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 during a Babcock Ranch Eco Tour! 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 some Extreme ExcursionsWitness the stunning shoreline and marine wonders from a unique vantage point on a Suncoast Biplanes tour. For a bird’s-eye view of the beauty that our area has to offer, hop aboard a helicopter tour. There are two helicopter tour companies right there at the PGD Air Center: Blue Sky Helicopters and Str8 Up Aviation. Then discover the hidden gems of Punta Gorda’s waterways with an exhilarating airboat tour. Zip through winding channels, glide past towering mangroves and spot native wildlife along the way. Peace River Charters, LLC was voted best tours in Southwest Florida by Tripadvisor. You’ll see wild alligators, birds and more as you enjoy a thrilling ride on their 450 horse-power engine airboats. Peace River Charters offers private tours, group tours and custom charters for avid air boaters.

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.

Visit TT’s Tiki Bar in Downtown Punta GordaTT’s Tiki Bar boasts live outdoor music beneath tiki huts along with a wide selection of food and drinks.

Do some Shopping Like a LocalEnjoy the Olde Englewood Village Farmer’s Market on Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. starting in October through May. Explore Dearborn Street and a variety of vendors selling local and organic fresh produce, baked goods, meats, seafood, and dairy. Punta Gorda offers two lovely farmers markets: The Downtown Punta Gorda Farmer’s Market on Saturday mornings, which was voted the “Best Small Market in Florida”! and the History Park Sunday Market on Sunday Mornings.

Soak Up the SunCharlotte County beaches are still recovering from Hurricanes Helene and Milton and remain closed. However, nearby Manasota Beach Park, Bowman’s Beach Park, Venice Beach and all Naples beaches are open. Additionally, Palm Island Resort including Rum Bay restaurant and beachside accommodations will be open February through May.

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 Bring Your Golf Clubs

Flying into Punta Gorda Airport gives you the chance to experience golfing in a tropical paradise unlike any other. Nestled along the Charlotte Harbor by the Gulf of Mexico, this region makes a golfer’s dream come true. With a perfect blend of challenging courses, stunning coastal vistas and a vibrant year-round golfing community, Southwest Florida is undoubtedly a golfer’s haven.

Do a tasting at Peace River Beer CompanyConveniently located near downtown Punta Gorda. Peace River Beer Company features a rotating tap of local and nationally renowned craft beers, where every visit is an opportunity to discover something new and delicious! They also serve authentic Thai food and fresh sushi, made with bold flavors and the freshest ingredients. Checkout Peace River Beer Company for a local, unique spot to unwind.

See MLB Spring Training in Person

There are five spring training stadiums near PGD! Check out Atlanta Braves at CoolToday Park in North Port. Second, drive up the road to Sarasota and check out the Baltimore Orioles play at Ed Smith Stadium. Third, drive south to Fort Myers and watch the Minnesota Twins play at Hammond Stadium at CenturyLink Sport Complex. And rounding out to home base, catch the Boston Red Sox playing at JetBlue Park at Fenway South in Fort Myers.

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..