7 Things to Do on a Staycation in Englewood, FL

Swimming/sunbathing
Swimming is, of course, a big attraction in the warm Southwest Florida sunshine. Whether you paddle around in Grandpa’s pool or splash in the Gulf, a long refreshing dip takes up a lot of time and is always fun. So is lounging in the sun on a chair or a blanket, it’s all great.

If you don’t have a pool, or don’t like salt water swimming, there is an Olympic-size public pool available at Oyster Creek Park. This is a brand new park here in Englewood, and is very family-friendly. Cost to swim is minimal, and the night time swims are especially nice.

The Park itself is huge, with an assortment of things to do in addition to the pool. There are tennis and basketball courts, dog exercise areas and even a cool skateboard park with ramps and a bowl.

If you want to learn more about the flora and fauna of the area, Oyster Creek offers a nature walk and natural preserve, too. Check it out from the large observation platform or the boardwalk crossing the Creek-and be sure to bring your binoculars! Oyster Creek Park is located at 6791 San Casa Road, next door to the Humane Society.

Fishing
Englewood has always been considered a fishing village, and this is still a great way to spend your leisure time. Fishing is especially excellent from the pier at the Myakka River Bridge in El Jobean, but lots of folks prefer to fish from the beaches of Manasota Key. Be sure to check size and bag limits before you go out for the day.

There are dozens of charter fishing and sailing boats available in the area, too. This is a great way to combine the fun of fishing with the thrill of being out on the Gulf. Check out one of these Englewood companies for details: Another Keeper Charters (941) 830-8500, Captain Jack’s Charters (941) 475-4511 or Daybreak Charters (941) 468-4845.

The Community Park and Public Library at the Tringali Center
I always consider time to read a good book as the perfect vacation, so I’ve included my favorite Englewood Library in this list. If you aren’t a reader, you might prefer the Tringali Center complex, located next to the library.

Tringali offers a gym with 6 basketball courts, a weight room, 4 outdoor lighted tennis courts, a playground and a covered picnic area. There is also an area for folks who love to roller skate, roller blade or play hockey. A great variety of classes are offered at the complex, so the fun of a vacation can last for weeks.

The Tringali Center is located at 3400 N. Access Rd. Call for more details: (941) 473-1018.

The Englewood Sports Complex
This is another spot which offers a wide variety of activities. As the name implies, it’s focused on sporting activities, with 2 playgrounds, 8 lighted tennis courts, an outdoor basketball court, 10 softball fields and 4 soccer fields. If you like outdoor dining, you can reserve a picnic shelter near the playgrounds where you can use the outdoor grills.

The recreation building houses a gym, a fitness room with state-of-the-art treadmills and many other pieces of exercise equipment. A locker room with showers is also provided. The Englewood Sports Complex is located at 1300 S. River Road. Call (941) 861-1980 for more information.

Bowling
Bowling is an old sport that is enjoying a real comeback in this area. If you’d like to introduce your family to the sport, stop by the Englewood Bowl at 299 S. Indiana Avenue, where you can enjoy bowling a full game for just $4 a person.

Amusement Rides
In near-by Port Charlotte there is a mini amusement park with cool rides like a ferris wheel. Inside is a 4-story children’s area featuring a climbing wall and an arcade. The outside park offers go-kart rides, a 32 foot rock climbing mountain, children’s rides and some terrific soft-serve ice cream to cool you down after the fun.

Ride prices are inexpensive, there is a large flea market to browse though, and the arcade offers non-violent video games with prizes for all. Be sure to check out the “Dragon Wagon” kiddie roller coaster!

The Park is located at 18505 Paulson Drive, Port Charlotte, FL 33954. Call for details: (941) 255-3532.

Golf
Florida is known for its wonderful golf courses, and the Englewood area is no exception. Hit some golf balls at Duffy’s Golf Center located at 12455 S. Access Road (Port Charlotte, FL), then stop by the cute little ice cream parlor across the street for a cool treat.

Duffy’s features an 18-hole public executive course with 9 lighted holes, a putting green, range and an aquatic driving range. Free clubs are available for use if you don’t have your own. Call ahead for information and tee times: (941) 697-3900.

Whatever you choose to do on your staycation, Englewood offers great opportunities to relax, enjoy yourself, and spend your free time having fun.