Punta Gorda, Florida, is a small town, but it makes up for its diminutive size by offering a large range of fantastic attractions, delicious restaurants, exciting bars, and thrilling activities. Located in southwest Florida on the Gulf Coast, Punta Gorda is a vacationer’s dream, and nearby Port Charlotte and Englewood are beautiful, too! Between them, you’ll find thousands of acres of natural beauty to explore on foot, bicycle, kayak, or swamp boat.
Of course, the beaches and boating in Punta Gorda are phenomenal too, and, for some, the best part of this quintessential Florida town. Whatever you decide, there’s truly something for the entire family. To help you enjoy your stay, we present the 15 Best Things to Do in Punta Gorda, FL! It’s a 5-minute read that will get your Punta Gorda vacation off to a smashing start!
Estimated reading time: 5 minutes
Fun and Exciting Outdoor Activities in Punta Gorda
1. Take a Sunset Boat Cruise
Boating is big in Punta Gorda! However, if you don’t have a boat, you can still enjoy the water and see a gorgeous sunset when you take a boat tour. There are different types of boat tours, from booze cruises to dolphin-watching tours and more.
2. Relax on the Beach In the Sun and Sand
OK, so Punta Gorda is inland and doesn’t have its own beach. However, in Nearby Englewood and Gasparilla Island, the beaches are incredible! They’re only 25 minutes away, offer free parking and facilities, and have lovely sugar sand and beautiful turquoise blue water.
3. Explore Alligator Creek Preserve
With 4 miles of beautiful nature trails, Alligator Creek Preserve is an exciting and eye-opening place to explore and see nature up close and personal. (Be sure to pick up a trail map at the visitor’s center!)
Top Attractions in Punta Gorda, FL
4. Take a Sunset Stroll along the Harborwalk
Winding 2.5 miles along Charlotte Harbor, Harborwalk is a great way to see Punta Gorda and a beautiful sunset simultaneously. The views are gorgeous, the boardwalk is fabulous, and it’s a great place to get a breath of fresh Gulf Coast air.
5. Shop ‘Till You Drop at Fisherman’s Village
If you’re at Harborwalk, you must drop by Fisherman’s Wharf, where you’ll find gorgeous shops, excellent eateries, and a couple of great bars!
Top Art and Culture in Punta Gorda
6. Marvel at the Punta Gorda Murals
It was in 1993 that Dr. Robert Andrews had his first thought about preserving the rich history of Punta Gorda by creating beautiful, giant murals around town. Today, 31 impressive murals are found throughout the city. (There are even guided tours to see them.)
7. Peace River Botanical and Sculpture Gardens
Located on the gorgeous Peace River, the Peace River Botanical and Sculpture Gardens is a 30-acre attraction. Features both a phenomenal botanical garden and an outstanding sculpture garden.
8. The Blanchard House Museum
There’s no doubt that African-Americans played a vital role in the development of Punta Gorda. To see how vital their role was, the Blanchard House Museum highlights their achievements as some of the area’s first settlers.
9. Vietnam Wall of Southwest Florida
A 50% replica of the original Vietnam Wall in Washington, DC, the Vietnam Wall of Southwest Florida uses granite sourced from the same company. Even though it’s smaller, the memorial is still as poignant and moving.
The Best of Punta Gorda Nightlife
10. See How Rum is Made (and Taste the Results)
Alligator Bay Distillers in Punta Gorda Offers free tours six days a week, but only 10 guests per tour. That’s why we recommend reserving your spot ahead of time on their website. You won’t regret it, as their rum is delicious, and the tour itself is exciting and fun.
11. TT’s Tiki Bar
Stick your toes in the sand, order a tropical adult beverage, and prepare to be surprised at the quality and quantity of delicious drinks you’ll find at this delightful bar. (They serve great food, too!)
Punta Gorda’s Delectable Food Scene
12. Enjoy Local Foods and Crafts at the Sunday Farmer’s Market
Punta Gorda’s History Park Market is an excellent farmers market where you can find various locally grown fruits and vegetables. Local craftspeople and artisans also frequent the market, selling their beautiful wares.
13. The Captain’s Table
Spectacular sunset views of the Gulf Coast and the best Coconut Shrimp in Punta Gorda.
14. Peace River Seafood
A no-frills, messy, and fun roadside dive with the best seafood you’ve ever tasted? Yes, please!
15. The Perfect Caper
Refined dining, award-winning cuisine, and an impressive wine list make The Perfect Caper one of the hottest Punta Gorda restaurants.
Store Your Watersports Equipment and Gear Safely with Hide-Away Storage
If you’ve just arrived and you’re looking for storage units in Punta Gorda, Hide-Away Storage is the best place to start! Hide-Away offers all types of storage, including climate controlled, drive-up, indoor, and more. Most importantly, in this neck of Florida, we also offer indoor and outdoor boat storage in our fully-gated parking lot. Our self storage facilities are highly secure, with 24/7 video security cameras, on-site managers, and an electronic, keypad-controlled front gate. If you have questions, take a look at our self storage FAQ page, and when you’re ready, click the link to reserve your storage units in Punta Gorda, Florida, today.