Punta Gorda

Travel Guide

Punta Gorda
Punta Gorda
Punta Gorda
Punta Gorda
Punta Gorda

Whether it is wildlife, history, racing, shopping, fishing or sunset dining that you love, this Gulf Coast city in Florida can deliver.

Punta Gorda has shopping, boating and walking opportunities, a heritage fishing village, animal parks, and a palm-lined shoreline that can keep you entertained for days.

Humble wooden houses with tin roofs and retro street lights mark Punta Gorda’s iconic Fisherman’s Village. Pick up some souvenirs or a suitable tropical outfit to wear in this steaming Florida city. Enjoy the views and live music at Harpoon Harry’s, the village’s iconic seafood restaurant and bar with scenic waterfront porch. For a quieter experience, take a boat cruise or rent a kayak or boat to explore the Gulf of Mexico.

Visit the A. C. Freeman House to see a preserved example of a late Victorian-era home. Continue the history theme with a trip to the Military Heritage Museum to peruse its army memorabilia. Car enthusiasts should check out the spacious Muscle Car City Museum and follow the crowds to the Punta Gorda Speedway when a racing event is on.

If you’d rather listen to the roars of nature, visit the Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary & Rehabilitation Center to see the rescued wild cats, reptiles, bears and monkeys that have found a new home in Punta Gorda. To see local species, go to the Peace River Wildlife Center to meet the rescued residents, including an albino owl, cranes, cheeky pelicans and bobcats. The wildlife center overlooks Charlotte Harbor and on Friday afternoons in winter you are invited to come sip wine and nibble on hors d’oeuvres here as you watch the sun set.

Ponce de Leon Park is a great place to be early in the morning to enjoy the children’s park, fishing pier and mangrove boardwalk trail. Laishley Park in the Punta Gorda Harbor also has a walking trail and fishing pier, along with a memorial garden and concert area. The Laishley Marina gives easy boat access to the nearby Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park, one of the largest nature reserves in Florida. Bring your binoculars to spot manatees, dolphins and wading birds in the wetlands.

With such a great variety of things to see and do, Punta Gorda is a great place to stop for a few nights if you are driving from Tampa to Miami along the Tamiami Trail.

Where to stay in Punta Gorda

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Punta Gorda Isles

If you're spending some time in Punta Gorda Isles, Fishermen's Village and Peace River are top sights worth seeing.

Punta Gorda Isles
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Deep Creek

While visiting Deep Creek, you might make a stop by sights like Peace River and Deep Creek Golf Club.

Deep Creek
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Charlotte Park

While there might not be top attractions in Charlotte Park, you can explore the larger area and discover places like Fishermen's Village and Punta Gorda History Park.

Charlotte Park
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Burnt Store Marina

While visiting Burnt Store Marina, you might make a stop by sights like Burnt Store Marina and Burnt Store Golf & Activity Club.

Burnt Store Marina
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Burnt Store Isles

Though Burnt Store Isles may not have many top sights, you can venture to the surrounding area to see attractions like Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park and Fishermen's Village.

Burnt Store Isles
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Downtown Punta Gorda

While visiting Downtown Punta Gorda, you might make a stop by sights like Peace River and A. C. Freeman House.

Downtown Punta Gorda
Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor
Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor
4.5 out of 5
5500 Sunseeker Way, 785, Punta Gorda, FL
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury resort in Punta Gorda. Enjoy 2 outdoor pools, a full-service spa, and 7 restaurants. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,137 reviews)
"It sucked that we weren’t able to go to the rooftop pool because it was full. Not sure if it’s open to the public or not but it sucked because that was the main thing we came for and didn’t get to experience it. Everything else was amazing m!"

Reviewed on 3 Jul, 2025

Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor
The Suites at Fishermen’s Village- 2 Bedroom Suites
The Suites at Fishermen’s Village- 2 Bedroom Suites
3 out of 5
1200 W Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, FL
The price is S$249 per night from 8 Jul to 9 Jul
S$249
8 Jul - 9 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star condo in Punta Gorda. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (931 reviews)
"Fantastic stay .. truly means “Stay, Dine, and shop” Wonderful experience and we will return"

Reviewed on 5 Jul, 2025

The Suites at Fishermen’s Village- 2 Bedroom Suites
Wyvern Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection
Wyvern Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection
4 out of 5
101 E Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, FL
The price is S$144 per night from 20 Jul to 21 Jul
S$144
20 Jul - 21 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star luxury hotel in Punta Gorda. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 restaurants. Our guests praise the bar and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (1,002 reviews)
"The weather was not cooperating, so I understand them, closing the rooftop bar, but to also have the restaurant downstairs closed and absolutely no amenities that just doesn’t suggest an upscale hotel, which is what this is supposed to be. The rooms were beautiful and the staff lovely, but I just ..."

Reviewed on 3 Jul, 2025

Wyvern Hotel, Ascend Hotel Collection
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
The Suites at Fishermen’s Village- 2 Bedroom Suites
The Suites at Fishermen’s Village- 2 Bedroom Suites
3 out of 5
1200 W Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, FL
Stay at this 3-star condo in Punta Gorda. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 4 restaurants. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the clean rooms in our reviews. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (931 reviews)
"Fantastic stay .. truly means “Stay, Dine, and shop” Wonderful experience and we will return"

Reviewed on 5 Jul, 2025

The Suites at Fishermen’s Village- 2 Bedroom Suites
Villa Hibiscus - Waterfront Luxury Home - Punta Gorda FL
Villa Hibiscus - Waterfront Luxury Home - Punta Gorda FL
3 out of 5
Punta Gorda
Stay at this 3-star beach vacation home in Punta Gorda. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Punta Gorda History Park ...
Villa Hibiscus - Waterfront Luxury Home - Punta Gorda FL
Villa Capri - Waterfront Luxury Home - Punta Gorda FL
Villa Capri - Waterfront Luxury Home - Punta Gorda FL
3 out of 5
Punta Gorda
Stay at this 3-star beach vacation home in Punta Gorda. Enjoy free parking, a full-service spa, and a beach locale. Popular attractions Fishermen's Village and ...
Villa Capri - Waterfront Luxury Home - Punta Gorda FL
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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