Other Attractions

Recently voted Money Magazine’s ‘Best place to live in the South’, Charlotte County is a a wonderful mix of marinas, beaches, barrier islands, abundant wildlife and a very friendly local community. A sub-tropical climate warms this area which is 5 to 15 feet above sea level thanks to the steadying influence of the Gulf of Mexico. Come and enjoy 129 square miles of sparkling water and aquatic preserves. 12 miles of soft sandy beaches, thousands of plants, hundreds of hiking trails, an abundance of marine life, clean air, warm sunshine and relaxation. Let your soul find peace in a very special Florida, the way Florida used to be. The main areas within Charlotte County are: Cape Haze Charlotte Harbour/Gasparilla Sound Aquatic Preserve Don Pedro Island State Recreational Area Little Gasparilla Island and Boca Grande Manasota Key Palm Island Placida Port Charlotte Punta Gorda

Arts and Culture

Charlotte Players, Inc (941) 255-1022
1225 Tamiami Trail, B11 Port Charlotte, FL 33953
The community theater presents five Broadway plays and musicals each year

Charlotte Symphony Orchestra (941) 625-5996
PO Box 7052, Port Charlotte, FL 33942
An exciting experience in live musical performance

Punta Gorda Historic Mural Society (941) 639-6959
315 East Olympia Avenue, Punta Gorda FL 33950
Artistic, historical and educational murals throughout the downtown district of Punta Gorda

Sea Grape Artists Galley (941) 575-1718
113 West Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Orientals, oils, acrylics, watercolours, local scenes, sculptures, basket weaving, ceramics

Beaches

Charlotte County alone cover more than 12 miles a sandy, safe shoreline.

Chadwick Park at Englewood Beach (941) 627-1628
2100 North Beach Road, Englewood, FL34223
16 Acres of amenities including Pavilion, Boardwalk, BBQ Grills, Picnic Shelters, Playground, Restrooms, Volleyball Courts, Fishing

Lemon Bay Beach
Driving north from Chadwick Park and continue out of town past residential properties until you get to a bend with a large car park on one side of the road and the beach opposite. Restrooms and Outdoor showers are available for use by those using the beach. Wide miles of sand stretch as far as the eye can see.

Don Pedro Island State Recreation Area (941) 964-0375
Barrier Island Park – approximately 1 mile of white sandy beaches on the Gulf of Mexico accessible only by boat. Boat docks are located on the bay side via a channel from the Intercoastal Waterway at green marker No 35. Amenities include Park facilities include picnic pavilion, tables, grills, outdoor showers and restrooms. Sunbathing, Shelling, Fishing
Park fee: $2 per boat.

Port Charlotte Beach Park (941) 627-1628
4500 Harbor Boulevard, Port Charlotte, FL 33952
Amenities include BBQ Grills, Basketball, Boat Ramps, Bocci, Fishing Pier, Horseshoes, Picnic Shelters, Playground, Restrooms, Heating Swimming Pool, Tennis Courts, Volleyball Courts, Canoe/Kayak, Access, refreshments.

Stump Pass Beach State Recreation Area (941) 964-0375
Southernmost end of Manasota Key 900 Gulf Boulevard, Englewood FL 34223
Amenities for Sunbathing, Shelling, Fishing, Outdoor Showers, Restrooms, Weather Shelter

Gasparilla Island / Long Beach
A long beach trimming the West coastline of Gasparilla Island. Amenities for Sunbathing, Picnic area, Shelling, Restrooms

Gasparilla Island / Lighthouse Beach
A small beach dominated by two restored lighthouses, one is now a fascinating museum. Good place to watch Tarpon Fishing from the land. Water is not safe for swimming for either children or adults as the Peace and Myakka Rivers force their way through Boca Pass as they leave Charlotte Harbor and join the Gulf of Mexico.

Boating

Set sail on a small boat cruise, or hire your own private boat with or without a local guide.

Boca Boat Cruises & Charters (999) 416-2628
5800 Gasparilla Road, Boca Grande FL 33921
Offers lunchtime and sunset cruises through the intercoastal waterway, the Gulf Waters and Islands. Private Charters available, all Cruises depart from Uncle Henry’s Marina Resort.

Grande Tours, Inc. (941) 697-8825
12575 Placida Road, Placida FL 33946
Boating and kayaking family fun centre including back bay fishing, boat tours, Boca Grande trolley tours, customized trips, nature tours, shelling charters, water sports and water taxi.

