WATER & COAST

Little Gasparilla Island Beach

Charlotte County · Gulf Coast

Don Pedro Island State Park covers 230 acres of this island and you can only reach it by private boat. The day-use docks are on the bay side, off a channel from the Intracoastal Waterway near channel marker 35 Green, and a short walk from the dock brings you to a mile of white sand Gulf beach for swimming, snorkeling, sunbathing and shelling. Nature trails run through eleven distinct natural communities, and West Indian manatees, gopher tortoises, Southern bald eagles and terns are all seen here. On the island there is a picnic pavilion taken first come first served, a restroom, tables and grills. Beach wheelchairs are free. Parking is at the Don Pedro landbase on the mainland, where the restroom is accessible; the one on the island is not. Pets must stay leashed and are not allowed on the beach.