Range Light Beach

Boca Grande, FL

Range Light Beach is another great beach in Boca Grande and is one of two parks that have historic lighthouses on the island. It’s a perfect place to spend the day.

RELAXING BEACH SETTING

Range Light Beach is the closest State Park beach to downtown Boca Grande. This beach is famous for its tall, steel lighthouse that lies beyond the sand dune. The sand is white and powdery and the water is absolutely perfect. In addition, there’s a small reef about 30 yards off the beach that’s great for snorkeling on a calm day when the water is crystal clear.

ANOTHER AMAZING BEACH NEARBY

NICE AMENITIES

Unlike Sea Grape Beach to the south, Range Light Beach has lots of nice amenities. This beach has a picnic area and restrooms as well as a shower to rinse off. In addition, there isn’t a ramp or stairs to climb and the beach is within walking distance to the center of town. The one thing worth mentioning is the parking lot isn’t big so it tends to fill up quickly. As with the rest of the parks that make up Gasparilla Island State Park, the cost to park at Range Light Beach is $3.

CLICK HERE TO SEE BOCA GRANDE’S EXCELLENT BIKE PATH

BOCA GRANDE BEAUTY

Boca Grande is my favorite beach town in all of Florida and is kind of a hidden gem. I believe that this is a result from its proximity to I-75 and the fact that Boca Grande isn’t really near any big city. Boca Grande is a 1 hour drive from Sarasota and about the same distance from Ft. Myers. The island has an interesting history and consists of amazing homes, fantastic shops and restaurants and world-class beaches and fishing. It’s also the gateway to Charlotte Harbor, one of the best boating areas in the nation.

LIGHTHOUSE HISTORY

The lighthouse began its life near Lewes, Delaware. After it was decommissioned, the structure was moved to Boca Grande and erected in 1927. However, it took some time to begin operation, and in 1932 it was first lit. The range light was of great commercial importance during when Boca Grande was a major phosphate center as it guided ships from all over the world. The structure is 105 feet tall and still shines brightly today. More information about Range Light Beach and Boca Grande can be found by visiting the Boca Grande Historical Society.