Punta Gorda is undoubtedly the most beautiful city in Florida, United States.
Punta Gorda is in the state of Florida’s south. It’s around 133 miles from Orlando and 181 miles from Miami.
Punta Gorda is a medium-sized town with a population of around 16,000 people and enough to do.
It features natural attractions, birds with lovely hues, waterside retail slots, and renovated landmarks that tell the city’s history.
The Gulf Coast and Fisherman’s Village, which are wonderfully ornamented with big palm trees, maybe found as you stroll around the port.
Foodies are not forgotten; in Punta Gorda, there are seven restaurants with highly experienced chefs; each dish is meticulously created with all creativity, and a single bite will leave you entranced.
Read Also:
- 32 Best & Fun Things to Do in Maine
- 35 Best & Fun Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta (Mexico)
- 34 Best and Fun Things You Could Do in Des Moines (IA)
- 32 Best & Fun Things to Do in Interlaken (Switzerland)
Visiting this town is an experience you’ll remember for the rest of your life.
Let’s have a look at what there is to do in Punta Gorda.
Punta Gorda Attractions
1. Pay a visit to the Fishermen’s Village
The Fishermen’s Village, which contains a classic complete-service neighborhood market, is an interesting destination to visit in Punta Gorda.
The Fishermen’s Village is the epicenter of all Florida aquatic events. Whatever you desire, you will have it with the utmost delight. Is it for fun, culture, fishing, eating, or shopping? Give them a name!
For example, you can eat at Harpoon Harry’s and then go shopping. After shopping, rent a boat and cruise until sunset while taking in the view of the ocean.
What could be a more romantic love story? One of the great things to do in Punta Gorda is to visit Fishermen’s Village at any time.
2. A Visit to Laishley Park
One of Punta Gorda’s most picturesque places. Laishley Park is a pet-friendly park with beautiful views that made this list of things to do in Punta Gorda Florida.
Parking and a walking trail of Punta Gorda Harbor may be found here, as well as a fishing pier, a concert space, a fountain, and a memorial garden.
If you’re going shopping, you don’t have to worry about the distance.
The park is conveniently located near commercial centers, large hotels, cultural centers, and much more.
3. Visit the Muscle Car City Museum
This museum is a must-see for everyone who likes automobiles. Rick Treworgy, a fellow vehicle enthusiast, developed this, drawing influence from four-wheel autos.
He began to amass a collection of Chevys. Over the course of 40 years, he amassed a collection of 200 classic automobiles.
This Muscle Car Museum now houses the largest collection of GM automobiles in the United States.
Artifacts, Camaros, Chevys, Corvettes, and many other vehicles will be on display when you visit this museum.
A visit to this museum will transport you back in time. You can view everything from yesterday and today there!
4. Museum of Military History
The Military Heritage Museum is one of the top things to do in Punta Gorda, Florida.
As the name implies, the military Heritage Museum in Punta Gorda portrays the story of conflicts.
Although it is a modest museum, it houses old antiquities and fascinating military items. To top it off, the captain who will show you throughout the museum is your tour guide. Captain Arens is his name.
Captain Arens is one of the most talented storytellers you’ll ever encounter.
As he leads you on your tour, he tells you about his life, which covers 38 years of service, both in the military and in the civilian sector.
5. Take a trip to the Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary and Rehabilitation Center
For the past 30 years, the octagon Wildlife has been in operation. During this time, a large number of animals were saved.
It is primarily run by volunteers, and it is supported by generous donations from the public.
These rescued animals are housed in sections that allow them to gracefully navigate around their captivity.
This is the spot to go if you want to be in a peaceful setting.
6. Peace River Wildlife Centre
The Peace River Species Centre was founded in 1982 by local expert Dr. Jerry Gingerich with the goal of rescuing, safeguarding, and preserving native wildlife.
This center has looked after over sixty thousand mammals and birds. These animals are then released back into their natural habitat after being healed.
Some of the animals want to stay in the center due to the amount of hospitality shown to them.
Beautiful animals who wish to stay, as well as species that are unable to return to their natural habitat, are allowed to become permanent residents of the center.
A tour of the Centre is free because the majority of the costs are met by sales in the gift shop, recycling activities, and donations.
7. Ponce de Leon Park
It is not difficult to locate Ponce de Leon Park. Once you’ve arrived at Ponce de Leon Avenue, it’ll be easy to find.
