Our 15 Favorite Things to Do in Punta Gorda, Florida

Jen, Ollie, and I rolled into Punta Gorda in our van, ready for some sunshine, good eats, and a little adventure. This small waterfront town on Florida’s Gulf Coast is packed with natural beauty, friendly locals, and a wide variety of things to do. From strolling through lush botanical gardens to taste-testing our way through Punta Gorda’s mouthwatering restaurants, we made sure to make the most of our visit. In this guide, we’re sharing our 15 favorite things to do in Punta Gorda (plus a few we had to save for next time) to help make planning your visit a breeze!

The following is a sponsored post courtesy of Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach, Florida however, all opinions are our own.

1. Visit Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens

A visit to Punta Gorda isn’t complete without a trip to Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens. We wandered through their butterfly gardens, koi ponds, and even a Five Senses Garden designed to experience the plants fully. One of the highlights from our visit was seeing butterflies mid-metamorphosis!

The gardens were super quiet when we visited, making it a perfect spot to escape the crowds of downtown. And although we couldn’t bring Ollie on our trip, we learned that leashed dogs are welcome on Tuesdays with a $5 donation to the Animal Welfare League! ADA-defined service dogs are allowed any day of the week.

Location: 5827 Riverside Dr, Punta Gorda, FL
Hours: 9 am – 4 pm, Tuesday to Sunday (Closed Monday)
Price: $20 per adult

2. Hang Out at Fishermen’s Village

Fishermen’s Village quickly became one of our favorite spots in Punta Gorda! Beyond the stunning views of the water, we loved wandering through the eclectic mix of shops, from touristy trinkets to unique finds like a specialty tea store and an artisan handbag shop.

If you’re there at night, the lights add a magical vibe. Plus, this is the area of Punta Gorda where sunset cruises often part from. On our last visit, we wrapped up our night at Harpoon Harry’s, a lively waterfront bar within the village with live music and fantastic sunset views.

Location: 1200 W Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, FL
Hours: 24/7
Price: Free

3. Glide Through Coastal Waterways on Kayak

One of our favorite things we did in Punta Gorda was going kayaking with SUP Englewood. This locally owned company not only supports the Save the Manatee Club but also participates in regular waterway clean-ups, setting a great example for sustainable tourism. You can choose from single kayaks, tandem kayaks, or stand-up paddleboards for your guided or solo adventure!

We went on a guided kayaking tour with the super enthusiastic owner Nicole who, together with another guide, took us to the white sand beaches of Don Pedro State Park. There we floated through stunning mangroves where we spotted raccoon prints, lots of shells, and a variety of birds. The wildlife was incredible! We saw a dolphin, and Ollie went absolutely crazy from our Kayak. She still considers herself still on dolphin duty from her time on the boat! In the warmer months, you can even could see plenty of manatees!

We also paddled to a beach still recovering from Hurricane Ian, showcasing the resilience of the mangroves and the eerie beauty of nature’s aftermath. It’s a great spot for shelling, especially since many nearby beaches are closed due to storm damage, so you might just find something amazing!

Location: 8450 Placida Road Placida, FL 33946
Hours: Open 7 Days a Week
Price: Varies based on experience

4. Go on an Airboat or Swamp Buggy Ride on Peace River

If you’re looking for more of a heart-racing adventure just North of Punta Gorda, a tour with Peace River Charters is a must-do! We had the chance to try both their swamp buggy ride and the airboat tour, and here’s what we thought:

• Swamp Buggy Ride: This ride is on a huge tractor that takes you around the property. As you drive past wild hogs and deer, you also learn a bit about the history of Arcadia, FL. This seemed like the perfect experience for those traveling with kids, however, adults might find it a bit less exciting. If you aren’t traveling with kids we recommend the airboat tour.

• Airboat Tour: This thrilling adventure is perfect for all ages! We zoomed up the Peace River, spotting tons of alligators along the way. Our highly skilled operator had been driving airboats since he was 6 years old, making it feel like a real-life rollercoaster ride, complete with great info about the wildlife and the area. This tour was a highlight of our trip!

Location: 4192 SW Adventure Way, Arcadia, FL
Hours: 7:30 am – 6 pm Monday to Saturday (8 am – 5 pm Sunday)
Price: $37-52

5. Visit Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park

Just a 12-minute drive from downtown Punta Gorda, you’ll find Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park. Covering 45,387 acres with over 100 miles of shoreline, it’s the 3rd largest in Florida and perfect for hiking, fishing, paddling, and wildlife watching. The park was peaceful, with no entrance fees at the access points we visited.

