A Visit to Fisherman's Village Punta Gorda

by Lori Sorrentino

We spent a few days exploring Fishermans Village Punta Gorda, a unique shopping, dining, and boating destination in southwest Florida.

From mid morning to sunset, it was a whirl of activity with families coming and going, singles mingling over drinks, lots of folks enjoying the day with their dogs, some taking boating excursions around Charlotte Harbor, and everyone having fun.

Fisherman’s Village, located right on Charlotte Harbor in Punta Gorda, Florida is just a short drive from Sarasota or Marco Island, so a visit here makes for an easy Naples day trip and a great day outing for the whole family.

Apart from the incredible waterfront setting, visitors have a ton of great choices for waterfront dining, boutique shopping, and a staggering number of water sports and activities to enjoy.

This restored historic district can be easily accessed via I-75 on the south-central Gulf Coast of Florida.

Once a sleepy Gulf Coast fishing village, today Punta Gorda is a growing tourist destination in southwest Florida with palm tree-lined streets meandering through quiet neighborhoods and a bustling business district, much of it still reminiscent of its historic old Florida charm.

If you’re looking for a fun day trip for shopping and lunch or dinner, Fisherman’s Village Punta Gorda is a great option for multi-gen families or just the two of you.

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Where is Punta Gorda Florida?

So, where is Punta Gorda, and how do you get there?

The city of Punta Gorda is located where the Peace River meets Charlotte Harbor in Charlotte County, Florida.

It’s located just across the river from Port Charlotte on the north side of the Peace River, and the county seat of Charlotte County.

Like its more touristed neighbors to the north (Sarasota) and south (Fort Myers), many visitors seeking a more relaxed and less crowded southwest Florida vacation find it in Punta Gorda.

The city is a haven for anglers, boaters, and water lovers in general, and offers waterfront neighborhoods along a myriad of canals, all with boating access to Charlotte Harbor.

Getting to Punta Gorda is easy by land, sea or air:

Interstate 75 — Exit 264 to US 17 W for RV camping and convenient parking facilities.
Charlotte Harbor — Free anchoring spots available 'on the hook' or book one at the full service marina.
The nearest airports are Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) and Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW).

This Charlotte Harbor waterfront complex enjoys a wonderful location overlooking an award-winning marina and provides docking facilities to boats and luxury yachts of all sizes.

Apart from the permanent anchor point, the marina also offers free docking facilities for the day to anyone arriving by private boat .

Popular with visitors and locals alike, Fishermen's Village has carved a niche for itself as a fully serviced destination, ideal for an evening visit or an extended stay.

This waterfront event center is not only the launching pad for Florida fishing but a multi-purpose cultural and entertainment center as well.

History of Fisherman’s Village Punta Gorda

Fisherman’s Village has some interesting history to speak of, sitting on the same site where the Maud Street City Docks were first built in 1928-29, in place of the old King Street Pier.

The Barron Collier Bridge, which replaced the old docks, was further replaced by the northbound bridge along Route 41, the present day bridge.

After the docks and the adjacent buildings fell into disrepair in 1977, the city council decided to redevelop the site and construct Fishermen's Village which today boasts high end resorts, fishing charters, villa rentals, and a military heritage museum.

The entire village is widely used as a venue for special events and live entertainment.

Fisherman Village Restaurants

If there’s one thing Fisherman’s Village is most known for, it has to be dining. Many of the Fisherman Village restaurants are designed for crowds (though you can find an intimate table for two), and there’s an eatery for just about every style, taste, and budget.

Craft cocktails at the Village Brewhouse

Harbor view from the Village Brewhouse

The Village Brewhouse is a great place for craft beer and cocktails, with an extensive menu of salads, wraps, and good burgers. You can dine in the courtyard or seated around the spacious 4-sided bar, or ask for a table on the water.

Those are a bit quieter with a spectacular view.

If you have a sweet tooth, the homemade fudge and other sweet offerings at Simply Sweet will make you come back for more.

Shopping at Fisherman’s Village

Strolling along the lovely boutiques lined on either side of the complex is a pleasant experience with lots of unique shops to tempt you.

In spite of having some of the best brands, prices are fairly competitive and I must say they have some of the most unique apparel I’ve seen when it comes to touristy t-shirts and hoodies that say Punta Gorda.

I would have bought a few and I live in SWFL!

One of our favorites shops was The Spice & Tea Exchange, and if you love one-of-a-kind teas, coffees, and quality spices, you’ll love it too.