The park is pretty impressive, with a seating capacity of around 20,000 people.
One of the park’s most popular features is an antique magnolia tree that stands in the middle of the field.
This park was once bulldozed to make way for a shopping center. It is now a strip mall.
The magnolia trees can be located in the shopping center’s backyard. One of the great things to do in Punta Gorda FL is to visit Ponce de Leon Park.
8. Southern Speedway
The Punta Gorda Southern Speedway is the greatest place to test your “Need for Speed” car racing skills.
This speedway circuit was completed in 1990 and served as an automobile racing venue until 1995.
Many young people and daring men attend this speedway today to compete for the latest model Sprint cars. It’s likely that you’ll see them enjoying a car race.
In addition to providing the opportunity to race, the raceway provides reasonably priced cuisine to its patrons. You can drink your soda while sitting on the track’s grassy walls!
9. Alligator Bay Distillers
In the year 2015, Alligator Bay Distillers started making rum. Alex and Bass Voss are in charge of the company’s operations.
The rum produced by this distillery is made entirely of Florida molasses. The molasses used in this recipe comes from the Clewiston Sugar Mill.
In this company, everyone is welcome to come on an expedition. As a result, you will be shown the rum-making process during your visit to this location.
You can also buy a couple bottles of rum and t-shirts as a keepsake directly from the company. It will act as a permanent reminder of your visit.
10. Charlotte Harbour Preserve State Park
The Charlotte Harbour Preserve State Park is the state of Florida’s third largest park.
It’s one of the best spots to go hiking, fishing, and paddling. It is also an excellent site to see wildlife because it is surrounded by nature.
The park’s natural ecosystem includes pine flatwoods, mangrove forests, and scrub habitat, among other things.
In the port, you can also see dolphins and manatees. Remember to bring binoculars and a camera! You’ll want to put this on your list of the best things to do in Punta Gorda FL.
11. Sea Grape Artists Gallery
Punta Gorda’s Sea Grape Artists Gallery was established 30 years ago. It is now arguably the place to go if you want to see high-end fine art.
This art gallery’s calm and level of originality makes it one of Punta Gorda’s most popular destinations, especially for visitors looking to escape the city.
The art gallery is a noteworthy establishment for art lovers, in addition to the tranquillity of the location.
The Gallery is also well-known for its charitable endeavors. They are keen to help local artists by providing them with scholarships and commissions.
If you’re an artist, this is undoubtedly the place to go. You can also meet other people who are interested in the arts by attending “Thursday Wine Walks,” which are hosted every Thursday.
12. Peace River Botanical and Sculpture Gardens
The Peace River Botanical and Sculpture Gardens have the best collection of sculptures in the world. The iconic Steel Palm, created by Boston-based artist Jacob Kulin, may be found there.
The metal Tree Trellises stand at a height of around 20 feet! When you look at it and how it blends in with the surroundings, it reminds you of the Marina Bay Sands resort in Singapore.
If you’re looking for something unique to do in Punta Gorda, FL, a visit to Peace River Botanical and Sculpture Gardens is a must.
13. House of A.C. Freeman
Augustus Freeman, a 19th-century business magnate and one-time mayor, originally owned the mansion, which is now known as the A.C Freeman House.
The house is unique due to the rarity of its architectural style.
The Queen Anne type of architecture is relatively uncommon in Florida, which is why A.C Freeman’s mansion is so well-known.
It’s worth noting that the house is no longer in its original location. It was relocated to its current location in 1985, from where it had been previously.
This house is now both a museum and a working residence. It also serves as the location of the local Chamber of Commerce’s office.
14. Escape Rooms
I’m sure you’ve seen one of the Escape Room films. The excitement of assisting contestants in decoding the key to the lock within a time limit.
You will have 60 minutes in those rooms with your family or friends to solve as many riddles as possible. You’re getting closer to exiting the room on time the more problems you solve.
Because each escape room is built with an adventure in mind, you are free to choose your own adventure.
15. Linear Park
This park used to be next to the historic coastline train, which was established in 1886. The canal that flows through it today makes it immediately identifiable.
There are three fitness zones in the park. It’s a fantastic place to get into the shape you want for your body. It contains 17 different machines that can assist you. That is something you have accomplished.
The residents come out for their yoga sessions at sunrise. Punta Gorda residents are friendly and welcoming, and you are welcome to join them if you so desire. If you don’t include a visit to the linear park in your list of things to do in Punta Gorda, your trip will be incomplete.
