If you’re searching for the perfect spot for a girls trip, Boca Grande, Florida, should be at the top of your list. I went last summer with two of my lifelong best friends and we had the most relaxing and fun-filled getaway!
One of the challenges when planning a girls weekend can be finding the right mix of activities, restaurants, and accommodations without feeling overwhelmed. Luckily, we knew several friends who visit the island often or have homes there, so we got a ton of insider recommendations that made our trip seamless and special.
In this post, I’m combining our first-hand experience, trusted local insights, and expert tips so you can plan a Boca Grande girls weekend that’s stress-free and unforgettable. Whether you’re looking for the best beaches, restaurants, or things to do, this guide covers everything we did and a few suggestions we didn’t have time for but came highly recommended!
By the end, you’ll have all the information you need to plan your own girls weekend in Boca Grande and maybe even start a new annual tradition with your best friends!
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Where to Stay in Boca Grande for a Girls Weekend
The Gasparilla Inn
If you’re planning a girls weekend in Boca Grande, there’s really only one place that comes to mind: The Gasparilla Inn. This iconic resort has been a staple on the island for over 100 years and was voted the #1 resort in Florida in 2025 by readers of Travel + Leisure and it’s very easy to see why!
The Gasparilla Inn perfectly blends Old Florida charm with modern comforts. From the elegant wallpapers and furnishings to the charming public spaces, every corner of the Inn feels like it was made for a girls getaway. Whether you’re lounging by the pool, enjoying cocktails in the lobby, or wandering the beachfront, the property has a classic, relaxed vibe that makes you feel instantly at ease.
We stayed here for our girls trip, and it was the perfect base for exploring the island, biking to South Beach, or just soaking up the sun at the Beach Club. If you’re looking for a place that’s beautiful, historic, and full of charm, The Gasparilla Inn is hands-down the spot for a girls weekend in Boca Grande.
Things to do in Boca Grande for a Girls Weekend
If you’re planning a girls weekend in Boca Grande, get ready for the ultimate mix of relaxation and fun! This charming Florida island is known for its quiet beaches, clear blue water, and laid-back atmosphere which is exactly what you need for quality time with your best friends!
During our girls getaway, we spent our days bouncing between the beach, pool, and spa (with a few boat rides and adventures mixed in). We also got plenty of local recommendations from friends who visit often, and they did not disappoint!
Whether you’re visiting for a long weekend or an extended stay, here are some of the best things to do in Boca Grande for a girls trip.
1. Have a Beach Day
The beaches in Boca Grande are absolutely stunning—soft white sand, calm turquoise water, and a peaceful atmosphere that feels worlds away from Florida’s busier spots.
You’ll definitely want to plan at least one full beach day (and probably more!). Pack a cooler, bring your favorite beach reads, and soak up the sunshine with your best friends.
For a girls getaway, it’s hard to beat a lazy day by the water with no agenda other than catching up and relaxing.
2. Relax at The Pool
If you’re staying at The Gasparilla Inn, the Beach Club pools are another dreamy spot to unwind. Once you’ve had your fill of sand, grab a lounge chair by the pool, order a round of drinks, and enjoy the ocean breeze.
We spent an afternoon here after our beach day and loved the laid-back yet luxurious vibe which is perfect for a girls weekend in Boca Grande when you want to switch things up.
3. Have Spa Treatments
No girls trip is complete without a little pampering, and the spa at The Inn is wonderful. My friends absolutely raved about their massages!
I was about nine weeks pregnant at the time, so I had to skip the massage, but could have done a facial if we’d planned better!
If you’re planning your own girls getaway, book your spa appointments early since spots fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
4. Take a Boat Cruise
Getting out on the water is a must while you’re in Boca Grande. Whether you choose a sunset cruise or a half-day boat charter, you’ll get to see the island from a totally different perspective. This is who we booked with and if you’re a girls group, it’s great to go out with another girl who knows they water ways so well!
Some boats even offer private charters where you can swim, snorkel, or stop at nearby islands. You could also book a fishing charter too. It’s a great place to fish for tarpon depending on season.
