15 Fun Things to Do in Punta Gorda Florida on the US Gulf Coast

Some of our favorite fun things to do in Punta Gorda Florida include outdoor adventures, a walkable downtown, local restaurants and bars, and convenient waterfront lodging. The Florida Gulf Coast location of Punta Gorda—midway between Naples and Tampa—is perfect for a weekend getaway or longer family vacation.

Punta Gorda visitors can get up close to Florida wildlife, explore unique eco-systems, relax by the water by day, and enjoy casual to fine dining and fun events in town by night.

Punta Gorda Englewood Beach VCB hosted us and many of the activities described here so we could share our findings with our audience. 

Where is Punta Gorda Florida?

Punta Gorda is a US Gulf Coast city, the county seat of Charlotte County Florida, and is located between Fort Myers and Sarasota. Easy day trips from Punta Gorda include Naples, Anna Maria Island, Lake Placid, Indian Rocks Beach, St Pete, and Tampa. Punta Gorda is a nice day trip from Tampa.

23 Fun Things to Do in Punta Gorda Florida

Where to Stay in Punta Gorda: Punta Gorda Hotels and Resorts

The Suites at Fishermen’s Village

Enjoy a full kitchen, waterfront balcony, spacious living area space, and other suite features and amenities at the phenomenal location of The Suites at Fishermen’s Village. The 47 luxury suites are perfect for an intimate romantic getaway or for families or groups.

The Suites at Fishermens Village living room
The Suites at Fishermen’s Village

A super duper US Gulf Coast Travel note is that guests staying at The Suites have free and secure parking toward the front of the Fishermen’s Village entrance. So while hundreds of other Fishermen’s Village visitors are sharking parking spots, you can roll right into your special parking area.

See our dedicated article about a Luxury Stay in The Suites at Fishermen’s Village.

Four Points by Sheraton Punta Gorda Harborside

The Four Points by Sheraton Punta Gorda Harborside has a great downtown location right on the Charlotte Harbor waterfront. The hotel has a nice pool with jacuzzi, free bikes, and a fun waterfront tiki hut. Rooms are comfortable and quiet, and the location offers easy access to downtown events.

Take a closer look in this short video of our lovely Four Points Punta Gorda room.

Read consumer reviews and check rates and availability for more Punta Gorda lodging now.

Another Punta Gorda lodging option is vacation rentals, including condos, apartments, and houses.

Shopping in Punta Gorda FL

Fishermen’s Village

Head to Fishermen’s Village for excellent shopping from a great collection of independent, locally-owned stores. The mixed-use development occupies a beautiful and historic indoor-outdoor space. In the 1930s, the village was a major fish and ice packing center.

Today, the renovated space welcomes visitors for shopping, a meal, or a whole day of fun. Shops, restaurants, bars, a marina, military museum, and dry beach welcome visitors and residents. 47 villa rentals upstairs make Fishermen’s Village an excellent base for exploring the region.

Shop, dine, sail, play, and stay at Fishermens Village in Punta Gorda Florida
Fishermen’s Village in Punta Gorda Florida

Punta Gorda has a walkable downtown full of shops and restaurants, so allow time to explore. Stop by Cooperfish Books to peruse the collection and check out the large historic mural on the building.

What to Do in Punta Gorda FL

Peace River Wildlife Center

The Peace River Wildlife Center rescues and rehabilitates native Florida wildlife. The non-profit organization takes in injured birds, reptiles, and mammals to nurse them back to health. Healthy animals are re-released, while those that cannot survive in the wild find a permanent home at the center. Visitors can get up close to eagles, owls, roseate spoonbills, and other local birdlife while learning about the animals and their habitats.

Pelican feeding time at Peace River Wildlife Center, Punta Gorda Florida
Pelican feeding time at Peace River Wildlife Center, Punta Gorda Florida

Visit during Pelican Feeding for great photos and to learn about these iconic Florida natives. The center is open to the public daily. There is no admission fee, but donations to help feed and care for the animals are greatly appreciated.

In the near future, Peace River Wildlife Center will move to a new facility closer to downtown Punta Gorda.

Babcock Ranch Eco-Tours

The Babcock Ranch Swamp Buggy Eco Tour takes visitors into the beautiful habitat of the Babcock Ranch Preserve to see native flora, birds, reptiles, and other wildlife. The fun, family-friendly tour crosses meadows, cypress swamps, and streams with expert, entertaining commentary by the driver.

You will definitely see gators on the tour, and you may even get to pet a baby gator. The swamp buggy bus can drive right through parts of the Cypress swamp, our favorite part of the tour.

Gator sighting on the Swamp Buggy Eco-Tour at Babcock Ranch FL
Gator sighting on Babcock Ranch Eco-Tour

After your tour, check out the displays, and stop in the gift shop. The Gator Shack restaurant serves heaping plates of fried seafood, burgers, and other tasty meals.

