Port Charlotte (south of Tampa) and area recommendations?

[jaylea]

We are heading to the gulf coast in FL in Feb for a week.

I think Busch Gardens is on the list, debating if we should do a trip over to Universal (soooooo expensive though, worth it though? We’ve done Disney but not universal). What else is good in the area?

We have a pool and hot tub at the house, me beaches nearby. Kids are 13 and 9 as of the trip.

[orval]

If you enjoy history and technology, the Edison Ford Winter Estate in Fort Myers is really interesting. My 11 year old ds did not want to leave. He is a bit of a tech nerd though. MIght be good for a cool or rainy day outing.
www.edisonfordwinterestates.org/

[steamboat185]

We like the Manatee Park, which is north of Ft Myers. If the water is cold the manatee tend to congregate there due to the power plant water. It’s pretty nice and is easy to get too. We’ve never been, but Gasparilla Island is supposed to be pretty neat with a nice state park and beach.

[brewco]

Myakka State Park is a nice place to drive and picnic. Venice beach used to be a good place to look for sharks teeth & shells - it's been 10+ years since I've been to the area, so that might have changed.

[brewco]

Also, Mote Marine Aquarium in Sarasota is a neat place. About an hour north of Port Charlotte.