16. Bayshore Live Oak Park
The Bayshore Live Oak Park is another wonderful spot to explore in Punta Gorda. This is your home if riding a canoe into the sunset is your thing.
Aside from its little river, the Bayshore Live Oak Park features numerous picnic areas. There is also a playground for your children.
The park has a comparatively low level of noise. It is a popular spot for meditation. This is the place to be if you’re a business or an artist looking for inspiration.
This provides a solution to the topic of what to do with loved ones in Punta Gorda, Florida.
17. The Hector House Plaza.
The Hector House Plaza is well-known for its historical significance as the site of the city’s incorporation.
A plaque commemorating the event stands in front of it.
The place is still a wonder, even if the original house where the documents were signed has been demolished.
The site’s ground is shaped like a gigantic checkerboard. The huge chessboard is there to perfectly encapsulate Isaac Trabue’s story.
Isaac Trabue was a local official who started a chess competition every year.
Because he wasn’t present on the day the city was founded, the gigantic chessboard was included to commemorate his significance.
18. South County Regional Park 6
The South County Regional Parks has a pool where swimmers can show off their abilities.
The competition pool is approximately 25 yards long and contains around eight evenly heated lanes.
There are five boards in these pools, as well as a separate playing and splashing area for children. This is a short segment.
You can leave your children in the capable hands of a hospital lifeguard who is happy to assist.
19. Blanchard House Museu
The African American community’s story is told in the Blanchard House Museum.
Martin Luther King, Jr Boulevard is the precise address.
Artifacts commemorating Florida’s early black heritage are among the exhibits on display at this museum.
A tour of the museum will give you a sense of what it was like to work as an African American in Punta Gorda in those days.
20. Gilchrist Park
The Gilchrist Park was created with sports enthusiasts in mind. A tennis court and a basketball court are available in Gilchrist Park
Bring your basketball gear! Everyone has the same chance to play.
The seats at Roundabout are really comfortable. You can go to the park in the evening to see the sunset, which is quite beautiful from here.
21. Punta Gorda Train Station
The Punta Gorda Train Depot, which was erected by the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad in 1928, is another location worth visiting.
They built it to connect the people of Florida to their rail station, all in the hopes of getting a piece of the gold during the 1920s Florida Land Boom.
Another incentive to go to the Punta Gorda depot is because of its unique architecture.
It is one of only six Atlantic Coast Line depots created in the Neo-Spanish architectural style. Only the Punta Gorda depot and the other in Bradenton are still operational.
Since 1971, passenger train service to Punta Gorda has been discontinued. After the Depot’s importance faded, local landowner Fred Babcock purchased it in 1996.
He then gave it to the Punta Gorda Historical Society as a gift. As a result, the structure now houses an antique mall.
The depot hasn’t lost all of its opulence. Its platform can still be seen within the railroad’s right of way.
22. Take a sotroll along the Harborwalk
The Harborwalk, as the name suggests, is a concrete roadway that runs from Adrienne Street in Punta Gorda’s Bayfront to the Peace River.
As you approach Laishley Park, you will undoubtedly come upon this trail.
The Harborwalk is also accessible from the “Spirit of Punta Gorda” monument.
When you’ve had your fill of rest, you can continue along that section, which passes through the Charlotte Harbour Event and Conference Center before passing beneath the Gilchrist Bridge.
The walk continues to Gilchrist Park before reaching the Fishermen’s Village.
That’s all the exercise you’ll need for the day if you run along the Harborwalk, as most Punta Gorda residents do.
23. Visit the History Park to Meet History
One of the many parks in Punta Gorda provides more stories about the city’s history. The Punta Gorda History Society owns and operates that park, which is called Punta Gorda History Park.
This organization cares for historic structures as well as the gardens that surround them. The Punta Gorda History Park is open to the public and can be visited at any time.
The Cigar Cottage, The Price House, and the Trabue Land Office are the only places with restrictions.
24. The History Park Farmers Market
Farmers sell the majority of the items in the History Park’s market. The consumer can buy a range of products while learning about the city’s history.
This market is a sight to behold, with tropical and local plants and trees growing side by side.
The Punta Gorda Historical Society also runs the Historical Park Farmers Market.
If you’re looking for something to buy, stop by the market at 501 Shreve Street. It’s on the corner of Virginia Avenue and Henry Street.
