20 Fun and Unique Things to Do in Punta Gorda

The small southwest Florida town of Punta Gorda has a population of less than 20,000 people but despite its size, it’s packed with activities.

In fact, there are plenty of things to do in Punta Gorda to keep you busy for a week or more.

This Gulf-front community on Charlotte Harbor is the perfect jumping-off point to explore the entire area from Venice to Boca Grande and Burnt Store Marina.

From the small Gulf Coast islands around the Charlotte Harbor to the unique shopping and dining options in Punta Gorda and nearby Port Charlotte and Englewood, and all the surrounding natural areas in between, your days can be as jam-packed or as loose as you like.

So whether you’re a history hound and museums are your thing, or the great outdoors speaks to you, or maybe you’re a beach bum and want to soak up the sun, bookmark this guide and start planning your trip to southwest Florida, and start with PG.

If you’re looking for the best things to do in Punta Gorda, Florida, we’ve got you covered with 21 unmissable places to visit and unique attractions you’ll only find in PG!

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21 Things to Do in Punta Gorda, Florida

1. Take a Boat Tour

In this part of southwest Florida, you’re literally surrounded by water. So if there’s one thing you should do in Punta Gorda, it’s a boat tour!

There are so many unique Punta Gorda boat tours for every taste, budget, and activity.

From sunset cruises and airboat tours to wilderness eco tours, private sailing excursions, and shelling cruises to the nearby Gulf islands like Cayo Costa and North Captiva Island.

2. Hit the beaches

Punta Gorda’s inland location may not lend itself to beautiful beaches in town, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on the amazing Gulf of Mexico beaches that southwest Florida is known for.

The beaches just happen to be located across the bay in Englewood, a short :30 minute ride away from Punta Gorda.

Beaches are our top pic for things to do in Englewood because they really are that beautiful.

Trust us, take the short drive out to Gasparilla Island or Englewood and stay for the day!

3. Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center

Alligator Creek, 10941 Burnt Store Road, Punta Gorda, FL

Cedar Point, 2300 Placida Road, Englewood, FL

The area around Punta Gorda Florida is teeming with nature, on land and water, and there are so many opportunities to explore it all.

Undoubtedly, one of the best things to do in Punta Gorda, FL is pay a visit to the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center.

You could easily spend an entire day at this Punta Gorda attraction.

The CHEC manages the local preserves at Alligator Creek and Cedar Point which provide over 8 miles of hiking trails and other recreational activities.

The 115-acre Alligator Creek Preserve located in Englewood has 4 miles of nature trails with three leading directly to Lemon Bay.

You can pick up a trail map at the Visitor’s Center.

Cedar Point also has guided walks, special event lecture programs, a Native Plant Butterfly Garden, an historical Cookie House building, and an Eagle's nest, to name a few of the things.

They also offer a series of fun and educational programs for adults and kids and lectures given by Florida Master Naturalists.

If you get the chance, we highly recommend taking a free guided tour. Your educated guide will point out many of the noteworthy plants and animals along the way.

These tours are available between 10 a.m. on weekdays between November and April.

4. Go Fossil Hunting

Punta Gorda is situated on Charlotte Harbor which means you not only have these waters and the islands in it to explore on a boat tour, but you also have the Peace River nearby.

The Peace River is one of the most unique geologic formations in the state and has been here for millenia, even since this part of Florida was underwater.

The amount of fossils and prehistoric shark teeth that is buried in the underwater layers of silt and soil along the Peace River is staggering, which makes hunting for fossils a favorite pastime.

If you love hunting for buried treasure and prehistoric relics too, fossil hunting in the Peace River may top the list for best things to do in Punta Gorda!

5. See the Punta Gorda murals

When Dr. Robert Andrews first approached the city of Punta Gorda about helping to preserve the rich history of the area by the creation of beautiful murals around the town, he may have never dreamed what would come of it.

The original goal in 1993 of featuring historic and educational murals was lofty, but with the vision of Dr. Andrews and the help of local residents, artisans, and the local government, the town unveiled its first mural in 1995.

Today, the Punta Gorda Historic Mural Society has created 31 murals throughout our city, which complement the impressive trail of stunning murals throughout the state of Florida.

Find more information and do your own self-guided walking tour of the Punta Gorda murals!

6. Visit the A.C. Freeman House Museum (Closed for Renovations)

311 W Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, FL

While Punta Gorda revolves around nature, it also has its fair share of historical sites.

One of the best things to do in Punta Gorda, Florida for history buffs and architecture aficionados alike is pop into the A.C. Freeman House Museum.

Right when you see this charming, pale yellow house, it’ll catch your eye.

This Victorian home was originally built in the early 20th century.

And if you think the outside is interesting, you’ll definitely want to go inside.

