Current conditions for Port Charlotte as of Fri, 28 Aug 2015 1:50 pm EDT
Partly Cloudy
Feels like: 88 °F
Barometer: 30.01 in and falling
Humidity: 61%
Visibility: 10 mi
Dewpoint: 75 °F
Wind: 7 mph
Sunrise: 7:03 am
Sunset: 7:51 pm
Powered by Yahoo! WeatherCharlotte County is located on the Gulf of Mexico in southwest Florida, nestled 50 miles south of Sarasota and 24 miles north of Fort Myers. Its vast gulf shores comprise typically of white sandy beaches, gentle lapping waves and an abundance of ocean wildlife including sea turtles, dolphins, native birds and sport fish. Whether its a place to tan, to BBQ, to fish, to kayak or just to catch a nap, the Charlotte County beaches along the Gulf shore are a gathering spot for you, your family and friends.
4500 Harbor Boulevard
Port Charlotte FL 33952
Phone: (941) 627-1628
Pool: (941) 629-0170
Fax: (941) 627-3838
Office Hours: Wednesdays 9:00a.m – 5:00p.m.
2100 North Beach Road
Englewood, FL 33223
Phone (941) 473-1018
With 120 square miles of cruising waters in Charlotte Harbor to the East, the Gulf of Mexico to the West and inland passages to the North and South, the area has an endless series of adventures waiting to be discovered. The upper harbor offers protected boating on those windy days; to the south the Harbor opens up to a large expanse of water that offers long stretches for a relaxing cruise on one of our many beautiful sunny days. A favorite day trip is Cabbage Key for an outdoor lunch and refreshing tropical drink or to Cayo Costa for an afternoon of shelling or picnicking on powdery white beaches.
Acclaimed as one of the top ten sailing destinations in the United States by Sailing Magazine, Charlotte Harbor can be reached from the South via the Cross-State Waterway, which leads from the Atlantic side across Lake Okeechobee and down the Caloosahatchee River. At the mouth of the Caloosahatchee is the southern entrance to Charlotte Harbor from the Gulf of Mexico. The ICW leads up through Pine Island Sound weaving through mangrove islands offering spectacular views of wildlife and bountiful fishing opportunities.
Kayaking in these pristine waters is a dream come true and offers venues for all levels and ages of kayakers. There are shallow calm waters, remote canopy-covered mangrove waterways, bayous and back-bays. Guided tours will take you back in time to a remote Calusa Indian Mound area while observing manatees, birds and dolphins along the way. For a unique fishing experience, kayak fishing guide services are available for the beginner or the experienced paddler. These waters are teeming with trout, snook, redfish, and tarpon waiting to be plucked from the depths.
A fleet of guide boats, captained by local experts, is available for charter throughout the year for Pass, offshore, back-bay, transportation, eco-tours and sightseeing excursions. Many of our fishing guides are descendents of families who have lived here for generations and know these waters as well as they know the land. Local boat rentals are available for those who would prefer to go it on their own and protected anchorage options are available as wells as dockage offered at several marinas for the visitors who travel to this paradise by means of their own boats
Brohard Paw Park (Dog Friendly Beach)
For dog lovers, noteworthy in Venice is The Brohard Paw Park (1600 Harbor Dr. S., 941-861-9830), with dog drinking fountains, showers on decks for dogs only, fire hydrants and leash posts. The park is also adjacent to the only beach area in the county where dogs are allowed to roam free. Dog lovers have declared this park and beach to be the best dog friendly park in the state.
Caspersen Beach
The longest beach in Sarasota County, is located south of Venice Airport on Harbor Drive. It has been left in its natural state, uncultivated, windswept, and secluded. This is an exceptionally good area to look for and find pre-historic sharks teeth as well as enjoyable shelling. It is also site of the annual Sharks Tooth and Seafood Festival.
Venice Municipal Beach
An excellent place to find sharks teeth and other fossilized material and attracts divers to its coral reef about one quarter mile offshore.
8570 Manasota Key Road
Englewood FL 34223
Phone: (941) 493-0037
Located at the northern end of the island, beachgoers follow sandy paths to a spectacular view of pristine sands and clear blue water. With a fairly sharp slope from shore the water is ideal for swimming, snorkeling, body boarding and finding sharks teeth. Highlighting 14 acres of beach and dunes, Manasota Beach has ample free parking and year-round on duty Lifeguards.
There are shaded areas offering picnic tables, fire pits, boardwalks and bathhouse facilities. Also available from lifeguards: Reclining, floating wheelchairs capable of powering through deep sand and water
Across the street is additional parking with a 620 foot dock and boat ramp to the intra-coastal waterway. Don’t have a boat? …You can cast a line from the boardwalk that extends west of the dock around mangroves along the shore.
The vacation rentals on Manasota Key vary from rental homes and condominiums to apartment efficiencies and motel rooms. The atmosphere is that of old Florida with several good restaurants and souvenir shops or there’s downtown Englewood just a bridge away.