25. Punta Gorda Pathways
The city’s bicycle infrastructure has improved dramatically since the start of the Punta Gorda Pathways program. The city government deserves all of the credit.
The Punta Gorda Pathways will be roughly 18 miles long. It connects neighborhoods, parks, and business places all across the city, with around 8.4 miles dedicated to biking.
Why not rent a bike while you’re in Punta Gorda and ride down this trail just for pleasure to relive your childhood memories?
26. The Charlotte Performing Arts Centre
The Charlotte Performing Arts Center was established in 2003 as a result of a collaboration between the Charlotte County School Board, Charlotte County, and the City of Punta Gorda.
Members in the community realized the need to develop it when this school presented their concept to the school district. According to them, the theatre will fill a cultural void in the neighborhood.
The theatre now occupies a 35,000-square-foot facility. There are four classrooms in all, one each for drama, choir, dance, and band. Charlotte High School students have access to these four classrooms.
Paintings by exceptional art students from the school are located on the lobby walls.
27. Cecil M. Webb Wildlife Management Area/Free C. Babcock Wildlife Management Area
The Wild Management Area is home to a diverse range of animal species. Red-cockaded woodpeckers, Eastern indigo snakes, and bonneted badgers are only a few of these species.
If you enjoy hunting, one of the things to do in Punta Gorda, Florida is to visit the Fred Babcock/Cecil M. Webb Wildlife Management Area.
In this area, both the white-tailed free and the Northern bobwhite are on the rise. Also, the likelihood of catching a hog while hunting mourning and feral hogs is extremely great.
.
You can also practice your shooting skills at the shooting range located near the entrance. Every weekend, hundreds of people visit the Fred Babcock / Cecil M. Webb Wildlife Management Area.
28. Visit the Babcock Ranch Preserve
The preserve aims to safeguard regionally important water supplies, historic and cultural resources, scenic landscapes, diversified natural ecosystems, and other resources in Florida’s southwest region.
If you enjoy camping and want to include it on your list of top things to do in Punta Gorda FL, Babcock Ranch Preserve is the place to go.
Camping, hiking, fishing, bicycling, hunting, horseback riding, and many more activities are available.
The preserve was once part of Crescent B Ranch before being purchased by the state of Florida in 2006.
The Crescent B Ranch was a great area for ecotourism and produced livestock, row crops, sods, and other things.
29. Peace River Beer Company
The Peace River Beer Company was founded by the founders of Bury Me Brewing with the goal of creating a brand that would be loved by both locals and the rest of the country.
And they were successful in doing so. Visit their brewery and purchase one of their beers. As a reward, you will be rewarded with the actual taste of beer. Visiting here should be at the top of your list of things to do in Punta Gorda FL.
.
30. Fat Point Brewing
If you’re looking for something to do on a weekend in Punta Gorda, FL, you may go to a brewing company.
I would recommend Fat Point Brewings as one of the breweries to visit. They’re brewers of fresh, handcrafted beer brewed right here in town.
Because of the high quality of their beer, it can be found not only in Punta Gorda, but also in Naples, Cape Coral, Sarasota, Lakeland, and Tampa.
This brewery makes 540 barrels of beer every month. That’s a substantial amount of beer. I’m sure the process of making this beer would amaze you.
31. Harbour Heights Park
Another fantastic park in Punta Gorda is this one. When you visit Harbour Heights Park, you’ll find a wide range of enjoyable activities to fill your vacation days. For starters, this park has one of the top BBQ grills in the area.
It offers a wide range of recreational opportunities. There’s a basketball court, tennis and volleyball courts, and restrooms, all of which can help calm your worries.
You can also go fishing here since they have boats and canoes available for anyone who are interested.
If you’re looking for a great place to spend time with your friends and family, Harbour Heights Park should be on your list of things to do in Punta Gorda FL.
Punta Gorda is a great place to visit.
Punta Gorda is a lovely beach town with never a dull moment. From tranquil nature parks to raucous race tracks, there’s something for everyone. You will savor every moment of your stay here.
Walking around the natural park and then taking a boat tour of the ocean will convince you that there is no better place to spend your holiday than Punta Gorda.
This list of things to do in Punta Gorda FL will help you plan your trip to Punta Gorda by providing you with a list of activities, attractions, and things to see and do in the lovely city of Punta Gorda, Florida.
