Punta Gorda, tucked away on the banks of stunning Charlotte Harbor, is the perfect destination to spend a few hours, a whole day, or your entire life. Although this town in southwest Florida has around 20,000 residents and is relatively small, it is teeming with things to do. And, lucky for you, once you’ve moved here, you’ll have plenty of time to try them all out. Whether you’re a history buff who loves museums, a nature enthusiast, or simply a person in need of some beach time, our guide will help you find the best ways to relax after moving to Punta Gorda.
Visit Fishermen’s Village
A waterfront shopping, entertainment, and resort complex called Fishermen’s Village is situated alongside Charlotte Harbor in Punta Gorda, Florida. Such a place is worth a visit if you want to wind down, take in beautiful sites, and see something new. Visit the nearby resort, shop at more than 30 stores or dine at the various eateries available. The choice is up to you! We advise starting out by taking a stroll through the lovely streets and getting your daily exercise. After that, you can enjoy some foreign goodies from Bella Balsamic & The Pressed Olive, buy color-changing apparel from Caribongo, or purchase a gift for your four-legged companion from Salty Paws. After all that exploring, you’ll be hungry, so indulge in a bite of the mouthwatering burger from the Village Brewhouse.
Fisherman’s Village is also equipped with a fully functioning marine you can visit.
Fisherman’s Village is also equipped with a fully functioning marine you can visit.
Enjoy the beautiful beaches
With such long stretches of sand available nearby, it would be a shame not to take full advantage of it. After all, soaking in the sun and letting your mind rest is one of the best ways to relax after moving to Punta Gorda. Lucky for you (and many other residents of Punta Gorda), there are many beautiful beaches north and south of this city.
Englewood Beach, which is a close ride away from Punta Gorda, is widely recognized as the best beach in the vicinity. While surfing and water sports fans will be able to venture out a little further and take advantage of the rougher conditions, others will enjoy splashing around in the slow waves. On the other hand, many residents believe Little Gasparilla Island to be one of the region’s best-kept secrets. Although it can only be reached by water, it is a great site to truly enjoy nature and feel miles away from the hustle and bustle of city life. These are one of the best places for sober activities in Florida. So stay on the right path, soak in the sun, and heal.
Explore nature
The excellent access to everything that nature has to offer in Punta Gorda is only one of the numerous reasons people relocate there. Visit Peace River Wildlife Center or Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary and Rehabilitation Center to get up close and personal with local wild animals who have been injured and need rehabilitation. In addition to the many parks, the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center is a great place to take a stroll. This center manages both Alligator Creek Preserve and Cedar Point. Three of the four kilometers of nature trails at the 115-acre Alligator Creek Preserve in Englewood run straight to Lemon Bay. Guided tours, special event lecture programs, a native plant butterfly garden, the historic Cookie House building, and an eagle’s nest are just a few additional attractions at Cedar Point. Pick and choose what you wish to explore, and we are sure you’ll learn something new.
Relax after moving to Punta Gorda by getting closer to nature.
Marvel at art and history
Although it may be a small city, it has its fair share of historic sites. Hop on by to The A.C. Freeman House Museum for a taste of history. Although the outside of it is quite charming, considering it is an old Victorian home built in the early 20th century, the inside is more intriguing. Without giving away too much, you will come to find a little piece of Punta Gorda’s history right in this house. On the other hand, visit the murals of Punta Gorda if you want to take in a different kind of art. The town’s first mural was unveiled in 1995, realizing Dr. Andrews’ ambitious initial objective of showcasing historical and educational murals. There are currently 32 murals for you to see, thanks to the local community and government.
Take a boat tour
A boat tour is the best method to get a general overview of the Punta Gorda region. After all, this part of southwest Florida has a lot of access to the sea. Punta Gorda offers a wide variety of distinctive boat experiences for every taste, price range, and activity. From airboat trips and sunset cruises to private sailing excursions and wilderness eco-tours, there is something for everyone.
Play or watch sports
We’ve got you covered if you want to relax after moving to Punta Gorda by playing or watching sports. Visit Gilchrist Park’s tennis and/or basketball court to have some fun. Cycle through Linear Park and explore the city at your own pace. Moreover, there are three fitness stations along the pathway where you can further exercise. Once done, you may relax with some yoga sessions with the locals. And all skill levels can enjoy the beautiful, natural, and enjoyable golf courses in Punta Gorda. However, if you’re more up to watching than playing, don’t worry. Punta Gorda has many sporting events available, from golf tournaments to mud races.
Break some sweat while having fun at Punta Gorda.
Go shopping, drinking, and dining
Once you’ve explored all the above options, you will probably want to go shopping, drinking, and dining. Luckily, Punta Gorda has places that fit most people’s budgets and preferences. Although we’ve mentioned the great Fisherman Village shopping experience, there are other places to see, such as Galleria Mall Antiques & Collectibles. Here you may purchase some antiques you would not find anywhere else. Or, relax after moving to Punta Gorda by getting a taste of different kinds of wine and chocolate at Punta Gorda Chocolate & Wine. If you want to drink and dine, head down to various eateries all over the area. We suggest Carmelo’s Italian Ristorante for Italian cuisine, John Ski’s House of Breakfast and Lunch for a wonderful diner-like setting, or eat amazing burgers at Burg’r Bar.
