Glorious paradise, beautiful torquise water, not overcrowded. However unclear parking rules, makes it a bit stressful. Good shelling, shark teeth, and regularly see manatee. Most recent visit, a couple DOZEN swam right up to us as we were snorkling about 20 feet out from beach.
This is an exceptionally clean beach. Very private, peaceful, and secluded vibe.
What a magical place! Not crowded, educational sight seeing, and nice beaches. Too bad the rich people are in bed with the politicians and are closing the island down to outsiders.
This island is not easy to get to but worth the drive if you decide to go. There is a $6 charge to get over the bridge and they do take cash, debit cards, credit cards, and app payments.
The beach was nice (we parked in the sea wall parking lot) and the water was great! Our visit was in July and we had a difficult time finding parking as it is limited. You had to be in the right place at the right time to catch someone leaving and get a spot. I was told the key is to arrive early in the day.
Apparently there is a battle on this island around visitors parking and home owners. Some visitors have taken advantage of anything open and the onwers have gone to the extreme the other way and are trying to keep visitors to a minimum. Bottom line is the Sheriff now patrols and enforces parking rules. This is more so in the peak season.
The beach we visited was a little harder to access as we had to step down over a sea wall. It did not have fine sand and was more of a crushed shell beach. If you are hunting shells there were tons of smaller shells along the edge of the water.
The water was very warm and comfortable. We did feel a fairly strong current pushing us down the beach (parallel to the shore) if we go out past waist deep water.
The island also has a historic lighthouse which we did not visit as the parking lot was full. It is a very scenic island and most people would probably enjoy the drive around the island and visiting the local shops in Boca Grande.
**Beach Review**
During our week-long stay, we had a very pleasant experience at the beach. Here are the main points of our review:
- **Water**: The water is clean and calm, perfect for swimming and relaxing.
- **Waves**: The beach has few waves, ideal for families and those who prefer a quieter sea.
- **People**: The visitors are welcoming and friendly, making the environment even more enjoyable.
- **Crowds**: The beach is not very crowded, allowing for a more peaceful and comfortable atmosphere.
- **Ambiance**: Cozy and relaxing, ideal for those seeking rest and tranquility.
It was a very pleasant week, and we recommend this beach to anyone looking for a calm and welcoming place to spend their vacation.
Very peaceful and beautiful! Not over crowded regardless of what time you go. The people we ran into were all nice and welcoming. Everyone picks up after themselves. White sand, clear water.
Love this island. Been twice. Tarpon Fishing season at the pass gets busy. I like the laid-back atmosphere and beaches are aqua blue. September is a good time to go with no crowds. Some gorgeous unique trees growing and iguanas.
Beautiful, Just beautiful. Similar to Sanibel and Captiva. But less crowded, lots of parking & just a very relaxing atmosphere from the moment you enter the island. The scenery is very nice, lighthouse, Spanish style homes. 10/10 recommended. Parking is only $3 for the whole day. It’s a bit of a drive once you come off i75 but it’s worth the drive. ENJOY!!
Love you FL!!
-Lots of people. Lots of traffic... and it can be difficult to negotiate your way around in your vehicle with the excessive use of golf carts.
-Not much shore along most of the beach accesses; a little bit more sand along the state park areas.
-Descent places to eat (not cheap).
-Everything closes early (even the beach accesses).
One of my FAV beaches in Florida!! Lots of sea shells and a lot of the beach is made of sea shells and not sand. Pretty neat! Very quiet and peaceful, it's not a well known beach so it's usually not packed at all. Tucked away near 19th street , perfect FREE spots to park for the day to enjoy this gorgeous beach and turquoise blue waters!!!
Nice place. Shelling there is a must. Park rangers are very courteous and friendly. Small place to tour around. Only thing is most beaches are private and residents can tell you to move somewhere else away from their property. As for the rest, I found it as a nice place to visit with the family.
What a unique experience! We took the family for the day and this adventure certainly didnt disappoint. The island has such a fun feel to it. The locals primarily run around in golf carts and the island has a set of roads specifically for their carts. The beach is very nice. Excellent shelling beach!
The island is accessed by a private bridge, so you must pay $6 to get across - no toll back to the main land. Parking for the beach is plentiful. Most side streets end at the beach and you can park along the sides of the street. Parking at the state park is $3.
The beach was moderately busy, but nothing like fort meyer's beach or Englewood beach. Worth the trip if you're looking for a beautiful quiet beach!
Beautiful lighthouse and state park at the end of Gasparilla Island. The entire island is a wonderful slice of peace. You think you are on a Caribbean island.
