Gasparilla Island, Florida

Gasparilla Island is a barrier island in southwest Florida, United States, on the border of Charlotte and Lee Counties. Its largest town is Boca Grande, and it is the location of the Gasparilla Island State Park.

Gasparilla was an important stop for phosphate shipping until the dredging of the Port of Tampa, and was a major vacation destination for the elite from Tampa and Fort Myers. Though shipping has declined substantially since the turn of the 20th century, tourism remains important to the island's economy.

According to Florida folklore, Gasparilla Island gets its name from the legendary pirate captain José Gaspar ("Gasparilla", c. 1756 – 1821), who had his base on the island and hid his fabulous treasure there. Much of the development of this legend is the result of promotion by a local hotel and railroad line, however, and is likely apocryphal. The name "Gasparilla" appears on maps dating to well before the time of the buccaneer; historians have suggested the island was named for a Spanish missionary named Gaspar or Gasparillo.

A trio of pet Mexican Spinytailed Iguanas, Ctenosaura pectinata, released on Gasparilla Island by a resident in the 1970s has led to a current population explosion of over 12,000 lizards.

Gasparilla Island is known for its fabulous tarpon fishing which gave it the nickname of "The Tarpon Capital of the World". Each year, a tarpon tournament is held in early May. Coordinates: 26°45′51″N 82°15′56″W / 26.76427°N 82.26543°W / 26.76427; -82.26543

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Gasparilla Island Beach Rentals Save You Money

Renting a beach vacation home in Gasparilla Island can save you up to 50% over staying in a hotel. And that's not even including how much you'll save by not having to eat at restaurants for 3 meals/day. Having the space of a kitchen, dining room, and living room compared to a single small hotel room is a huge value! Life is too short and vacations are too few...trade in that small hotel room for a beach vacation rental in Gasparilla Island.

Families Love Gasparilla Island Beach Vacation Rentals

The beauty of renting a beach vacation home in Gasparilla Island is that it saves money *and* works out so much better for the family. The kids get their own bedrooms, and more importantly, bathrooms. There is more space for the family to spread out with a living room and dining room. More privacy, no more noisy hotel room neighbors on the other side of the wall. It's a home away from home, providing a kitchen where you can eat at your own schedule and feed the kids snacks as well as deal with any dietary restrictions you have. Many homes also give you a washer & dryer and have their own pool and allow you to bring your pets. Some are in complexes that have health clubs, cafes, and spas.

And vacation homes in Gasparilla Island are not just for a couple or small family, they are especially great for family reunions or big groups vacationing together. When you are in a vacation home you are more connected into the local scene where you can get to know the locals better, you also have the chance to get further off the beaten beach path if that's what you're looking for.

Pet Friendly Vacation Rentals in Gasparilla Island

Why leave your dog at home? Bring your family pet along on vacation - they deserve a break too! What's better than running along the beach with your dog or curling up in a beach vacation rental with your kitty culred up with you? Check out all the pet friendly vacation rentals in Gasparilla Island.

Gasparilla Island Vacation Rentals for Smokers or Non-Smokers

Are you a smoker? Having problem finding Beach vacation rentals that allow smoking? Don't be left out of a great beach vacation rental in Gasparilla Island just because you smoke. Check out all the smoking vacation rentals in Gasparilla Island. On the other hand, maybe you hate smoke! If that's the case, check out all the smoke-free vacation rentals in Gasparilla Island.