North Side of Boca Grande

Question

First time visitors to Boca Grande. We found a house to rent on the north end of Boca Grande (north of Boca Grande Hotel) but sounds like the beach accesses are 3 miles south of there. We'll want to go to town and back and forth to beach often. I've read the north end is preferable but now digging in sounds like we'd prefer to be on south end or middle of island. Any thoughts on far north location? Thanks!

Answer

Visiting Boca Grande for the first time is exciting, and choosing the right location on the island can make a big difference in convenience and overall experience. The north end of Boca Grande, while quieter and more secluded, does come with trade-offs, especially if you plan to go to the main beach accesses and town frequently.

Here’s a breakdown of what to consider about the north end:

The north end is definitely more peaceful and private, with fewer houses and less foot traffic. It’s ideal if you want a serene environment and don’t mind driving a bit for amenities or beach access.
Beach accesses are generally located closer to the central and southern portions of the island, roughly 2-3 miles from the north end. This means you’ll likely need to drive or bike to the main beaches regularly.
Dining, shopping, and the town center are also in the mid- to southern sections. Staying far north will require repeated trips south for groceries, restaurants, or other services.
Parking at public beach accesses can fill up, especially during peak season. Being farther away may mean extra planning and travel time for beach days.

If convenience is important and you want easy walking or biking access to both the beach and the town center, staying in the middle or southern part of the island is generally recommended. You’ll be closer to:

Main beach accesses without needing to drive each time.
Restaurants, bars, and shops in the town area.
Rental facilities, bike shops, and other tourist conveniences.

That said, if your priority is privacy and a quieter setting, the north end is a lovely spot. You just need to be comfortable with the short drives or bike rides to the beach and town.

In summary, the north end offers tranquility and fewer neighbors, but the middle or south end is much more convenient for beach and town access. It really depends on whether you value seclusion over convenience.