About Charlotte County, Florida
Where the Peace River meets Charlotte Harbor, from downtown Punta Gorda to the beaches of Englewood.
Welcome to Charlotte County
Charlotte County sits where the Peace River and the Myakka River empty into Charlotte Harbor, one of the largest estuaries in Florida. Punta Gorda, the county seat and its only city, faces the harbor from the south bank of the Peace River.
Across the river, Port Charlotte holds most of the county’s homes and shopping along US-41. To the west, Englewood and Manasota Key face the Gulf. To the east, Babcock Ranch is a newer town built around solar power.
Charlotte Harbor Living covers all of it: school news, nonprofits, local businesses, events and the people who call this corner of Southwest Florida home.
Things to Do in Charlotte County
Most weekends here start on the water and end downtown. Here are a few places to begin.
Dive Into the Arts Scene
Downtown Punta Gorda is covered in outdoor murals, many of them painted through the Punta Gorda Mural Society. The Visual Arts Center on Maud Street runs classes and rotating exhibits, and the Charlotte Performing Arts Center brings touring shows and local productions to town.
Get Outside on Trails & Preserves
Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park protects miles of shoreline around the harbor, with walking trails through pine flatwoods and salt marsh. East of I-75, the Babcock/Webb Wildlife Management Area is open for hiking, birding and fishing.
Experience Charlotte County History
Punta Gorda was incorporated in 1887, a year after the railroad reached the harbor. The Punta Gorda History Park on Shreve Street keeps several restored buildings, and the Blanchard House Museum tells the story of the city’s African American community.
Enjoy the Water & Wildlife
Manatees move through the harbor and the Punta Gorda canals, and tarpon, snook and redfish draw anglers from all over. At Ponce de Leon Park, the Peace River Wildlife Center cares for injured birds and animals, and visitors can meet the ones that can’t be released.
Helpful Links Around Charlotte County
Bookmark these for the everyday stuff, from school calendars to beach parking.
City of Punta Gorda
Official city website with information on services, permits, utilities, and local updates.
Charlotte County Parks & Recreation
Parks, preserves, beaches, boat ramps, programs, and recreational facilities.
Charlotte County Public Schools
School information, enrollment resources, calendars, and district updates.
Charlotte County Libraries & History
Library branches, local history collections, events, digital resources, and community learning programs.
Visit Punta Gorda & Englewood Beach
Information on attractions, beaches, events, and things to do across the area.
Thinking About Moving to Charlotte County?
People move here for the water, the slower pace and neighbors who wave from their docks.
Each part of the county has its own feel. Punta Gorda has a walkable downtown and canal homes with sailboat access to the harbor. Port Charlotte offers the widest range of homes and prices, Englewood is a beach town, and Babcock Ranch is still being built.
- Punta Gorda Isles
- Burnt Store Isles
- Burnt Store Marina
- Port Charlotte
- Deep Creek
- Englewood
- Rotonda West
- Babcock Ranch
Good to know before you make the move:
- Hurricane season runs June 1 through November 30. Check a home’s flood zone and ask about its insurance history before you buy.
- Seasonal residents fill the roads and restaurants from about January through April, so plan big errands and appointments around that.
- Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) offers nonstop flights to many U.S. cities, which makes visits from family easier.
- Full-time residents can apply for a homestead exemption through the Charlotte County Property Appraiser.
Powered by trusted local organizations
These local organizations share their news, events and stories with us every month.
We’re proud to be supported by all of these great organizations:
For more on what’s happening around town, visit the Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce at puntagordachamber.com.
About Charlotte Harbor Living
Your digital home for life in Charlotte County
Charlotte Harbor Living is a free monthly digital magazine and website for Punta Gorda and all of Charlotte County. Our first issue arrives in December 2026.
We publish good news only: stories from local nonprofits, schools and community groups. Subscribe and each new issue lands in your inbox.
Read Charlotte County stories →
Local highlights, features, and updates from around the Charlotte County area.
Explore events →
Find activities, festivals, and community gatherings year-round.
Find local services →
Discover businesses and service providers that support our community.
