Our location on the Southwest coast of Florida has its perks. It’s so much more than friendly people, laid back lifestyle, no traffic, lots of unique local restaurants and a county population smaller than some mid-sized cities. A top perk for me (a staffer and former-Florida East coaster) is the sunset.
They are downright spectacular. If you were to gaze west every night for a year, no two would be the same. Clear skies – crisp clear colors. Puffy white clouds – colors even more spectacular. More so after dipping below the horizon. Grays, pinks, peaches, orange, purples and numerous combinations.
So just sit back and relax. Over dinner, on the beach with your toes in the sand, on the water. Whatever your choice is - here are our picks for the Top 10 best views for Sunset in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach:
Englewood
Englewood Beach: Unobstructed is the word and relaxed is the vibe when you’re lucky enough to catch the sundown from Englewood Beach. Sunday sunsets are accompanied by a weekly drum circle.
Lighthouse Grill at Stump Pass: It’s the whole experience, here on the edge of Lemon Bay: a scrumptious meal, a delicious drink, a stunning sunset, and maybe even live music. Doesn’t get much better.
The Waverly Restaurant & Bar: Their location right across the street from Englewood Beach means a front-row seat for the sky show!
Port Charlotte
Bayshore Live Oak Park: Head to the end of the fishing piers for a clear view or make yourself comfortable anywhere along the water to catch the colors.
Port Charlotte Beach Park: Almost any vantage point provides a beautiful scene of the sun setting behind the mangroves in the distance. Relish the sight and unwind with the sound of the gentle waves.
For those looking for a more active setting, try anywhere on the Gilchrist Bridge via Live Oak Point Park. Combine a nice walk with a beautiful sight: park at Live Oak Point Park and hoof it to the southbound Punta Gorda bridge for a different perspective on the setting of the sun. The expansive view of Charlotte Harbor is good any time of day from any point on the bridge!
Punta Gorda
TT's Tiki Bar: The sunset view from TT’s includes the added interest of the two Punta Gorda bridges. The only thing to do is sit back, dig your toes in the sand and savor the spectacle.
Perch 360: The view from Perch 360, atop the Wyvern Hotel, can only be described as panoramic. Settle into a comfy chair with a cool drink, you won’t miss a single color.
Sunset Cruise with King Fisher Fleet: Hop aboard a King Fisher Fleet Sunset Cruise to get as up close and personal as possible. As the boat chases the sunset, you may see dolphins chasing the boat.
Ponce de Leon Park: Bring a lawn chair or blanket and park yourself on the roomy dry beach to enjoy every hue. We’re pretty sure toes + sand = happy, and adding a spectacular nature show only makes it better.
Bonus
Sunseeker Resorts Charlotte Harbor is right on the water and oriented toward the sunset. This means the sky show is viewable from many places in the Resort, including from Harbor Yards Food Hall, which, like all their onsite restaurants, is open to the public.
There’s no better way to close out the day and get ready for the evening than by taking the time to marvel at the sun’s pageantry, so we hope you get to see your share when you’re here.
