Going to the beach?*

   Life's a beach in Charlotte County - where you can go river-side or Gulf side. Below, find a listing of the multitude of places of play in the sand in Charlotte County.

Port Charlotte Beach

   Port Charlotte Beach is highlighted by its beach complex.  This complex offers a beach club with boat ramp, fishing pier, barbecue grills, a pool and sporting activities such as tennis, volleyball, basketball and horseshoes.
   But there is a beach here!
   The white sand provides a perfect place to lay by the river and soak up some rays.  The Charlotte County park complex also features a public swimming pool and a snack bar.
   Across the harbor from the beach complex you will find the quaint shops and tantalizing restaurants of Fishermen's Village.

Laishley Park

   In downtown Punta Gorda, this waterfront area offers places to sit and watch the boats go by.  You can also suntan, but as far as sand, it's not there. (Check the playground at Gilchrist Park, other side of U.S. 41,)
Laishley is a waterfront area and still attracts many seekers of rays.

Boca Grande Beach

   The Boca Grande Public Beach is often compared to Caribbean beaches.  There are several lighthouses and large shady trees located near the shore line.
   From your lounge chair in the bleached-white sands, you can spot exquisite seashells and watch dolphins swim and jump freely through the lightest of green waters.  The best beaches are at the Gasparill Island Geo Park system, located at the far south end of Gasparilla Island. There is a small admission fee to the state parks.   Also at the park, an historic lighthouse has been converted to a museum detailing the aquatic history of Charlotte Harbor and Boca Grande. It's worth a visit, as is a visit to Amory Chapel, one of the first churches in this area.  It has been restored by local residents and many functions are held there oceanside.
   Gasparilla Island is located in both Charlotte and Lee counties, but the state park beach is in Lee County at the south end.

Englewood Beach

   Beautiful Englewood Beach is located on the Gulf of Mexico near the Charlotte and Sarasota County line in the city of Englewood.  Here beach-goers will find great warn sand and wild sea oats growing along the dunes. A path leads to a more secluded white sand beach that exposes trees, vegetation and wildlife.
   The county has undertaken extensive renovations to modernize the facility and upgrade it to world-class resort status with many amenities.
   The county-owned beach is the largest for miles around and is popular among tourists as well as visitors.