Location: Punta Gorda
Top Things to do in Punta Gorda
Top Restaurants in Punta Gorda
Top 10 Free Things to do in Punta Gorda, Florida (FL)
The thriving little city of Punta Gorda enjoys a pleasant year-round climate, relaxed lifestyle, and many recreational opportunities. The friendly hospitality, year-round planned activities, shuffle board courts, great restaurants, golfing, fishing, and miles of sandy beaches make Punta Gorda an ideal vacation destination. Take a day to experience the most interesting waterfront complex-Fisherman’s Village. Here you will find a conglomerate of unique shops and restaurants. Look no further for all your vacation needs including boats, jet skis, and bicycles for rent. For the avid camper there is nothing quite like the Babcock Wilderness Adventures, which offers eco tours through acres of swamps, trails, and wildlife. Take a Swamp Buggy Tour through Telegraph Cypress Swamp. Be enthralled by the variety of flora and fauna. Keep a lookout for elusive panthers, bison, exotic tropical birds, and alligators. Once you emerge from the swamps, take a deep-sea fishing excursion in the Gulf of Mexico. Some companies offer sightseeing cruises to the outer islands, including full and half-day cruises. Enjoy a romantic sunset cruise, and be amazed at the most beautiful sunsets in Florida. If you want, try a round of Golf at the Punta Gorda Country Club semiprivate 18-hole, par 72 golf course. This tree-lined green boasts open fairways and great views. There is a driving range and pro shop, and rental clubs are available. At night, you should get out and sample some of the best fresh local cuisine. Offerings range from stew chicken and stew pork to whole fried snapper and snook filets. Restaurants range from open-air, thatch-roof structures to small romantic and upscale dining establishments.
Restaurants in Punta Gorda
1. Military Heritage Museum
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 32 reviews
The Military Heritage Museum recently moved to a new location: 900 W. Marion Ave. in Punta Gorda Fl . Just a few steps away from Fishermen's Village, the Museum has over 17,000 sq ft of exhibit and activity areas. On the first level, take a walk-through history through three unique galleries; from the Revolutionary War through modern conflicts. Visit the Hall of Hero's gallery and its special Medal of Honor exhibit. On the second level become part of history, through simulations and virtual reality including aircraft, tank, and naval simulators. Take a special forces "parachute jump" or drive a "tank" - two incredible virtual reality experiences we offer. Also found on the second floor is our Academy Library and ancestry research. Be sure to visit the War Room, Library and our our 247-seat Gulf theater.
Reviewed By Daleanator - Punta Gorda, United States
The overall quality is amazing with the inexpensive entry. This is a wonderful place to both learn and teach history with a wonderful group of volunteers and workers. From the extensive displays of artifacts to the amazing virtual reality goggles, this really is a place to learn and explore history.
2. Sandman Books
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 97 reviews
Sandman Books is an award-winning independent bookstore with new books, used books, and rare books; as well as puzzles, cards and gifts. Home to the Book Arch, made of recycled books, and bookstore cat in residence Kitty Wan Kenobi. Sandman Books hosts the David W Sussman Gallery, featuring Florida art and photography.
Reviewed By kimberlyc242018 - Punta Gorda, United States
This gem of a bookstore is filled with not just a great selection of books, but all kinds of gift items, curiosities, puzzles, and interesting media. You can find old, rare books, a treasure trove of titles from a tried and true or favorite author, and sections for any interest you can think of. The atmosphere is relaxing, and you can often spy the friendly Kitty Wan Kenobi, relaxing in various places around the store. There are many books from local authors, and Books to help you learn about Florida gardening, fishing, and local wildlife, as well as the history of the area. The owners and staff are friendly and helpful, and the book buyback program is great for earning store credits for your next trip to this wonderful bookstore. Every time my daughter visits, Sandman Bookstore is on her list of must-dos, and I’m happy to oblige!
3. The Potters Studio and Gallery
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 17 reviews
4. Downtown Bait & Tackle Shop
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 10 reviews
Downtown Bait & Tackle Shop LIVE BAIT, Frozen Bait & Lots of tackle. Fishing Charters, Kayak and Paddle board rentals, Tandem Bicycle rentals, Fishing equipment rental for the day or weekend. BEER*ICE*SNACKS PENN-SHIMANO-STAR RODS- LOCAL BRAND-BUFF-COSTA DEL MAR RETAILER- SEA TOW MEMBERSHIPS AND MUCH MUCH MORE
5. Punta Gorda Chocolate & WIne
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 18 reviews
Punta Gorda Chocolate & Wine showcases the highest quality of artisanal chocolates that you will ever taste along with distinctive, extraordinary wines and craft beers not found in mainstream stores that are high in value yet reasonably priced!