Luckily, you can take a free tour of the interior of the A.C. Freeman House Museum.

7. The Peace River Wildlife Center

3400 Ponce de Leon Pkwy, Punta Gorda, FL

Calling all animal lovers! Peace River Wildlife Center is something that you simply must add to your Punta Gorda bucket list.

Peace River Wildlife Center was originally started in 1982, when Dr. Jerry Gingerich decided to open his veterinary office and home to local wildlife that needed help.

Today, Dr. Gingerich’s impact continues, as Peace River Wildlife Center helps thousands of animals every year, including pelicans, opossums, anhingas, and raccoons.

These animals are then either released into the wild or kept at the center for further care.

To get a glimpse of the great work done at the Peace River Wildlife Center, you can visit the center.

While you’re there, see the adorable animals and learn how the workers help lovely creatures.

If you like, you can even make a donation to the center to help them continue their fantastic work.

8. Stroll the Harborwalk

Many people are tempted to hop from activity to activity when on vacation, but sometimes you just need to take a breath and take it slow.

One of the best ways to do so in Punta Gorda is by talking a stroll on the Harborwalk.

This 2.5-mile trail winds its way along the beautiful Charlotte Harbor.

As you go on your walk, you’ll get to breathe in the fresh air, enjoy the gorgeous gulf views, and maybe even pop into a few boutique shops.

9. Shop at Fishermen’s Village

1200 W Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, FL

As you stroll along the Harborwalk, you’ll eventually come across Fishermen’s Village, the tourist hotspot of Punta Gorda and a fun day trip from Naples or Fort Myers.

And once you get there, you’ll realize there’s so much to do.

You can eat, shop, and play to your heart’s content.

There are several good restaurants including The Pier and the Village Fish Market Restaurant and Lounge where savoring a juicy burger from the Village Brewhouse is a great idea for lunch.

To round out your day in Punta Gorda, you can shop until you drop!

There are loads of stores at Fishermen’s Village that are worth a visit.

You can get color-changing clothes from Caribongo, buy a gift for your furry friend from Salty Paws, treat yourself with some imported goods from Bella Balsamic & The Pressed Olive, and purchase some amazing soaps from the Naples Soap Company.

10. Peace River Botanical and Sculpture Gardens

5827 Riverside Dr, Punta Gorda, FL

The Peace River Botanical and Sculpture Gardens is definitely one of the best things to do in Punta Gorda, Florida, especially for nature lovers and art aficionados.

This 30-acre attraction is located right on the beautiful Peace River, so it already boasts stunning views.

Then, there are the many thriving plants at the Peace River Botanical and Sculpture Garden. This garden includes flora from five different ecosystems, such as mangroves, wetlands, and tidal basins, so you’ll be able to see plants from all over the world!

As if that weren’t enough to convince you to pay a visit to this Punta Gorda attraction, the artwork might.

The Peace River Botanical and Sculpture Garden boasts pieces from several internationally renowned artists.

A few of the highlights include the Tree Trellises by Stefani & Co., the Steel Palm by Roger Tetrault, and the Man in Red by David Gonya.

The 27 acres of natural preserved habitat at Peace River Gardens, the brainchild of Roger and Linda Tetrault, have been utilized to showcase world-class sculptures in a spectacular botanical garden environment.

Not only does it serve as a perfect place to inspire creativity, visitors can share their ideas about gardening and educate the community about the preservation of the local flora and fauna.

The garden is also home to a variety of terrestrial and aquatic creatures as well as trees and flowering plants which bloom all year round amidst the statues bought from all over the globe.

Don't miss the boardwalk leading out to the gazebo for great views of the Peace River.

Plan to spend about an hour here strolling up and down the paths and you’re free to take selfies with the sculptures.

11. The Blanchard House Museum

406 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, Punta Gorda, FL

If you’re looking to dive into Punta Gorda’s past, the Blanchard House Museum is a great place to start, and discover Punta Gorda’s African American history.

African Americans have played a vital role in developing Punta Gorda.

As a matter of fact, approximately half of the founding settlers of Punta Gorda were African American!

The Blanchard House Museum highlights the main African American achievements from that time until today.

During your trip to the Blanchard House Museum, you can peruse the five exhibits, take a peek at the many valuable African American artifacts, and even attend the museum’s African American-focused book club.

12. The Military Heritage Museum

900 West Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda, FL

A visit to the Military Heritage Museum is definitely one of the best things to do in Punta Gorda, Florida – yet most people have no idea that this museum exists!

The Military Heritage Museum is quite an impressive attraction.

With 30,000 artifacts and veteran-led tours, you really can’t ask for a more immersive experience.

This museum includes exhibits on all five branches of the military, as well as on most U.S. wars.

