PUNTA GORDA/ENGLEWOOD BEACH, Fla. – Located on Florida’s Southwest Gulf Coast halfway between Sarasota and Fort Myers, Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach is a family-friendly destination offering dozens of activities that are fun for the whole family. This area combines miles of protected wildlife preserves with a collection of quaint small towns and artsy communities where families can explore true Old Florida together. Some family favorites include: 

Explore in Nature: Opened in 1987 with the goal of preserving a piece of Old Florida paradise, the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center (CHEC) is dedicated to providing family-friendly environmental education and sustainable recreation opportunities for both visitors and locals alike. Currently, the Center offers over 20 educational programs, varying slightly each month based off of the surrounding ecosystem. Some of their staple programs include volunteer-based water monitoring programs, King Fisher fleet boat tours and guided educational walks. Their wading tours are a family favorite program that allow guests to step into shallow water in search of marine organisms. Parents and children delight in discovering what plants and small animals are hidden just beyond the shore. A trip to, or with, Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center builds family memories that will last a lifetime. 

Paddle the Charlotte Waterways: The Charlotte County Blueway Trails are a unique collection of mapped out aquatic pathways ideal for paddling and exploration. Families love these expansive waterways that stretch along hundreds of miles of undeveloped shorelines reminiscent of Old Florida. Once in the water, colored trail markers are nestled in the mangroves. For planning prior to departure, each of the 57 trails are rated in the Blueway Trails Guide for ease of access, difficulty and scenic value. While on the Charlotte County Blueway Trails, keep a look out for native wildlife - observant families are likely to see manatees, dolphins or fish jumping out of the water. 

Rent a Boat: For more fun on the Charlotte Harbor, families can let one of the area’s experienced charter captains guide them along the waterways. Simply sit back and relax on a sailboat, sightseeing tour or sunset cruise. Englewood-based company Riding The Waves, hosts sunset and eco tours on personal motorized catamarans providing a one-of-a-kind way to explore on the water. King Fisher Fleet, based out of Fishermen’s Village, hosts some of the area’s best sunset cruises, sightseeing tours and fishing charters – all great options for family fun and a great way to get away from land for some quality family bonding time. 

Borrow-a-Bike: Pedal through the City of Punta Gorda with the whole family in tow on free loaner bikes provided by TEAM Punta Gorda. Recognized as a “Florida Bike-Friendly Community,” in Punta Gorda, families can borrow for the day free rental bikes from a number of different area locations. Use the bikes to easily explore the area and enjoy catching sight of the picturesque Charlotte Harbor and historic, hand painted murals. 

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ABOUT PUNTA GORDA / ENGLEWOOD BEACH
Located halfway between Tampa and Naples on the Southwest Florida Gulf Coast, Punta Gorda /Englewood Beach is a charming collection of nine coastal communities surrounding the state’s second largest harbor. Florida’s premier year-round eco-tourism destination, the area offers a pristine unspoiled beauty. In 2014, Port Charlotte was named the top “U.S. Best Value Destination” by Trivago (the world’s largest online hotel search site), and the Charlotte Sports Park, spring training home of the Tampa Bay Rays, was voted “Best Spring Training Facility” by readers of USA TODAY. A haven for outdoor enthusiasts, Punta Gorda / Englewood Beach has been named one of SAIL magazine’s “10 Greatest Places to Sail in the United States,” ranked by Golf Digest as “Third Best Place to Live and Play Golf in America,” and rated by MONEY magazine as one of the “Best Places to Live in the South.” Englewood was named second of the Top Ten emerging travel destinations in the U.S. by TripAdvisor.com. The area is served by five airports: The Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) with private and charter air service, Sarasota Bradenton International Airport (SRQ), Southwest Florida International Airport, Ft. Myers, (RSW), St. Petersburg-Clearwater International Airport (PIE) and Tampa International Airport (TPA). For more information on visiting Punta Gorda / Englewood Beach visit http://PureFlorida.com or call1-800-652-6090. 

CONTACTS:
Lois Croft, Public Relations Manager
Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau
Tel: 
(941) 743-1900 orlois.croft@pureflorida.com