Reviewed By postcard-pedro - Indianapolis, United States
Friendly people with chocolate that looks like works of art that's made right there in the store. More important is the free wine, beer and chocolate tasting every Saturday.
6. Copperfish Books
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 17 reviews
Copperfish Books is an independent bookstore located in historic downtown Punta Gorda, Florida. Come browse our new, gently used, and antique books, greeting cards, and gifts. Free parking in our lot.
Reviewed By 6ellenl - Fort Myers, United States
This is a wonderful bookstore featuring great reads for all ages, fun gifts and a first-rate staff. You can find all varieties of new books, some gently used books and categories for local authors, travel, children, lots of fiction and more. It’s fun to browse around this store.
7. Alligator Bay Distillers
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 145 reviews
Florida handcrafted microdistillery aiming to produce quality cane-to-bottle and grain-to-bottle spirits. Located in beautiful Punta Gorda, FL, our Floridian rums are produced using 100% Florida cane molasses sourced from local sugar mills.
Reviewed By MNDoodles - Stillwater, United States
If you enjoy exceptional rum and a great business success story, be sure to visit Alligator Bay Distillery. The owner, and distilling expert, gave us a fascinating tour of the facility and described the rum making process in detail. He started the company 5 years ago and his dedication has already yielded a number of prestigious awards. We sampled and purchased the spiced rum which was incredibly smooth with notes of cardamom and ginger...delicious. They produce several flavored rums. This spot is well worth a visit to learn about rum making, to sample and buy, and to celebrate a young man’s entrepreneurial success story.
8. Fishermen's Village
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,257 reviews
Fishermen's Village Waterfront Mall, Resort, and Marina offers something for everyone. Shopping, dining, live entertainment, and water adventures await locals and travelers. With over 30 boutique shops and 5 different restaurants, you are sure to find something that pleases you and your family.
Reviewed By 934mickieg
This is a must stop if you're in the Punta Gorda area. Located right on the bay with lots of unique shops and wonderful restaurants! We liked it so much we came back 3 times during our 5 day stay. Each restaurants food was wonderful and service was top notch! Will definitely come back next time we're in town!
9. Peace River Wildlife Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,016 reviews
The Mission of the Peace River Wildlife Center is to contribute to the survival of native Florida wildlife through rescue, rehabilitation and education. The Center and our gift shop is open to the public for tours everyday from 11a – 4p and our hospital accepts wildlife intakes from 8a – 5p everyday, 7 days per week, 365 days per year including all holidays. We do not charge an admission fee but donations are greatly appreciated and needed to support our mission. Your donations and gift store purchases go directly to the care of our wildlife patients and residents. The PRWC does not receive any federal government support. The costs involved in maintaining these educational displays and to feed almost 120 permanent residents and more than 2,500 patient admissions annually is nearly $80,000 per year. All of the Peace River Wildlife Center’s expenses are met through donations, our recycling program, gift shop sales and small grants. PRWC’s mission is carried out primarily by volunteers
Reviewed By MNDoodles - Stillwater, United States
A donation of only $5.00 per adult provides a great opportunity to see many birds being very well cared for, birds who can’t be released into the wild due to various past injuries. We saw bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, barred owls, white and brown pelicans, osprey and many other birds in well maintained and comfortable enclosures which give visitors an up-close look at these beautiful creatures. The volunteers were very helpful and answered all my questions. 82 per cent of all birds brought to the refuge are eventually released back into nature and those who can’t be released serve as refuge ambassadors for their species to help educate young and old alike. The gift shop is awesome; all proceeds go to help care for the birds. We loved this refuge and highly recommend a visit when in Punta Gorda.
10. Funkie Junkies Marketplace
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 62 reviews
Funkie Junkies Consignment and Marketplace is quickly turning into one of SW Florida's hottest shopping destinations! We offer 10,000 square feet of new and gently used furnishings, home decor, art, clothing and accessories, etc. from over 3500 consignors, vendors and artists! An eclectic mix of coastal, farmhouse, vintage, shabby chic, rustic, industrial...you name it! New merchandise arrives daily, visit often! Always accepting consignments! NOW OFFERING 2 LOCATIONS! Visit our second location at 787 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte!
Reviewed By JenTay22 - Punta Gorda, United States
Friendly staff, great bargains and creative home decor. Try it as you won’t go home empty handed! This used to be more consignment items but has transformed over the years. There are a lot of local artists’ works from painted furniture, some new items, and all kinds of decor in between, large and small. There are various rooms of stuff. Antiques, some refreshed and some in original form. They also have opened a second store in Port Charlotte on 41 bordering North Port line. Lots of FL coastal stuff at both locations. You need to check it out!! The name Funkie Junkies fits ????