As an added bonus, the Military Heritage Museum’s Gulf Theater often shows engaging movies, interesting lectures, and even live performances!

This is one of the most popular parts of this Punta Gorda attraction.

13. Vietnam Wall of Southwest Florida

100 Nesbit Street, Punta Gorda, FL

Located near the center of town in Punta Gorda, the Vietnam Wall of Southwest Florida is a poignant memorial and a must-see in Punta Gorda, especially for veterans and their families.

The wall itself is a 50% replica of the original wall in Washington, DC — even the granite was sourced from the same company as the DC memorial.

And this one is no less moving because of its size.

The setting around the wall provides a unique and intimate viewing experience — so you can get as close as you’d like or keep your distance and take it all in.

14. Catch Sunset

There are a few different spots to catch amazing views of the sunset in Punta Gorda, and Gilchrist Park is one of them.

This 11-acre waterfront park is already a great place to visit during the day.

But once the sun starts to dip towards the horizon, it becomes even more beautiful with fiery colors painting the sky.

There’s also a small beach at Fisherman’s Village for a toes in the sand sunset experience.

If you’re longing for more sand, spend a beach day in Englewood and stay for sunset!

15. Visit the Sunday Farmers Market

History Park, 501 Shreve St, Punta Gorda, FL

Farmers markets are always a fun time, and Punta Gorda’s Sunday Farmers Market is no exception. Situated at History Park, you’ll get to enjoy green grass and sunshine while shopping for your goodies.

And these local wares are quite a treat! While at this lovely farmers market, you can purchase everything from beautiful jewelry to fresh veggies to embroidered tea towels.

16. Take a Day Trip to Matlacha

The colorful tropical town of Matlacha is just a short drive from Punta Gorda and Burnt Store Marina, and worth the trip.

The small island wedged between the Cape Coral mainland and Pine Island is fun and funky, and loaded with an artsy vibe big enough to last the afternoon.

The unique shops and art galleries here are fun to browse.

When you’ve had enough shopping, grab an ice cream, or a cold beer and fried local shrimp at The Blue Dog Cafe and watch the sun go down.

If you’re lucky, the steel drum player will be entertaining the crowds.

Visit Punta Gorda’s Parks

One thing we’ve always enjoyed whenever we visit Punta Gorda is the amount of green space and parks the town has incorporated.

From small green spaces to splash parks and parks to spend the entire day, you’ve got a lot to enjoy in PG.

Here are 4 of our favorites:

17. Laishley Park

100 Nesbit Street, Punta Gorda, FL

Splash down at Laishely Park, a small park in the center of town.

If you have kids, make sure they wear their swimsuits here (and you have plenty of time) because they may never want to leave the Splash Park!

Small little fountains make for hours of fun and definitely beat the heat on a hot summer day — which in Punta Gorda last from May through October!

18. Bike Linear Park

Cyclists looking for great bike paths will be in heaven in Punta Gorda with its extensive network of pathways and walkways that invite you to explore the whole town on 2 wheels.

The unique mile-long pathway known as Linear Park runs from Cross Street (US 41) near Helen Avenue southeast though a residential neighborhood to the Harborwalk at Fishermen's Village, which then runs an additional two and a half miles northeast along the Peace River.

There are several fitness zones along the pathway where you can enhance your ride with some exercise stations.

19. Ponce de Leon Park

3400 Ponce de Leon Pkwy, Punta Gorda, FL

Despite being underrated, visiting Ponce de Leon Park is one of the best things to do in Punta Gorda.

This park is so lovely and is right next to the Peace River Wildlife Center! The park has a nice walkway shaded by seagrape and oak trees, and there’s a beautiful beach perfect for sunbathing.

There’s a charming picnic area, a fishing pier, and an open playground for small children.

That said, the real highlight of Ponce de Leon Park may be the birds! There are so many birds that make their home in this park.

In fact, there’s even a bird sanctuary onsite, which you can visit to learn more about these flying feathered friends.

If you like, you can even make a donation to this worthwhile conservation cause.

20. Gilchrist Park

400 W Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, FL

With sweeping views over Charlotte Harbor, the 11-acre Gilchrist Park is a waterfront park perfect for relaxation and family fun any time of day.

The Park — like Laishley Park on the other side of the highway — is part of the connected Harborwalk which offers plenty of space for walking, jogging and biking.

Both parks are also easily accessible from one another.

There’s a large modern playground for kids that’s clean and modern; basketball, tennis and pickleball courts; a fishing pier, gazebo, picnic pavilions, and plenty of wide open green space.

You might even catch a free concert going on — which is frequent during the winter months.

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Whether you’re hoping to spend your time out in nature or inside of adorable shops, this list of the best things to do in Punta Gorda, Florida is sure to give you some fantastic ideas for your trip!

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