Visiting Punta Gorda for Memorial Day is the perfect way to kick off the unofficial start to summer! Here are the best ways to spend Memorial Day weekend in Punta Gorda:
Make plans to visit the Military Heritage Museum, which honors all who serve and takes visitors on an immersive journey through U.S. military history. The museum spans over 17,000 square feet and features a collection of artifacts, interactive exhibits, and educational programs that bring military history to life. The museum typically holds an event for Memorial Day weekend, so be on the lookout on their website and social media for updates.
Located adjacent to Laishley Park, the Vietnam Wall of Southwest Florida honors the 58,300+ men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice. The wall’s purpose is to educate present and future generations about the history of the Vietnam War in hopes that it will not be repeated.
Fisherman’s Village is a favorite for locals and visitors to hang out, shop, and dine in Southwest Florida. All Memorial Day weekend, enjoy live music at the Center Court and Sunset Beach Club from various artists. Music will be played from 5pm – 9pm on Friday and Monday, and 12pm – 9pm on Saturday and Sunday.
Enjoy the sun and sand with family and friends on your Punta Gorda Memorial Day vacation! While Punta Gorda is on the Charlotte Harbor, there is no natural beach. Instead, you’ll find several dry beaches that offer a place to dip your toes in the sand alongside the water (a seawall or natural rock formations block off the water).
The closest beach to Punta Gorda is Englewood Beach- about a 35-40 minute drive from Punta Gorda. You’ll want to arrive early to the beach, especially on Memorial Day weekend, as parking spaces are limited. Englewood Beach’s soft white sands and crystal clear waters make it the ideal place for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing.
Punta Gorda is an outdoor lover’s paradise with a range of activities for all to enjoy. Spend the day out on the water with Punta Gorda Adventures, which offers tiki boat tours, boat tours, kayak eco-tours, sailing, and even biplane rides! For nature enthusiasts looking to learn more about Southwest Florida’s ecosystem, take a 90-minute narrated eco-tour with Babcock Tours, where you’ll venture through Babcock Ranch and spot wildlife like alligators, several bird species, and even wild hogs and turkeys.
Bike or walk the many Punta Gorda pathways, including the Harborwalk along the Charlotte Harbor and Linea Park. The Harborwalk is a scenic 2.4-mile trail that takes you through Laishley Park, Gilchrist Park, and Fisherman’s Village. If you don’t have a bike, use one of the city’s free loaner bikes to get around, which you can find around downtown.
For a cozy breakfast or lunch, Burg’r Bar is a local favorite and, contrary to its name, the restaurant serves more than just burgers. The breakfast menu includes pancakes, French toast, and a build-your-own omelet or breakfast option. The lunch and dinner menu has a little bit of everything, from burgers, salads, soups, and hot dogs. Seafood lovers can head to Laishley Crab House, where families can enjoy fresh crab dishes with scenic waterfront views. With such a variety of options, families visiting Punta Gorda are sure to find dining experiences that everyone will enjoy.
Want to elevate your Punta Gorda Memorial Day vacation? Book a vacation home with a private pool and float all of your worries away. Having your own pool means you can swim, lounge, and unwind on your schedule—without the crowds. A Punta Gorda vacation rental with a private pool is ideal for everything from early morning dips to sunset swims, and it adds an extra level of relaxation and entertainment that hotels simply can’t match. With full privacy and a space to call your own, a poolside vacation rental turns any trip into a true escape.
To search for Punta Gorda rentals with a private pool, visit our Punta Gorda page and check the Private Pool box under the Advanced Search filter. Have questions? Contact our team of experts and let us help you with planning your Memorial Day getaway!
