Natural Wonders
Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach is a playground for outdoor adventurers. Paddle through winding mangrove tunnels, hike trails alive with birdsong, or watch the sun set over sparkling waterways.
There’s unforgettable adventure around every bend, in parks, in hidden estuaries, and on quiet barrier islands. Spot eagles, herons, and even the rare Florida bonneted bat soaring overhead, discover all kinds of creatures on our forest trails, delight in dolphins playing in the bays, and if you’re lucky, catch a glimpse of a manatee gliding through a waterways.
Even if you're not into birding, you'll want to bring binoculars if you have 'em!
To start your explorations, consider a guided walk or wading trip at Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center - Cedar Point, or explore one of our many parks or nature areas.
A Babcock Ranch Eco-Tour is another thoroughly enjoyable way to explore the area. As the swamp buggy travels through four different eco-systems, your fun and funny guide will talk about the flora and fauna, the fascinating 
history of Babcock Ranch and its Cracker Cattle, and the modern-day cowboys that work the ranch to this day. One of the best parts of the tour is getting to meet a tiny baby alligator at the end of it, then indulging in a hearty meal at the onsite Gator Shack Restaurant.
For altogether wilder wildlife, head to Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary for a private guided tour of exotic rescue animals including with bears, lions, primates, canines, tigers, and much more.
To get up close to rescued birds and various mammals, head to the Peace River Wildlife Center in Punta Gorda.
