Beaches

The beaches of Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach are less crowded, accessible yet quiet, and attract a plethora of birds, dolphins, sea turtles and other wildlife. Perfect for making memories that last a lifetime!

Our most popular spot is one of the beaches on Manasota Key, Englewood Beach. There are usually no big crowds, just plenty of white sand, gentle waves from the Gulf of Mexico, and lots of colorful shells and fossilized shark teeth. Englewood Beach restaurants within walking distance include Magnolias on the Bay, The Waverly Restaurant & Bar, Lock 'N Key Restaurant & Pub, Sandbar Tiki & Grille, and White Elephant Pub. Having food and drink (and often, live entertainment) so close means you can spend your entire day soaking up the relaxation. See what's going on before you go—or enjoy the beach remotely—with our Englewood Beach EarthCam.

Just a bit south of Englewood Beach is Stump Pass Beach State Park. Expect a nice, quiet walk, a picturesque and secluded beach, excellent beach fishing, and more sandy treasures than you’ve ever seen. It’s tradition to add a shell to the driftwood stumps on the beach and make a wish.

For a more remote location, try Don Pedro Island State Park, one of the Florida islands accessible by boat only. Don Pedro features a mile of sandy beach, a large picnic pavilion, hiking trails, and restroom facilities. Swimming and snorkeling are a joy in the clear waters, and the peace is plentiful, along with the shells and fossilized shark teeth.

Beach FAQs

Find more details about our beachy wonders below:

Beach FAQs

Does Punta Gorda FL have a beach?

While Punta Gorda is located right on Charlotte Harbor, there is no natural beach on the shoreline. Punta Gorda, Florida does have several “dry” beaches along the Peace River and Charlotte Harbor.

A dry beach is just like a regular beach, but instead of offering access to the water, it’s bordered by a seawall or natural rock barriers.

Punta Gorda’s dry beaches can be enjoyed at several spots. TT’s Tiki Bar at the Four Points by Sheraton is right in downtown Punta Gorda on the Peace River. Sunset Beach Club, a tiki-inspired bar at Fishermen’s Village, sits on Charlotte Harbor and is a relatively new spot to relax with a snack or cold cocktail. For a more natural setting, Ponce de Leon Park has open views of the harbor and plenty of space for toes in the sand. All are prime viewing spots for the spectacular sunsets we enjoy here on the Southwest Florida coast.

How far is Punta Gorda from the beach?

Punta Gorda is approximately 26 miles from Englewood Beach on Manasota Key, the main beach area. The drive is approximately 35-40 minutes on major thoroughfares.

Do you have to pay to go to Englewood Beach?

There is no charge to enjoy Englewood Beach, but there is a $0.75 per hour charge to park in the adjacent lot. Parking must be paid for by ParkMobile parking app which can be downloaded from Google Play or the App Store.

If you have a Florida- or other state-issued handicap permit (plate or placard), you may park for free at any Charlotte County operated beach, park, boat ramp or fishing pier, provided the person issued the permit is present.

Does Punta Gorda Florida have nice beaches?

Punta Gorda has three very nice dry beaches, all of which are perfect for sunset viewing or just relaxing near the water.