McCool Travel Tip: Book one of the first tours of the day for the lightest crowds and lower temperatures.

Sunset Cruise with King Fisher Fleet

Relax and enjoy a beautiful Florida sunset over Charlotte Harbor on a King Fisher Fleet Sunset Cruise. Cruises depart from the Fishermen’s Village marina, so allow time for dinner, drinks, and shopping before or after your trip. You can also buy drinks and snacks on board. Keep an eye out for dolphins who like to play in the wake of the boat.

Take a sunset cruise with King Fisher Fleet from Fishermen's Village
sunset cruise with King Fisher Fleet from Fishermen’s Village

Clear Kayak Tour with Glass Bottom Rentals

We love to kayak and always look for paddling opportunities along the Gulf Coast. Charlotte County offers calm rivers and bays that are ideal for  calm water paddling. Get a view above and below the water when you get a kayak from Glass Bottom Rentals in Boca Grande. Paddle under the Boca Grande Fishing Pier and explore small islands in the Gasparilla Sound.

Boca Grande Fishing Pier near Punta Gorda FL
Boca Grande Fishing Pier near Punta Gorda FL

Seeing dolphins, fish, and shore birds up close from our clear kayaks makes it a fun photo spot in Florida. Glass Bottom Rentals also offers stand-up paddleboards, guided tours, and night kayaking. Allow time during your drive on and off the island of Boca Grande to admire some of the most colorful water in the world.

Glass Bottom Rentals Kayaking
Glass Bottom Rentals Kayaking in Placida FL

See also our article about other Fun Places to Kayak in US.

Bike or Walk the Punta Gorda Pathways

The two-and-a-half-mile Punta Gorda Harborwalk is a paved path that borders the Peace River from Fishermen’s Village to the downtown area.

Linear Park trail extends one mile from across the street from the Fishermen’s Village marina to Tamiami Trail. Along the way are public outdoor fitness stations so you can get in your strengthening and stretching exercises even when staying at The Suites.

For a longer ride, head to the Cape Haze Pioneer Trail. This 8-mile Rails-to-Trails bike path crosses the length of the Cape Haze Peninsula, offering beautiful views and birding. Punta Gorda makes cycling easy with free loaner bikes from several locations throughout town.

For an excellent nature hike head to Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center (CHEC). On our last hike on the Eagle Point trail, we saw a mama gator with a baby gator on her back less than a handful of feet from the trail. Be careful!

baby gator on mama gator back
Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center (CHEC) Punta Gorda gators

Punta Gorda Florida Beaches

The mix of bays and rivers in Charlotte County offer lots of opportunities for waterfront recreation. You can put your toes in the sand and soak up the sun at several parks near Punta Gorda.

Englewood Beach

On a barrier island west of the city, Englewood Beach and Chadwick Park is a family-friendly, white sand beach. There are picnic shelters, restrooms, and other facilities, and visitors can rent beach chairs and umbrellas on site. Parking is plentiful and costs 75 cents per hour.

Stump Pass Beach State Park

Stump Pass Beach State Park on Manasota Key is known for its sugary white sand common all along the US Gulf Coast, warm Gulf of Mexico water, and natural Florida coastline. Hunt for seashells and shark teeth; watch for manatees and water birds; hike the nature trail; fish the surf; or just kick back and soak up the sun.

Keep an eye out for the famous Stump Pass Shell Trees—tree stumps and pieces of driftwood decorated with shells. Dogs are allowed in the park but not on the beach. The park is open daily and admission is $3.00 per vehicle.

Ponce de Leon Park

Ponce de Leon Park has a mangrove boardwalk, small playground, and picnic pavilion. The park is a nice place to visit in Punta Gorda with kids. Stop in the Peace River Wildlife Center to see rescues birds (more info above).

Fishermen’s Village Dry Beach

Catch a beautiful sunset from the small Dry Beach at Fishermen’s Village. Watch the sunset from one of the colorful Adirondack chairs, or head to nearby restaurants and bars for a drink with your view.

Punta Gorda FL Restaurants and Bars

Peace River Seafood

When your goal is the freshest seafood around, head to Peace River Seafood and a tasty meal in an old-school Florida cracker shack. The vibe is very casual, especially on the porch where you will share picnic tables with other guests under a big oak tree.

It is the perfect setting for cracking Florida blue crabs, all you can eat until 4:00 pm. Rather not work at your meal? Order the crab cakes, blackened grouper, steamed shrimp and oysters, and other seafood freshly caught in the Gulf of Mexico and surrounding waters.

A fresh caught feast at Peace River Seafood in Punta Gorda FL
seafood feast at Peace River Seafood in Punta Gorda FL

The Pier, Fishermen’s Village

The Pier in Fishermen’s Village serves amazing sushi rolls, rice bowls, fresh seafood, and much more. Suggested menu items include greens salad topped with grouper or shrimp, and the Hawaii 5-0 sushi roll.

fresh seafood, sushi, shrimp bowl, and Brussels sprouts
lunch items at The Pier, Fishermen’s Village

We love an outside seat at The Pier FV for sunset. Order a couple of beers or cocktails and some calamari or a sushi roll and this stellar Florida Gulf Coast sunset spot.

