At Amberjack Environmental Park, a surprising collision of scrub and mangrove habitats occurs in Rotunda in the Cape Haze peninsula of Charlotte County.
Cedar Point Environmental Park
Charlotte County’s flagship environmental park, with a broad range of habitat diversity and wildlife, Cedar Point protects 115 acres of a peninsula in Lemon Bay
Charlotte Harbor
Where the Peace and Myakka Rivers meet, Charlotte Harbor covers more than five square miles, with the Charlotte County Blueway Trails providing paddlers access.
Don Pedro Island State Park
Imagine your own private island: a sweep of bright white sand along the shallows of the Gulf of Mexico. While a public park, open to all, Don Pedro Island State Park is a rare retreat for bathers, swimmers, and sun worshipers.
Duisberg Nature Trail
On Manasota Key at Blind Pass, south of Venice, the Fred Duisberg Nature Trail is a gentle meander on boardwalks through a mangrove forest along Lemon Bay to a scenic overlook.
Gasparilla Island State Park
A string of five beaches along the Gulf shore of Boca Grande on Gasparilla Island, this far-flung outpost of Lee County is home to one of Florida’s most delightful lighthouse museums.
Lemon Bay Park
On nearly 3 miles of mostly-accessible trails, Lemon Bay Park and Environmental Center showcases pine flatwoods, freshwater marshes, and mangrove-lined shores in Englewood.
Manasota Scrub Preserve
A Sarasota County preserve established for the Florida scrub-jay, Manasota Scrub Preserve has a 1.5 mile loop in 145 acres of scrubby flatwoods.
Oyster Creek Environmental Park
With more than 4 miles of trails, Oyster Creek Environmental Park protects 250 acres of old growth slash pines, scrub, and pine flatwoods along the banks of mangrove-lined Oyster Creek.
Punta Gorda
Along the sweep of Charlotte Harbor near Punta Gorda, natural lands provide places to trek and paddle through a variety of sometimes soggy habitats.