Beach

Charlotte Harbor and the Gulf Islands of southwest Florida comprise an area of 693 square miles with 830 miles of shoreline. With so much surrounding water, the area has a plethora of beaches from which to choose. Visitors are delighted by miles of unspoiled Gulf Coast beaches on the offshore islands that offer excellent shelling, kayaking, birding, fishing, hiking, or just pure relaxation on a beach blanket under the sun. However residents of the County’s two largest cities, Punta Gorda and Port Charlotte, often eschew the beaches on the out islands for one in their own backyard, Port Charlotte Beach Park.

Beach backed by large pavilions, which may be rented for large groups or special events

Located on the banks of the Peace River at its junction with Charlotte Harbor, the water at Port Charlotte Beach is coffee brown with a tinge of red. But don’t be fooled by the color; the Peace River is among the cleanest rivers – if not the cleanest – in Florida. Read More »

by Barbara Ann Weibel at Hole In The Donut Travels

The fact that the beach at Harry Harris Beach is man-made makes it no less attractive than other Florida Keys beaches. In fact, the coral rock barrier that surrounds beach protects it from wave action and large fish. With its protected lagoon, wide expanse of white sand, half-moon sweep of stately palms, covered picnic tables, BBQ grills, showers, and bath house, this Tavernier beach approaches perfection. And that is no small compliment in the Keys, where beaches are few in number and marginal in quality.

A rock jetty creates this placid man-made lagoon in Harry Harris County Park

But that’s not all! This pleasant County facility also has playground equipment, basketball courts, a softball field, volleyball net, a bike path, and even an in-line skating park for sports enthusiasts, while boaters will find an excellent boat ramp that provides access to both Key Largo and Islamorada.

Palms, pavilions, and picnic facilities dot the sand beach

To reach Harry Harris County Park turn east on Burton Drive at the 92.5 mile marker on the Overseas Highway and follow it to the end. The park is open every day of the year from sunrise to sunset.

On Saturday, Sunday, and Federal Holidays, an entrance fee of $5 per person is charged for non-residents over the age of 16.

Photos courtesy of Barbara Weibel