Road Biking
Gasparilla Island - Boca Grande Trail
Gasparilla Island, Florida
Riding through a cool town and along beaches while dodging iguanas!
by Dana Farnsworth, Outdoor Travels
The first rail trail built in Florida may be one of the shortest, one of the most picturesque and at times, one of the most fun. Running the length of Gasparilla Island which is nestled in the Gulf of Mexico, this trail is the backbone of the reasonably posh town of Boca Grande. At only 6.5 miles in length, my wife Kelli and I left our road bikes at home and broke out our low and slow styling cruiser bikes. We couldn’t have made a better choice!
The Gasparilla Island Trail is never far from the water. In fact, at times we found ourselves riding along side the beach. If you would like to make a day out of your ride, bring your beach accessories along! There are more than a few places to stop and access a beautiful gulf beach. Finding a good starting point is relatively easy too. After you arrive onto the island via a toll plaza (it costs a couple of bucks to get onto the island) you’ll soon see the trail immediately to your left. We drove a few miles and started in the town of Boca Grande. If you wish, driving to the southern end is also a good starting point. The southern terminus is at Gasparilla Island State Park. While entering the park requires a small fee, there is no need to enter if riding is your only priority as there is a parking lot just outside of the park.
We chose to mount our cruisers and head to the southern terminus first. Riding through Boca Grande you’ll be amazed at how clean and manicured the trail is. This neighborhood loves its trail! The town is small and charming. Golf carts and bicycles seemingly outnumber automobiles. Riding south through nice neighborhoods, you’ll more than likely spot one of the landmarks of the trail - iguana’s of all sizes zipping across the trail. Apparently a few pioneering lizards emancipated themselves from their owners and began a torrid breeding frenzy that resulted in a healthy population of free range reptilian road hazards!
Passing beaches and a cool older lighthouse, you’ll quickly find yourself at the southern terminus (this is a short trail even on cruiser bikes). Upon returning to Boca Grande, we decided to stop at the Loose Caboose for lunch. You can’t miss this trailside landmark as it is a large old remolded train station. In a wonderful spot to people watch, you can enjoy great food, cold beer and ice cream if you so desire. I myself don’t mix dairy products with beer. Which is to say I didn't have any ice cream.
Riding onto the northern terminus, you’ll undoubtedly spot more iguanas, residents on golf carts and other riders. The section north of Boca Grande is well kept, but less scenic as a healthy mangrove covers the ocean view one would have otherwise. It also ends rather unceremoniously at a road crossing. Overall, this trail won’t provide you with a great workout or a great adventure - but then again, this isn’t your average trail. The Gasparilla Island trail exists for two reasons: 1. A great way for locals to get around and 2. A wonderful opportunity for visitors to get in a fun, picturesque and relaxing adventure. Do take your slowest bike and do leave your tri-bike and racing mindset at home. Oh, and make sure to leave your spandex shorts at home too.
Trail Snapshot
Trail Length/Surface: 6.5 miles, paved
Difficulty: REALLY easy
Outdoor Travels Rating:
3 out of 5 bikes. Leave your expectations of exercise at home and enjoy the view, food, beaches and cold beer!
Nuts & Bolts
Location: 16001 West State Road 84, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33326
Fee: There is a toll to enter the island and an admission fee if you enter Gasparilla Island State Park.
County: Lee, Charlotte
Nearby Cities: Port Charlotte, Venice
Access/Directions:
Gasparilla Island State Park
There are many areas to access the trail along the island’s main road (CR 771), but a good starting point is Gasparilla Island State Park. From Port Charlotte, take SR 776 to SR 775 (Placida Avenue). Turn left (heading south) on SR 775 and follow this road (which eventually becomes CR 771) to enter the island via the Boca Grande Causeway. Follow this road until you reach the park on the south end of the island. The trail starts across Belcher Road.
Contact Information:
Gasparilla Island Conservation & Improvement Association
PO Box 446
Boca Grande, FL 33921
(941) 964-2667
Facilities: Boca Grande has just about everything you could need or want.
Activities: Bike cruising, rollerblading, jogging, walking, beach access, siteseeing, etc.
Rentals: Bike rentals are available in Boca Grande
Maps and Stuff
Trail Photos
Lots of great photos to give you a good idea of what riding here is like!
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