Gasparilla Island vacation rentals

Aquamarine waters, endless stretches of white-sand beaches, and palm-lined walking paths adorn this barrier island in the waters of southwest Florida’s Gulf Coast. Gasparilla Island functioned as a fishing village for much of its history, and today is also a popular wintering destination among a certain celebrity set. Along Gasparilla Island’s waterfront, golf carts zip up and down the coast, and you’ll find bohemian cafes, fresh seafood restaurants, and a shopping complex inside a converted 20th-century train station.

A gateway to Gasparilla Sound and Charlotte Harbor, Gasparilla Island is renowned for its world-class tarpon fishing, easy access to surrounding nature reserves, and a continuous seven-mile stretch of pristine beach. Swimming, kayaking, and hiking through the region’s mangrove forests are some of the region’s more popular activities. Visiting the area’s historic lighthouses and enjoying sunset picnics on the beach are among the many memorable experiences you can enjoy here.

Gasparilla Island’s sunny Gulf Coast climate bestows it with pleasant year-round conditions — sunlit days, clear blue skies, and breezy afternoons among the miles of palm-lined beaches. Temperatures vary between the summer and winter months somewhat, but they tend not to drop below uncomfortable levels for swimming or other ocean-bound recreation. Rainfall tends to increase towards the latter half of summer with the arrival of hurricane season, though visitors can still be found in the area during this time. The shoulder season’s warmer temperatures, lack of accompanying rainfall, and myriad events in the surrounding communities make this an excellent time to look for vacation rentals on Gasparilla Island. One of the more prominent events in the region is a large sand sculpting festival that takes place every November in Fort Myers. This 10-day competition welcomes sand sculptors from around the world.

Port Boca Grande Lighthouse & Museum

Beginning operation in 1890, this lighthouse is the oldest structure on Gasparilla Island and the only beacon on Florida’s west coast open to the public. Located in the Gasparilla Island State Park, the lighthouse formerly housed a private residence on its ground level, now transformed into a museum detailing the region’s cultural history, ranging from indigenous cultures that date back more than 12,000 years to the now-famous fishing the area is known for.

Cape Haze Aquatic Preserve

This collection of protected mangrove islands and seagrass ecologies is home to more than 200 species of fish and several species of migratory birds. Bordered by the Gasparilla Sound to the west and Charlotte Harbor to the south, Cape Haze Aquatic Preserve is a popular snorkeling spot. You can also rent a kayak to explore the winding mangrove forests along the waterfront.

Little Gasparilla Island

The smaller cousin of Gasparilla Island, this rural retreat is cut off from the mainland and is only accessible to private boats or water taxis. Along the wide sandy paths, you’ll find golf carts — the only form of motorized transport allowed on the island — cruising up and down the coast amid a picturesque backdrop of pristine beaches.