A top priority for visitors to Florida is “Where can I find a great beach?” You’ll find more than one here. Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach offers a mix of mainland, island, and harbor beaches. Each one provides a unique experience, from lively and walkable to quiet and untouched.
The Englewood, Placida, and Cape Haze areas epitomize laid-back, small-town, Old Florida charm. The crowning jewel of the area is Englewood Beach. So head on over and enjoy some quality toes-in-the-sand time, you deserve it!
There is no charge to enjoy Englewood Beach, as the parking fee is temporarily suspended.
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.
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.
Does Port Charlotte or Punta Gorda Florida have a beach?
While Punta Gorda is located right on Charlotte Harbor, there is no natural beach on the shoreline. Punta Gorda 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.