King Fisher Fleet (941) 639-0969
Fisherman’s Village Marina, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda FL 33950
Fishing charter company offers deep sea and back bay fishing, island sightseeing, sunset cruises and eco-tours. Please call for reservations

Tabby Cat Sailing Cruises (941) 286-1098
PO Box 51255, Punta Gorda, FL 33951
Sunset sailboat cruises on the Peace River. Departs from Harbor Inn Motel dock, 5000 Tamiami Trail, Charlotte Harbor.

Whiddens Marina (941) 964-0708
Capt Russ offers boat rental, with or without a local guide for half or full day rentals. You are advised to telephone beforehand to ensure availability.

Children in Mind

There are plenty of activities for both the young and the young at heart

Kidstar Park (941) 235-3131
1501 Paulson Drive, Port Charlotte, FL 33948
Go-kart rides, rock climbing wall, giant slide, children’s rides, snack bar. Closed Mondays

Peace River Wildlife Center (941) 637-3830
3400 West Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
An active wildlife rehabilitation centre with indigenous animals and birds for viewing. Wed – Mon 11 am – 3 pm

Pelican Pete’s Playland (941) 475-2008
3101 South McCall Road, Englewood, FL 34224
Family entertainment centre consisting of miniature golf, four go-kart rides, batting cages, train, arcade and food concession stands.

Port Charlotte Bowlerama (941) 625-4794
3192 Harbor Boulevard, Port Charlotte, FL 33952
Bowling and restaurant

Roller Magic Skating Centre (941) 627-0018
4628 Tamiami Trail, Charlotte Harbor, FL 33980
Located at the Rainbow Flea Market Building. Offers skate sessions Sun – Fri

Shell Factory (239) 995-2141
US41, South of Port Charlotte at Fort Myers
Offering over 5,000,000 shells, historical displays, trains and fire trucks and wacky events.

Treasure Lanes (941) 625-3930
Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte FL 33953
Bowling center

Canoeing/Kayak

See Parks: Bayshore Live Oaks Park
See Boating: Grand Tours, Inc

Cycling

Ride a bicycle alongside real Bison at Babcock’s Wilderness Adventure.

Bikes, Boards and Blades (941) 474-2019
966 South McCall Road, Highway 776, Englewood FL 34223
Rental of adult/children’s bicycles, roller blade in-line skates: kayak rental

Grande Tours (941) 697-8825
12575 Placida Road, Placida, FL 33946
Bike & Kayak rentals, canoeing, customized trips, boating center, nature tours

See Parks: Bayshore Live Oaks Park

Diving

Captain Howard N. Schutzman (941) 505-8585
Total Fishing Adventures. 214 Wood Street, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Vacation planning for Deep-Sea Fishing, Flats Fishing, Inshore or offshore Fishing, SCUBA Trips

Eating Out

Take your pick from unlimited fresh seafood, juicy steaks and delicious pasta. If you want more variety, you will be spoilt for choice with French, Italian, Japanese, Thai, and Mexican restaurants on hand to tempt you.

Barnacle Phil’s (239) 472-6394
Safety Harbor, North Captiva Island
Reached by water, this is a favourite with local anglers, sightseers and vacationers. There is plenty of dock space and you might even see Florida otters playing near the docks. Indoor dining or outside under the Tiki Hut.

Cabbage Key (239) 283-2278
PO Box 200, Pineland, FL 33945
Reached by water, helicopter or sea-plane. Regular ferries run from Pine island, Captiva Island and Punta Gorda. Famous for its Dollar Bill bar where first time visitors leave behind a £ bill. Friendly with a good size harbor and serves both lunch and dinner. Look out for Manatee in the Harbor and tortoise on the island.

Captains Table (941) 637-1177
Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda FL 33950
Fine dining on the 2nd level overlooking Charlotte Harbor, the Captain’s Table offers find dining with seafood, steaks and unique specialities leading the list of entrees.

Carrabba’s (941) 743-5299
1811 North Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, FL 33948
Italian Grill where they are passionate about the flavor of their food. Claim to use only the highest quality products available.

Chilis (941) 255-0058
1471 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, Florida
Offers a distinct, fresh, healthy mix of grilled American favorites prepared in their individual style. With burgers, fajitas, steaks and salads, they are a popular choice with children and adults alike.

Crabby Georges 475-7767
1975 Beach Road, Englewood, FL

Fisheries (The) (941) 697-2451
Gasparilla Sound, Placida, Florida (Where the 775 meets the 771 near the Gasparilla Toll
Famous for ‘walk-ins, boat-ins, swim-ins, float-ins – always welcome! A lovely blend of old and new Florida. The windows overlook a tangled area of mangroves teaming with wildlife. Serving really good, fresh produce, particularly fish, well worth a visit.