With many dog-friendly trails, it was a great spot for long walks with Ollie. As we wandered, we were able to learn a bit about the lives of the Calusa (or Fierce People) who lived on these lands before the arrival of Europeans. We also spotted armadillos (even though they’re invasive), alligators, and a variety of wading birds.

Location: 12301 Burnt Store Rd, Punta Gorda, FL
Hours: Sunrise until sunset
Price: Free

6. Explore Other Nature Preserves

Driving a bit further from downtown Punta Gorda, you’ll find tons more nature preserves with hiking trails, wildlife sightings, and peaceful rivers galore. Some of our favorites that we visited included:

• Babcock Ranch Preserve – Babcock Ranch Preserve is a large conservation area with scenic landscapes and activities like fishing, hiking, hunting, and camping, as well as tons of Eco-Tours.
• Alligator Creek Preserve – Adjacent to Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park you have Alligator Creek Preserve, offering 4+ miles of nature trails, butterfly gardens, and birdwatching opportunities, with chances to spot baby alligators, bobcats, and eagles. It’s also one of 26 local birdwatching sites recognized by the Peace River Audubon Society.
• Dr. Willard Bill Coy Preserve – Small preserve area full of mangrove tunnels with kayaks and paddleboards available for rent with SUP Englewood nearby.

7. Explore Local Parks

As proud pup parents and avid picnickers, sometimes all we’re looking for is a solid nearby park to hang out in. We found a ton of local parks in Punta Gorda, where we enjoyed everything from leisurely waterfront strolls with Ollie to an exciting local festival! Here’s a bit about each park we visited:

• Gilchrist Park – A lively waterfront park with picnic areas, tennis courts, and perfect for sunset strolls. We took Ollie for a lovely walk here, and she met plenty of new furry friends!
• Laishley Park – This shoreline park features a marina, seafood restaurant, and is a great spot for enjoying the sunset. We happened to visit during ChiliFest where we got to enjoy live music and sample unique chilis from the competitors.
• Harborwalk – A scenic pathway perfect for walking, biking, or taking your dog along the water. It eventually leads to Linear Park, where you can continue your adventure inland.
• Ponce de Leon Park – A quaint park offering stunning views of Charlotte Harbor and the Gulf, complete with a beach, playground, mangrove boardwalk, and boat launch. It’s a great spot for watching the sunset and keeping an eye out for dolphins, fish, and various water birds.

8. Grab a Free Public Bike

Punta Gorda offers a free bike loaner program, allowing you to grab a bike from four local stations around town. We didn’t use them ourselves, but we saw plenty of people cruising along the waterfront and through the parks, making it look like a fun and easy way to get around. If you’re looking for a laid-back way to explore, this is a great option!

Bikes are located at these 4 locations:

• Becky’s Garden Shoppe
• Sheraton Four Points
• Springhill Suites 
• Fishermen’s Village

9. Go to the Beach

No trip to Florida feels complete without a visit to some of its stunning beaches! Here are three beaches just under an hour’s drive away from downtown Punta Gorda:

• Englewood Beach – 44 min. drive, free parking, volleyball courts, a fishing pier, and a great spot to collect shark teeth and shells.
• Stump Pass Beach State Park – 49 min. drive, enjoy white sand beaches, swimming, and beachcombing for just $3 per vehicle.
• Gasparilla Island State Park – 57 min. drive, great for fishing, swimming, and snorkeling. Features a lighthouse dating back to 1890!

Locations: Locations vary, see above
Hours: 8 am until sundown, 365 days a year
Price: Free, sometimes $3 per vehicle

10. Visit Sea Grape Artists Gallery

Punta Gorda surprised us with its vibrant local art scene! We visited Sea Grape Gallery, a co-op fine art gallery run by 18 resident artists who all showcase their work. This gallery, a staple in the community for 36 years, just had its grand reopening in January 2025 after being impacted by Hurricane damage. We took home a watercolor painting of an alligator by a local artist!

For even more ways to take in the local art scene, you have guided mural tours by the Punta Gorda Historical Mural Society as well as the Visual Arts Center which features 3 galleries, 6 classrooms, an extensive art library, a gift gallery, and even an art supply store!

