Punta Gorda is a city in Florida with beautifully restored landmarks, natural attractions and waterside shopping slots. Stroll along the Harbor, Fishermen’s Village and Gulf Coast lined with huge royal palms. In Punta Gorda, you will find old Florida’s tin-roof homes, brick lanes, street lamps and benches that leave a tangible atmosphere. These Punta Gorda activities will make your trip memorable. Before your trip, consider staying at the top vacation rentals and Vrbos in Punta Gorda.
Do visit the late Victorian era, Freeman House Museum! The waterfront area of Punta Gorda, allows you to browse seven restaurants, specialty shops, military heritage museum and luxury villas. More interesting places to visit include Punta Gorda Speedway, Muscle Car City Museum, Peace River and Octagon Wildlife Centres. There’s also plenty of aquatic life as well as delicious food and nature walks for a great weekend; here are the best things to do in Punta Gorda, FL!
1. Blanchard House Museum
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Blanchard House Museum on Saturday, May 23, 2015
Blanchard House Museum is an educational facility that features materials connected to African Americans’ contributions to the progress of Southwest Florida and Charlotte County. It was built for Joseph Blanchard, a black sea captain, in 1925. He was also the Punta Gorda business community’s pioneer member. After his wife’s death, Bernice Russell, an activist and African-American historian, purchased the house. Since then, the museum has been committed to educating locals and tourists on the importance of African Americans in their community.
Blanchard House Museum
Address: 406 Dr Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Website: Blanchard House Museumn
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 10am - 4pm (closed from Sat - Mon)
2. Artisan Atelier
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
If you are drawn to artsy things, make sure to take some time out and head to Artisan Atelier in Punta Gorda. This is an art gallery as well as a studio for working artists. Not only that, but it is also open to people who appreciate the beauty of art. If you’d like to shop for beautiful works of art, you can! The artists are known for creating beautiful pieces that are being sold to visitors. More often than not, you can see artists working on the sidewalk in Olympia.
Artisan Atelier
Address: 117 Herald Ct #113, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Website: [Artisan Atelier(http://puntagordachamber.com/artisans-atelier/)
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 11am - 5pm; Sat: 11am - 4pm (closed on Sun)
3. History Park of Punta Gorda - Sunday Market
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
A year-round open-air market in Punta Gorda, Florida, History Park of Punta Gorda - Sunday Market offers customers plenty of items. Whether you are looking for fresh produce or baked goods, you can find it all here. You also get to learn about the city’s past as it is operated by the Punta Gorda Historical Society. There are four historical homes located within the park, and three of them are open to the public.
History Park of Punta Gorda - Sunday Market
Address: 501 Shreve St, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Website: History Park of Punta Gorda - Sunday Market
Opening hours: Sun: 9am - 1pm (closed from Mon - Sat)
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. A.C. Freeman House
Otherwise known as the Gilchrist House, A. C. Freeman House is a historic house that was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1987. This early 20th-century house is owned by the City of Punta Gorda. Featuring Queen Anne-style architecture, this historical landmark was purchased by A.C Freeman who owned a hardware store among other ventures. He also served as mayor of the city for nearly four or five years. Today, this building houses the offices of the Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce and Punta Gorda Historical Society.
A.C. Freeman House
Address: 311 W Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Website: A.C. Freeman House
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 8:30am - 4:30pm (closed on Sat & Sun)
5. Alligator Bay Distillers
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
A small-batch craft distillery in Punta Gorda, Florida, Alligator Bay Distillers has been known for making rum since 2015. This family-owned and operated distillery is set within a facility of 3000 square feet (278 square meters). They manufacture and produce classic, handcrafted Florida spirits. The batches are made in an old-fashioned way using copper pot stills and locally sourced ingredients. Some of the rum they make include dark rum, white rum, spiced rum, and sun gold rum. Every week, from Monday to Saturday, the distillery offers free tasting tours.
Alligator Bay Distillers
Address: 25522 Marion Ave, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Website: Alligator Bay Distillers
Opening hours: Tue - Fri: 11am - 5pm; Sat: 11am - 4pm (closed on Sun)
6. Peace River Wildlife Centre
Peace River Wildlife Centre was established in 1978 for rescue, protection and preservation of natural wildlife. The Centre features more than sixty thousand mammals and birds, treated and cured in-house. In addition, if a species is incapable of returning to their native habitat after recovery, then they become a permanent resident of the center.
Come here and watch hawks, eagles, owls, ospreys, pelicans, sandhill cranes, herons, gulls, cormorants, songbirds, vultures and crows. PRWC’s expenses are taken care through donations, gift shop sales and recycling efforts. You can visit the Center from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily.
Peace River Wildlife Centre
Address: 3400 Ponce de Leon Pkwy, 33950 Punta Gorda, FL
Website: Peace River Wildlife Centre
7. Fisherman's Village
The Fisherman’s Village of Punta Gorda features a classic full-service hometown market. In addition, Fisherman’s Village is the aquatic event center of Florida for fishing, culture, entertainment, dining and shopping. Locals and tourists love this place for diverse reasons. Dine at Harpoon Harry’s and shop till you drop. After shopping, rent a boat or sunset cruise to enjoy the splendid river and ocean views.
