Day trips from Fort Myers
Day Trip from Fort Myers to Boca Grande
Photo by Ebyabe via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 3.0
Drive time
1 hour 15 minutes
Distance
55 mi
Typical cost
$25–$50 per person (toll and parking)
Best season
November–June (tarpon peaks May–June)
Best for: Quiet beaches, tarpon fishing, old-Florida character
How to get there
Take US-41 or I-75 north to Placida, then the Boca Grande Causeway toll bridge onto Gasparilla Island. There is a per-vehicle toll each way.
Hour-by-hour itinerary
- 9:00amCross the causewayHave cash or a SunPass; the toll booth is at the mainland end.
- 9:45amBoca Grande LighthouseThe 1890 lighthouse and museum at the island's south tip.
- 11:00amBeach timeBeaches here are quiet even in season; shark teeth are a common find.
- 1:00pmLunch in the villagePark Avenue has a handful of long-running local restaurants.
- 2:30pmBike the rail-trailA flat eight-mile paved path runs the length of the island.
Highlights
- Boca Grande Lighthouse
- Gasparilla Island State Park
- Boca Grande Bike Path
- Tarpon fishing in Boca Grande Pass
- Park Avenue village
Tips from our editors
- The causeway toll is charged per crossing — factor it into your budget
- Boca Grande Pass is the tarpon capital of the world; charters book out for May and June
- The island has limited services — fill your tank on the mainland
Book a guided Boca Grande tour
Prefer not to drive? Compare guided day tours departing the Fort Myers area.
Browse Boca Grande ToursOther day trips from Fort Myers
Frequently asked questions
Is Boca Grande worth visiting from Fort Myers?
Yes, if you want quiet. Boca Grande has some of the least crowded Gulf beaches within easy reach of Fort Myers and a genuinely preserved old-Florida village, though it has fewer restaurants and attractions than Sanibel or Naples.
How much is the Boca Grande toll?
The Boca Grande Causeway charges a per-vehicle toll on each crossing. Rates change periodically — check the current rate with the Gasparilla Island Bridge Authority before you travel.