Punta Gorda

Do visit FIsherman’s Village.Known for eclectic shops, scenic sunset tours, and waterfront dining amid a relaxed atmosphere.

Eat gator bites at the Gator Shack Into odd meats? You’ll love the chance to nibble on some gator bites at this cute little restaurant. The Gator Shack is a fabulous place to eat right before heading out to view wildlife in its natural habitat. They have several picnic-style tables on the inside. Just order, claim a table, and get ready to consume a colorful feast. The macaroni and cheese is yummy too.

Do check out Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary
 Octagon is a 501c3 sanctuary that cares for unwanted or abandoned exotic animals. They are NOT a zoo. None of the animals have been taken out of the wild, but were born in captivity and owned privately.

Do visit Ponce de Leon Springs State Park This beautiful spring is named for Juan Ponce de León, who led the first Spanish expedition to Florida in 1513 - as legend has it - in search of the fountain of youth. Ponce de Leon Springs' water temperature remains a constant 68 degrees Fahrenheit year-round. Visitors can take a leisurely walk along two self-guided nature trails through a lush, hardwood forest and learn about the local ecology and wildlife. Rangers also conduct seasonal guided walks.

Visit the Peace River Botanical and Sculpture Gardens The perfect excuse to get outside and stroll in the sunshine! The Peace River Botanical and Sculpture Gardens is an interesting collection of sculptures peppered in between lovely plants and flowers. It’s along the Peace River, so you may even see a bit of wildlife. Many of the sculptures cause you to do a double-take as they look so real.

Do a tasting at Alligator Bay Distillers Two brothers operate the distillery. Plus, they are more than happy to show you around to show you the process of how they make their spirits. One point of note is that they use locally-sourced sugars to make their tasty creations, which adds an extra element of homemade goodness.

Use the bike share to explore the harbor trail It’s a fun, quick way to explore an area while getting some exercise. Of course, the waterside views are beautiful as you ride on boardwalks and trails. I highly recommend it! One of the best parts is that you can use a bike for free. The loaner bikes can be signed out at several locations. Plus, with a bit of ID and the right gear, you can be well on your way to exploring via bike..