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Port Charlotte is located on the Gulf coast in an area known as “The Suncoast.” The town was Named "Best Place in the South" by Money magazine. Whether you enjoy gliding down the Peace River in a kayak, going one on one with a 100-pound Tarpon in the Gulf of Mexico, munching on a hot dog while enjoying a baseball game or enjoying a romantic evening overlooking Charlotte Harbor at Fishermen’s Village, Port Charlotte and its neighboring communities deserves a visit.
With more than 70 parks and recreation areas in Port Charlotte and throughout Charlotte County, outdoor recreation opportunities are abundant. Nature enthusiasts can view bald eagles and ospreys, as well as wading birds such as snowy egrets, reddish egrets, great blue herons, white and snowy ibis, and roseate spoonbills. Dolphins and manatees are also frequently sighted in the waters.
If it’s beaches you crave, the beaches of Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands line miles of the Gulf coast. Not only do they attract sunbathers, swimmers and shellers, there are also abundant birds, dolphins, sea turtles and other wildlife. A playground, a heated swimming pool and picnic shelters make Port Charlotte Beach Park a great choice for families. You can also launch canoes and kayaks from this harborfront park, which is also a favorite location for sunset viewing.
There are three other nearby beaches:. Englewood Beach located in Englewood, has 16 acres with amenities, Stump Pass Beach State Park is where you can go do the shell stoop while searching for some of the approximately 400 species of multi-colored seashells from the commonplace scallop to the very rare brown speckled junonia., and Don Pedro Island is a barrier island park with approximately 1 mile of white sandy beaches on the Gulf of Mexico that is accessible only by boat.
Port Charlotte’s location on Charlotte Harbor, giving quick access to the Intracoastal Waterway and the Gulf of Mexico makes boating and fishing among the best along the coast. These waters are home to some of the best tarpon fishing in the world and charters are available for deep sea, back country, flats, inshore, and near-shore fishing. Boats may be rented, or bring your own and launch at one of almost a dozen ramps. You’ll also find 16 fishing piers where snook, redfish and the spotted sea trout can be caught.
The Charlotte County Blueway affords excellent paddling through a variety of estuaries, including the harbor and coastline as well as the Mayakka and Peace Rivers.
Charlotte County Stadium has been home to the Texas Rangers spring training camp. While the Rangers are no longer there, you can see some fine baseball played by the South Coast League’s Charlotte County Redfish. At the Charlotte County Speedway, racers compete in many classes but perhaps the most fun is the “Flag Pole” race, a race for which fans can put their name in a hat to run one of the "race cars". Golfing can be enjoyed on a dozen or more public and municipal courses in Port Charlotte and nearby towns.
Shopping can mean visiting a local boutique or a large mall but perhaps the most interesting shopping area is Fishermen’s Village in nearby Punta Gorda. Along with the shops, you’ll find waterfront restaurants where you can dine watching one of Southwest Florida’s glorious sunsets.
The Cultural Center of Charlotte County is a one-of-its-kind facility which covers 8 acres, and offers a full calendar of events year round such as theater, concerts, dances and even bingo! Charlotte County Historical Center, located at Bayshore Live Oak Park on Charlotte Harbor, is where you can view permanent exhibits exploring Charlotte County history, from pre-historic times to the post-WWII development boom.
As you can see, Port Charlotte offers a tranquil getaway with lots to do and see!
Round out your vacation with an easy day trip to the Sarasota area to the north or the Fort Myers area to the south.
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