Are you looking for fun things to do in Punta Gorda Florida? If yes, then you have come to the right place. In this article, we will be listing down some of the best places to visit in Punta Gorda and what you can do here.
Punta Gorda is a gorgeous city in Florida that is located along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. This city is home to many natural attractions and offers visitors a chance to go on scenic strolls alongside the water.
That’s not all though, for those who love spending time in the water, there are many great Punta Gorda activities to indulge in such as boating, fishing, and more. There are many unique shopping and dining options also available here that you can explore.
So, whether you are a history buff, a museum hopper, or a nature lover, you will easily find interesting things to do near Punta Gorda.
Check out our list of the 15 best things to do in Punta Gorda Florida for planning your trip and having a memorable time here!
15 Best Things To Do In Punta Gorda FL You Shouldn’t Miss
Peace River Wildlife Center
Are you an animal lover? If yes, then you should plan a visit to the Peace River Wildlife Center.
This rehabilitation center is one of the most fun things to do in Punta Gorda with kids. Here, you get a chance to interact with Florida wildlife including eagles, owls, roseate spoonbills, and more.
The non-profit organization takes in injured animals and birds and nurses them back to health before releasing them into the wild.
Visitors can learn about the different birds and animals found here and their habitats. Plus, if you are lucky, you can watch the feeding of pelicans and other wildlife here.
Ponce De Leon Park
One of the top free things to do in Punta Gorda at night or during the daytime is visiting the Ponce De Leon Park.
It is a 16-acre park that features a seating capacity of 20,000 visitors and is perfect to spend a slow, fun day in the city. You can do lots of things here such as boating, picnicking, fishing, strolling around the mangrove boardwalks, and more.
Do plan a visit during the dusk here. Trust me, watching the sunset at Ponce De Leon Park is one of the best things to do in Punta Gorda at night.
Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center
For those who love spending time in nature, one of the top Punta Gorda activities is visiting Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center.
This is a family-friendly destination where you can have both fun and educational experiences. Visitors can go on nature trails or hikes with local guides to observe the local wildlife and learn more about their habitats.
You can also attend the photography exhibits here about the wildlife and keep a lookout for upcoming events at this center.
This is one of the best places to visit in Punta Gorda for nature and animal lovers.
Blanchard House Museum
One of the top historic attractions in Punta Gorda, the Blanchard House Museum is a must-visit attraction that will give you a glimpse into the city’s history.
Dedicated to the African American community, this museum is located on Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard. It is an educational facility where visitors can learn about the culture, contributions, and history of African Americans in Florida.
So, if you are intrigued by the culture of African Americans and want to learn more about their settlement in Florida, then this is the perfect place to visit.
Harbor Walk
One of the best activities in Punta Gorda that everyone regardless of their age will enjoy is a stroll on the Harbor Walk.
This elegant sidewalk offers an amazing view of the water and is lined with gorgeous palm trees. On one side, you can see the tall Florida resorts while the other side offers a chance to witness the Florida sun and blue sky.
This is a 2.5-mile-long walkway and there are many waterfront restaurants in Punta Gorda where you can enjoy a meal while looking out at the ocean.
Moreover, this walk features many attractions such as Laishley Park, Gilchrist Park, mangrove forests, Military Heritage Museum, and more.
So, if you are looking to spend a day in Punta Gorda, then do check out Harbor Walk.
Stump Pass Beach State Park
Are you still confused about what to do in Punta Gorda? Well, then do visit Stump Pass Beach State Park in Englewood, Florida.
This Florida state park features remote, white sandy beaches where you can enjoy fishing, swimming, and beachcombing. It is located at the corner of Charlotte County and is one of the best places to find shark teeth in Florida.
It is a year-round destination where visitors can enjoy sunbathing in the summers and shelling in the winters. There is a hiking trail available here too that passes through five different natural habitats and features covered picnic tables where you can enjoy a picnic with family and friends.
There are many other activities to enjoy here as well such as kayaking, paddling, and more. Trust me, if you are looking for a fun place to visit with your family, then this is it.
Search for Shark Teeth
One of the best things to do in Punta Gorda for adults, especially for history and adventure lovers, is finding the shark teeth in Peace River. It is one of the most amazing rivers to explore in Florida.
It is one of the best activities in Punta Gorda and can be enjoyed by everyone. You can easily find fossils in Florida that give you a glimpse into the state’s history. From Mastodon teeth to fossilized bones of armadillos, there are lots of things to find here but you need to pay a fee.
