Gasparilla Island State Park

This parks centers on the restored, historic Boca Grande lighthouse, which was a beacon to mariners since 1890. The interior has been converted into a museum featuring old photographs, bones, fossils, shells and exhibits dedicated to the area's first inhabitants (open 10am to 4pm Monday to Saturday, from noon Sunday). Apart from touring the lighthouse, guests often swim, snorkel, fish or shell hunt on the park's virtually deserted beaches.