Charlotte County has four public beaches, and each one suits a different kind of day. Two are county parks with restrooms, playgrounds and metered parking. The other two are state parks with fewer people and more room to spread out.
Englewood Beach at Chadwick Park
This is the county’s main Gulf beach, with white sand and a clear view of the sunset. A 900-foot boardwalk with three covered lookouts runs along the beach, and there are restrooms, showers, water stations, a volleyball court, basketball courts, horseshoe pits and a playground. Four small shelters and three large pavilions have picnic tables and charcoal grills, and the pavilions can be reserved for parties and reunions by calling 941.681.3742.
Where: 2100 N. Beach Road, Englewood
Hours: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Parking: 75 cents an hour
Port Charlotte Beach Park
This beach sits on Charlotte Harbor instead of the Gulf, so the water is calmer and a good fit for younger kids. The park has a boardwalk with a fishing pier, a boat ramp, a canoe and kayak launch, tennis, bocce, basketball and volleyball courts, a playground, picnic shelters, two large pavilions, a heated swimming pool and a recreation center. Call 941.627.1628 to reserve a pavilion or the recreation center.
Where: 4500 Harbor Blvd., Port Charlotte
Hours: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Parking: 75 cents an hour
Stump Pass Beach State Park
At the southwest corner of the county, on the south end of Manasota Key, Stump Pass has about a mile of beach where seashells and shark teeth wash up. Shelling is best in the winter months. Anglers fish the surf, and paddlers can launch a kayak and circle the two small islands just east of the park. Keep an eye out for manatees, gopher tortoises and snowy egrets. The park’s pavilion is currently unavailable.
Where: 900 Gulf Blvd., Englewood
Hours: 8 a.m. to sunset
Fee: $3 per vehicle
Don Pedro Island State Park
Don Pedro Island sits between Knight Island and Little Gasparilla Island, and the island itself can only be reached by private boat. The park is open, including the island, but the dock and facilities are unavailable for now. The mainland entrance is on Placida Road in Cape Haze.
Where: 8450 Placida Road, Cape Haze
Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Fee: $3 per vehicle
Good to Know
- Dogs are not allowed on Charlotte County beaches or fishing piers.
- If you go often, a seasonal or annual parking pass for the county beaches can save money. Passes are sold at any county recreation center and the Charlotte County Tax Collector’s office, or by calling 941.625.7529.
- Florida State Parks asks visitors to pay the $3 vehicle fee using the QR code posted at each park.
For county beach details, visit charlottecountyfl.gov. For the state parks, see Stump Pass and Don Pedro Island at floridastateparks.org.
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