On the other hand, you can easily search for shark teeth without needing a permit. In the Peace River, you are guaranteed to find Shark Teeth if you search between the Charlotte Harbor area and Central Florida.
You must start during low tide and sift through the exposed sandbars. Trust me, it can be a lot of fun to go shark teeth hunting with your family and friends.
Punta Gorda Nature Park
Located in Punta Gorda Isles, Punta Gorda Nature Park is a 21-acre park that is the perfect place to spend a quiet and relaxing day in the city.
There are lots of calming activities to enjoy in this nature park such as nature photography, bird watching, walking, and more. There is a walking trail available here with a few viewing points that visitors can enjoy.
Furthermore, there are different types of gardens inside this nature park where you can observe them and learn more about them. You can enjoy a picnic at the tables available inside the park and spend quality time with your loved ones.
This is why it is one of the top attractions in Punta Gorda that you must visit with your family or friends.
Day Trip to the Beach
While it is true that there are no beaches in this town, that doesn’t mean that you cannot enjoy the Gulf of Mexico coast in Florida.
This is why one of the best things to do near Punta Gorda is to go for a day trip to the surrounding beaches. You can head to Englewood Beach, a white sandy beach in Florida.
This is one of the most fun things to do in Punta Gorda with kids as you can spend an entire day chilling and playing on the beach.
Englewood Beach offers many facilities such as restrooms, picnic shelters, beach chairs, etc. which makes it a popular spot among tourists.
Sea Grape Artists Gallery
For a little bit of culture and art appreciation on your trip, a visit to Sea Grape Artists Gallery is a must.
This gallery was founded 30 years ago and is a great place to escape the hustle-bustle of the city. Located in downtown Punta Gorda, this indoor gallery is a perfect place to visit when it is raining or cold outside to explore.
You will notice several unique artworks made by local artists here. This includes pottery, glasswork paintings, weaves, and so on.
If you are an art lover, then visiting Sea Grape Artists Gallery is one of the best things to do in Punta Gorda for adults.
Babcock Ranch Preserve
Are you still unsure about what to do in Punta Gorda? Well, a tour of Babcock Ranch Preserve could be a good idea.
Enjoy a buggy tour of this preserve where you will be able to see the native flora, reptiles, birds, and more. On your tour, you will cover swamps, meadows, and streams while a guide will tell you more about each location.
The best thing about this place is that there are many gators present here as well. Visitors have a chance to see a baby gator and may even be able to pet them.
This is why Babcock Ranch Preserve is one of the top places to visit in Punta Gorda.
Laishley Park
If you are searching for free things to do in Punta Gorda, then do visit Laishley Park. This is a 17-acre big park along Peace River which is both family-friendly and pet-friendly.
This waterfront park features a memorial garden, a fishing pier, a fountain, a walking path, and more than visitors will enjoy. You can come here to spend some quality time with your loved ones and can indulge in fishing at this park.
There are plenty of activities available here for you to enjoy such as picnicking, strolling around the gardens, and more. It is also close to the main shopping centers, cultural attractions, and historic sights in the town.
Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary and Rehabilitation Center
One of the top places to visit in Punta Gorda is Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary and Rehabilitation Center.
This is a wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center in Punta Gorda where you will find abandoned animals living in a safe and comfortable environment.
Their main aim is to take care of the zoo-type exotic animals and let them live their life peacefully.
Visitors can take a guided tour of this center to learn more about these wildlife animals and interact with them.
Fisherman’s Village
Located along Charlotte Harbor, Fisherman’s Village is one of the best things to do in Punta Gorda Florida.
This area is known for its restaurants and shopping options and offers a wide range of variety to visitors. From boutique shops to waterfront restaurants, you will find it all here.
That’s not all though. Apart from this, there are many activities to enjoy here as well such as kayaking, boating, sunset cruises, and more.
Moreover, one can attend lots of family-friendly events here as well. So, whether you are looking to enjoy a water activity or spend some quality time with your family, this is one of the top places to check out in Punta Gorda.
Military Heritage Museum
Located close to the famous Fisherman’s Village, Military Heritage Museum is also one of the top places to visit in Punta Gorda.
The museum features an area of 17 square feet and has several unique exhibits for visitors to enjoy. Learn about the service branches throughout the United States at this museum.
That’s not all, one can stroll through the three galleries on the first floor to take a look at history starting with the American revolution.
From military items to movies and lectures, to flight simulators, you can find all kinds of displays to enjoy here.
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