Punta Gorda, a hidden gem on Florida’s Gulf Coast, is filled with small-town charm and stunning waterfront views. From historic sites to outdoor adventures, there’s no shortage of ways to explore Punta Gorda. In this blog, we’ll take you through the top things to do in Punta Gorda so that you can make the most of your visit to this coastal paradise!
Voted “The Best Small Market in Florida,” the Punta Gorda Farmers Market is held every Saturday from 8 a.m. to noon. Shop fresh produce, meats, seafood, locally made goods, and specialty items from more than 70 vendors. Enjoy live music, mingle with the community, and shop local. The market is dog-friendly, so bring the pup out for a morning in downtown Punta Gorda.
The Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens, located along the serene Peace River, is a 30-acre sanctuary encompassing five different ecosystems. Explore two miles of trails filled with seasonal blooms and impressive sculptures. And don’t miss the opportunity to visit the Butterfly House! You’ll see caterpillars, chrysalises, and butterflies in a stunning display of nature.
Vacationers can participate in a variety of water activities during their stay. Take a guided kayak, canoe, or SUP tour and wade through the beautiful waters of Punta Gorda or Englewood Beach. As you meander through these wildlife-rich areas, guides will educate you on the area’s history and wildlife.
For those seeking more action, consider an airboat tour on the Peace River with Peace River Charters. You’ll travel down the lower Peace River at 20 miles per hour while taking in incredible scenery, and learning about the animals and plants that make up this unique ecosystem.
Punta Gorda is a bike-friendly community, with the Punta Gorda Pathways connecting the city in a bike-friendly transportation network. The most popular is the Harborwalk which spans 2.5 miles along the Charlotte Harbor. Hop on a bike, cruise the Harborwalk, and end at Fisherman’s Village, where you’ll enjoy plenty of shops and restaurants.
The city of Punta Gorda provides cyclists with a fleet of free-to-the-public bikes through their loaner program, so if you don’t have a bike, no problem! Bikes can be found at Fishermen’s Village, Becky’s Garden Shoppe, Four Points by Sheraton, and Springhill Suites.
Gilchrist Park: Located in the heart of historic Punta Gorda, Gilchrist Park’s prime location makes it easy to love. With 11 acres along the water, parkgoers can enjoy wide walking paths, picnic areas, a playground, and a fishing pier, all with breathtaking views of Charlotte Harbor.
Ponce de Leon Park – This park has a small sandy beach perfect for sunset viewing, a boat launch site, fishing piers, a small playground, and picnic sites. The Peace River Wildlife Education Center, an animal education and rehabilitation center, is adjacent to the park, providing visitors with a glimpse of wildlife.
Punta Gorda itself is located along Charlotte Harbor, but if you’re looking for a sandy Gulf beach, the closest options are Englewood Beach (about 40 minutes west), Boca Grande Beach (about 35 minutes southwest), and Fort Myers Beach (about 1 hour southeast). Each beach offers different vibes, from quiet and natural to lively with restaurants and shops. Make a day trip out of it and explore these nearby beach towns for a memorable beach day.
Our Punta Gorda vacation rentals have everything you need for an unforgettable Gulf Coast vacation. Choose from properties with pet-friendly amenities, private pools and hot tubs, and waterfront locations. Find your dream Punta getaway today and get ready to breathe in Florida’s sunshine!
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