Florida Town Named Best Small Beach Town In America
According to the folks at “Travel & Leisure”, the best small beach town in 2023 is an idyllic spot on the Gulf of Mexico that barely escaped total destruction from Hurricane Ian last year. Don’t get me wrong, the damage was devastating, just as it was for many of our west coast treasures in the Sunshine State like Sanibel and Captiva.
But year-round residents and business owners are resilient and determined, so today Gasparilla Island and its main town that we celebrate today, Boca Grande, still boast crystal clear waters, a beautiful bike path, and much more. Some have said it’s like stepping back in time.
Anyone who has spent time there will tell you the beaches are immaculate, and the water is sparkling, and loaded with sea life. One of the big draws of Boca Grande is game fishing for tarpon in the deep-water pass.
If fishing isn’t your thing, there are two lighthouses with a museum and state park at the south end of the island, as well as a scenic bike path that will take you from one end of the island to the other. If it’s too hot for a bike ride, rent a golf cart and have at it on the bike trail.
When should you visit Boca Grande?
That depends how much solitude you like, and how much heat you can take. It’s busiest from Thanksgiving through spring break, when northerners are looking for an escape from the snow. Then they roll into tarpon season which lasts through July.
If you want true peace and quiet, plan your visit in August or September, when many businesses are closed. But that includes some hotels, too, so make sure you take care of making accommodations before you arrive during the late summer.
Get more ideas on what to do and where to stay in Boca Grande from “Travel and Leisure”.
7 Florida Beaches Where You Can Legally Drink Alcohol
St. Pete Beach
Alcohol beverages are allowed on the sand at beachfront hotels, but this is limited to hotel guests.
Redington Beach
Redington Beach is one of the few beaches that allows alcohol no ordinances against glass bottles. Although it is still strongly discouraged to bring glass on the beach.
Siesta Beach
Not only does Siesta beach have some of the softest sand and clearest waters. But you can also sip on a High Noon as you enjoy the gorgeous views.
