Welcome to Gasparilla Island State Park

Separated from the mainland by Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island Sound, this island is part of a chain of Gulf Coast barrier islands. The centerpiece of Gasparilla is the restored Boca Grande Lighthouse built in 1890. Swimming, snorkeling, fishing, and nature study are popular activities. Shelling is particularly good in the winter months. Two picnic areas offer pavilions for shade and scenic views of the surrounding water. The lighthouse is open to the public 10:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. daily from November through April. From May through October it is open Monday through Friday. It is closed on these major holidays: New Years Day, Martin Luther King´s Birthday, Easter, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas. Visit www.barrierislandparkssociety.org for more information. Located on the south end of Gasparilla Island on the Boca Grande Causeway (private toll) at County Road 775 and Placida.

Contact the Florida Park Service Information Center for general inquiries.
For Information about Gasparilla Island State Park, please call 941-964-0375.

Hours of Operation

Florida state parks are open from 8 a.m. until sundown 365 days a year.

Driving Directions

Gasparilla Island is a barrier island on Florida's southwest coast. Access to the island is via the Boca Grande Causeway at C.R. 775 and Placida.

Park Fees

Admission Fees - Honor $2.00 for up to 8 people per vehicle.

Activities at Gasparilla Island State Park

	Beaches Pristine beach on the Gulf of Mexico. This beach is perfect for shelling, swimming, snorkeling, fishing, and sunbathing.
	Bicycling Enjoy a leisurely bike ride on our trails, which meander through our beautiful barrier island. You must furnish your own bikes.
	Canoeing & Kayaking You must furnish your own canoe or kayak. (More info will be added).
	Facilities Bathroom facilities are available and ADA accessible.
	Fishing The Gulf of Mexico beaches provide year-round excellent saltwater fishing in the waters adjacent to the park and in the deep waters of Boca Grande Pass. Do you need a Fishing License?
	Hiking/Nature Trails Enjoy a leisurely walk on our nature trails, which meander through our beautiful barrier island. Along the way you can see many species of birds, including several rare and endangered, that visit our island in the spring and fall, during their migratory journeys. Some of these species use our island’s natural resources for their nesting activities.
	Interpretive Exhibit These programs, given by our rangers, cover a wide variety of topics including the history of the island and interpretation of the natural resources found on the island. (More info will be added)
	Pets Pets are allowed in this park, however, not on the beaches. They must be well-behaved and kept on a six-foot, hand-held leash at all times. Pets must not be left unattended, nor taken into restroom facilities or onto playground equipment. Service animals are welcome in all areas and buildings of the park, as required by law. Scuba: Scuba diving can be done off of the beaches.
	Picnicking Two picnic areas, with covered tables and restroom facilities, are located in the park which offer scenic views of the surrounding water.
	Shelling Gasparilla Island State Park offers good shelling, especially during the winter months. Visitors are reminded that the taking of live shells is prohibited.
	Showers Outdoor fresh water showers/rinses are available for rinsing off after a day at the beach/park.
	Snorkeling Snorkel in the pristine, blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico. You must provide you own equipment.
	Swimming Swimming and sunbathing are very popular activities and along the gulfside of the island are four parking areas, Range Light, Sea Grape, Dunes, and Seawall, which offer access to our beautiful gulf beaches.
	Visitors Center Please come and visit the Lighthouse Museum & Visitor Center. Located in the park is the Boca Grande Lighthouse Museum. Also located in the Lighthouse Parking Area is the restored Amory Memorial Chapel. This chapel was built in the 1950s and served the residents of the dormitories that were located in what is now the Dunes Parking Area. The chapel is available to rent for public and private events.
	Wildlife Viewing Some of the protected animal species that may be seen on the island are the West Indian manatee, gopher tortoise, southern bald eagle, least tern, royal tern, sandwich tern and the American oystercatcher.

Special Events for Gasparilla Island State Park

• JUST READ, FLORIDA!
  Date: Friday, September 12th at 10 a.m. to 12 noon and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m.
  Description: Join Toni Vanover for Story Time for the whole family at the Gasparilla Lighthouse Museum. Afterwards enjoy a free drink and cookies. All Gift Shop Books 10% off - 10am to 4pm.
  Fees: This year, free entry into state parks with a library book, library card or book donation will occur from Sunday, September 7 through Saturday, September 13.
  Contact: Call the park at 941-964-0375
  

Gasparilla Island State Park Ranger Programs

Gasparilla Island State Park History

Gasparilla Island State Park Volunteer Information

Volunteers can do many things -- greet visitors, conduct tours, help rangers remove exotic plants or maintain the natural beauty of a beach, waterway or trail.

Visit the Main Volunteer page for information on volunteering in Florida State Parks

Visit the Main Volunteer page at http://www.floridastateparks.org/volunteers/default.cfm for more detailed Information

Gasparilla Island State Park

P.O. Box 1150
Boca Grande, Florida 33921
Phone: 941-964-0375
Fax: 941-964-1154

Citizen Support Organization

Barrier Island Parks Society
Sharon McKenzie, CSO Executive Director
Gasparilla Lighthouse
Post Office Box 637
Boca Grande, FL 33921
941-964-0060