In the Sunshine State, where theme parks, palm trees, and sandy beaches are all the rage, there’s an oasis that very few people know about — Gasparilla Island. Moreover, this barrier island, resting within the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico, has its own concealed pearl —The Gasparilla Inn & Club.

Established in 1913, this grand dame of hospitality emanates a timeless elegance, a monument to its unrelenting loyalty to conserving the essence of Florida’s golden age. When you arrive, prepare to be fascinated by a resort that defies the usual Florida store. The Gasparilla Inn & Club provides a discreet getaway that even Floridians might not know about.

Where Is Gasparilla Island?

Gasparilla Island is very much the type of spot that one might unexpectedly come across. This slender island, connected to the mainland by the Boca Grande Causeway, has managed to evade the limelight.

So, it’s no surprise that the island has remained the clandestine escape for those in the know. It’s the Florida that few people talk about. It’s a serene paradise where the pace of life is measured in flip-flop steps rather than hurried strides.

In addition, Gasparilla Island is a bougainvillea-draped dreamscape. And that’s not all; the idyllic small residential community of Boca Grande feels like someone left their watch at the docks. Here, golf carts serve as chariots and antique homes hide among the tropical greenery.

The 110-Year Gasparilla Inn & Club

Embracing a period of refined manners and artful leisure, the Gasparilla Inn & Club is a time capsule of elegance. This refined haven on Gasparilla Island has been serving up sophistication since 1913. As such, it’s no surprise that the inn attracts a clientele that values more than just a good night’s sleep. When you enter, you will note the elegantly designed rooms adorned with antique furnishings and rich fabrics.

Each accommodation, from the cozy cottages to the expansive villas, exemplifies the inn’s dedication to providing an experience that honors its legacy. Begin your day with a leisurely walk along the immaculate beach and enjoy the soft sand caressing your feet. Then, as the sun rises higher in the sky, take a refreshing plunge in the beautiful pool, its waters reflecting the azure sky above.

Next, enjoy the island’s afternoons by taking in the breathtaking scenery. Take a guided fishing trip searching for the rare tarpon, a genuine emblem of Florida’s aquatic bounty. Or, you can rent a kayak or paddleboard and float through the tranquil mangrove woodlands. Unique boat tours await adventurers who dare venture beyond the island’s shores, taking them to hidden coves and ancient shipwrecks beneath the waters.

Evenings at The Gasparilla Inn & Club are full of delectable cuisine and enthralling entertainment. Dine under the stars in The Inn’s Dining Room, savoring fresh seafood and classic American cuisine.