Nestled along Florida’s Southwest Gulf Coast, between Sarasota and Naples, about 100 miles south of Tampa, Charlotte Harbor and The Gulf Islands provides some of the most beautiful natural settings Florida has to offer. With numerous upland and aquatic preserve areas to explore, Charlotte Harbor includes one of the world’s largest protected marine estuaries encompassing 270 square miles with 219 miles of natural shoreline. Charlotte Harbor/Gasparilla Sound Aquatic Preserve comprises nearly 80,000 acres of some of the most pristine and productive coastal areas in the state and a unique network of barrier islands and mangrove forests.
Vacation destinations include the barrier island community of Boca Grande; the historic city of Punta Gorda; Englewood; Port Charlotte; Little Gasparilla Island; Don Pedro Island; Manasota Key; Cape Haze; the picturesque fishing and arts village of Placida; and Palm Island, with its serene beaches accessible by ferry.
Charlotte County features over 70 parks and recreational areas. Take a unique wildlife buggy tour through the silent beauty of an untouched cypress swamp. Set sail on a small boat cruise. Camp out under the stars. Snorkel right off your canoe in the Peace River. Ride a bicycle alongside real Bison at Babcock’s Wilderness Adventure, or come face-to-face with a gopher tortoise on an exhilarating hike through Cedar Point.
Charlotte Harbor Area
