Things To Do In Punta Gorda
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Fishermen's Village
The Village is Florida’s unique combination of a full-service destination resort and a hometown hang out for visitors and locals alike.
Conveniently located between Sarasota and Fort Myers, Fishermen’s Village is the waterside event center and launching site for Florida fishing and recreation, culture and entertainment, shopping, and dining. See why Fishermen’s Village is the locals’ enduring favorite and the visitors’ top choice.
Punta Gorda Event Center
There’s always something fun going on in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach, from weekly Farmer’s Markets and art shows and concerts to holiday and annual signature events scattered throughout the year! Check out our calendar below to find out what’s scheduled to happen this week and beyond.
Events are posted as we learn about them and the calendar is updated frequently, so be sure to check back often. If you need more information or details about any of the events listed, please contact the event organizers by clicking VISIT WEBSITE beneath the event title or giving them a call.
Punta Gorda History Center
As the caretaker and preserver of their shared history, the Punta Gorda History Center serves a vitally important function – from archiving and documenting our collective story, including its early role in the pioneering of Florida, and by serving as our “storyteller” for generations to come. For the long-term memory of our community, and also to honor the experiences and contributions of those who came before them, the History Center is committed to expanding our shared understanding of the defining events in Punta Gorda and its surrounding communities.
Visual Arts Center
The Visual Arts Center serves Charlotte County, and beyond with three major galleries, 6 classrooms, jewelry, glass, pottery & technology studios, an extensive arts library, Gift Gallery, Art and Supply Store and VAC logo items. Our 12,000 square foot facility provides the best art classes, instructors and exhibit opportunities for the community. Our courses are designed for all ages and skill levels and we offer classes and workshops in a variety of arts media throughout the year.
Military Heritage Museum
The mission of the Military Heritage Museum is to promote an understanding and respect for the rich military heritage of the United States and the sacrifices made by all who serve, living and deceased, emphasizing that freedom isn’t free.
The Vietnam Wall of Southwest Florida in Veterans Park Punta Gorda Florida honors the 58,300 + men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice. An important purpose of the wall is to educate present and future generations of the Vietnam War’s history so that we do not repeat those turbulent times in the future.
Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens
Neighboring the Peace River, this 30-acre waterfront oasis encompasses the diversity of five ecosystems including marshlands, wetlands, mangroves, uplands and tidal basin. Flowering trees and plants bloom throughout the year, and more than 15,000 sq. ft. of boardwalks and docks provide optimum viewing of the Garden’s vast sculptures.
Gulfshore Opera
To enrich the community of Southwest Florida by presenting accessible, high quality vocal music performances with classically trained artists and to foster a sense of belonging within our diverse community through social engagement activities.
Activities
Punta Gorda Farmer's Market
Voted the ‘Best Small Market in Florida’ and 15th in the USA, we have a large number of vendors offering fruits and vegetables, dried fruits and nuts, Italian bakery, fresh homemade pasta, kitchenware, cupcakes, beef and fresh seafood, fresh citrus, jewelry, candles and soaps, dip mixes, Florida arts and crafts, cheese, French bakery, baguettes and olives, homemade pies, orchids, organic produce, personalized pens, kettle corn, coffee beans and drinks, native and exotic plants.
Artisan's Atelier
The Artisan’s Atelier is a venue of working artists’ studios and a gallery for the public to visit. The Atelier provides affordable place where artists can create and sell their works.
Established in 1995, the Punta Gorda Historic Mural Society (PGHMS) is a non-profit, 501c(3) organization managed by an all-volunteer Board of Directors. Their mission is to preserve the rich history of the Punta Gorda, through the beauty of mural art. PGHMS has created 31 murals throughout our city, each mural depicts a significant location or event.
By exploring Punta Gorda’s murals, you will learn the local history depicted in each mural, when it was painted, as well as the artist. See if you can find the objects hidden in some of them. You’ll also get an overview of the Mural Society and their process for creating these historic murals.
