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Punta Gorda: Explore Southwest Florida’s hidden gems

  • Writer: Guest Writer
    Guest Writer
  • 1 day ago
  • 3 min read

Article written by guest writer: Punta Gorda Airport (PGD)

Two people relax under a turquoise umbrella on a sandy beach, with the ocean and a clear blue sky in the background.
@realpureflorida 

Located on the Gulf Coast of sunny southwest Florida, Punta Gorda is home to its own regional airport near pristine beaches and family-friendly activities. From beaches and boating to golfing, fishing, nature exploration, shelling, and even hunting for fossilized shark teeth—visitors discover the very best of Florida: a perfect blend of relaxation and outdoor adventure.  

 

Stunning Beaches  

Shrimp tacos with toppings, surrounded by fries. Logo "Rum Bay" on top. Bright, colorful, appetizing dish on a white plate.
Rum Bay Restaurant

Punta Gorda offers an abundance of nearby beaches -- Englewood Beach, Manasota Beach Park, Gasparilla Island State Park, and Venice Beach -- each with their own white sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters.


Looking for a beach escape all your own? Hop aboard the water taxi to Don Pedro Island and unwind at Palm Island Resort, where you can savor fresh seafood and island favorites at Rum Bay Restaurant—just steps from the sand. 


Family Friendly Activities  

Punta Gorda is an ideal destination for families seeking fun and entertainment. You'll discover a variety of family-friendly attractions, such as Brightwater Lagoon, a 6-acre crystal-clear lagoon that offers a resort-style beach escape, complete with sandy shores, a swim-up bar, exciting water attractions like a floating obstacle course and water slide, and an exclusive VIP area known as Cabana Cove.  

Large aqua park with people enjoying inflatable obstacle courses on bright blue water, surrounded by sandy shores and palm huts. Arial view.
Brightwater Lagoon

Catch a Rays Spring Training game at Charlotte Sports Park as they face off with the Minesota Twins and your other favorite American teams. If you need a break from the sun and a change of pace, Seminole Casino Immokalee makes for an exciting day trip. This Las Vegas-style destination features over 1,400 slot machines, 40 gaming tables, a high-limit area, hotel accommodations, diverse dining options and live entertainment. 


If you're craving a more adventurous experience, consider Punta Gorda Adventures, which offers a variety of unique excursions and charters, including tiki boat cruises, sailing, kayaking, biplane rides, and beach tours. 

 

Outdoor Opportunities  

For a day on the links the Charlotte Harbor Gulf Island Coast offers year-round play on more than 15 golf courses. Maple Leaf Golf and Country Club is recognized as one of the top short courses and is a proud member of the Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary Program for Golf—demonstrating its ongoing commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable course management. 


If you’re craving a memorable golf experience, look no further than Babcock National Golf Club. With its stellar design by Gordon Lewis, beautifully conditioned fairways and greens, challenging layout, and full suite of amenities, it’s the kind of place that golfers dream about—and return to year after year. 

White owl with large, dark eyes perched on a wooden branch indoors. Background shows windows and greenery outside, creating a calm atmosphere.
Luna, Peace River Wildlife Center

For wildlife viewing, J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel Island, will guide you through four distinct ecosystems with alligators, birds, deer, wild hogs, and other wildlife. Punta Gorda also has its own rehabilitation and public education center tucked neatly into the mangroves overlooking Charlotte Harbor at Ponce de Leon Park.  


Visit the Peace River Wildlife Center to experience bald eagles, small mammals and their most iconic ambassador Luna, the white eastern screech owl, up close.


If gardens or parks are more your style, the Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens offer world-class sculptures, botanical displays, Gardens Aglow in December, and other special events throughout the year.   


Discover the city by exploring the Punta Gorda Pathways—a network of scenic, bike-friendly trails that connect key destinations throughout the area with free bike rentals for the whole family through Punta Gorda’s Free Bicycle Loaner Program! Explore Punta Gorda’s charming downtown with vintage homes, niche shops, and exquisite cuisine on two wheels. 

Giant statues of a man and woman in red face each other on poles, surrounded by colorful lights in a park at dusk.
Peace River Gardens

Dining and Entertainment Experience 

Juicy burger with bacon, cheese, pickles, lettuce, tomato, and onions on a bun, set on parchment paper. Warm, inviting kitchen ambiance.
Leroy's Southern Kitchen and Bar

Head to charming downtown Punta Gorda and enjoy a diverse mix of cuisines—from Italian and Southern comfort food to Mexican, Greek, and Irish fare. 

For those seeking an entertaining night out, the Visani Italian Steakhouse and Comedy Theater offers a blend of comedy and musical performances.

Alternatively, TT's Tiki Bar boasts live outdoor music beneath tiki huts, along with a wide selection of food and drinks all while enjoying stunning sunset views.  


If you're looking to explore other dining and entertainment options, consider a visit to Leroy’s Southern Kitchen and Bar in downtown Punta Gorda. Then stop by Fishermen's Village, home to unique shops and popular spots like Sunset Beach Club and Village Brewhouse. 


Ready to book your trip to Punta Gorda? 

  

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