Come See the Beaches:
You are probably here to visit the beaches. The beaches of Charlotte Harbor and the Gulf Islands line miles of the Gulf coast. The closest beach is located at Port Charlotte Beach Park located in Charlotte Harbor just about a mile from the house. Amenities include the beach, fishing, boat ramps, canoe and kayaking, basketball, volleyball, and tennis courts, a swimming pool and a playground. Upon venturing further, you can visit Gulf beaches that are easliy accessible yet remote enough to attract abundant birds, dolphins, sea turtles, and other wildlife. To see iguanas, visit the beach at Boca Grande, and for shell collecting try spending time at Sanibel Island.
Venturing Out:
If you decide to venture out you can head southeast on Alligator Alley to Everglades National Park, Miami, or the Florida Keys. To see the only coral reef located in the US visit John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo to snorkel, scuba dive, or take a glass bottom boat tour. If you are really adventurous, go all the way to Key West. Drive one of the most scenic highways in the US, stop on the way and swim with the dolphins at Dolphins Plus before arriving at one of the most eclectic places in the US. Visiting Key West would require an overnight stay, but you may want to stay longer.
If you head in a northerly direction visit Sarasota (about 30 miles,) Venice (about 40 miles,) Tampa/St. Pete (about 70 miles,) or head on up to the Florida theme parks. Disney World, Universal Studios, and Sea World are all about a three hours away (about 165 miles.) But you'll want to make it an overnighter if you plan to stay until closing.
