Community Overview

Boca Grande, located on Gasparilla Island, is about 70 miles north of Fort Myers on Charlotte Harbor, but it is unique among Lee County attractions.

The island straddles both Lee and Charlotte counties, and to reach it you either have to drive through Charlotte County or go by boat.

Boca Grande attracts well-to-do northerners seeking perfect weather and some of the most exclusive real estate in Florida. The rich and famous love it for its quiet shaded streets and famous bayfront golf course at the Gasparilla Inn.

The Bush family visits Boca Grande most years during the Christmas-New Years holidays, virtually taking over the Inn. But hardly anyone notices as they come and go, doing what everyone else does — fish, dine out, and be pampered at the Inn with its world-class beach club and salon.

The island has grown about as much as it ever will. Preservation of both historic structures and the island's natural history is now the order of the day. The town of Boca Grande is protected by a historic district ordinance, which controls not only new construction but also alterations to existing buildings. That's the primary reason the island has no fast food restaurants. The lone gas station sold out rather than go through the expense of replacing its underground tanks.

With its tranquil aura, upscale shopping and dining, tarpon tournaments and pristine beaches, Boca Grande is indeed a great place for an unusual getaway!