Local Attractions
BEACHES AND ISLANDS
Boca Grande, Englewood, Manasota Key and Stump Pass beaches are a 10-15 minute drive away. If you're craving activity then head for Port Charlotte beach where there are sea sports. On further exploration, the soft Gulf beaches stretch for miles and never seem to be crowded. Most beaches have public amenities and those around Englewood are safe for little ones and old alike and very convenient.
If you prefer something with a more peaceful Caribbean setting, take a trip over the toll bridge onto Gasparilla Island (Boca Grande). Caught in a time capsule, this beautiful little island host's multi-million dollar properties and exciting beaches sharing their treasure chests of shells and fossilised sharks teeth with collectors. These beaches are perfect, but be aware that swimming is
not permitted at the end of the island and most beaches do not have lifeguards on the island. You swim at your own risk.
The reason for the swimming ban at the end of the island will be apparent when you visit Boca Pass, which is the exit point for both the Myakka and the Peace rivers into the Gulf of Mexico. They come together and force their way through the pass creating racing currents, which are beyond the average swimmer but dolphins love it there! |
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Fishing is a 'must' for the enthusiast and each year, the Tarpon game fish gather in the Boca Pass and offer great sport to both local and international anglers. The competitions are held just offshore and spectators get a marvellous view of the boats from one of the lighthouses situated at the waters edge.
For a more peaceful day, anglers will find plenty of opportunity to take a boat out into the Gulf or the inter-coastal waterway with local experts and enjoy catching a wide range of large fish.
Boaters will discover a wide array of marinas, with both wet and dry slips and ready access to the Inter-coastal waterway. Whether you have a passion for deepwater sailboats, enjoy the
fast-paced speedboat lifestyle, or anything in between you'll find a marina to accommodate you or why not rent a boat and keep it on your doorstep at "Manatee Creek". First Timers and Novices - if you've never had a chance to try it, now is the time! We have excellent contacts for all type of fishing excursions.
Water and wildlife enthusiasts will be in heaven with the warm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the secret world of the inter-coastal waterways. You will share the Gulf with pods of dolphins passing happily along the coast. The Inter-coastal waterway separates the land from the sea in many places and is a boaters paradise playing host to a wide range of wildlife including the gentle manatee and particularly birds such as the 'white pelican', cormorants and the 'osprey'. They are actively encouraged to nest along the waterways and you can see dozens while you are enjoying the pleasures of boating!
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Together the various surrounding islands such as Lemon Bay, Don Pedro, Cayo Costa among others cover 3,000 acres of beautiful beach on the Gulf of Mexico and provide a habitat for many species of wildlife, including exciting and endangered such as beautiful sea turtles and gopher tortoises. |
Golf is a 'must' for many Americans and in an area where the weather is good and life is for enjoying, golf courses come as standard and you will be spoilt for choice. There are currently upwards of 30 fantastic courses within a 15-20 mile radius. From May to October the courses
are quiet and tee times can often be arranged the same day.
Many courses include an electric golf kart as part of the fee and a few courses insist on their use. Our contacts are happy to arrange golf holidays for individuals or groups.
RIVERWOOD GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB, PORT CHARLOTTE
Voted in Top Ten Places to play in the USA (2002) and
rated 4½ stars by Golf Digest
DEEP CREEK GOLF CLUB, PORT CHARLOTTE
Designed by PGA tour player Mark McCumber.
One of the best conditioned in Charlotte County
Nearby Long Marsh was carved out from 300 acres of five oaks, pines and palmettos and meanders through wetlands, hammocks and rolling savannahs. This par-72 course took two years of planning and construction to take full advantage of its natural breathtaking views and serenity. |
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Florida teems with places to go, things to do - and in such vast variety that nobody's passion is denied. The most famous attraction is of course Walt Disney World - Animal Kingdom, Magic
Kingdom, Sea-world, and the fantastic Typhoon Lagoon water park - there is simply something for everyone. Busch Gardens is even closer in Tampa.
On the Gulf Coast, attractions are also in abundance.
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary south of Fort Myers on route 846 is America's largest remaining unspoiled stand of bald cypress trees and is a unique natural wildlife habitat.
Tel: 941/348-9151
Everglades Wonder Gardens is one of Florida's original attractions. Founded in 1936 it offers a selection of Everglades's wonders that you could ever wish to see. Meet alligators, crocodiles, eagles, Florida panther and black bear, as well as deer, bobcat and wild boar.
Tel: 941/992-2591
The Shell Factory at North Fort Myers claims to offer the world's largest collection of rare shells, corals, sponges and fossils. Outdoor entertainment includes miniature golf and bumper boat rides.
Babcock Wilderness Adventures Punta Gorda is open 9-3 Nov to April and mornings only May to Oct. An exciting swamp buggy ride offers a unique look around the vast 90,000-acre Babcock Crescent B Ranch. There are usually sightings of the ranch's herd of bison, crossbreed Senepol cattle and quarter horses. Booking is essential.
Tel: 941/489-3911 or 1-800/500-5583
Pelican Pete's at 3101 South McCall Road is a family entertainment centre consisting of miniature golf; go-kart rides, batting cages train and arcades. There is also food concession stands.
Port Charlotte Bowlerama at 3192 Harbor Boulevard, Port Charlotte offers bowling and dining.
Peace River Wildlife Centre at 3400 West Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda is an active wildlife rehabilitation centre for indigenous animals and birds for viewing.
These are just a few of the attractions in this area but part of the fun is finding things of interest for yourself, so we hope that when you come to visit you will enjoy exploring the area as there is a multitude of things on offer for everyone. What about watching a game of baseball, then do so in the local stadium.
You will leave Florida with more things on your list to do next time than you started with at the beginning of your visit.
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