Fisherman's Village
Address: 1200 W Retta Esplanade, 33950 Punta Gorda, FL
Website: Fisherman’s Village
8. The Muscle Car City Museum
Third on the list of what to do in Punta Gorda is visiting Muscle Car City Museum, a fantasy-come-true for automobile lovers. Rick Treworgy was inspired by four wheels, so he began to collect Chevys. He has stockpiled over 200 vintage cars in 40 years.
Rick had bought an abandoned store from WalMart, where he shares his world-class collection today. In fact, as of today, this Muscle Car Museum houses the largest GM car collection of the country. The museum features artifacts, Chevys, Corvettes, Camaro’s and much more. You will enjoy this nostalgic trip down the memory lane!
Muscle Car City Museum
Address: 3811 Tamiami Trail, 33950 Punta Gorda, FL
Website: Muscle Car City Museum
9. Military Heritage Museum
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Military Heritage Museum on Friday, July 12, 2019
The Military Heritage Museum of Punta Gorda features a fabulous museum with ancient artifacts and memorabilia. This military museum houses fascinating artifacts and other wonderful items of the military. Captain Arens, will provide you a guided tour of this small museum. Captain Arens is full of great stories, after serving both the army and navy for 38 years. Please note, all the items in the museum were donated, therefore you will find the owner’s information along with the artifacts.
Military Heritage Museum
Address: 1200 W Retta Esplanade # 48, 33950 Punta Gorda, FL
Website: Military Heritage Museum
10. Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary & Rehabilitation Centre
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
One of the best things to do in Punta Gorda this weekend is visiting Octagon Wildlife. The sanctuary has rescued over 1000 animals in last 30 years. This sanctuary and habilitation center is managed by the efforts of volunteers and gracious donations from kind people. Octagon Wildlife Center passes animals to reputable universities, where anthropologists study the nature of diseases. Visit this sanctuary to watch the magnificent animals and admire the tranquil environment.
Octagon Wildlife
Address: 41660 Horseshoe Rd, 33982 Punta Gorda, FL
Website: Octagon Wildlife
11. Laishley Park
Laishley Park is a pet-friendly park, that features a fishing pier, memorial garden, fountain, concert area, parking and walking path of Punta Gorda’s Harbor. Laishley Marina is located inside Laishley Park, and it provides direct access to Charlotte Harbour. Come here to enjoy the premier fishing activities, in the Gulf of Mexico. This Punta Gorda attraction offers plenty of activities, to keep you entertained. Laishley Park is also close to shopping and cultural centers, major hotels, the marina and historic Punta Gorda.
Laishley Park
Address: 33950 Punta Gorda, FL
Website: Laishley Park
12. Ponce de Leon Park
Ponce de Leon Park is located on Ponce de Leon Avenue. The park features a seating capacity of about 20,000 people. In addition, this park is also famous for an ancient magnolia tree in center field.
As a matter of fact, both Babe Ruth and Eddie Mathews had hit runs that got stuck in this tree. Ponce de Leon Park was once demolished in favor of a shopping center. Today it’s a strip mall, although the magnolia tree is still at the rear of the shopping center.
Ponce de Leon Park
Address: 3400 Ponce de Leon Pkwy, 33950 Punta Gorda, FL
Website: Ponce de Leon Park
13. Punta Gorda Speedway
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by 4-17 Southern Speedway and Events on Monday, July 13, 2020
The Punta Gorda Southern Speedway is a racetrack in Punta Gorda, Florida. LeRoy Davidson had built the track in 1990 and even operated it until 1995. At this speedway, you will come across many late models, sprint cars, open wheeled modified, fast-kids, fast-rucks and various types of racing.
In addition, the speedway offers incredible food at a reasonable price. This fantastic speedway sports excellent drivers with insane race cars. Get your earplugs, because this place is too loud, with cars on the track. Enjoy the bleacher-type seating or sit on the grassy walls of the track.
Punta Gorda Southern Speedway
Address: 8655 Piper Rd, 33982 Punta Gorda, FL
Website: Punta Gorda Speedway
14. Alligator Bay Distillers
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Alex and Ben Voss run the rum operations at Alligator Bay Distillers. The production of rum began in 2015 at Alligator Bay Distillers of Punta Gorda. The rum of Alligator Bay Distillers is made from 100 percent Florida molasses.
In addition, the molasses is sourced from the Clewiston sugar mill! Do visit this hidden gem to tour their excellent rum making process. Do taste the coconut and dark rum during your tour. This distillery is an interesting place to taste the full selection of the delicious rums. Above all, buy a few rum bottles and t-shirts as souvenirs.
Alligator Bay Distillers
Address: 25522 Marion Ave, 33950 Punta Gorda, FL
Website: Alligator Bay Distillers
15. Charlotte Harbour Preserve State Park
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park is comprised of 45,387 acres and protects more than 100 miles of shoreline along...
