that’s just the right amount of sleepy."
Nikki Heimann, manager of island-favorite ice cream shop The Pink Pony, further explained the appeal of the town, telling writers that the stoplight and franchise-free community is “like stepping back in time.”
“Our beaches are stunningly clean and our water is usually clear and sparkling, with a bountiful variety of sea life,” she told Travel and Leisure. “A big allure is game fishing in our deep-water pass for tarpon. We have two well-maintained historical lighthouses with a museum and state park on the south end, and a smooth bike path that runs the whole length of the island, so many people enjoy renting a golf cart or bicycle to spend the day cruising around. It’s a great place to visit if you’re looking for peace, tranquility, and quiet time.
When is the best time of year to visit Boca Grande?
According to experts, most visitors head to the island during their "social season," which lasts from approximately Thanksgiving to spring break.
“Most people enjoy coming to the island during our busy ‘social season’ when the town is bustling with activity and the Florida sunshine is a delightful reprieve from the winter snow up north,” Heimann says.
The town then sees another spike in tourism when tarpon season rolls in right after, when the fishing families come to town and enjoy the island through summertime.
If you want to avoid the crowds and sweat in solitude, their quieter time starts from mid-to-late summer. However, be prepared to truly be left alone, as many downtown businesses close during August and September. The Gasparilla Inn closes annually from mid-July to early October as well but other hotels do stay open.
What can I do for fun in Boca Grande?
Whether you prefer to relax by the beach and check out spots around downtown or fully immerse yourself in the environment around the island, there is something for everyone.
Travel and Leisure point out that the best things to do around the island are fishing, shelling, boating, beaches, and biking. Some activities visitors can do are:
Climb the Gasparilla Island Lighthouse
Head to Gasparilla Island State Park for swimming, snorkeling, fishing, shelling, and picnicking
Explore its three-block-long historic downtown, filled with shopping and multiple restaurants
Pedal across the 6.5-mile Boca Grande Bike Path
Visit iconic sites, such as the Boca Grande Historical Society, historic Whidden’s Marina, and the pretty-in-pink Johann Fust Community Library
Kayaking around the old railroad trestles on the north end of the island
Day trip to Cayo Costa, a nearby barrier island
Travel and Leisure also highlighted various eateries around the island for visitors and locals to indulge in, such as the Gasparilla Inn restaurants, The Temptation Restaurant, 3rd Street Bistro, and The Pink Pony.
Where can I stay in Boca Grande?
The island is home to only a few hotels but each hosts plenty of amenities and
How can I travel there?
The private Coral Creek Airport is less than 10 minutes away from Boca Grande, However, there are several public airports within a 3 hour drive.
The Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) is about an hour away, and it is serviced by Sun Country and Allegiant Air with nonstop flights from about 50 cities.
Experts also note that Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ) and Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) are both about an hour-and-a-half away, with the Tampa International Airport (TPA) only two hours away by car.
Boca Grande is also about 3.5 hours from both the Orlando International Airport (MCO) and Miami International Airport (MIA).
What other cities were highlighted as best in the nation?
As part of their series of highlighting small towns in America, Travel and Leisure also featured these cities:
Best Small Mountain Town - Highlands, NC
Best Small Lake Town - Grand Marais, MN
Best Small Desert Town - Kanab, UT
Best Small Food + Cukture Town - Los Olivos, CA
Best Small Small Wine, Beer, + Spirits Town - Dahlonega, GA
Best Small Spa + Wellness Town - Aurora, NY
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Florida's Boca Grande named nation's best small beach town. Here's why
