Where you choose to stay can shape your entire trip. While all vacation rentals will provide extra space, privacy, and flexibility, if you’re planning a secluded honeymoon, a family beach vacation, or a fishing adventure, a Gulf island vacation rental can turn the relaxation up to eleven.
In Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach, you’ll find a wide variety of barrier island vacation rentals courtesy Islander Properties, Tarpon Real Estate, Palm Island Resort, and Little Gasparilla Vacation Rentals.
The Lay of the Land
Each of these companies offers rentals across Knight Island (often referred to locally as Palm Island due to Palm Island Resort, which has been welcoming guests since 1983), Don Pedro Island, and Little Gasparilla Island. Options range from canal-front cottages with easy boat access to large, luxurious beachfront homes suitable for a group. Two of the three companies have been at it for more than 30 years, and the third for more than 20, so they know their stuff and will help you find that easy island rhythm: no traffic, no crowds, and nowhere in particular you have to be.
Each island has its own vibe and its own rules of the road. For instance, you can drive on Knight Island—and even ferry your own car over—but once you park your car at the resort, you use golf carts or bicycles to get around. The only vehicles allowed on Little Gasparilla Island are also golf carts, bicycles, and feet. This is where a good rental company earns its keep: rather than just handing you a key, they'll help you sort out the to’s and from’s so you know exactly where you’re going and how.
Sand & Shelling
These island beaches are always shell and shark tooth hotspots because of low foot traffic, especially at Palm Island Resort, where the beach is exclusively for guests. Add in the dense layers of shell hash and fossil fragments deposited on the shorelines by offshore sandbars and you’ll definitely want to head out to see what you can find. You’ll also want to swap out flimsy flip-flops for a pair of rugged, thick-soled water shoes or adventure sandals to beachcomb in comfort.
Note: Don Pedro Island State Park’s beach and nature trails are open, but the docks, picnic pavilion, and restrooms are currently closed, so plan to pack in what you need. Our post about getting your family beach ready has a lot of great ideas.
Swimming & Sun
Warm and clear Gulf waters and wide beaches on all three islands mean easy swimming and snorkeling. While the surf is usually gentle, currents can change, so be sure that kids and new swimmers stay close and wear flotation devices. Use our handy checklist to pack your beach bag, then settle in for a day full of Vitamin D and, as some say, Vitamin Sea.
Culinary Concerns
Essentially: bring groceries. While there’s a restaurant, Rum Bay, and an adjacent ice cream shop on Knight Island, none of the three islands have a grocery store. Most guests stock up before heading over and cook in for the week. It becomes part of the appeal. Also, some rentals come with a grill on the porch or deck, which means beach barbecues to look forward to.
When you want to treat yourself to a night out, hop back on the ferry or water taxi to the mainland, where Farlow's on the Water, Landy's Restaurant, and Ken & Barb's Grove City Kitchen are all a short drive from the ferry landing in Englewood, Placida, and Cape Haze.
Explore our Flavor Coast site to plan even more culinary adventures farther afield.
Getting Around
As mentioned, cars are welcome on Knight Island and the northern stretch of Don Pedro Island. A handful of Little Gasparilla rentals include a golf cart, but most guests rent one separately. Your rental agent can help you find the best option for your needs.
Getting Here
Flying in? Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) is the closest option. The Palm Island Transit car ferry is in Placida, and carries vehicles and passengers to Knight Island and the north end of Don Pedro Island in about five minutes. There is no ferry for Little Gasparilla Island; the only access is by private boat or water taxi.
Ready to throw your schedule away and trade your alarm clock for the sound of the tide? A Gulf island vacation rental might be exactly the getaway you're after.