Gulf View Grill (941) 475-8838
2095 North Beach Road, Englewood FL 34223
Enjoy a really good menu while enjoying a view of the Gulf of Mexico.

Harpoon Harry’s (941) 637-1177
Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda FL 33950
Casual dining with fun and entertainment is the purpose of Harpoon Harry’s at the end of the promenade pier. Enjoy live music, casual dining and full service bar featuring happy hour from 4pm – 6 pm and 10 pm till midnight daily.

Jams in Boca Grande 964-2002
Corner of 5th and Railroad in the Railroad Plaza, Boca Grande, Gasparilla Island
Italian American restaurant, open for lunch and dinner. Reservations accepted.

Jams in Cape Haze (941) 697-2080
8501 Placida Road, Cape Haze
Italian American restaurant,open for lunch and dinner. Reservations accepted.

Johnny Leverock’s (941) 698-6900
7092 Placida Road, Cape Haze
Fish restaurant with the catch phrase, ‘If it’s fresher than Leverock’s, It’s still swimming!’ Also has a Tiki Bar open Friday – Saturday - Sunday

Loose Caboose 964-0440
The Depot Building, Centre of Boca Grande on Gasparilla Island
Serves light lunches inside and outside, speciality Grouper and/or Shrimp and/or Chicken basket followed by excellent home-made ice cream. Also serves dinner 7 nights a week, Lamb hops, fresh seafood, Asian Duck, Pasta etc.

Mad Sam’s (941) 475-9505
1375 Beach Road, Englewood, FL
Every table has a great waterfront view. Eat outside on the veranda overlooking the intercoastal waterway. Steaks, Seafood, Pastas, Sandwiches and salads. Closed Mondays

Olive Garden (941) 625-8807
1341 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, FL 33948
Italian Food served from one of the popular fastfood outlets

Outback Steakhouse (941) 766-7077
1481 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, FL 33948
A fastfood chain offering a wide selection of dishes, including of course, steaks from Midwestern grain fed beef. Both chicken and fish are fresh, never frozen.

Pink Elephant 964- 0100
Bayou Avenue, Boca Grande, Gasparilla Island
Offering excellent food, you will need to book. An almost Austrian style of restaurant where you can eat outside or on the balcony as well as inside. Serves lunch 12,00 – 2.00, Dinner 6.30 – 9.30 and Sunday Brunch 11.30 – 2.00. Closed Mondays and reservations essential.

PJ’s Seagrille (941) 964-0806

Prime Time 697-7799
5855 Placida Road, Cape Haze. FL
Mix of American and Mexican food with enormous margaritas for the adventurous!

Red Lobster (941) 625-7745
1331 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, FL 33948
A fastfood chain with the emphasis on seafood. With all these chains, the menu range is wide, but the seafood is their speciality.

Rum Bay Restaurant (Palm Island) (941) 697-0566
7092 Placida Road, Cape Haze FL 33946
Enjoy a ferry boat ride to this restaurant on Palm Island. Catch the ferry from the jetty behind Johnny Leverock’s. Don’t stay too late, the last ferry leaves quite early.

South Beach 964-076
777 Gulf Boulevard (at the south end)
Casual seafood dining overlooking the beautiful Gulf of Mexico. Music at weekends.

Temptations (941) 964-2610

Fishing

Florida’s Saltwater or Freshwater Fishing License Fee Schedule (941) 743-1338
Non-resident fees:
• 3-day license $6.50 (not offered for Freshwater)
• 7-day license $16.50
• 1-year license $31.50
Licenses available through the Charlotte County Tax Collector’s Office; add $2 if purchased at a bait and tackle shop.

Fishing and Water Recreation Information On Line see www.floridaconservation.org
For federal regulations visit www.nmfs.noaa.gov

Coral Creek Fishing Pier (941) 627-1628
Placida Road, Placida, FL 33946
Fishing, Restrooms

Captain Ralph Allen (941) 639-0969
King Fisher Fleet, Fisherman’s Village, 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda FL 33950
Back Bay Fishing, Deep-Sea Fishing, Fly Fishing, Eco-Tours, Island Cruises

Captain Ron Blago (941) 474-3474
2066 Placida Road, Englewood, FL 342246
Bay-Bay Fishing, Deep-Sea Fishing, Fly Fishing

Captain Darel Carter (941) 627-1837 Mobile: (941) 456-0415
224 Santa Fe Street, Port Charlotte, FL 33953
Back-Bay Fishing, Flats Fishing Guide

Captain Phil Dugger Jr (941) 629-2708
21280 Edgewater Drisve, Port Charlotte, FL 33952
Flat fishing and Tarpon fishing

Captain Steve Futch (941) 697-2249
Futch Charters, 15800 Hennapipen Circle, Port Charlotte, FL 33981
Tarpon Fishing or Backbay Fishing

Captain Bill Graham (941) 270-2496
A young captain with a great love of the water, he offers backwater and some offshore fishing. Ideal party of 4. He provides tackle, bait and lines and charges $300 for ½ day and $450 for a full day.

