Accessible Travel in
Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach

This is a welcoming community for all. There are many accessible attractions and accommodations, and Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) participate in the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower Program—which helps those with "disabilities not immediately obvious" get the help and support they may need when navigating the airport.

Accessible Activities

Whatever your interest, you'll find accessible activities and attractions to enjoy in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach.

Enjoy one (or several) of our 70+ parks and preserves. You'll find nice wide boardwalks in preserves like Tippecanoe Environmental Park and Amberjack Environmenal Park. You'll find many more, below!

Although they cannot roll a wheelchair aboard, King Fisher Fleet is still an option for people who can take a few assisted steps. Call for more details.

You can also play some pickleball at the PicklePlex® of Punta Gorda or many of the pickleball courts across the area.

Beach Wheelchairs

Our main and most easily-accessible sandy seafront, Englewood Beach at Chadwick Park, offers free access to beach wheelchairs on a first-come first-served basis.

The chairs are available starting at 7:30 am and must be returned by 3:30 pm.

Call the number provided and you'll receive a code to access the chair, then it's time to have fun on the sand!

Arts and Culture

There are accessible arts and culture spots throughout the area as well.

Most of our art galleries and unique retail shops are accessible as well, as are our amazing restaurants. You can even catch comedy show, theater or symphony orchestra production.

Image: Sculpture at the Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens in Punta Gorda Florida The Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens features hard-packed, paved, or shelled walkways and two wheelchairs are available for loan free of charge on a first come-first served basis. Motorized wheelchairs are allowed, as are (only) ADA-Certified, task-specific service dogs. No trams, carts, bikes, skateboards, hoverboards, or roller skates are permitted.

For some shopping, gourmet goodies at any of their waterfront eateries, and often, live music, head to Fishermen's Village. The entire structure is accessible, as are all the restaurants.

If art is on your mind, pop across the street to the Visual Arts Center, the largest free art gallery in the area. Featuring ground-level entry with ramped access, the entire facility is wheelchair accessible, including restrooms, water fountains, sinks, parking, curbing, and the main entry and exit.

Accommodations

We have a variety of accommodation choices that are accessible.

These properties can be found on our Places to Stay page with "Accessibility" checked as an amenity to sort by.

As you're exploring this website, you can find out if a particular business is accessible by clicking on the Amenities heading on a business's listing page.

Preserves and Paddling

Around here, we say Our Best Side is Outside, and to demonstrate, we'd like to draw attention to a few of our accessible nature trails, kayak/canoe and paddleboard launch sites, and parks:

Environmental Parks with ADA Trails:

Amberjack Environmental Park
Ann & Chuck Dever Regional Park
Cedar Point Environmental Park
Charlotte Flatwoods Environmental Park
Oyster Creek Environmental Park
Tippecanoe Environmental Park

ADA-Friendly Kayak Launches

The following kayak launches are located at an existing ADA compliant boat ramp facility and/or have compacted surfaces and graded slopes to and from the launch.

Bill Coy Preserve
Hathaway Park
Lemon Bay Sunrise Rotary Park
Oyster Creek Environmental Park
Port Charlotte Beach Park
Spring Lake Park

ADA Accessible Parks

Our parks offer designated handicap parking spaces with ease of access from the parking spaces to the facility, and accessible bathrooms.

Below are a few of our "must-visit" parks that offer gorgeous water views, wide open spaces and wildlife viewing, and often, festivals, live music, and other cool events. Click here for the full list.

Check our Events Calendar to see if something extra-fun will be happening during your visit.

Punta Gorda
Laishley Park
Gilchrist Park