Just don’t forget the champagne for sunset!
5. Explore the Downtown Area & Shopping
Downtown Boca Grande is small but full of charm. You’ll find adorable boutiques, beachy home stores, and a few great spots for coffee or lunch.
It’s the perfect place to wander for a few hours and pick up a souvenir or two.
We loved popping into the local shops and chatting with the friendly owners. It gives the whole island such a welcoming, small-town feel.
6. Ride Bikes to South Beach
One of the best ways to explore Boca Grande is by bike and I wish we had an extra day to do this! The island is super bike-friendly and the ride to South Beach is supposed to be beautiful. You’ll pass pastel-colored cottages, tropical landscaping, and some seriously impressive homes along the way.
Once you arrive, grab lunch at South Beach Bar & Grille and enjoy the view before heading back. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon on your girls trip and you’ll feel like you earned that extra cocktail later!
Where to Eat in Boca Grande with a Girls Group
One of my favorite parts of any girls trip is finding great places to eat and Boca Grande definitely delivers. The island may be small, but the dining options are surprisingly good, ranging from laid-back lunch spots to elegant dinners with a view.
Whether you’re in the mood for pizza and wine or fresh seafood by the beach, here are some of the best places to eat during your girls weekend in Boca Grande.
1. The Pink Elephant
The Pink Elephant is one of the most popular spots in Boca Grande and a must for any girls getaway. The inside is a bit more upscale, while the outdoor area has a relaxed, coastal vibe.
We made a reservation for upstairs and sat on the outdoor porch—it was perfect for catching up over cocktails and seafood. Definitely make a resy ahead of time if you’re visiting on a weekend!
2. Sister’s Pizza
For a casual dinner after a long beach day, Sister’s Pizza is such a fun and easy choice. Their pizzas and salads are delicious, and the atmosphere is super laid-back.
Fun fact: if you’re a Clemson fan, you’ll love that Dabo Swinney is friends with the owners and a big fan of the restaurant too.
3. Gasparilla Inn Beach Club
If you’re staying at The Gasparilla Inn, you’ll probably find yourself having lunch at the Beach Club often because it’s just that good. The setting is gorgeous, right by the pool and beach, and the menu is full of fresh, flavorful options. It’s ideal for a relaxed midday meal with your girlfriends before heading back to the sand or pool loungers.
4. Bella Vida
Bella Vida became our go-to breakfast spot during our girls trip to Boca Grande. It’s bright, casual, and serves great coffee, smoothies, and açaí bowls. It’s the perfect spot to start your day before heading out to the beach or exploring the island by bike.
5. BZ’s for Cocktails & Apps
BZ’s, the bar at The Gasparilla Inn, is a great place for pre-dinner drinks or light bites. The outdoor patio overlooks the golf course and the vibe is relaxed yet refined. Inside is a different feel like an old Floridian lounge!
We ordered a few cocktails and shared the mezze plate and everything was delicious. It’s a great spot to unwind before heading to dinner or to wrap up your night with one last drink together.
6. Tortuga Mexican
One afternoon, we grabbed tacos to-go from Tortuga Mexican and brought them down to the beach. It was such a good call! The food was fresh and flavorful, and it hit the spot after a morning in the sun. Definitely add this to your list for a casual lunch option during your girls weekend in Boca Grande.
7. The Temptation (The Temp)
Known as “The Temp” by locals, this spot has a vintage Florida feel and serves up great seafood and cocktails.
We stopped by the bar for drinks and it was fun, though not my personal favorite. Still, it’s worth checking out for the experience if you want to see one of Boca Grande’s longtime favorites.
8. South Beach Bar & Grille
Located at the far end of the island, South Beach Bar & Grille is the perfect excuse for a scenic bike ride. The restaurant sits right on the beach, so you can dine with your toes practically in the sand.
Go for lunch, enjoy the ocean views, and cool off with a drink before heading back. It’s such a classic Boca Grande experience for a girls getaway.
