Perched on the west coast of Florida, Port Charlotte is round a 90-minute drive south of St Petersburg. It’s the type of metropolis that’s nice for a day journey or weekend keep while exploring the Gulf of Mexico shoreline. So, that can assist you get probably the most of a visit, I needed to share a few of the finest issues to do in Port Charlotte once you go to.
Though generally missed in lieu of the opposite finest locations in Florida, like Clearwater, Port Charlotte is a good little pitstop while heading in direction of Southern Florida.
Now, some say that Port Charlotte is only for retirees, however don’t let that put you off! Its bought a beautiful attraction and beautiful spots round Gasparilla Sound that’s completely beautiful.
Have a look, under, at a few of the finest issues to do in Port Charlotte, Florida.
1.) Stroll Bayshore Stay Oak Park
For some completely beautiful views of the bay, Bayshore Stay Oak Park is the place to be.
Not solely that, strolling on the beautiful shoreline trails is definitely among the best issues to do in Port Charlotte round sundown. You see, from right here, you get some beautiful orange hues which are too lovely to overlook.
Plus, in the event you’ve rented (or have) a canoe, you’ll discover the jetty to move off into the bay. Simply beautiful.
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2.) Go to Charlotte Harbor Protect State Park
Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park has over 70+ miles of shoreline to discover and with a heap of trails and path to observe, it’s the proper place to benefit from the nice outside close to Port Charlotte.
For the very best trails, head on the Eagle Level Path, the Hidden Hammock Path or the Three Lakes Path – all good and simple! One factor to notice, watch out of alligators that roam this park. Hold a transparent distance and by no means strategy or go close to them.
3.) Discover North Charlotte Regional Park
That is one for the energetic amongst us! You see, North Charlotte Regional Park has all the pieces from baseball fields, soccer fields and a disc golf course to practise your swing.
Not solely that, they’ve not too long ago simply opened a shiny new Olympic size pool to check your water expertise! Close by, stroll over to the Charlotte County Fair that usually takes place on the finish of January.
4.) Discover Gasparilla Island State Park
Perched off Charlotte Harbor, Gasparilla Island State Park is round a 30-minute drive from the centre of Port Charlotte.
Nicely price a go to, the island is linked to the mainland by way of the Boca Grande Causeway (from Placida) and very easy to go to for a half-day journey.
As soon as right here, be sure you discover the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse Museum on the southerly tip of the island.
It’s steeped in historical past and has been round because the 1800s!
Not solely that, it’s bought a pristine seashore that’s completely beautiful too. It’s among the best issues to do in Port Charlotte in the event you’re fancying a break from the city itself.
Getting hungry, head over to South Beach Bar & Grille who dish out a few of the tastiest fish tacos round.
5.) Go to Punta Gorda
Simply throughout Peace River, Punta Gorda is one other little spot that’s a stone’s throw from Port Charlotte itself.
Accessed by way of Stay Oak Level (throughout the bridge) you’ll get to discover the world round Laishley Park that’s bought a heap of little eating places and spots to sit back.
One agency cease you need to make is at Laishley Crab House who serves up the freshest seafood on the town. Their stuffed lobster is so good.
6.) Head round Ollie’s Pond Park
Among the best issues about Port Charlotte is the variety of parks it has to discover. With a good and peaceable lake with a brief however beautiful path to observe, Ollie’s Pond Park is the proper place for birdwatching.
Completely peaceable, it’s a beautiful spot to sit back! Although, in the event you’re not into birdwatching, you most likely ought to give it a miss.
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7.) Stroll Audubon-Pennington Nature Park
Don’t be fooled with the little measurement of Audubon-Pennington Nature Park, it’s a stunner of a spot if you need some pure trails to observe proper inside Port Charlotte itself.
Alongside the way in which, you’ll spot a heap of birds at this park, too (which once more, skip if that’s not your factor).
With three kinds of Vegetation spots; Cyprus swamp, Oak Hammock, and Pine Flatwoods the park feels a lot larger than you’d count on.
Simply be sure you put on some good sneakers when following the paths, it could possibly get muddy within the decrease elements of the park.
8.) Attempt Scuba diving with Fantasea Scuba
in case you are searching for some journey and water actions then Fantasea Scuba is a one-stop diving spot that has the very best instructors in Port Charlotte. As anticipated, all diver trainers are licensed and skilled driving instructors – and most significantly, very affected person (for newbies like me).
Not solely that, they hire a heap of dive gear, snorkel gear, and spearfishing gear which is ideal in the event you don’t wish to lug your gear right here.
It actually is among the finest issues to do in Port Charlotte if you wish to attempt your hand a scuba diving.
9.) Discover Port Charlotte Seaside Park
The Port Charlotte Seaside Park has tons to supply together with fishing, canoeing, and kayaking (It’s Time Kayak is a good rental service).
There are additionally pavilions and a fishing pier the place you’ll be able to relax with a picnic and catch dinner, too!
Learn extra: Greatest issues to do in Florida
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