Local Area Guide & Things To Do
Venice
Experience paradise with a visit to Venice Island. Venice, along Florida’s white-sanded Gulf Coast, offers 14 miles of some of the most magnificent beaches in the state. From people-only beaches, to beaches that accommodate dogs, to beaches on which you can hunt for shark’s teeth. Shop the quaint boutiques, low key or fine dining options are abundant.
Remember to plan a “sunset” visit to the south jetty, they are spectacular.
Englewood
Englewood is known as the “Gem of the Sun Coast”, “the Heart of the Sun Coast”, “a bit of Heaven on Earth”,, “a place unspoiled” and “where the livin is easy”. Englewood is a community of communities, set comfortably on an area straddling two counties, harbored by several small islands and magnificent beaches in a tropical setting. Englewood is a beach community that thrives on its cultural events, nature parks, beaches, fishing, boating, and so much more. Englewood Beach offers recreation areas, picnic tables, and conveniently located nearby restaurants, shops. Walking south from Englewood Beach is Stump Pass Beach; a narrow strip of beach that offers anglers a great place to fish.
Sarasota
Sarasota and the surrounding area are blessed with dazzling white beaches, warm turquoise waters, lush green vegetation and dramatic sunsets. Add to this the huge range of cultural and natural attractions in the area you can see why the area is so popular with residents and visitors alike. As well as the beautiful scenery, Sarasota itself offers a fantastic range of museums and galleries, fine arts, shopping, dining.
Rotonda West/Port Charlotte/Punta Gorda
Want to have the best of beach life, shopping, dining, history, night life, golf, biking trails, and incredible boat tours? You can do it all in the Rotonda/Port Charlotte/Punta Gorda area. Spend the day at Boca Grande Beach or Gasparilla State Park, both on gorgeous “Gasparilla Island”. Located just 22 minutes from Rotonda West, you’ll cross a toll bridge ($6) and enter a pristine, private-feel paradise. Bring your beach chairs, umbrellas, coolers, picnics and prepare to relax! Nice restrooms and outside rinse-off showers are available. The easiest way to enjoy Boca Grande Beach is to park at the “Port Boca Grande Lighthouse & Museum” parking lot, which is just a short walk to the beach front. While you’re there, enjoy the lighthouse & museum for free, and gain an appreciation for Boca Grande’s humble beginnings as well as some of the marine and bird life on the island. (Note: the lighthouse is closed on Mondays, open all other days from 11am – 4pm.) If you need to come in out of the sun or do some rainy-day shopping, visit the charming “Fisherman’s Village”, located at 1200 W. Retta Esplanade in Punta Gorda. You can plan an entire day of fun with shopping, dining at “Harpoon Harry’s” or the “Village Brewhouse” in the village. After lunch or dinner step onto one of the amazing cruise boats operated by King Fisher Fleet for a midday or sunset cruise. (Just $39/person and the best crews around!). For other family, friends, or girls night out adventures, consider attending a painting class at “Painting with a Twist” at 18700 Veterans Blvd., Ste. #8 in Port Charlotte. They provide everything (except the wine – so bring your own) and create an atmosphere of fun with amazing instructors and music! It’s well worth the $39/person and you keep your art! Head out for a night on the town with a visit to “VIsani Steakhouse & Comedy Club Theater”, enjoy dinner and a load of laughs! Located at 2400 Kings Hwy in Port Charlotte (rated #1 on Trip Advisor) If you prefer to hang out with friends, enjoy a few drinks listening to live music, visit “TT’S Tiki Bar”, located 33 Tamiami Trl Four Points by Sheraton Harborside in Punta Gorda. (Also rated #1 on Trip Advisor) For those of you visiting in the cooler months, consider a round of golf at one of the five luscious golf courses located in Rotonda or bike one of the many area bike trails. To set up tee times, visit https://rotondagolf.com