Location: 113 W Marion Ave, Punta Gorda, FL
Hours: 10 am – 5 pm Tuesday – Friday (Saturday 10 am – 4 pm)
Price: Free entry

11. Attend a Local Festival

One of the best ways to experience local culture in Punta Gorda is by attending a festival, and we were lucky enough to catch the Annual Chili Festival when we were in town! Five local businesses brought their A-game with unique chili recipes, and we enjoyed sampling each one and casting our votes with tokens for our favorite. The festival was set right on the riverfront in Laishley Park, overlooking Charlotte Harbor, and was lively with local vendors, live music, and plenty of craft beers to try.

Other than Chilifest, Punta Gorda hosts several other great events throughout the year such as:

• Florida International Air Show in November
• Gardens Aglow by the Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens in December
• Annual Hibiscus Festival in May

12. Take a Sunset Cruise on Charlotte Harbor

One of the best ways to soak in Punta Gorda’s stunning sunsets at the end of a long day is by taking a cruise on Charlotte Harbor. King Fisher Fleet offers a 90-minute sunset cruise for $39, departing from Fishermen’s Village, where you’ll glide across the harbor with beautiful waterfront views. For more of a party vibe, The Oasis Tiki Tour by Punta Gorda Adventures ($59) is a fully BYOB sunset tour complete with music and LED lights once the sun goes down.

Locations: 1200 W Retta Esplanade #16a, Punta Gorda, FL
Hours: Varies based on cruise
Price: $39-59

13. Grab a Drink and Listen to Live Music!

There were so many great spots in downtown Punta Gorda where we could kick back with a drink and enjoy some live music. Here are our top 3:

• Harpoon Harry’s had a lively atmosphere that made it the perfect place to unwind after a day out and soak in the energy.
• TT’s Tiki Bar has a large sandy area where you can hang out, listen to music, and enjoy views of Charlotte Harbor.
• Celtic Ray Public House is a must-visit if you’re in the mood for a lively Irish pub vibe. We chowed down on some fantastic fish and chips and Guinness here too!

14. Go Camping

Our favorite cost-effective way to travel is by staying at campsites as often as possible. Not only does this help cut down on travel costs, but it’s an adventure in and of itself! On our latest Punta Gorda trip, we spent a few nights at two nearby campgrounds. Here is a breakdown of each:

• Fred C. Babcock/Cecil M. Webb Wildlife Management Area – We stayed here for 2 nights and it was free besides the day use of $6 per vehicle! Keep in mind this lake-side campground is only open on the weekends, Friday and Saturday, or during hunting season. More information here.
• Myakka River State Forest – We stayed at this campground for one night and saw tons of wildlife during the day and stars at night! Prices start at $8.85 a day for RV and tent sites. Reservations can be made at FloridaStateForests.ReserveAmerica.com or by calling 941-460-1333.

15. Stargaze at Night

This area of Florida is an amazing place to go stargazing. We were able to see the stars from our two amazing campsites, Babcock Web Wildlife Management Area and Myakka River State Forrest. If you’re interested in a guided experience, we found this 2.5-hour stargazing tour that meets in Hathaway Park, right off Washington Loop Road!

🐊 Even More Things to Do in Punta Gorda

We didn’t have time to tick all the things we wanted to do off our list, but we still wanted to mention them! Here are 5 more things to do in Punta Gorda that we hope to get around to on our next visit:

• Saturday’s Farmer’s Market – Voted the ‘Best Small Market in Florida’ and ranked 15th in the US, Punta Gorda’s Farmers Market is a must-visit! You can find everything from fresh produce and homemade pasta to baked goods, local seafood, and unique crafts.
• Peace River Wildlife Center – Nestled in Ponce de Leon Park, this animal rehabilitation center had just reopened after hurricane repairs when we visited, so we missed it, but we’ve heard great things! Visit rescued animals up close and consider supporting the center’s rehabilitation efforts by donating.
• Punta Gorda History Center – Small history museum with free entrance, open 11 am to 3 pm Tuesday to Thursday.
• Alligator Bay Distillers – Local spirits distillery owned by two brothers who run tours and tastings.
• Military Heritage Museum – Interactive exhibits, flight simulators, and historic artifacts, providing an in-depth look at military history, $16 per person. Open 10 am – 4 pm, Tuesday to Saturday.

🗺️ Map of Punta Gorda

How to use this map: We have saved the locations from this guide on this map. You can save this map to your Google Maps by pressing the star icon. In your Google Maps, click the menu icon and then Saved Maps, where this map will appear.

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