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!
Get into the beach mood and enjoy some laid back tunes with our Beach Daze playlist:
Beach FAQs
Do you have to pay to go to Englewood Beach?
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.
Can you rent beach chairs and equipment at Englewood Beach?
Currently, there is no on-site vendor offering beach rentals; however, beach essentials can be found across the street at Barefoot Trader.
Are there any dog-friendly beaches?
At this time, Charlotte County does not have any dog-friendly beaches. Dogs are not permitted on the sandy beach or in the swimming areas at public beaches, including Englewood Beach and Stump Pass Beach State Park. These rules help protect sensitive coastal habitats, including nesting sea turtles and shorebirds.
If you're traveling with your pup, you still have a few great options with your leashed pup at many of our parks.
