Charlotte Harbor, Florida's second-largest open-water estuary, is home to 57 named canoe and kayak trails across West, Mid, and South Charlotte County. That means some of our most breathtaking views are tucked away inside coastal bays, shaded freshwater creeks, and winding mangrove forests that are accessible only by kayak, canoe, or standup paddleboard.

While you can also map out a custom adventure using the county's comprehensive Blueway Trails Guide, we have gathered the top local launches and trail highlights to get you right out on the water.

Don Pedro Island State Park (Cape Haze)Kayak launch at Don Pedro Island State Park - landside

  • The Launch: On the land-based side of the park, about a quarter of a mile from the parking lot
  • The Trail: Paddle across the narrow, mangrove-lined channel to reach the actual barrier island of Don Pedro, a pristine, secluded Gulf beach that’s reachable only by boat. SUP Englewood operates directly from this location, launching guided eco-tours, renting paddleboards, and offering custom lessons. There are permanent restrooms next to the parking lot.

William R. Gaines Jr. Veterans Memorial Park (Port Charlotte)

  • The Launch: Newly installed, fully ADA-compliant kayak and canoe launch with a floating dock just steps from the parking area
  • The Trail: Part of the broader Blueway Trail network. This is a calm, protected paddle with plenty of birds and other wildlife along the way. There are permanent restrooms onsite.

Oyster Creek Environmental Park (Englewood)Kayak launch at Oyster Creek Environmental Park in Englewood, Florida

  • The Launch: Natural launch along the shores of Oyster Creek, a short, gently sloping walk from the parking lot
  • The Trail: This trail takes you right into Oyster Creek, a fantastic spot for viewing wading birds, juvenile fish hiding in the mangrove roots, and if you’re lucky, the occasional manatee resting in the deeper pockets. There is a portable restroom onsite.

Bayshore Live Oak Park (Port Charlotte)

  • The Launch: Natural shoreline launch just feet from the parking area
  • The Trail: From this launch you can paddle right out onto the shallow harbor flats and track wading birds along the linear shoreline while taking in unhindered views. Paddle Me Happy SWFL can deliver kayaks and paddleboards to this location, and most others within Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach, including your waterfront vacation rental. There is a portable restroom about 100 yards from the launch (next to the fireplace pavilion).

Shell Creek (Punta Gorda)Kayak launch at east entrance of Hathaway Park

  • The Launch: Use one of the two entrances to Hathaway Park (just 50 yards apart) to access Shell Creek. Both launches are concrete and just steps from the parking areas. (The west entrance features a larger boat launch and ADA accessible floating dock.)
  • The Trail: Head inland to Shell Creek for still water, deep quiet, ancient cypress trees, and towering oaks. This is a completely different, old-Florida freshwater ecosystem with abundant wildlife. There is a permanent restroom at the west entrance and a portable restroom at the east.

Ponce de Leon Park (Punta Gorda)

  • The Launch: The sandy area right inside the park entrance, near the picnic pavilion, just feet from the parking lot
  • The Trail: Paddle south along the shoreline into the mangrove fringe of the Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park for wide-open sunset views and abundant wildlife. There are permanent restrooms onsite.

Pick your favorite trail from the list, pack your reef-safe sunscreen, plenty of drinking water, a hat, and a fully charged phone or camera, and head out to experience a completely different side of Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach.