Last Updated on August 8, 2023
Located in Southwest Florida (between Sarasota and Fort Myers in Charlotte County), Punta Gorda is a charming small town on Charlotte Harbor’s banks, one of the US’s largest natural harbors.
The beautifully restored historic downtown area is loaded with lovely vistas, quaint homes, unlimited restaurants, and lots of other great things to do.
It is a slice of paradise for fishermen, boaters, sun-worshippers, and shoppers alike.
Things to Do in Punta Gorda
Easily reached by I-75, Punta Gorda features streets lined with huge royal palms and old Florida-era tin-roofed homes with wide verandas, brick lanes, and pristine landscaping.
A.C. Freeman House Museum
NOTE: The A.C. Freeman House Museum is temporarily closed.
The A.C. Freeman House Museum in Punta Gorda is an authentically restored and furnished late Victorian-era home.
The City of Punta Gorda currently owns it. It houses a museum operated by the Punta Gorda Historical Society, and offices for the Charlotte County Chamber of Commerce.
The home has a spacious wrap-around porch featuring Queen Anne trim, a veranda, and a third-story tower.
A.C. Freeman House Museum Address: 311 W Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Looking for more historic museums to visit? Check out 32 Florida Museums in the Time Travelers Network.
Located in downtown Punta Gorda, the 20’ Whispering Giant “Calostimucu” is an effigy to the first people inhabiting the area.
The name of the statue is a combination of the two Native American tribes that lived in this area of Florida. The two-sided statue is on Retta Esplanade. Sculptor: Peter “Wolf” Toth
Whispering Giant “Calostimucu” Address: 319 W Retta Esplanade #301, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
This Downtown banyan tree is over 100 years old and about 40’ around. It is a historic landmark in Punta Gorda and the background for endless selfies.
Certain PG Waterfront Hotel and Suites rooms can see the banyan tree. The down-to-earth waterfront hotel is a 3-minute walk from Gilchrist Park and 1 mile from Fishermen’s Village.
PG Waterfront Hotel & Suites Address: 300 W Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Drone photo by Joe Gallo
You will find Fishermen’s Village near the historic district of Punta Gorda. This unique waterfront destination includes gifts, clothing, specialty shops, seven restaurants, a military heritage museum, a 98-slip marina, and fully furnished luxury villas.
Fishermen’s Village Address: 1200 W Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
For more info on Punta Gorda, visit: https://www.charlotteharbortravel.com/
Peace River Seafood Market & Restaurant
Peace River Seafood is a classic, Authentic Florida old fish house in Punta Gorda.
Did you know many of the crabs eaten in Maryland crab houses come from this area in Florida? This little restaurant on Route 17 serves them the same way they do in Maryland–and lots of them.
Ask about their specials. They also have many fresh fish selections … and they’re all delicious.
Known for its crabs, shrimp, and oysters, Peace River Seafood is in a renovated home with a down-home atmosphere.
Peace River Seafood Market & Restaurant Address: 5337 Duncan Rd., Punta Gorda, FL 33982
King Fisher Fleet Cruise Ship
When in Punta Gorda, board a boat to tour the Charlotte Harbor area.
We recommend King Fisher Fleet, which departs from Fisherman’s Wharf. You may also choose from various scenic adventures, including the legendary Cabbage Key, Boca Grande, Peace River Nature Cruise, or a Sunset Tour.
More info at the official King Fisher Fleet website.
King Fisher Fleet Cruise Ship Address: 1200 W Retta Esplanade #16a, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
Cayo Costa Island State Park (Lee County)
NOTE: Due to damage from Hurricane Ian, Cayo Costa Island State Park remains closed.
We will update this article as soon as it has reopened. In the meantime, enjoy some of our memories in this beautiful park.
While in the Punta Gorda area, make sure you carve out time to visit this authentic island and experience what Florida’s barrier islands once were before development.
You will surely pick up loads of shells while walking the 9 miles of untouched beaches. You might even spot manatees, porpoises, and also sea turtles offshore.
Accessible only by boat or kayak, this former fishing ground of the Calusa Indians features miles of undeveloped shoreline.
It’s great for swimming, snorkeling, shelling, fishing, and bird-watching. It also offers several walking and bicycling trails through the island’s interior.
Learn more about Cayo Costa Island State Park.
The Peace River National Art Festival
Peace River National Winter Art Festival is on December 2 and 3, 2023
Peace River National Art Festival is on March 16 and 17, 2024.
The Peace River National Art Festival occurs in Laishley Park, located on the Peace River in Downtown Punta Gorda (100 Nesbit St.).
Explore more than 70 fine arts and exquisite crafts booths complemented by music, food, wine, and beer.
Nearly 100 nationally recognized juried artists represent various mediums, including art glass, fiber arts, jewelry, leather goods, metalwork, oil paintings, photography, pottery, stone sculptures, and also watercolor.
Live music, art demonstrations, and an array of food and beverages complement the art show for an immersive cultural experience.
Looking for more? Check out the Top 10 Awesome Things To Do in Sarasota