One of the marvelous things about living in Charlotte County is that we are an island community. All of the towns are located within close proximity to the beaches and gulf islands. Some of our towns are actually located on the gulf islands and there are many islands that are uninhabited or only have a handful of homes because they are true islands with access by boat only.
Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands includes the areas of Boca Grande, Don Pedro Island, El Jobean, Englewood-Cape Haze, Little Gasparilla Island, Manasota Key, Palm Island, Placida, Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda. There are many other boat accessible islands including Cayo Costa, North Captiva, Cayo Pelu and Useppa to name a few.
These islands are remarkably uncrowded and the beaches are beautiful. Imagine leaving your home by boat and traveling to an island. Bring the family and the dog and park the boat! A shore lunch or a lazy swim in the gulf will convince you that this is paradise. Perhaps you will want to wander off to an island restaurant for a cold brew and grouper sandwich- this is all part of the lifestyle. Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands is nestled along Florida’s Southwest Gulf Coast, between Sarasota and Naples, about 100 miles south of Tampa.
The area covers a diverse landscape of cities and towns. Choose from four island escapes: the barrier island community of Boca Grande; Palm Island, with its serene beaches accessible by ferry; secluded Don Pedro Island; and Little Gasparilla Island. For a small town experience, visit historic Punta Gorda, Englewood, or Port Charlotte. Picturesque and waterfront describe the towns of El Jobean; Manasota Key; Cape Haze; and Placida, a quaint fishing and arts village.
At 5 to 25 feet above sea level, Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands enjoys a climate characterized as sub-tropic where extremes of temperature in both summer and winter are checked by the tempering influence of the Gulf of Mexico. Numerous upland and aquatic preserve are great for exploring. The islands provide the western boundary for Charlotte Harbor which is one of the world’s largest protected marine estuaries encompassing 280 square miles with 219 miles of natural shoreline. Its confluence of the Peace and Myakka rivers comprises some of the most vibrant coastal areas in the state and a unique network of mangrove islands and mangrove forests.
The islands provide natural preserves and a natural barrier to inland communities and have amenities which include miles of beaches and more than 70 parks. Below is a short list of islands and towns.
Boca Grande
Set on Gasparilla Island, the historic village of Boca Grande offers old world charm, quaint shops and restaurants, and gorgeous beach views.
El Jobean
Charming El Jobean has its own old-Florida flair. A former winter home for circus and carnival performers, it is a boating and fishing destination for many anglers.
Englewood-Cape Haze
Located on the Lemon Bay, off the coast of the Gulf of Mexico, Englewood is a beach community which thrives on its nature parks, cultural events, beaches, fishing and arts offerings.
Manasota Key
Two jewels you will find on Manasota Key are Chadwick Park at Englewood Beach and the Stump Pass Beach State Park. Sparkling water, sandy shores, hidden seashells and a lot of sunshine!
Palm Island
Seven miles of white sandy beach and crystal clear water await you on this retreat away from the world. A car ferry to get there adds to the remote feel of this island getaway.
Placida
Is a beautiful waterfront community with lots of history. Fishing is a way of life. Plenty of interesting things to do in a tranquil setting within a very small community located close to the beach and convenient to the Intercoastal Waterway.
Port Charlotte
Port Charlotte, the county’s geographical center is a wonderful waterfront town that has modern conveniences for the both the waterfront home owner or inland home owner. Lots to do in this town.
Punta Gorda
The city of Punta Gorda is a historic town that lies along beautiful Charlotte Harbor. Streets lined with huge royal palms, beautifully restored period homes with wide verandas, brick lanes, street lamps and benches leave an almost tangible old-Florida atmosphere. Nearly everything is waterfront here from hotels and shopping to parks and fine dining.