Captain Lamar Joiner (941) 697-4939
12101 Placida Road, Placida, FL 33946
Year-round native fishing guide with ½ day and full-day charters

Captain Jack Hamilton (941) 698-6999
Placida Deep-Sea Fishing, State Road 775 and Fishery Road, Placida FL 33946
Deep-Sea Fishing, Party Boat, a 26ft Boston Whaler with enclosed head for offshore and inshore fishing and sightseeing and the Mistletoe, a 55ft Fleming for luxury cruising.

Captain Jack Pearson (941) 475-4511
Captain Jack’s Charters, Inc. 1450 Beach Road, Englewood, FL 34223
Back-Bay Fishing, Customized Trips, Deep-Sea Fishing, Fly Fishing, Private Charters

Captain Marian E. Schneider (941) 697-8825
Grande Tours. 12575 Placida Road, Placida, FL 33946
Back-Bay Fishing, Kids’ Fishing

Captain Howard N. Schutzman (941) 505-8585
Total Fishing Adventures. 214 Wood Street, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Vacation planning for Deep-Sea Fishing, Flats Fishing, Inshore or offshore Fishing, SCUBA Trips

Captain Don Starner (941) 964-0389
17 Grouper Hole Drive, Boca Grande, FL 33921
Sightseeing, fishing, offshore, Back-Bay and Tarpon

Captain Jeff Totter (941) 474-6404
7357 Spinnaker Boulevard, Englewood, FL 34224
Back-Bay Fishing, Fly Fishing, Tarpon Fishing (Pass and Beach)

See Parks: Bayshore Live Oaks Park
See Boating: Grand Tours Inc

Flights

Classic Air Ventures – (941) 505-9226
Charlotte County Airport, Punta Gorda PO Box 510862, Punta Gorda FL 33951
Aerial sightseeing from a 1940 open cockpit airplane. Flights available from Nov-Apr

Mini Golf

Fish Cove Golf (941) 627-5393
4949 Tamiami Trail, Charlotte Harbor, FL 33980
Thirty six holes of mini golf overlooking beautiful Charlotte Harbor. Snack bar available

Museums

A.C.Freeman House (941) 637-0077
639 East Hargreaves Avenue, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Beautifully appointed Victorian Home Museum is open for tours, small weddings and special events.

Boca Port Lighthouse and Museum
Situated on the southernmost tip of Gasparilla Island, two refurbished lighthouses stand gentle guard over the comings and goings of sea-traffice in the turbulent Boca Pass. One lighthouse is closed to the public, but the other has been converted into a very interesting little museum. You will find the history of the pass, models of fish, sea shells, books and trinkets and you can easily browse away a considerable amount of time before emerging onto the veranda which surrounds the upper floor. You may be tempted to use the telescope provided to get a better look at the fishing boats.

Charlotte County Historical Center (941) 639-3777
A museum designed to educate people of all ages about Florida. Exhibits change every eight-twelve weeks

Historic Train Depot (941) 639-1887
1009 Taylor Road, Punta Gorda FL 33950
Historic train depot and museum focusing on history, archaeology and ecology.

Parks

Charlotte County offers over 70 parks and recreational areas. Take a unique wildlife buggy tour through the silent beauty of an untouched cypress swamp.

Babcock Wilderness Adventures (800) 500-5583
8000 State Road 31, Punta Gorda FL 33982
Ninety minute swamp buggy tour through the 90,000 acre Crescent B Ranch and Telegraph Cypress Swamp, Biking with Bison Tour. This is a chance to meet panthers, bison, birds, and dozens of wild alligators face to face, You might see white tailed deer or wild turnkeys. Professional guides conduct the tours and refreshments are available.
Open November – May 9.00 am – 3 pm
June – October, mornings only

Bayshore Live Oaks Park (941) 627-1628
Bayshore Road, Port Charlotte, FL 33980
Bike Trails, Canoe/Kayak, Walking Trails, Picnic Shelter, Playground, Fishing, Restrooms

Charlotte Flatwoods Environmental Park (941) 627-1628
15801 Tamiami Trail, Punta Gorda, FL 33955
Nature Preserve

Charlotte County Citrus (941) 639-4584
28900 Bermont Road, CR74, Punta Gorda FL 33982
Pick your own fruit!