Pizza Gorda

Enjoy house made and elegant pizza from a wood burning oven, pasta, and dessert items from the Italian owner and operator of Pizza Gorda in downtown Punta Gorda. McCool Travel tip: take advantage of their wine special, buy six bottles for 50% off the entire order!

Unwined

Opened just a few months at the downtown Punta Gorda location, Unwined is your must stop in southwest Florida for hard to find upscale wines from around the world. Pair wine flights with magnificent small plates from a Le Cordon Bleu trained chef. The octopus, garlic shrimp, and olive tapenade items were amazing!

The Perfect Caper

Chef Jeanie Roland of The Perfect Caper in downtown Punta Gorda beat Bobby Flay on TV with her curry mussels. We had an order and it was phenomenal. She has also received seven James Beard nominations for Best Chef US South and has received nine Golden Spoon Awards for Florida culinary excellence.

The Gator Shack at Babcock Ranch

Continue the casual vibe with a picnic table lunch at the Gator Shack at Babcock Ranch. This is the perfect meal stop before or after your Eco Tour (details above). Portions are huge, and you cannot go wrong with the juicy ribs and the Swamp Seafood Platter. Burgers, sandwiches, and daily specials please every age. On Saturdays, the ribs are practically a must!

Farlow’s on the Water

Farlow’s on the Water marries the culinary influences of Southern cooking and the Caribbean, reflecting the husband and wife duo who opened the restaurant in 2003. The waterside location on Angler Creek in Englewood FL guarantees beautiful views from inside the dining room and outdoors on the patio.

One of the top fresh seafood houses on the US East Coast, Farlow’s features up to a dozen fresh fish species every day. Top quality steaks share the menu, along with elegant salads, making Farlow’s an ideal destination for couples and groups with mixed tastes. Start your visit with a tasty cocktail and the fresh tuna nachos, but leave room for dessert (the blueberry pie is remarkable).

Fat Point Brewing

When you need a break from the heat, we recommend a visit to Fat Point Brewing for local craft beer in a cool industrial space. The taproom features a nice selection of IPAs, ales, lagers, and stouts brewed by Fat Point and other regional brewers. Order a flight or two so you can sample a range of flavors.

McCool Travel note: Fat Point Brewing has relocated from Punta Gorda to Sarasota.

Fat Point Brewing is one of our favorite Florida Gulf Coast Craft Breweries.

Belgian Monk

Another good option for beer lovers is The Belgian Monk in downtown Punta Gorda. The line-up is mostly Belgian with a few local beers in the mix. The pub menu features a collection of traditional Belgian brews on tap and in bottles.

The Belgian Monk in Punta Gorda FL
The Belgian Monk in Punta Gorda FL

The Belgian Monk is under new ownership as of July 2022. A new chef retained most of the old favorite food items but added many new ones. So make sure you visit on your next Southwest Florida trip.

Special Events in Punta Gorda FL

Punta Gorda makes the most of its year-round good weather, hosting popular annual events for every taste.

After Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to visit southwest Florida, to see all the tropical holiday decorations including a holiday lights canal cruise from Fishermen’s Village.

More Places to Visit in Punta Gorda Florida

A single weekend is not enough time to explore all of the fun things to do in Punta Gorda FL. On future trips, we hope to explore these additional attractions around Charlotte Harbor.

  • Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens
  • Muscle Car City Museum
  • Cape Haze Pioneer Trail biking
  • Boca Grande Bike Trail
  • Blueway Trails kayaking
  • Alligator Creek Preserve at the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center
  • Don Pedro Island State Park
  • Manasota Key

Find more information about the Punta Gorda area on the Punta Gorda Englewood Beach VCB website. Punta Gorda Florida is located on Charlotte Harbor, about 100 miles south of Tampa, 24 miles north of Fort Myers, and 65 miles north of Naples.

Allegiant Airlines offers non-stop flights between 40 cities and the Punta Gorda Airport. The drive between Orlando airport and Punta Gorda is about 2 1/2 hours.

Day Trips From Punta Gorda Florida

Some fun things to do near Punta Gorda include day trips when you are ready to explore more quaint US Gulf Coast towns and beautiful Florida Gulf Coast beaches. Sarasota, Naples, Captiva Island, and Anna Maria Island are easy day trips from Punta Gorda.

Article by Julie McCool, whose Virginia travel site FuninFairfaxVA.com helps locals and visitors find fun places to explore, dine, drink, and play in the Virginia, Washington DC, and mid-Atlantic region.

15 fun things to do in Punta Gorda Florida | trip ideas | Southwest Florida | US Gulf Coast | Florida travel

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