The intoxicating smell alone will have you taking home a few items.

Some notable names are Palms on the Pier and Captain's Landing if you want to purchase something for casual wear.

Heavenly scents at The Spice & Tea Exchange

There are many other stores selling artwork, prints and posters. Fashion accessories, handmade jewelry, soaps and toys are also on sale here.

Apart from all these, salons and spas for the discerning and even a ship's chandlery is on offer.

Activities and Attractions at Fisherman’s Village

Fisherman's Village Yacht Basin

The Fisherman's Village Yacht Basin, located at Fishermen's Village Marina is a one-shop stop for sightseeing and Fisherman’s Village boat tours on the waters of the Gulf Coast.

Visitors can take a sailing trip to the nearby Gulf coast Islands like Cayo Costa or Cabbage Key. Eco tours, sunset cruises, dolphin and whale watching tours are also a good choice for a full or half day trip.

For fishing enthusiasts, there are plenty of opportunities to go deep sea fishing in the Gulf of Mexico or back bay fishing in the Charlotte Harbor Aquatic Preserve.

Prices are reasonable for a cruise to the islands near Charlotte Harbor

Military Museum Punta Gorda

One of the most unique attractions located adjacent to Fisherman’s Village is the Military Heritage Museum.

This new state-of-the-art institution is located just a few minutes away from Fishermen's Village at 900 W. Marion Avenue and showcases exhibits on Florida's military heritage as well as artifacts and memorabilia on the United States.

The museum hires veterans, who act as docents to educate visitors on the military heritage of the United States.

Spread over an area of 17,000 square feet, the museum offers a unique opportunity through live performances and audio visual displays with the purpose of honoring all who have served the country.

The Military Heritage Museum is an interesting and family-friendly attraction, not to be missed when you visit Fishermen's Village.

General Admission: $16 per person; $14 for veterans, free admission for military active duty, $10 for youth ages 5-14, $5 for Annual Members and No fee for children under 5 or Charter and Sustaining Members.

Admission ticket includes access to the Museum’s first floor galleries and exhibits, second floor Simulator Room, War Room, Virtual Reality Experience and exhibit areas, Academy Library (book check-out privileges are not included), and access to Gulf Theater Museum-conducted programs taking place during gallery hours.

Harborwalk

After you’re finished with the activities you had planned for the day, take a leisurely stroll along Harborwalk.

Start your day from here, or go biking along the 2.4 mile stretch.

The views of the Peace River are unbelievable, so do not forget to bring your camera.

One of the most unique attractions around Fisherman’s Village is actually a network of trails and pathways which run for 2.5 miles along the beautiful Charlotte Harbor shoreline and connects Bayfront Health to Fishermen’s Village.

With its sweeping vistas, mangrove forests, waterfront shops and dining, historical sites, and two local parks — Laishley Park and Gilchrist Park — there’s always something to see and do along this vibrant pathway.

By the way, if you want to bring your furry friends along, nearby Laishley Park is a perfect place to take them — 17 acres of dog-friendly space to roam with picnic areas, a children’s splash park, marina, boat ramp, and more.

Children's Splash Park, Laishley Park in Punta Gorda

Hurricane sculpture in Laishley Park

Other Things to Do in Punta Gorda

There are many other interesting places to visit in Punta Gorda including the the poignant Vietnam Memorial Wall, and the Octagon Wildlife & Rehabilitation Center.

Where to Stay: Fisherman’s Village Resort

The Suites at Fisherman’s Village

While most people come to spend the day at Fishermen's Village, there are plenty of options for those who want to stay for a day or two.

Upstairs from the shops and eateries of Fisherman Village are luxury suites overlooking the waterfront which can sleep up to four guests.

The suites come with a fully-equipped kitchen and a sit-out balcony with spectacular harbor views.

Plus, the Suites are dog-friendly — an additional $30 per night covers your best friend so they can enjoy it too!

Other amenities at the Fishermans Village resort include a tennis court, an outdoor heated swimming pool, bicycle rentals and 24-hour security.

Check rates and availability at The Suites at Fisherman’s Village

A beach sunset at The Suites at Fisherman's Village Gourmet kitchen and villa Sunset from your second floor balcony

Fisherman’s Village MARINA

Fisherman’s Village Marina has 111 permanent boat slips to accommodate power craft and sailing vessels up to 60 feet LOA and 7-foot draft, and 97 slips available for the public.

It is the premier marina located on Charlotte Harbor, and is located within easy walking distance to downtown Punta Gorda.

Amenities available include: