Activities + Food
Beaches
Gasparilla Island has some of the best beaches in Florida! This address is for a public beach nearby. Access to the beaches can be done at many points along the island and all guests staying at the Inn have beach access at the private beach club.
Golf Cart, Kayak & Bike Rentals
Explore Boca Grande’s waterways by renting or hiring a boat or kayak for a few hours. There are many companies in the area. Here is one where you can rent kayaks or bikes. Gasparilla Inn’s marina is a full-service option that is open to the public.
Bike Path
Ride a golf cart, bike, run or walk along the island’s dedicated path 6.5 miles in length.
Port Boca Grande Lighthouse Museum
Located at the southernmost tip of the island, the lighthouse has a beautiful view and beautiful shoreline to walk along, with a museum to visit. You will see lots of wildlife here, and it has our vote for the best location to spot dolphins swimming off shore!
Gasparilla Golf Club
Experience the “island within an island” championship course, with views of the surrounding waters of scenic Charlotte Harbor and the Gulf of Mexico. The par 72, 6,837-yard course features eco-friendly native Seashore Paspalum turf grass throughout. The Gasparilla Golf Club is exclusive and only open to guests of the Inn and conveniently has no course tee times. If you are not staying at the Inn you can play as a "guest" with someone staying at the Inn.
Gasparilla Inn Beach Club
Guests staying at the Inn have access to the newly renovated private beach club. The beach club features pool and access to a private beach. It also offers multiple outdoor bars and a dining option for lunch only. Guests staying at the Inn can bring "guests" to the Beach Club who are not staying on the property.
Pink Elephant
Known as “The Pink,” this is a great option for a casual lunch downstairs, or a nice dinner in their upstairs dining room. Walk-ins only for the downstairs portion of the restaurant, however, the upstairs does accept reservations. Join the Bride and Groom for an evening hummer, and hear how that famous Detroit drink made it all the way to Boca Grande. Lunch: Island casual (shirts and shoes required) Dinner Upstairs: Resort evening (shirts and shoes required) Dinner Downstairs: Island casual (shirts and shoes required)
BZ's
BZ’s is located on the main floor of The Gasparilla Inn and is a great place to enjoy a cocktail before or after dinner. Open from midday to late night daily. The adjoining outdoor terrace is also the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beautiful views of The Gasparilla Golf Club. Attire: Island casual. No bathing suits.
Gasparilla Inn Main Dining Room
The Inn’s Dining Room serves a full breakfast. For dinner, savor a four-course, traditional heritage experience in an atmosphere of intimacy and grace. It is open to the public and guests for breakfast and dinner only. Breakfast: Shorts and island casual wear. No bathing suits or tank tops. Dinner: Gentlemen wear dress slacks and collared shirts. A jacket or tie is not required until December 20th. Ladies’ apparel should be comparable to the gentlemen, such as blouses, skirts, dresses and dress slacks. Jeans, shorts or tank tops are not permitted.
Scarpa's Coastal
A great option for Italian food and great wine. Located in the old “Theater Building” in the historic village, Scarpa’s Coastal serves Italian classics with an emphasis on fresh pastas and locally caught seafood.
Eagle Grille & Miller's Dockside
Located at the Boca Grande Marina, near the heart of town, Miller’s Dockside is a great laid-back destination for food and drink. You will probably find the father of the bride here enjoying a Grouper Sandwich or Fish Tacos. Upstairs, the Eagle Grille offers a more formal restaurant with an amazing view of the marina and harbor.
Bella Vida
Best stop to start your day, although they are open all day long. You may even spot the bride and groom picking up a tropical smoothie, cup of coffee, or an acai bowl. Casual, and just a five minute walk from the Gasparilla Inn.
Mimi's 3rd St Grille
Open for lunch and dinner or take out (941) 964-0765.
The Pink Pony
Casual and relaxed, The Pink Pony is open 7 days a week! A great place to pick up a boxed lunch to take to the beach. You can even rent a golf cart here! They sell a variety of beers and other beverages, snacks, coffee, smoothies and ice cream.
Keylime Bistro
This is a casual, laid-back option for breakfast or lunch. Located in the Historic Railroad Depot, you can eat in the actual passenger waiting room of the depot, or sit outside on the patio and watch the world go by. The Loose Caboose ice cream window is still open, and serves what is said to be the island’s best.
Outlet Restaurant
Coincidentally located in the Innlet Hotel at 11th and East Railroad Avenue, the Outlet has the best breakfast on the island and serves lunch dockside until 2 pm. Great views of the bayou.