Boca Grande, north of Captiva Island on Gasparilla Island, is something of a throwback to the quieter days on the Gulf coast.
Since 1913, Gasparilla Inn has been a winter retreat for many wealthy visitors attracted by the excitement of tarpon fishing in Boca Grande Pass. An old lighthouse at the south end of the island is a local landmark. The abandoned railroad right-of-way is now a 7-mi/11-km bicycling and walking path, and the old station has been restored.