Posted by Florida State Parks on Wednesday, February 20, 2019
Charlotte Harbour Preserve State Park is the third largest park in Florida. Visit this park to fish, hike, paddle and observe wildlife. The park’s natural community includes scrub habitats, mangrove forests and pine flat-woods.
You will spot many wading birds and manatees in the park. You can also access this park by a canoe or kayak. This park is also ideal for bird-watching and nature walks. Watch Great Horned Owls, nesting Eagles, Mocking Birds, Woodpeckers, as well as dolphins in the harbor. The closest restroom is about 4 kilometers (6 miles) on Burnt Store Road. Bring binoculars and a camera!
Charlotte Harbour Preserve State Park
Address: 12301 Burnt Store Rd, 33955 Punta Gorda, FL
Website: Charlotte Harbour Park
16. Punta Gorda Nature Park
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
The Nature Park is a 21-acre (8.4 hectares) park located in the neigborhood of Punta Gorda Isles. The park is filled with recreational trails and a view deck to allow sightseeing. Park benches are scattered within the premises for everyone to use. The Nature Park also has herb and spice garden, flower garden, and a butterfly garden. Going to this nature park is a great way to spend time with your loved ones! You can set up a picnic at the tables provided in the park.
Punta Gorda Nature Park
Address: 1555 Aqui Esta Drive, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Website: Punta Gorda Nature Park
17. Laishley Crab House
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Happy Friday! A great meal awaits at Laishley Crab House, Punta Gorda, FL. Join us this weekend for your favorite...
Posted by Laishley Crab House, Punta Gorda, FL on Friday, August 6, 2021
Take advantage of the abundance of good seafood in Punta Gorda and treat yourself to a nice meal at Laishley Crab House. You can have your shucked fresh oysters in an instant, raw or baked. Of course, going by the restaurant’s name itself, don’t miss out on some of the best crabs you will ever get your hands on. We recommend that you try the Alaska King or Southern Style Blue crab cakes. Fresh and delicious seafood are hard to come by, so come hungry!
Laishley Crab House
Address: 150 Laishley Court, Punta Gorda, FL 33950, United States
Website: Laishley Crab House
Opening hours: Sun - Thu: 11am - 9pm; Fri - Sat: 11am - 10pm
18. Sea Grape Gallery
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
We bet you did not expect an art gallery on this list, did you? Well, here it is. Lovers of contemporary art will be glad to know that Sea Grape Gallery exists in Punta Gorda. The cooperative art gallery was founded in 1988 and have won awards and continued growing ever since. The displays are exclusively from member artists, who also serve as the gallery’s staff. If an art gallery sounds like your kind of place to visit, don’t forget to drop by!
Sea Grape Gallery
Address: 113 West Marion Avenue, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Website: Sea Grape Gallery
Opening hours: Mon - Fri: 10am - 5pm; Sat: 10am - 4pm
19. Escape Rooms Unlocked
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Posted by Escape Rooms Unlocked on Friday, November 2, 2018
Are you looking for fun in Punta Gorda aside from hitting up its major tourist attractions? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Why not challenge your group to an escape room game at Escape Rooms Unlocked? Get that adrenaline pumping and choose among some of the best adventures: Heist at the Grand Hotel, The Deep, Dean’s Diner Disaster, and many more! Share this adventure with your loved ones and bring them by for an exhilarating day in Punta Gorda!
Escape Rooms Unlocked
Address: 401 E Olympia Avenue #2, Punta Gorda, FL 33950, United States
Website: Escape Rooms Unlocked
Opening hours: Tue: 5pm - 8pm; Thu - Sat: 1pm - 9pm; Sun: 1pm - 7:30pm (closed on Mon & Wed)
20. Harborwalk
After you’ve crossed off all the activities above, it’s time to wind down and have a leisure stroll at Punta Gorda’s very own Harborwalk. You can choose to start your day here, too! It’s completely up to you. A team of local volunteers, TEAM Punta Gorda, strives to create a more friendly city and encourages visitors to go biking along Harborwalk. This 2.4 mile (3.8 kilometers) harbor gives an unbelievable view of Peace River. Bring out your cameras out to immortalize this beautiful city!
Harborwalk
Address: Punta Gorda, Florida
Website: Harborwalk
The serenity of Punta Gorda in Florida
Punta Gorda is a beautiful coastal city that includes a diverse range of interesting places to visit. From tranquil nature parks to boisterous race tracks, they are all a part of Punta Gorda’s spirit. Dine by the waterfront, take a sunset boat tour and stroll in the nature parks to thoroughly enjoy your Punta Gorda vacation.
Editor’s Note: Due to Covid-19, the business hours of these attractions/restaurants may differ from the stated timings in this article. Please be sure to check the updated hours from the websites.
Frequently asked questions about things to do in Punta Gorda, FL
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data
-
-
-
-
-
-
-
Top 19 Things To Do In Port Charlotte, FloridaRuth Alexis
Create an account to