9. Scarpa’s
Great for Italian food on the If you’re craving Italian food, Scarpa’s is the place to go and was recommended by many of our friends that visit often! We didn’t have time to go on our 3 day trip, but it’s worth checking out!
The atmosphere is relaxed but elevated, and it’s great for a nice dinner out with your friends. The pasta dishes are amazing, and it’s family-friendly too if you’re ever visiting with kids in the future.
10. The Pink Pony
No trip to Boca Grande is complete without a stop at The Pink Pony for ice cream. It’s the perfect way to end a sunny day on the island. Grab a cone and stroll through downtown!
How to Get to Boca Grande
Getting to Boca Grande is easy, which makes it even better for a quick girls weekend getaway. You can fly into either Sarasota (SRQ) or Fort Myers (RSW)—both airports are about an hour’s drive from the island.
We personally flew into Sarasota because the flight times worked out best for us, and the drive down was super easy. If you’re renting a car, it’s a scenic and straightforward route.
You can also take an Uber or private transfer, but be sure to bring a little cash for the small toll on the causeway that leads into Boca Grande.
Once you cross the bridge, you’ll instantly feel the pace slow down. It’s the perfect start to a relaxing girls trip.
Best Time to Visit Boca Grande
We visited Boca Grande in June, and while it was beautiful, it was definitely hot! If you’re planning a girls trip or weekend getaway, the best time to visit is early spring, fall, or winter when the weather is warm but not sweltering.
Keep in mind that The Gasparilla Inn, the island’s most iconic hotel, closes annually from mid-July to early October for the off-season. Many restaurants and shops also take a break during that time, so it’s best to plan your girls getaway outside of those months.
Spring is especially lovely while the days are sunny, the water is crystal clear, and the island has a relaxed, uncrowded feel that’s perfect for a girls weekend in Boca Grande.
Do you Need a Golf Cart in Boca Grande?
Whether you need a golf cart really depends on your group and what you want to do. If you have kids with you or mobility concerns, renting a golf cart can be a smart choice. It makes getting around the island easy and fun.
For a girls trip, though, bikes or walking are usually all you need. We stayed at The Gasparilla Inn, and they offer a golf cart if you want a quick ride to the beach or nearby restaurants. Most of the time, though, we just walked everywhere—Boca Grande is small, charming, and very walkable, which is part of what makes a girls weekend here so relaxing.
What to Pack for Boca Grande, Florida
The vibe in Boca Grande is island-casual resort wear, so your packing list can be fun, colorful, and super comfortable. Most of the time, you’ll be in swimsuits, cover-ups, sandals, and sundresses—perfect for beach days, poolside lounging, and casual dinners.
If you’re staying at The Gasparilla Inn, keep in mind that some spaces and restaurants do have dress codes, so pack a few slightly dressier outfits for dinner or cocktails. Think breezy maxi dresses, linen pants, or a cute blouse with shorts. Here are their rules for reference!
Don’t be afraid to embrace tropical prints and bright colors since they match the island vibe and look great in photos for your girls trip.
Other essentials to bring include sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and reef-safe sunscreen. Bonus: a small crossbody bag or tote for biking or walking around downtown will make exploring super easy. And don’t forget a beach tote!
Pack light, pack bright, and you’ll be ready for a girls weekend in Boca Grande full of sun, fun, and relaxation. Here’s a few outfit ideas to get you ready!
The Wrap Up: Girls Trip to Boca Grande, Florida
Boca Grande is the ultimate spot for a girls trip—from lounging on gorgeous beaches and exploring the island by bike, to indulging in spa treatments, cocktails, and delicious meals. Whether you’re planning a short girls weekend or a longer girls getaway, the island makes it easy to relax, reconnect, and make memories with your best friends.
If you’re feeling inspired but want a little help planning, I offer travel planning services and would love to help you create your dream girls trip to Boca Grande. From accommodations and dining to activities and transportation, I can make sure your weekend is seamless, stress-free, and full of fun. Reach out here and let’s start planning!
Also Read: Best Destinations for a Girls Trip around the World!
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