Florida’s Charlotte Harbor Offers Cozy Coastal Getaway
Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands in Florida is calling nature-lovers — and all other romantics — to fall in love all over again amidst the splendor of this secluded coastal getaway.
Located halfway between Tampa and Naples on the Southwest Florida Gulf coast, Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands is a collection of nine charming coastal communities surrounding the state's second largest harbor.
Here are Charlotte Harbor's top five settings and activities sure to rekindle your romance:
1. Don Pedro Island
Discover your own 'private' beach at Don Pedro Island - stroll along a mile-long stretch of almost deserted white sandy beach where nature rules the roost on this beautiful barrier island. Endangered animals such as West Indian manatees, gopher tortoises, bald eagles, and American oystercatchers make their home here, and a series of hiking trails meander through the island's 11 natural communities. Shelling and fossil finds are also plentiful. Stage a romantic picnic for two in the covered pavillion, which even features grills. Accessible only by boat, local guides and outfitters offer transport to this state park. For more information visit Don Pedro Island State Park.
2. “Discovery at Dusk” Kayak Trip
Soak up sunsets by kayak. With a "Discovery at Dusk" kayak trip, the romance of a tropical sunset is yours to enjoy from a unique vantage point. Observe birds flying in to roost before the sun goes down and keep your eyes open for resident dolphins and manatee as the setting sun turns the sky and water a rainbow of colors. Kayakers will appreciate the nearly 200 miles of mapped Blueway Trails that wind through Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands. Tandem kayaks are available if you are truly inseparable, but fair warning, they could lead to a tussle over paddling preferences. Visit Grande Tours for more information.
3. Peace River Nature Cruise
Cuddle on remote Peace River excursions. Just like Bogie and Hepburn in The African Queen, a half day Peace River Nature Cruise takes you upstream where your heart will skip a beat at the remote beauty. A true eco-tour with interpretation by naturalists from the well known Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center, the cruise departs Charlotte Harbor and travels up the scenic, winding Peace River. The banks are lined with overhanging trees, native grasses and vegetation, and the occasional alligator. Mid-river islands are populated with a variety of birds, including bald eagles, ospreys, endangered wood storks, egrets, herons and others. Bring a camera and binoculars. For more information visit King Fisher Fleet.
4. Gulfview Grill along Englewood Beach
Toast togetherness with fine dining and a spectacular view. A stroll along pristine Englewood Beach is the perfect prelude to a romantic dinner for two at Gulfview Grill. As its name implies, this restaurant features a wall of windows overlooking the Gulf that makes for prime sunset viewing with a champagne toast. Chef David Elmore prepares a special dinner for two, so make reservations early. For more information visit Gulfview Grill.
5. International Motorsports Academy
If your nature requires a faster pace, and you feel "the need for speed" after all these leisurely activities, a day at Charlotte Harbor's International Motorsports Academy is sure to get your heart racing. Half-day, full-day and two day courses take you and your sweetheart to speeds of up to 110 miles per hour as a professional instructor covers competition race starts, drafting, passing, kart set-up, race preparation and strategies. For more information visit International Motorsports Academy.
From luxurious inns to beachfront resorts, villas and familiar chain hotels, the area offers accommodations for every taste and budget. Charlotte Harbor Travel contains a complete listing of accommodations, activities, and restaurants.
For more information about Florida’s year-round eco-tourism and romance visit Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands.
IF YOU GO…
Charlotte County Florida Visitor's Bureau
18501 Murdock Circle, Suite 502,
Port Charlotte, FL
(941) 743-1900 or 1-800-652-6090
Don Pedro Island
P.O. Box 1150
Boca Grand, FL 33921
(941) 964-0375
Grande Tours
12575 Placida Road
Placid, FL 33946
(941) 697-8825
King Fisher Fleet
1200 W. Retta Esplanade
Punta Gorda, FL 33950
(941) 639-0969
captain@kingfisherfleet.com
Gulfview Grill
2095 N. Beach Rd.
Englewood, FL 34223
(941) 475-3500
International Motorsports Academy
Sebring International Raceway
113 Midway Drive
Sebring, FL 34223
(941) 475-3500
Source: Charlotte Harbor Travel | 
