Out of all the states of America, Florida stands out for a long list of reasons. Not only is it a geological anomaly, forming a unique peninsula on the southeastern part of the United States' mainland, it also has the distinction of being the contiguous state with the longest coastline, resulting in a lot of beautiful beaches all around. Florida also stands out among the states for its exceptionally strong tourism industry, with huge attractions like the Walt Disney World Resort and stunning natural areas like the Everglades National Park bringing in enormous numbers of tourists from all over the world each year.
More ideas: Best Weekend Getaways, Best Day Trips
Another big reason for people to visit Florida is that this state gets some of the very best weather. Temperatures are high all through the year, even in the winter, and the sun never seems to stop shining all through Florida, hence the state's nickname of 'The Sunshine State'. With so much sun to enjoy, it makes sense that people who visit Florida like to make the most of the great weather and get outdoors as often as possible to beaches and bays. South of Tampa and not far from Fort Myers, Punta Gorda is one of the prettiest beach resort towns in Florida, offering warm gentle waters, soft sands, and perfect conditions for swimming, sailing, fishing, and more.
Best Beaches in Punta Gorda
The best thing about visiting Punta Gorda beaches and other beaches in the surrounding Port Charlotte area is that these locations don't attract the big crowds of tourists you would find at places like Tampa Bay or Miami Beach. Punta Gorda beaches are often quiet and calm, making this little city an ideal vacation destination for those times when you just want to get away from it all. Read on to learn some interesting details and overviews of the best beaches in Punta Gorda.
- Englewood Beach
Only a short drive away from Punta Gorda, Englewood Beach is generally regarded as the best beach in the local area. The one thing that really stands out about this beach more than anything else is its variety. Englewood Beach has something for everyone, from families to thrill-seekers. Younger visitors will love splashing around in the gentle waves that wash up on the shore or playing the local playground, while surfing and water sport enthusiasts will be able to head out a little further and make the most of the rougher conditions. With gorgeous views and lots of great rental stands and other amenities, Englewood Beach is a must-visit location on your Punta Gorda beach trip.
- Don Pedro Island State Park
Since it is situated in a state park, the Don Pedro Island beach is very pristine and untouched, offering the same experience now as it did a century ago. Simple amenities like restrooms, showers, and a few picnic tables have been added to the area to make it more convenient, but the atmosphere here is very calm and relaxed. There are various little trails to explore and the beach is littered with shells and shark teeth to collect and take home as special souvenirs. This is also a fun spot to sit and look out for local wildlife, with manatees and dolphins being spotted at Don Pedro Island State Park often. The only way to access this island is by water, and you can either hop on the local ferry service for a small fee or paddle your way over on a kayak.
- Little Gasparilla Island
If you're an outdoor enthusiast or nature lover looking for a beach with a difference in the Punta Gorda area, why not take a trip over to Little Gasparilla Island? It's a tiny little island and regarded by locals as one of the area's best-kept secrets. No roads or bridges run over to Little Gasparilla Island, so the only way to get here is by water. You can simply reserve passage on a water taxi, or if you're feeling adventurous, you can rent a kayak or even sign up for a guided kayaking tour with one of the operators in the area. Kayaking around Little Gasparilla Island and the surrounding waters is a lot of fun, and the island has some soft, secluded, sandy beaches for people of all ages to enjoy as well. This is a great place to really embrace nature and feel a million miles away from civilization, with many turtles and different species of birds being spotted around Little Gasparilla Island as well.
- Port Charlotte Beach Park
Located down by the Charlotte Harbor in a quite a secluded location, Port Charlotte Beach Park is well-known to locals but many tourists miss out on this location, choosing to go to the likes of Englewood Beach instead. With a lot of great amenities and a long list of activities to enjoy, Port Charlotte Beach Park has a lot of advantages and is certainly worth a visit. There's a swimming pool, various sporting courts, picnic pavilions, a fishing pier, and even launch sites for boats and kayaks here. If you're an active person or an outdoor enthusiast of any kind, you'll love all the variety of Port Charlotte Beach Park and the surrounding Floridian mangroves are lovely to admire and explore.
