19 Best Things To Do In Punta Gorda, Florida

Just a short stroll from Fishermen's Village in Gorda Punta Florida, you'll find the Military Heritage Museum, spanning over 17,000 square feet of exhibit and activity space.

With over twenty thousand artifacts, knowledgeable veteran museum guides, flight simulators, engaging graphics, live performances, and audiovisual presentations, the museum offers innovative and unique experiences throughout its facility. Those interested in history, aviation, and military culture will find plenty to enjoy here.

You will find plenty of things to do in Punta Gorda Florida, but if you're looking for a day filled with outdoor fun, taking a stroll around Laishley Park is a must. This pet-friendly park offers a range of amenities, including a 400-foot fishing pier, an interactive fountain, a concert area, and an event lawn.

You'll also find a Veterans Memorial Garden and walking paths for strolls. While you relax under one of the solar canopies with seating, your kids can have a blast playing in the splash pad.

With two locations, the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center offers a variety of activities including wading trips, nature trails, guided walks, estuary boat tours, volunteer opportunities, and presentations. It has been serving Charlotte County for more than thirty years.

Visitors to the environmental center can explore the trails at their own pace, join a guided hike led by a naturalist, admire photography exhibits, or shop at a unique gift shop.

Learn the stories behind each mural at Punta Gorda Murals and learn about the people and events that shaped Punta Gorda. The Punta Gorda Historic Mural Society aims to preserve the city's rich history through beautiful mural art.

With over 29 murals across Punta Gorda, this Punta Gorda attractions offers a great chance to explore them on a self-guided walking tour or join a history class.

The A.C. Freeman House Museum lets you step into the Victorian Era in Florida. Built in the early 20th century, this house showcases beautiful Victorian Architecture.

It's a charming old home with a fascinating history listed on the National Register of Historic Landmarks. Moved to its current location and restored in 2006, both the house and the yard are meticulously maintained. It's fascinating to get a glimpse into how people in this area lived in the past.

If you love wildlife and support their rehabilitation, you'll want to visit the Peace River Wildlife Center! Despite being small, it's filled with a variety of unique and beautiful birds, along with a couple of mammals, including a marsupial.

They also have a lovely gift shop and a charming little beach. There's no entry fee, but donations are appreciated since the center is run entirely by volunteers and relies on donations to operate.

Runs along the southern shore of Charlotte Harbor, the Harborwalk passes through two stunning waterfront parks in Punta Gorda: Laishley Park and Gilchrist Park.

It spans about 2.4 miles from the east end to Fishermen's Village at the west end. Along the way, you'll encounter mangrove forests, beautiful views, shops, waterfront dining, historical sites, and the attractions of Laishley and Gilchrist Parks. 

There isn't a shortage of mind-blowing attractions in Punta Gorda Florida, and Peace River Botanical Gardens is one of the best. It's a tranquil retreat where art and nature blend harmoniously.

This 30-acre sanctuary showcases five distinct ecosystems: marshlands, wetlands, mangroves, uplands, and a tidal basin. This place has over 4,500 flowering trees and plants that bloom year-round, along with more than 15,000 square feet of boardwalks.

Sitting on the western edge of the city at 3400 Ponce de Leon Parkway, the Ponce De Leon Park offers sweeping views of Charlotte Harbor.

It's equipped with various amenities, including a boat ramp, fishing piers, a mangrove boardwalk, a small playground, an open-air chapel area, and a picnic pavilion. The park's sandy beach area is a favorite spot for watching sunsets and observing boats navigating the channel into the Punta Gorda Isles canal system.

When you're in Punta Gorda, don't miss a visit to Fishermen's Village for the perfect souvenir hunt. Once a fishing village, it's now a vibrant waterfront destination and a top Punta Gorda Florida attractions.

Take a stroll along the waterfront in this charming area and explore its top-notch restaurants. You can also enjoy fishing charters, harbor cruises, boat and kayak rentals, stand-up paddleboarding, bicycles, a heated swimming pool, live entertainment, and special events.

Visiting the Blanchard House Museum offers a glimpse into local culture. Built in 1925 for Joseph Blanchard, a black sea captain, and his wife Minnie, this house holds significant historical value in Punta Gorda.

Today, the museum serves as an educational institute dedicated to preserving and showcasing artifacts and materials related to the history, culture, and contributions of African Americans in Charlotte County. It's an open-access space where you can learn about important aspects of local heritage.

Don't miss out on the stunning sunsets at Gilchrist Park. This 11-acre park is situated along the waterfront, conveniently located between downtown and Fishermen's Village.

With sweeping views of Charlotte Harbor, Gilchrist Park offers a range of amenities to enjoy. You'll find a large playground, basketball, tennis, and pickleball courts, as well as a fishing pier, gazebo, picnic pavilions, and plenty of open green space. 

A vivacious gathering spot, Punta Gorda Farmer's Market offers various local goods from 60+ vendors. From fresh fruits and vegetables to dried fruits, nuts, and homemade pasta, you'll find it all here.

The market has become a Saturday morning tradition for many, with more vendors joining in each week. Live music adds to the vibrant atmosphere ti this Florida destination from 8 am to 1 pm.

Kayaking is an excellent things to do Punta Gorda Florida that helps to explore the region's waterways and observe its diverse wildlife. It provides outdoor enthusiasts with a chance to deeply connect with nature.

In particular, kayaking along the Peace River offers a wonderful opportunity to encounter dolphins, manatees, turtles, and other fascinating creatures. Along the river, you'll also discover numerous historical sites like the Punta Gorda Lighthouse.

Go on a sightseeing cruise in Charlotte Harbor and the Peace River with King Fisher Fleet. They offer full-day trips to the Gulf Islands like Cabbage Key, Cayo Costa, and Boca Grande, as well as half-day trips, afternoon harbor cruises, and sunset cruises.

In addition to their scheduled trips, King Fisher Fleet offers private charters for special occasions such as weddings, birthday parties, office gatherings, or just for a fun party cruise. 

On Sanibel Island, shelling is a beloved family activity and it's easy to see why—it's practically impossible to walk on the beach without stopping to search for shells, known as the "Sanibel Stoop."

However, there's plenty more to enjoy on Sanibel besides shelling. You'll find excellent accommodations, fresh seafood, opportunities for fishing and boating, and simply relaxing amidst the serene surroundings. It's a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and reconnect with nature at its finest.

Situated in Veterans Park, the Vietnam Wall Of Southwest Florida serves as a solemn tribute to the 58,300+ men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam War.

Its profound purpose extends beyond honoring the fallen; it aims to educate present and future generations about the history of the Vietnam War. By doing so, it hopes to prevent the repetition of similar turbulent times in the future, ensuring that the sacrifices of those who served are never forgotten.

Entrain an exciting eco-tour at Babcock Ranch Preserve for an unforgettable experience in nature. During this 90-minute narrated tour, you'll have the thrill of encountering wildlife like alligators, birds, deer, wild hogs, wild turkeys, Sandhill cranes, and more in their natural habitat.

In addition to the eco-tour, this beautiful place provides a wealth of recreational activities for the public to enjoy, from hunting and hiking to wildlife observation, biking, fishing, camping, and horseback riding.

Take an up-close view of wild animals at Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary. This center provides a peaceful refuge for animals that have been displaced or mistreated. Here, you'll find various wildlife, including Floridian bears, reptiles, monkeys, and Bengal tigers.

A visit to the sanctuary offers an enlightening and enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages, whether it's in the morning or afternoon. It's a chance to connect with animals and learn more about their lives in a serene setting.