The Beaches on the Gulf Islands of Charlotte County are Florida's best kept secret. Together the Islands of Boca Grande, Little Gasparilla Island, Don Pedro Island, Palm Island, and Manasota Key, offer miles and miles of spectacular unspoiled beach.
Don Pedro Island State Park
Don Pedro Island State Park offers more than a mile of pristine, untouched beach on the Gulf of Mexico. The park lies between what is known as Palm Island an Don Pedro Island to the north, and Little Gasparilla island to the south. This park is only accessible only by private boat, water taxi, or ferry service. Boaters can tie up on the bay side of the island at the dock. Activities on the island include sunbathing, swimming, snorkeling, fishing, and shelling. Hike through island´s 11 natural communities and take in all the wildlife. The Island Beach is located off the coast of Cape Haze about nine miles south of Englewood. Intracoastal Waterway directional signs guide visitors to the park. The Landbase is located directly across Placida Road from Cape Haze Resort.
Grande Tours is currently offering ferry services to the island Friday through Sunday. The ferry leaves from the pier at the Fisheries, located in Placida, just south of the Boca Grande Causeway. Contact Grande Tours at 941-697-8825, or the park office at 941-964-0375, for more information on this service.
Englewood Beach at Chadwick Park
Englewood Beach is located at 2100 N. Beach Road, on the island of Manasota Key, after you cross over the Tom Adams Bridge. This beach offers a wide range of amenities including the 900 foot boardwalk with three covered lookouts, restroom facilities, showers stations, a sand volleyball court, basketball courts, horseshoe pits, a children’s playground area, four shelters with picnic tables and grills, as well as three large pavilions. Englewood Beach is a Charlotte County park.
Gasparilla Island State Park
Gasparilla Island State Park is located at the southern end of
Gasparilla Island, also known as Boca Grande, and accessible via the
Boca Grande Causeway. The park is directly on the waters of the world
famous Boca Grande Pass. Activities include swimming, snorkeling,
fishing, shelling, sunbathing. Two picnic areas offer pavilions for
your convenience. The park is centered around the 1890 restored Boca
Grande Lighthouse. Self-guided tours of the Museum are available.
There are a few other small public beaches located along the road on
your way to Gasparilla Island State Park.
Palm Island Beaches
Palm is only accessible by private boat or the Palm Island Transit ferry which launches from the end of Panama Drive in Cape Haze. Palm Island offers miles of pristine white sandy beaches on the Gulf of Mexico. Note: there are no Public parking lots on Palm Island, so unless you are staying on the island, you can only arrive by private boat, or bicycle via the Palm Island Transit.
Stump Pass Beach State Park
Stump Pass Beach State Park is located at the extreme southern end of
Manasota Key and is accessible via the Tom Adams Bridge. Activities
include swimming, sunbathing, shelling and fishing. Tucked away in a
pristine and secluded area, walk the shoreline or take the hiking trail
which passes through five distinct natural communities. An abundance of
wildlife can be found, from dolphins and manatees to gopher tortoises
and frigate birds. Bathrooms and covered picnic tables are available
for use.