Daytripping in Punta Gorda

Punta Gorda is the place to enjoy the Florida sun

…without meeting the crowds on the beach. Strolling the waterfront of Punta Gorda is a favorite pastime, taking in the original homes still nestled on quaint streets. Drop by the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center on Burnt Store Road and hopefully you’ll be able to view the nesting pair of bald eagles that have set up their home there. After that, drive out to the Babcock Ranch and Wildlife Park – one of the largest undeveloped expanses of pine flatwoods in Southwest Florida and a favored spot for horseback riding and pure nature enthusiasts. This is an ideal spot to view your first alligator – up close and personal!

Old-Florida Architecture

Downtown’s unique old-Florida architecture is what draws most visitors to its quaint, cobbled streets. Once you get here, you soon realize that there is a myriad of unique shops and restaurants to visit.

Nestled between Retta Esplanade to the North (our waterfront roadway) and Virginia Ave to the South, and between US41 South on the West to Wood Street on the East, the downtown area was revitalized following the catastrophic hurricane of 2004 (Charley.)

Historic Buildings

Many of the old buildings have been restored to their former glory, to accommodate art galleries, boutiques and restaurants.

Mixed in with the old are new developments, which have started to spring up around the downtown area. These buildings have been carefully constructed to strict guidelines, which the residents of Punta Gorda agreed to, to maintain the individual beauty of its downtown historical district.

Golf Year-Round

This is a year-round haven for golf lovers the world over.When it’s too cold to golf up North, come South where the winter weather is balmy.

We’d be happy to route you to the nearest links or indeed to the nearest kayak rental spot, so you can work off your energy on the water

Downtown Punta Gorda Experience

Make downtown Punta Gorda your destination each Third Thursday for the NEW Downtown Experience. 5 – 8 PM. Arts, Culture, live music, demos, refreshments, and much more. Join in the vibe of this special Thursday each month. Each will have different offerings. Info booth in Hector Park, 5-6:30PM for a map and list of events planned.

Punta Gorda Mural Walk

Look for the beautiful murals that have been painstakingly drawn on the sides of many of our downtown buildings. Make sure you make the time to view the waterfront and visit the many museums and parks that Punta Gorda boasts. Punta Gorda is a walk-able city – it is easily navigated, so find a parking space and just meander through the streets, basking in Florida sunshine.

Sunsets & Cruises on the Harbor

Here in Punta Gorda, you’ll enjoy some of the best sunsets that Florida has to offer, along with a diversity of places of interest to visit and shop in. Our real-estate market is vibrant and there are numerous realtors here in the Chamber that will be only too happy to show you around to see some of the most beautiful Florida homes imaginable. Our restaurants offer a wide variety of differing cuisines and cater to every palate and price point.

Enjoy the Arts and our Parks

There’s the Visual Arts Center, the Parks, the varied and exciting retail developments along both sides of US41, spas, fitness centers, professional offices, the numerous cycle treks around this cycle-friendly city, the Military Heritage Museum, the Pottery Express/Bamboo Farm in South Punta Gorda and our amazing waterfront.