Florida’s Best Beach Vacation

The Beaches of Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach
A top priority for visitors to Florida is “where can I find a great beach?” which can mean different things to different people. There are big beaches and small beaches. There are crowded beaches and a few quiet uncrowded beaches. There are active beaches with lots going on and there are relaxed beaches that are soothing for the soul. What are the beaches like in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach? We think ours are unique. We have a mainland beach, island beaches, and a harbor beach. Each is a bit different.
Englewood Beach on Manasota Key
Englewood Beach is waiting for you with plenty of white sand, gentle waves, and lots of colorful shells. This is also one of the few beaches where you can find fossilized shark teeth. A lot of fossilized shark teeth!
The Englewood, Placida, and Cape Haze areas are the epitome of laid-back, small-town, Old Florida charm, and while the fishing is fantastic and the food is fabulous, the crowing jewel of the area is Englewood Beach. So head on over and enjoy some quality toes-in-the-sand time, you deserve it!
You also deserve a wonderful meal, and there are several great Englewood Beach restaurants within walking distance! Having food and drink (and often, live entertainment) so close means you can spend your entire day soaking up the relaxation.
Port-o-lets and beach wheelchairs are available for your convenience and parking is available onsite.
Other Beaches
The landside portion of Don Pedro Island State Park is open. The island side of the Park on Don Pedro Island is closed at this time. Keep an eye out for its reopening to make plans to enjoy this natural wonder. It is one of the Florida islands accessible by boat only and 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.
Stump Pass Beach State Park is closed at this time. Once it reopens, you can 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.
Do you have to pay to go to Englewood Beach?
There is no charge to enjoy Englewood Beach, and 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.
Does 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, 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.
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.
Does Port Charlotte, Florida have a beach?
In Port Charlotte, there is a man-made beach at Port Charlotte Beach Park.
Can you swim at Port Charlotte Beach Park?
Port Charlotte Beach Park is currently closed, so there is no beach or water access.
When the park is open, swimming is allowed from the man-made beach.
The water is clean and clear, but may have a brown tint due to tannins released from vegetation along the course of the Peace River.