Beaches

The beaches of Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands line miles of the Gulf coast. Easily accessible yet quiet and remote enough to attract abundant birds, dolphins, sea turtles and other wildlife, they are a local treasure. There are no big crowds here, just plenty of white sand lapped by gentle waves from the Gulf of Mexico and decorated with colorful shells.

You can’t talk about Florida without talking about the gorgeous beaches and Port Charlotte is no exception. Tucked away from the crowds of the Gulf of Mexico, the beaches in the Charlotte County area are exceptionally well-maintained and offer recreational options that you just don’t find on the typical public beach. Port Charlotte Beach, located along the waters of Charlotte Harbor, is ideally suited for families and casual swimmers alike. Beyond the beach itself, you’ll find a pristine, heated swimming pool, a picnic area, barbecue grills, a horseshoe area, a bocce area and a playground. For those that are sports minded, you’ll enjoy the basketball, tennis and volleyball courts as well as launches for boating and canoeing or kayaking.  Covered pavilions are available both for public use and private rental as are room rentals of varying capacities. Restroom facilities are on the premises as well and parking is ample and reasonable, just seventy-five cents per hour or you can opt to purchase a seasonal pass.

Head north a little bit and you’ll find Englewood Beach/Chadwick Park. With many of the same amenities as Port Charlotte Beach, you’ll be able to enjoy fishing, sporting activities, a playground for the kids, barbecue & picnic areas, a swimming pool and convenient parking. The Englewood/Chadwick facility is known for its long boardwalks which provide the opportunity for a leisurely stroll or a great perch for bird-watching.   Move on further west and you’ll find Stump Pass Beach State Park on Manasota Key with its huge stretches of sparkling white sands and secluded areas for swimming and sunbathing. Those with an interest in shells and fossils will find this beach of special interest as it is not uncommon to find natural treasures while walking the beach.

For something a bit more exclusive, think about visiting Cayo Costa State Park. Accessible only by private boat or a reservations-required ferry which leaves from Pine Island in Lee County, this barrier island features several miles of the most pristine beaches in the area and is resplendent with wildlife and native vegetation. Also only accessible by private boat or ferry, Don Pedro Island State Park is lined with dense mangroves and is home to several endangered species including the loveable manatee, gopher tortoises and bald eagles. Caution is needed when navigating the shallow waterway into Don Pedro but those shallow waters make for some wonderful snorkeling and shelling, too.
 
If you like a bit of history with your day at the beach, you’ll want to visit another of the barrier islands’ beautiful locations, Gasparilla Island State Park. The stately Boca Grande lighthouse, originally built in 1890 and recently restored, is the prominent architectural feature in the area and is open for tours seasonally.  Visitors can access Gasparilla via County Road 775; there is a toll for access to the island.  
 
Keep in mind that while the beaches are a natural choice during the warmer months, there is much to be seen during the ‘off season’ as well. You’ll find that you practically have those stretches of soft sand to yourself, whether for a stroll or to stake your fishing territory or just to enjoy the solitude. No matter what time of year you choose to go, one of Charlotte’s picturesque beaches will be just right for you.
   

Links:

http://www.charlotteharbortravel.com/do/beaches.php

http://www.charlottecountyfl.com/CommunityServices/beaches.asp

http://www.floridastateparks.org/

http://www.scgov.net/parksandrecreation/beaches/beaches.asp