Going to the beach?*

   Life's a beach in Charlotte County - where you can go river-side or Gulf side. Below, find a listing of the multitude of places of play in the sand in Charlotte County.

Port Charlotte Beach

   Port Charlotte Beach is highlighted by its beach complex.  This complex offers a beach club with boat ramp, fishing pier, barbecue grills, a pool and sporting activities such as tennis, volleyball, basketball and horseshoes.
   But there is a beach here!
   The white sand provides a perfect place to lay by the river and soak up some rays.  The Charlotte County park complex also features a public swimming pool and a snack bar.
   Across the harbor from the beach complex you will find the quaint shops and tantalizing restaurants of Fishermen's Village.

Laishley Park

   In downtown Punta Gorda, this waterfront area offers places to sit and watch the boats go by.  You can also suntan, but as far as sand, it's not there. (Check the playground at Gilchrist Park, other side of U.S. 41,)
Laishley is a waterfront area and still attracts many seekers of rays.

Boca Grande Beach

   The Boca Grande Public Beach is often compared to Caribbean beaches.  There are several lighthouses and large shady trees located near the shore line.
   From your lounge chair in the bleached-white sands, you can spot exquisite seashells and watch dolphins swim and jump freely through the lightest of green waters.  The best beaches are at the Gasparill Island Geo Park system, located at the far south end of Gasparilla Island. There is a small admission fee to the state parks.   Also at the park, an historic lighthouse has been converted to a museum detailing the aquatic history of Charlotte Harbor and Boca Grande. It's worth a visit, as is a visit to Amory Chapel, one of the first churches in this area.  It has been restored by local residents and many functions are held there oceanside.
   Gasparilla Island is located in both Charlotte and Lee counties, but the state park beach is in Lee County at the south end.

Englewood Beach

   Beautiful Englewood Beach is located on the Gulf of Mexico near the Charlotte and Sarasota County line in the city of Englewood.  Here beach-goers will find great warn sand and wild sea oats growing along the dunes. A path leads to a more secluded white sand beach that exposes trees, vegetation and wildlife.
   The county has undertaken extensive renovations to modernize the facility and upgrade it to world-class resort status with many amenities.
   The county-owned beach is the largest for miles around and is popular among tourists as well as visitors.

* Reprinted from the Charlotte Newcomers Guide, May 2002, 128 W. Charlotte Avenue, Punta Gorda, FL 33950

Stump Pass Beach State Park

Stump Pass Beach is located at the south end of Manasota Key, beginning where Gulf Boulevard ends and stretching about two miles.  A new 40-space parking lot is open, as is a building with rest rooms and a weather shelter. Enjoy the great beach, shelling and fishing.

Don Pedro State Park

Over the years, a string of islands, Palm Island, Don Pedro and Little Gaspirilla, have merged into a single barrier island. In the center is Don Pedro State Park, a bridgeless island offering boat docks, picnic tables, grills and restrooms. The park provides access to seven mile of continuous beachfront, excellent shelling, swimming and fishing. Don Pedro is a destination for boaters looking to explore natural beach front.

Gasparilla Island State Park

Take the Boca Grande Causeway (off State Road 771 in Charlotte County) through the village of Boca Grande to explore the four miles of beach front. There is a $3.50 causeway toll for cars and a $2 charge for parking.

The public beach is noted for its light-green surf and white sand. There are two lighthouses along the beach and large shade trees near shore. The beach offers full facilities, including freshwater showers, picnic tables and grills.  There are no concessions available or lifeguards on duty. The beach closes at dusk. The best fishing and shelling is at the southeast public beach however, there are no facilities available.

Reprinted from the 2003 Visitor's Guide from the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce.