Discover Charlotte through its coastal and protected-area landscapes. Charlotte County’s coast includes an aquatic preserve lined with mangroves, the Peace and Myakka rivers, and 28 miles of beach. The aquatic preserve system also includes bird colonies, fish nurseries, salt marshes, seagrass beds and mangrove forests. The region’s natural landscape is therefore defined by stretches of beach and diverse habitats along the water.
Island Coasts and Activities on the Water
Gasparilla Island State Park is part of a chain of barrier islands along the Gulf Coast. Charlotte Harbor and Pine Island Sound separate it from the mainland. Swimming, snorkeling, fishing and wildlife watching are possible there from five parking areas. The park therefore offers several ways to experience the coastal landscape.
Don Pedro Island State Park has a one-mile-long white sand beach where you can swim, snorkel and collect shells. The park is accessible only by private boat. Stump Pass Beach State Park also has a one-mile-long beach. Shells and shark teeth wash up there, and surf fishing is possible. Visitors can kayak around two islands east of the park’s land base.
Stump Pass also offers specific wildlife-watching opportunities: possible sightings include West Indian manatees, gopher tortoises, snowy and tricolored herons, least terns and magnificent frigatebirds. The beach, surf fishing, kayaking and wildlife watching offer different reasons to explore the park.
Protected Areas and Their Landscapes
Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park covers 45,507 acres and protects more than 100 miles of shoreline along Charlotte Harbor in Charlotte and Lee counties. Activities include hiking, fishing, paddling and wildlife watching. Natural habitats range from mangrove forests and marshland to scrubland and pine flatwoods. The preserve is most easily accessed by kayak or canoe.
Babcock Ranch Preserve lies in southeastern Charlotte County. It covers 67,618.81 acres and protects diverse habitats, scenic landscapes, and historical and cultural resources. A 90-minute eco-tour with Babcock Ranch Eco-Tours takes visitors through the historic Babcock Ranch’s natural wildlife.
Punta Gorda: Waterfront Walkway, Market and Art
Punta Gorda’s Harborwalk is a 2.5-mile public promenade connecting waterfront parks. A farmers’ market takes place year-round on Sunday mornings at History Park in Punta Gorda. The promenade and weekly market offer two different ways to discover Punta Gorda: along the waterfront parks or at the park on Sunday morning.
The Visual Arts Center offers another way to engage with art. It has three large galleries, six classrooms, and studios for jewelry, glass, ceramics and technology. Throughout the year, the center offers art classes and workshops in various artistic media for all ages and skill levels. Exhibitions and hands-on creative work are thus two different ways to engage.
A Guide to Choosing
Charlotte County’s Park and Recreation Finder helps visitors find parks and recreational activities within the county. Fishing options are also clearly defined: all fishing spots in Charlotte County are public fishing areas. As you sort through your interests, the differences between beach activities, paddling, hiking and wildlife watching can help guide your choice of destinations.
Discover more destinations: Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, Placida, Rotonda, Hernando, Hillsborough, Highlands County, Gadsden County.
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