Welcome to one of nature’s finest setting, the unique and unspoiled Charlotte County first discovered by the Spanish in the 1500’s..

Know to locals and visitors alike as Charlotte Harbor and the Gulf Islands, it is a tranquil getaway on Florida's Southwest Gulf Coast. As Florida’s premier eco-tourism destination, it is off the beaten path and away from the crowds. However it is also convenient via I-75 to the Tampa Bay area and its many attractions as well as the popular Naples/Fort Myers area.

Charlotte Harbor offers world-class boating, fishing, and sailing and has become one of SAIL Magazine’s “10 Greatest Places to Sail.” There are abundant nature explorations on both land and water, five National Wildlife Refuges and prime birding opportunities for spectacular photography excursions. Relax on sandy beaches and enjoy unique shopping and dining experiences and a thriving arts community. A place where the pace of life moves with the rhythm of the tides and hospitality is measured in warm, friendly greetings.

Charlotte Harbor and the Gulf Islands includes the areas of Boca Grande, Don Pedro Island, El Jobean, Englewood-Cape Haze, Little Gasparilla Island, Manasota Key, Palm Island, Placida, Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda.

Copy Source: Charlotte Harbor and the Gulf Islands Visitor’s Bureau: www.charlotteharbortravel.com
Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce: www.charlottecountychamber.org
Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce: www.puntagorda-chamber.com
Charlotte County Government: www.co.charlotte.fl.us

Some Quick Facts:

• Established in 1921; population approximately 157,000.
• 701 square miles; 448,640 acres.
• Florida Marine Research Institute reports shoreline mileage for Charlotte County at 830 miles including river passages, mangrove-edged aquatic preserve and 28 miles of sandy beaches.
• Approximately 84% of the Charlotte Harbor is preserved land.
• Canoe/Kayak Blueway Trails - 53 trails for a total of 197.8 miles throughout Charlotte Harbor.
• 365 miles of canals; 190 miles of saltwater and 175 miles of freshwater.
• Charlotte Harbor, fed by the Peace and Myakka rivers, is the 17th largest estuary in the nation and the 2nd largest estuary in the state encompassing 270 square miles.
• The 105-mile long Peace River is one of the longest rivers in Florida; it finds its terminus in Charlotte Harbor. The Spanish are credited for naming the waterway in 1544 as Rio de la Paz, "river of peace."
• The Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park is the 4th largest state park, of which 30,000 acres are in Charlotte County. Enjoy the vast hiking opportunities including the Old Datsun Trail.
• Babcock/Webb Wildlife Management Area 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.
• Charlotte Sports Park will be the spring training home to the Tampa Bay Rays beginning in 2009.
• Ranked 3rd "Best in America" to live and golf by Golf Digest.