Punta Gorda Beaches

Location:

Englewood Beach at Chadwick Park, near Punta Gorda, Florida

Recommended For:

Families, surfers, water sports enthusiasts, and anyone seeking a versatile Gulf Coast beach with great amenities.

What we Love:

The wide appeal for all types of beachgoers, from gentle waves and playgrounds for kids to surfing conditions and water sports further out from shore.

• Visit Englewood Beach, often considered the best beach near Punta Gorda, offering scenic views and an inviting coastline.
• Enjoy swimming and playing in calm surf, or head out into deeper water for surfing and other adrenaline-filled water activities.
• Relax on soft sand with access to picnic tables, shaded shelters, and beachside grills, or stroll along the boardwalk to take in the views.
• Use local rentals and amenities, including beach chairs, sports gear, restrooms, and concession stands—perfect for a full-day visit.

Cost:

Public beach access; parking available for a small fee. Concessions and rentals priced individually.

Best time to visit:

Weekday mornings for fewer crowds and cooler temperatures. Sunsets are especially beautiful from the beach and boardwalk.

Local tips:

Arrive early during weekends or holidays to secure parking. Bring beach shoes for shelling and a change of clothes if you're enjoying water sports or the splash areas.

Distance:

Approximately 45 minutes by car from Punta Gorda.

How to Get to Englewood Beach:

Drive west from Punta Gorda via FL-776 and follow signs toward Englewood. Chadwick Park has clearly marked entrances and public parking areas near the beach.

Location:

Don Pedro Island State Park, near Englewood, Florida

Recommended For:

Nature lovers, kayakers, shell collectors, wildlife watchers, and anyone looking for a peaceful, undeveloped island beach experience.

What we Love:

The preserved natural setting, quiet trails, and the chance to spot manatees and dolphins from shore—all on an island that feels frozen in time.

• Visit Don Pedro Island State Park to experience one of Florida’s most untouched beaches, only accessible by water.
• Collect seashells and shark teeth along the quiet shoreline, or take photos of the native vegetation and scattered driftwood.
• Watch for wildlife such as dolphins and manatees from the sand or while paddling to the island by kayak.
• Enjoy light amenities like restrooms, outdoor showers, and picnic tables—perfect for a quiet half- or full-day escape.

Cost:

Park entry included with ferry service or private boat docking fee. Kayak rentals and ferry tickets available for a small charge.

Best time to visit:

Mornings or weekdays for a truly tranquil experience. Low tide offers better shelling and wildlife spotting opportunities.

Local tips:

Bring your own snacks, sunscreen, and water, as there are no food vendors on the island. Kayaking is a rewarding way to get there and explore the mangrove-lined shores.

Distance:

Approximately 30–40 minutes by car from Punta Gorda to the ferry launch point near Placida.

How to Get to Don Pedro Island:

Drive to the marina in Placida, then take the ferry or launch a kayak or private boat to the island. Signage and ferry schedules are available near the boat ramp.

Punta Gorda Beaches for Couples:

Location:

Little Gasparilla Island, near Punta Gorda, Florida

Recommended For:

Outdoor enthusiasts, kayakers, nature lovers, families, and anyone looking to unplug and enjoy a peaceful island retreat.

What we Love:

The total escape from civilization, the soft sandy beaches, and the opportunity to spot turtles and native birds while kayaking through secluded waterways.

• Visit Little Gasparilla Island, a hidden gem with no roads or bridges—perfect for those craving solitude and nature.
• Access the island via water taxi or paddle your way there on a kayak; guided kayaking tours are also available through local outfitters.
• Enjoy peaceful, sandy beaches that are ideal for swimming, shelling, or simply relaxing in a hammock under the sun.
• Explore the surrounding mangroves and inlets, where you may spot turtles, seabirds, and other local wildlife during your journey.

Cost:

Beach access is free. Water taxi service and guided kayak tours available at reasonable fees; kayak rentals also offered locally.

Best time to visit:

Weekdays or early mornings for maximum tranquility. Spring and fall are ideal for kayaking and wildlife viewing.

Local tips:

Bring everything you need for the day, including food, drinks, and sun protection—there are no shops or restaurants on the island. Waterproof bags are helpful when kayaking.

Distance:

About 45–60 minutes from Punta Gorda to the nearest marina in Placida or Gasparilla area.

How to Get to Little Gasparilla Island:

Drive to Placida or Gasparilla and catch a water taxi, or rent a kayak and paddle across the calm waters. Guided tours typically depart from nearby launch points.

Location:

Port Charlotte Beach Park, Charlotte Harbor, Florida

Recommended For:

Active travelers, families, boaters, kayakers, anglers, and anyone looking for a quiet beach park packed with amenities and local charm.

What we Love:

The wide range of recreational facilities, the peaceful mangrove-lined surroundings, and the chance to enjoy both water and land-based activities in a low-key setting.

• Visit Port Charlotte Beach Park, a hidden gem tucked along Charlotte Harbor and often overlooked by tourists.
• Swim in the on-site pool or fish from the scenic pier, then take advantage of the launch areas for boats and kayaks to explore the surrounding waters.
• Play on sporting courts including basketball, tennis, and bocce, or gather with friends and family in shaded picnic pavilions.
• Explore nearby mangrove ecosystems and trails that offer great bird-watching and photo opportunities along the harbor’s edge.

Cost:

Entry is free; small fees may apply for pool access and boat launch use. Rentals and equipment may be available from local vendors.

Best time to visit:

Early mornings or weekdays for quiet access to facilities. Sunset is a great time to relax on the pier or take a paddle through the mangroves.

Local tips:

Bring bug spray if exploring near the mangroves and pack a cooler for a waterfront picnic. Great spot for families with mixed interests in land and water activities.

Distance:

Just 15–20 minutes from central Punta Gorda by car.

How to Get to Port Charlotte Beach Park:

Drive north from Punta Gorda over the Peace River via US-41. The park is located at the end of Harbor Boulevard in Port Charlotte with ample parking available.

Location:

900 Gulf Boulevard, Stump Pass Beach State Park, Englewood, Florida

Recommended For:

Nature lovers, anglers, hikers, shell collectors, paddlers, and anyone seeking a peaceful beach experience along the Gulf Coast.

What we Love:

The secluded stretch of beach, scenic Gulf views, and the abundance of wildlife and outdoor activities for every season of the year.

• Visit Stump Pass Beach State Park, located at the southern tip of Manasota Key and offering one mile of quiet shoreline along the Gulf of Mexico.
• Paddle a canoe or stand-up paddleboard in the calm summer waters, or plan a relaxing picnic under the Florida sunshine.
• Hike several scenic trails during cooler months, with opportunities to spot gopher tortoises and native plants along the way.
• Shell in winter, when tides reveal unique treasures, or cast a line for excellent fishing right from the shore.
• Watch for wildlife like West Indian manatees, snowy egrets, and other coastal species that thrive in this protected environment.

Cost:

$3 per vehicle (self-pay station at park entrance). Kayak and paddleboard rentals may be available nearby.

Best time to visit:

Summer for paddling and swimming; winter for shelling and hiking; early mornings year-round for wildlife sightings.

Local tips:

Bring bug spray and water, especially if hiking the trails. There are no concessions in the park, so pack food and snacks if you plan to stay a while.

Distance:

Approximately 45 minutes by car from Punta Gorda.

How to Get to Stump Pass Beach State Park:

Drive to the southwest corner of Charlotte County via FL-776 to Beach Road, then follow signs to Gulf Boulevard. The park is located at 900 Gulf Boulevard, Englewood, Florida 34223.