Port Boca Grande Lighthouse Museum
Historic 1890 lighthouse and museum on Gasparilla Island, offering stunning Gulf views and local history.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Port Boca Grande Lighthouse Museum
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more peaceful
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Historic 1890 lighthouse and museum on Gasparilla Island, offering stunning Gulf views and local history.
"Beautiful lighthouse with a very interesting museum and great beach for shells."
🎯 Check Hours Before Visiting
Lighthouse museum hours can vary; confirm before your trip to avoid missing out! :calendar:
🚗 Parking Fee is Worth It
A small fee grants access to the lighthouse and beach parking. :parking:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Port Boca Grande Lighthouse
Gasparilla Island State Park
Climb to the top of this historic 1890 lighthouse for breathtaking Gulf views.
Lighthouse Museum
Inside the lighthouse
Discover local history, maritime artifacts, and regional wildlife exhibits.
Gasparilla Island Beach
Adjacent to the lighthouse
Enjoy soft sand, search for seashells, and relax by the Gulf waters.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Check Lighthouse Hours Before You Go
Parking and Fees
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Hours Before Visiting
Lighthouse museum hours can vary; confirm before your trip to avoid missing out! :calendar:
🚗 Parking Fee is Worth It
A small fee grants access to the lighthouse and beach parking. :parking:
🐚 Shell Hunting Paradise
The beach near the lighthouse is excellent for finding unique seashells. +1 :shell:
📸 Stunning Photo Ops
Capture the lighthouse against the Gulf backdrop or a vibrant sunset. +1 :camera:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Hours Before Visiting
Lighthouse museum hours can vary; confirm before your trip to avoid missing out! :calendar:
🚗 Parking Fee is Worth It
A small fee grants access to the lighthouse and beach parking. :parking:
🐚 Shell Hunting Paradise
The beach near the lighthouse is excellent for finding unique seashells. +1 :shell:
📸 Stunning Photo Ops
Capture the lighthouse against the Gulf backdrop or a vibrant sunset. +1 :camera:
🐬 Wildlife Sightings
Keep an eye out for dolphins and manatees in the surrounding waters. :dolphin:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse Museum for its historical significance, beautiful beach, and the rewarding climb to the top of the lighthouse. The museum's exhibits are noted as interesting and informative, and the surrounding area offers opportunities for wildlife spotting and shell collecting. Some visitors mention that the lighthouse may be closed unexpectedly, so checking hours is advised.
"Beautiful lighthouse with a very interesting museum. Many local and historic items in the museum. Small gift shop for souvenirs. Parking is $3 but it's worth the visit. Gravel parking lot at the lighthouse and large gravel parking lot at the adjacent beach area. Great place to look for sea shells. Currents can be strong here so maybe not a great place to swim."
Wayne L
"It's quite beautiful here near the lighthouse. You may even catch a double rainbow 🌈 🌈🥰🤩 unfortunately with our impromptu trip the lighthouse was closed, so check the hours if planning a trip."
Brenda Bonanno
"Perfect for a little day trip, we came from Fort Myers and had a great time! Several small shops nearby for ice cream and souvenirs. There is a beautiful beach if you would like to swim or relax too!"
John Hendricks
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The lighthouse is located on Gasparilla Island, accessible by car via a bridge. It's part of Gasparilla Island State Park. +1 Visitors often drive from nearby areas like Fort Myers.
Yes, there is a gravel parking lot directly at the lighthouse, and a larger one at the adjacent beach area. A small fee applies.
Yes, it's a short and scenic walk from the main parking lot at Gasparilla Island State Park to the lighthouse. 
The park is generally accessible, but check for any specific accessibility information regarding the lighthouse climb itself.
Many visitors explore the island by car, but biking is also a popular and enjoyable way to see the sights.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is a parking fee for the lighthouse area, and a fee for the lighthouse tour itself. It's recommended to check the official website for current pricing and tour availability.
The hours can vary, and the lighthouse may be closed on certain days. It's crucial to check the official hours before your visit.
Yes, there is typically an entrance fee for the state park, in addition to any specific fees for the lighthouse tour.
Yes, guided tours allow you to climb to the top of the lighthouse for incredible views. +1
Information on discounts is not widely available, but it's always a good idea to inquire directly with the park or museum staff.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can explore the museum exhibits, climb the lighthouse for panoramic views, and enjoy the adjacent beach. +1
The climb involves stairs, so it requires a moderate level of fitness. +1 Check with staff for any specific limitations.
Visitors have reported seeing dolphins and manatees in the waters near the lighthouse.
While beautiful, the currents can be strong, making it potentially not ideal for swimming. It's great for shell collecting and relaxing.
Yes, there's a small gift shop at the lighthouse for souvenirs, and other shops are nearby.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise and sunset offer dramatic lighting, with sunsets being particularly stunning over the Gulf.
Capture the lighthouse itself, panoramic views from the top, beach scenes, wildlife, and local art inspired by the lighthouse. +2
Drone usage is typically restricted in state parks. Check the specific park regulations before flying.
Experiment with angles from the beach, the surrounding park grounds, and from the top of the lighthouse itself.
Photography policies inside museums can vary. It's best to check for signage or ask staff for permission.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The panoramic views from the top of the lighthouse are breathtaking and offer unique perspectives. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
A Beacon of History: The Port Boca Grande Lighthouse
The lighthouse also houses a museum filled with fascinating exhibits. These displays delve into the island's history, showcasing local artifacts, information about regional wildlife, and the lighthouse's own operational past.
+1For those interested in the visual arts, the lighthouse has inspired numerous artists, with some creating beautiful oil paintings of this iconic structure.
Exploring Gasparilla Island: Beyond the Lighthouse
While the lighthouse itself is a primary draw, the island also boasts a small-town charm with nearby shops offering ice cream and souvenirs, perfect for a leisurely stroll after visiting the lighthouse.
For those seeking adventure, Boca Grande is also famous for tarpon fishing, with the lighthouse often serving as a picturesque backdrop for anglers.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit