Located on Gasparilla Island off the Gulf Coast, northwest of Fort Myers, Boca Grande is an affluent residential community recognized for excellent fishing. Among Boca Grande’s many charms is the Gasparilla Inn & Club, a hidden gem. Built in 1911 but maintained through renovations and updates, this luxurious resort preserves its old Florida charm. Also, from Boca Grande, if you have your own boat or can befriend someone who does, you’re within a short hop of Cayo Costa, a relaxed barrier island destination that moves at its own pace. With great fishing, oak-palm hammocks, mangrove swamps and miles of beautiful beaches, Cayo Costa retains its natural wilderness and sense of remoteness because – yes – you can get there only by boat.
Things To Do Around
September 2019
In The Know
Englewood
- Build a sand castle at Englewood Beach or play at the Englewood Beach Park which is now shaded!
- Walk the trails at Stump Pass Beach State Park
- The Elsie Quirk library is technically a Sarasota county library but it’s in Englewood and it has a great children’s section
- See a Charlotte Stone Crabs game on a night where the kids are free!
- Eat a picnic lunch at Indian Mound Park
- Play at the Ann Denver Memorial Park
- Look for bald eagles at Cedar Point Environmental Park
- Visit the Englewood Library and then play at the Tringali playground next door
- Play at the playground at Rotonda Park
- Go fishing on the El Jobean bridge
- Golfing near Rotonda gulf courses
Take a little ride down to Boca Grande for the day! It’s $6 to cross the bridge but there is a whole day of cheap or free fun on the other side! And it’s gorgeous there, ya’ll! Here are some things to do on Boca Grande Island with kids for free or cheap.
- Take a ride down Banyan Street on Boca Grande
- Visit the Boca Grande Farmers Market in season
- Visit the beautiful Boca Grande Library. It’s free and the kid’s section has it’s own little building with a butterfly reading garden. So cute!
- Visit the Port Boca Grande lighthouse museum
- Take the kids to the playground by the Gasperilla Inn & Club
- Take pictures on Banyan Street
- Check out one of the many Boca Grande beaches
A few free places that are close by but not in Englewood…
- Take a walk on the boardwalk at Ponce de Leon park
- Visit the Peace River Wildlife Center
- Splash around at the Laishley Splash Park and park
- Let the kids run around the play place at the Port Charlotte Mall
- Walk across the Punta Gorda Bridge at sunset or sunrise
- Play in the play place at Kid Star
- Splash at the splash pad or play at the playground at Atwater Park
- The North Port Library has a great children’s section
- Play at the play place at the Port Charlotte Mall
- Play at Live Oak Park
BOCA GRANDE
Sarasota
One of Florida’s primary Gulf Coast cities, Sarasota offers visitors an eclectic blend of culture and fine dining, circus thrills and pristine beaches, and a wide array of shopping opportunities. The John and Mable Ringling Museum of Art in Sarasota pays homage to the Ringlings, the family behind America’s most famous circus. Check out the old costumes, wagons, and the world’s largest miniature circus. Art lovers can appreciate the largest collections of Rubens canvasses in the world right in Sarasota, plus works by Old Masters. You can also tour Ca’ d’Zan Mansion, a magnificent 56-room Venetian Gothic palace and the Ringlings’ old family home. Fine shopping is available throughout Sarasota, including St. Armand’s Circle close to the coast.