The PicklePlex® is a privately-supported (funded) 501(C)(3) non-profit corporation that operates as a guest of FSW and is subject to the rules of the lease. These courts are maintained and managed by the PicklePlex® Board. The courts were built on donations from individuals and companies. We would like to thank all those from the community who have donated money as well as their time and labor to construct them.
Located at 400 W. Retta Esplanade in historic Punta Gorda, Gilchrist Park contains 11 acres stretched along the waterfront between the downtown and Fishermen’s Village.
Gilchrist Park provides sweeping views of the Charlotte Harbor. Park amenities include a large playground; basketball, tennis and pickleball courts; fishing pier, gazebo, picnic pavilions, and lots of open green space.
Located at 120 Laishley Court, Laishley Park is a pet-friendly park that contains seventeen (17) acres with amenities that include a 400-foot fishing pier, parking facilities, interactive fountain, concert area & event lawn, Veterans Park, and walking paths along Punta Gorda Pathways – Harborwalk. Waterfront restaurant and retail services are also available in the park at the Laishley Crab House Centre.
Located on the western edge of the City at 3400 Ponce de Leon Parkway, Ponce de Leon Park overlooks the vast expanse of Charlotte Harbor. The parks amenities include a boat ramp, fishing piers, mangrove boardwalk, small playground, open air chapel area, and picnic pavilion. The park also has a sandy beach area that is popular for watching the sunset and the boats cruising in and out of the channel into Punta Gorda Isles canal system.
Harborwalk
Running for two & a half miles along the beautiful Charlotte Harbor shoreline Harborwalk connects Bayfront Health to Fishermen’s Village. With Mangrove forests, sweeping vistas, shops, waterfront dining, historical sites, and Laishley & Gilchrist Parks there is always something to see and do along this vibrant pathway.
Parks That Teach
University of Florida’s Master Gardeners are individuals who have completed an extensive training course in gardening sponsored by the University of Florida. As you walk thru the pathway, you will view the unique ecosystems of the mangroves, identify trees and shrubs, and you will learn how these plants can fit into your home landscape. In addition, experience the habitats that support many different Florida creatures including alligators, wading birds, turtles, fish, raccoons, and crabs.
Punta Gorda Pathways
The Punta Gorda Pathways is a system of approximately 18 miles of bicycle and pedestrian trails that connect the City’s neighborhoods, parks, and commercial areas. Segments include the Harborwalk, Linear Park, and Shared Use Paths.
Nature Park
Located in the center of Punta Gorda Isles, the largest residential community in the City, this 19 acre park was purchased with funds from the Florida Community Trust (FCT) in the 1990’s. The property is bordered on the north and west by residential streets, Aqui Esta Drive and Bal Harbor Boulevard, respectively, to the east, by a residential canal and to the south by residential multifamily property. The site hosts preserved, managed and enhanced areas for a variety of educational programs and outdoor activities including, walking, bird watching, photography, environmental education and wildlife observation. Because of this vision for the use of the site, it was named “The Punta Gorda Nature Park”.
Walking & Riding Tours
Sea Grape Gallery
Sea Grape Gallery is a cooperative fine art gallery located at 113 W. Marion Avenue in downtown Punta Gorda, Florida. The Gallery has been recognized for over 36 years by local and seasonal patrons as the premier venue for high quality fine art. Over 20 award-winning artists participate in Sea Grape Gallery, and one of our knowledgeable members is always on hand to assist you. The Gallery offers a variety of unique artisan crafts as well as paintings and photography.
Grooving Through Gorda
Experience Punta Gorda Like Never Before!
Grooving Thru Gorda offers an unparalleled tour guide service, ensuring individuals get transportation to top restaurants and attractions in Punta Gorda, Florida. We are committed to making your visit memorable and stress-free.
Experience Punta Gorda’s Vibrant Nightlife
Our tour guides ensure safe and reliable transportation to and from Punta Gorda’s top nightlife spots, allowing you to enjoy your night without worry.
“Thanks to Grooving Thru Gorda, we were able to enjoy Punta Gorda’s nightlife to the fullest.” your visit memorable and stress-free.”