Boca Grande on Gasparilla Island, Florida, Is America's Best Small Beach Town
"I climbed the Gasparilla Island Lighthouse (locally known as the range light) for views and a bit of local history." - Skye Sherman
Skye Sherman
Skye Sherman is a travel writer based in West Palm Beach, Florida. Aside from traveling, she's also a pilot, scuba diver, bookworm, and fourth-generation Floridian. Her work has appeared in Travel + Leisure, USA Today, Palm Beach Illustrated, Atlas Obscura, and more.
Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines
Beautiful place, with absolutely nice beach! Nice and clean place. Small parking. Great place to walk around and have a great time with friends and family. The beach is great. Nice and clean. Nice Shore for kids. Sand is nice and white. You might see a dolphins swimming here closer to sunset. Beautiful views for sunset 🌇.
Dale Highfill
Google
What a surprise. We drove down from Venice for the day and we're about 3 of 25 on the beach. So peaceful and we're there from 8:30 to 3:00, but I think I could have stayed all day if others in the party weren't ready to go.
Stan Belyshev
Google
The beach is elegant, clean, and the lighthouse adds an additional charm.
A great location for families, additional their are no volleyball nets, bars, or any other noisy distractions.
Peaceful and super relaxed atmosphere.
J Mann
Google
One of my favorite beaches to visit. The water is always a beautiful blue. The sand is soft. It has a place to change clothes and use the restroom.
Judith dawson
Google
Today was Florida lighthouse day and GILH was open to climb! Everyone was so nice and especially Dale, who was at the top of the lighthouse to greet you, answer any questions about the light and took your picture if you like. Great, no amazing day!
alison wonderland
Google
This is such a beautiful area with so much to see and explore. The area has a fascinating history. The park is well kept and clean. The parking gods were on our side - sometimes it is difficult to find a place to stick your vehicle, but we got lucky (probably because we got there so early in the day).
sabrina kincer
Google
Beautiful evening on a foggy day! The light house is amazing to see. The beach has plenty of sand and seashells!! We went earlier on New Years Eve and came back later that evening because it was so foggy earlier. Never seen so many dead fish washing up before and be gone the next day! We loved it. Great place to get an ice cream right down the road and enjoy it innthe Beautiful beach
Bj Hendrickson
Google
The lighthouse keeper was one of the nicest gentlemen ever. He keeps the brass and crystal lens clean and was happy to answer any questions I had. It's not always open to climb so please check the website dates in the calander for times avilable. This is one of the few lighthouses where your allowed in the light tower portion. Amazing!!