Charlotte County - 29 Attractions You Must Visit

Punta Gorda, Florida owns A. C. Freeman House, which is leased to the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce. The building is open to the public.

Blind Pass Beach is the perfect spot for anyone looking for a sunny retreat with plenty to do. Not only does the beach offer stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico, but it's also the ideal place to go fishing or explore nature by taking a walk along the shore. Visitors can also cool off at the observation deck and search for unique shells that have been washed up onto the beach. For those who prefer activities on land, there are countless biking and hiking trails as well as picnic areas.

The Boca Grande Causeway consists of three bridges and crosses Gasparilla Sound over 2.5 miles, providing the only vehicular access to the island.

The Cape Haze Pioneer Trail, is the perfect getaway for outdoor adventurers. Stretching 12 miles from Placida Harbor to Gasparilla Road and covering a variety of scenic landscapes ranging from wetlands to beaches, this trail offers something for all levels of hikers and bikers. From sunbathing on one of the many sandy shorelines to wildlife spotting in pristine wildlife habitats, trekkers will find plenty of opportunities to explore the natural beauty surrounding this coastal paradise.

The Cape Haze Pioneer Trail that served Gasparilla Island existed from 1907 to 1981.

The Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center is an amazing nature center located in Charlotte County. It includes over 600 acres of wetlands, uplands, and estuarine habitats that serve as home to a wide variety of species ranging from bald eagles and gopher tortoises to otters, butterflies, and other fascinating aquatic creatures. Visitors are encouraged to explore more than seven miles of trails that offer stunning views of the park's diverse habitats with educational signage along the way.

Located on the coast of Charlotte Harbor, Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park covers 46,000 acres (190 km2).

Charlotte Sports Park is a art sports complex that boasts 7 youth fields for different sports activities and is home to the minor league team, the Charlotte Stone Crabs. In addition to baseball games, This Park can host a variety of events that range from concerts and festivals to weddings or team-building exercises. With its numerous amenities, passionate staff, and convenient locations near restaurants and shops, it's no wonder why this sports park has become a well-loved attraction.

Cooter Pond Park is an ideal spot for outdoor recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy a range of attractions ranging from hiking and picnicking to wildlife watching and fishing. There is plenty of shoreline along the ponds where birds, turtles, frogs and many other species abound. The park also has horseshoe pits, shuffleboard courts and a playground. For those who like more challenging activities there are boat ramps that provide access to the Withlacoochee River.

Don Pedro Island is a brilliant shipwreck-diving haven and secluded beach escape. It’s home to two gorgeous beaches: North Beach and South Beach. All of this is nestled within a state preserve abundant with natural beauty and wildlife. Snorkelers love Don Pedro Island for its extensive variety of aquatic life, including sea turtles, barracudas, moray eels, snook, permit, spadefish and tarpon just to name a few. The waters are crystal clear and often feature visibility of up to 100ft!

Don Pedro Island State Park is only accessible by boat and is open from 8:00 am till sundown year-round.

Englewood Beach is a well-maintained destination that offers pristine white coastline, crystal clear waters, and stunning sunsets. Visitors to the beach can enjoy a variety of activities like swimming, bird watching, and snorkeling. The beach is also home to some unique wildlife such as Loggerhead sea turtles, which may be observed laying eggs in spring and summer months. If a more relaxed day is desired, visitors can simply lounge along the beach and bask in the beautiful natural surroundings.

Gasparilla Island State Park is a lovely beach-side park that offers tremendous opportunities for outdoor recreation. Relax by the white sandy waterfront or explore the subtropical rainforest habitat known as the Boca Grande Hammock. Visitors of the park can take part in a variety of activities from scuba diving and kayaking to fishing and bird watching. For landlubbers, many excellent hiking trails exist winding through mangrove forest and across ancient sand dunes.

Gasparilla Island gets its name from the legendary pirate captain José Gaspar ("Gasparilla" 1756–1821), who had his base on the island and purportedly hid his fabulous treasure there.

Gilchrist Park is an inviting area for both locals and visitors alike. Its picturesque shoreline, scenic beach access, and wide array of recreational opportunities make it a great destination for those wanting to experience the beauty of the Gulf Coast. From fishing, bird watching, and swimming to barbecue areas, picnic tables, and nature trails, this Park has something that everyone can enjoy.

Harborwalk is a 2.4-mile (3.9 km) multi-use recreational trail located in Punta Gorda

Laishley Park is a popular destination for tourists and locals alike. It features numerous attractions, including both man-made and natural features. The park's 100-seat amphitheater overlooks Charlotte Harbor, making it ideal for special events as well as open-air concerts. Other amenities include a boardwalk and pier with great views, picnic pavilions along the shoreline, a playground, kayak and canoe launch sites, fishing docks and an arcade.

Little Gasparilla Island is connected with Don Pedro Island to the north by a thin strip of beach and mangrove swamp.

On Pearl Harbor Day, 2001, the Military Heritage & Aviation Museum opened at its original location. The company has grown and moved twice since then, arriving at its current location in 2019.

Oyster Creek Environmental Park is located on Peace River and is a beautiful recreational spot for the whole family. With over 488 acres of wetlands and trails, you will be captivated by the natural beauty of aquatic plants, birds, fish and other wildlife that inhabit the area. Visitors can enjoy canoeing, kayaking, and fishing while also getting an up-close view of the many types of wildlife living in the park. There are plenty of amenities to make your visit comfortable.