Situated on Florida’s Southwest Coast, Port Charlotte combines small-town vibes with some top-notch opportunities for outdoor adventure.
A scenic waterway in Port Charlotte (Photo: Gary J. Wood via Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0)
Much of the action takes place in and around the town’s myriad of rivers and other waterways, where outdoor lovers flock to enjoy boating, fishing, sailing and plenty more. But many also come to soak up the laid-back atmosphere that serves as an antidote to the town’s more bustling neighbours such as Sarasota and Fort Myers. We’ve picked out 7 of the most unique things to see and do in Port Charlotte below.
Explore miles of man-made waterways
Breathtaking gulf sunsets, fossil hunting, tiki cruises and world-class fishing are just a handful of examples of the delights you’ll discover across the hundreds of miles of waterways that pass through and around Port Charlotte. Encompassing both freshwater and saltwater channels, the area is a magnet for those keen to get close to nature, with plenty of organised boat rides, kayaking excursions and cruises on offer that explore the jewels in the crown when it comes to natural attractions in Port Charlotte.
Attend a fun-packed county fair
One of the most eagerly awaited events on the city’s entertainment calendar, the Charlotte County Fair is packed full of rides, stage entertainment, livestock exhibits, arts and crafts, hotly-contested competitions and enough festival food and drink to shake a stick at. Held over 10 days through late January and into early February, the event attracts tens of thousands of revellers who come from far and wide to enjoy the assortment of family fun spanning agriculture and education.
County Fairgrounds, 2333 El Jobean Road / Jan-Feb each year
Crowds being entertained at the Charlotte County Fair (Photo: Charlotte County Fair)
Port Charlotte Beach Park
Spread over some 16 acres of scenic bayfront, Port Charlotte Beach Park has been a bustling meeting point and recreation space since its construction back in 1972. A major renovation in 2012 added a whole host of amenities to the park, which throngs with visitors during the summer months, many of whom stick around to enjoy the spectacular sunsets. The man-made beach is inevitably at the heart of the action, while boat ramps, basketball and tennis courts, picnic tables and a dog park provide plenty of opportunities for pursuits both of the energetic and leisurely kind.
Catch some live baseball action
There are few more quintessential American activities than watching live baseball – and visitors to Port Charlotte can do just that at Charlotte Sports Park, a state-of-the-art stadium that serves as the home field for Tampa Bay Rays’ spring training operations. Record-breaking crowds flock to the arena to watch the team being put through their paces and competing in pre-season matches, with a kids’ play area, concession stands and a team merchandise store providing plenty of distraction too.
Charlotte Sports Park, 2300 El Jobean Road
A training session at Charlotte Sports Park (Photo: Bryan Green via Flickr / CC BY-SA 2.0)
Let the kids run wild at an amusement park
Located an easy drive northwest of Downtown Port Charlotte, Kidstar Park is one of the city’s most enduringly popular family attractions. Go-karting, mini-golf, a soft play area, a laser tag zone, a classic carousel and even a vintage arcade guarantee keeping young ones (and maybe even the young-at-heart) entertained for hours on end while an on-site bistro provides plenty of food and refreshment options for when their energy levels need topping up.
18505 Paulson Drive / Fri 4pm-11pm Sat 12pm-11pm Sun 12pm-7pm Closed Mon-Thurs
Take some snaps aboard a legendary motorbike
Harley-Davidson fans visiting Port Charlotte are in for a treat thanks to the presence of Bert’s Black Widow Harley-Davidson, an entire store dedicated to the iconic American motorcycle brand. Situated on ten acres of land, just across the street from the County Fairgrounds, the huge showroom and dealership houses an impressive collection of Harleys, both brand new and pre-owned, along with motorcycle apparel, parts and accessories. Staff are on hand to help with any questions, and even if you don’t have any purchasing intentions be sure to take up the chance to sit on one of the famous bikes for a photo opportunity.
2224 El Jobean Road / Mon-Fri 9am-6pm Sat 9am-5pm Sun 10am-4pm
Harleys lined up outside Bert’s Black Widow Harley-Davidson’s (Photo: Bert’s Black Widow Harley-Davidson’s)