About The Gulf Islands, FL | Punta Gorda, Boca Grande Facts

About The Area

Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach encompasses Charlotte County, Florida, which celebrated its Centennial in 2021. Charlotte County is comprised of the towns of Punta Gorda, Englewood, and Port Charlotte, the Gulf Islands of Knight, Don Pedro, Little Gasparilla, and the northern tip of Gasparilla Island (home of Boca Grande), the areas of Cape Haze and Placida, and the town of Babcock Ranch.  

Crossing The Peace River

Two of the three bridges that connect Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda run side-by-side, one northbound, the other south, over the Peace River. These bridges offer one of Southwest Florida's most scenic walks, while the sunset behind the bridges is one of the most picturesque sites in the area. In fact, the entire area orients toward our gorgeous sunsets, and offers many waterfront restaurants that feature stunning views at all times of the day.  

Charlotte Harbor

Charlotte Harbor is second-largest natural estuary in Florida (on the map, we’re the big harbor below Tampa Bay on the west coast of Florida) and approximately 84% of the harbor’s shoreline is preserved land. The area is more than an outdoor vacation wonderland, it's an important and productive ecosystem. The harbor itself is home to more than 275 species of fishable fish.

Our area, and Boca Grande Pass in particular, is often referred to as the "Tarpon Fishing Capital of the World." To back up that claim, the World's Richest Tarpon Tournament has been held in the area since the 80s. Each spring—usually in May—anglers from across the world come to test their skills against the "Silver Kings" migrating hrough the area.  

Barrier Islands

Our beautiful gulf islands provide a scenic separation from the Gulf of Mexico to the west, while over 190 miles of Blueway Trails (mangrove tunnels and river passages) across the rest of the county beckon to paddlers of all abilities. More than a dozen miles of Gulf Coast Beaches satisfy beach lovers from around the world.  

Nature and Wildlife

The wide array of wildlife across the entire area is one of the best things about Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach. On land, look for burrowing owls and gopher tortoises, on the water keep an eye out for dolphins and manatees, and look to the skies for all manner of birds and other flying creatures like the Florida Scrub Jay and Florida Bonneted Bat.

Things get even wilder southeast of Punta Gorda. Don't miss:

• Babcock Ranch Eco-Tours, a fun, funny, and informative tour through four different ecosystems that embody Old Florida, including The Gator Shack, a true Florida treasure and one of the best places to try gator bites.
• Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary, a "retirement home" for exotic rescues, literal lions, tigers, bears, primates, and more. They offer private tours.
• IguanaLand, Florida's largest reptile zoo, with over 250 species of lizards, turtles, tortoises, and snakes in residence. Opt for an Animal Encounter to get behind the scenes, up close and personal with a few animals.

A bit further south, the first solar-powered city in the U.S., Babcock Ranch, is thriving. Next to the town is the Babcock/Webb Wildlife Management Area, which encompasses 79,013 acres—or 124 square miles—of the largest undisturbed pine flatwoods in SW Florida and the 7th largest management area in the state. Babcock/Webb offers freshwater fishing, camping, hunting, hiking, biking, spectacular wildlife viewing, and horseback riding (bring your own horse).