Charlotte Harbour Environment Center (941) 575 5435
Alligator Creek, 10941 Burnt Store road, Punta Gorda, FL 33955
A 20 acre nature centre offering environmental education programs and wildlife exhibits.

Tippecanoe Environmental Park (941) 627-1074
SR627, Port Charlotte, FL 33948
Hiking trails and wildlife viewing throughout its 275 acres of scrub and pine flatwoods.

Ponce de Leon Park (941) 575-3324
4000 West Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
BBQ Grills, Boat Ramps, Environmental Center, (Peace River Wildlife Center), Fishing, Nature Trail / Walking Trail, Picnicking, Picnic Shelters, Restrooms

Rotonda Park (941) 627-1628
100 Rotonda Boulevard, Rotonda West, FL 33947
Bike Trails, Multi-purpose fields open space, Nature Preserve, Nature Trails, Picnic area, Picnic Shelters, Tennis Courts

Scuba Diving

See Diving: Captain Howard N Schutzman (Total Fishing Adventures)

Shelling

See Boating: Grand Tours Inc

You will also find good shells on Don Pedro Island, South Beach and at Stump Pass. If you look carefully, you can also find small fossiled sharks teeth on some beaches.

Shopping

From waterfront boutiques and malls, to antique fairs and flea markets, there are shopping opportunities for everybody.

Miramar Outlets (239) 948-3766
I-75, exit 123 (Corkscrew Road) between Naples and Fort Myers
Store hours, Monday thru Saturday: 10 am to 9 pm Sunday 11 am to 6 pm
Over 100 manufacturers’ outlets featuring top designers and famous brand names. Incredible discounts of up to 70% off retail prices, direct from the manufacturers.

Fisherman’s Village (941) 639-8721
1200 West Retta Explanade, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Waterfront mall and marina featuring a variety of boutiques, speciality shops and restaurants. Attractions include fishing, sailing, water sports, sightseeing and sunset cruise oats, live entertainment, special events and gorgeous sunsets.

Merchants Crossing of Englewood
1500 Placida Road, Engleood FL 34223

Rainbow Flea Market (941) 629-1223
4628 Tamiami Trail, Charlotte Harbor, FL 33980
indoor, air-conditioned flea market. Open Friday, Saturday and Sunday 9 am – 4 pm

Sullivan Street Shops (941) 505-5437
331 Sullivan Street, Punta Gorda FL 33950
Variety of gift, craft, and speciality shops. Handcrafted art, furniture, decorative accents and accessories, books, stationery and home décor. Every third Thursday evening features an artist demonstration and musical performance. Gourmet restaurant.

Sun Flea Market (941) 255-3532
18505 Paulson Drive, Port Charlotte, FL 33954
Indoor, air-conditioned flea market with over 100 vendors, family entertainment cewntre with three-storey play place (tunnels, ball baths, etc) and food court.

Port Charlotte Shopping Mall (941) 624-4447
Full service Mall with variety of National and local brand stores. Located on US-41 and State Road 776.

Snorkelling

Snorkel right of your canoe in the Peace River.

Sport

Charlotte County Speedway (941) 575-2422
8655 Piper Road, Punta Gorda, FL 33951
A 3/8 mile oval asphalt track. Stock car racing every Saturday night.

Treasure Lanes (941) 625-3930
Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, FL 33953
Bowling Centre


Walking

Come face to face with a gopher tortoise while hiking through Cedar Point.
See Parks: Bayshore Live Oaks Park

Cape Haze Pioneer Trail (941) 639-5833
1688 Placida Road, Rotonda, FL 33946
Bike/Walking Trails, BMX, Football, Skate Park, Football/Soccer fields

Cedar Point Environmental Park (941) 475-0769
2300 Placida Road, Englewood, FL 34224
Nature Preserve Environmental Center, Nature Trail/Walking Trail, Restrooms, Canoe/Kayak, Fishing, Picnic Shelter, Playground

Punta Gorda Historic Walking Tour (941) 639-3777
Homes and commercial buildings that were built during the earliest days of Punta Gorda. Punta Gorda’s Residential District was adopted in 1985 by the National Register of Historic Places. A detailed booklet is available upon request.

Water Sports

Island Jet Ski Rental (941) 474-1168
1450 Beach Road, Engleood, FL 34223
Water sports: Waverunner Rentals, Water-skiing, Kneeboarding, Rental Lessons, Customized Trips, Nature Tours, Shelling