Take a boat tour to Boca Grande. An old Florida village that attracted wealthy Americans like the Vanderbilt’s around 1910 and the rest is history as they say. The area is world renowned for Tarpon fishing and hosting famous beachcombers like the Bush’s. Rent a bike and go to the Boca Grande Lighthouse Museum at the southern end of the island. It is a donation-appreciated museum that displays the islands history, local seashells, and sea life. There is a large beach here, but this is Boca Grande Pass and swimming is dangerous. Fishing is excellent from the beach.
Don’t miss Banyon St., which has the largest collection of banyans I’ve ever seen. They form a canopy over the road and create a nostalgic atmosphere. The homes are excellent examples of old Florida architecture.
There are plenty of shops offering art, clothing, accessories, fishing gear, and souvenirs of a higher quality. The Loose Caboose has great ice cream that will cool you off on a hot day. The Gasparilla Inn is a wonderful old resort to walk around. This is where former President Bush stayed recently. The ambience has an historic feel.
Boca Grande is a must see and different than Captiva, so you can experience the diversity of Florida.