Southwest Florida is the ultimate destination for family beach vacations, snowbirds, and adventurous solo travelers, and we want to share the top 10 things to do in Punta Gorda Florida to hopefully inspire you to visit this beautiful area of the state!
1. Take a sunset cruise
You’ll find a number of boating charters and tours available in the Punta Gorda area, and a sunset cruise is definitely an experience to remember. It’s the perfect date night activity, and you’ll be able to get some incredible photos!
2. Go on a boating or fishing tour
You can easily spend all day on a boat if you book a boating or fishing trip before your sunset cruise! There are a number of different options, including swamp tours, fly fishing, and sandbar cruises.
3. Enjoy the area’s pristine sandy beaches
Obviously, one of the best things to do near Punta Gorda FL is enjoy the incredible beaches and watersports. Snorkeling, swimming, fishing, and boating are popular activities, as well as dolphin cruises! A few of the top beaches nearby include Englewood, Sanibel Island, Naples, and Fort Myers.
4. Book a stargazing experience
You’ll find that Punta Gorda is a phenomenal location for stargazing! There’s a great stargazing tour called Starry Night Florida that provides chairs, binoculars, and telescopes to admire the constellations, planets, and galaxies above. Astronomy enthusiasts will give you a hands-on experience with detailed descriptions and guidance so you know exactly what to look for.
5. Browse Fisherman’s Village
Fisherman’s Village is the epicenter of Punta Gorda, with its marina, waterfront restaurants, and unique shops. Nearby, the Harborwalk is a fantastic walking and biking path, a great thing to do after enjoying a meal at one of the local Punta Gorda restaurants.
6. Visit a wildlife sanctuary
Another of the top things to do in Punta Gorda Florida is visit a local zoo or wildlife sanctuary! From reptiles to more exotic animals, here are places to add to your vacation itinerary:
- Peace River Wildlife Center– this wildlife rescue and rehabilitation center with interactive exhibits and educational resources for wildlife enthusiasts.
- Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary– you’ll see all kinds of exotic animals, such as monkeys, lions, tigers, and bears; take note that they only offer guided tours, and reservations are required.
- Iguanaland– the largest reptile zoo in the world with over 230 different species including tortoises, turtles, snakes, geckos, and many endangered species.
7. Explore a park or preserve
Ponce de Leon Park and Bill Coy Preserve are two of the most popular areas to explore the local scenery, watch for wildlife, and enjoy nature. You can canoe or kayak, hike the scenic trails, and more. Birding is also a great activity at these parks– The Bill Coy Preserve actually has an active bald eagle nest on site as well as many wading birds found along the creek.
8. Walk around a historic site or museum
Experiencing the local culture and history is no doubt one of the top things to do in Punta Gorda Florida. A couple of the best sites and museums include the Punta Gorda train station and the Military Heritage Museum. We also had to include the Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens in this list. Its 30 acres are divided into 5 local ecosystems– marshlands, wetlands, mangroves, uplands, and tidal basins– and interspersed with awe-inspiring sculptures from talented artists around the world.
9. Relax at a local brewery or winery
What better way to spend an afternoon or evening than sipping your favorite drink at one of the best breweries and wineries near Punta Gorda FL?! From moody wine bars to casual breweries, you’re sure to find unique cocktails, local wine and beer, live entertainment, and more.
10. Stay at our luxury RV Resort
Thanks to our fantastic resort activities, you won’t have to leave Palm Breeze Resort to have fun. Swim and sunbathe at the pool and tiki bar, soak in the hot tub, play pickleball, shuffleboard, or bocce ball, practice at the putting green, fish off of the pier at one of the 3 stocked lakes– the list goes on and on!
These are the best things to do in Punta Gorda Florida, so what are you waiting for? Learn more about our Punta Gorda RV resort and start planning your family vacation today!
