Location: Punta Gorda
Top Things to do in Punta Gorda
Top Restaurants in Punta Gorda
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What to do and see in Punta Gorda, Florida (FL): The Best Things to do Good for Big Groups
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. Skydive Southwest Florida
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 45 reviews
We welcome you to jump at the most scenic drop zone on the west coast of Florida. Experience the beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico and Peace River! Serving all of Southwest Florida from Naples to Tampa, including Marco Island, Bonita Springs, Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, Venice, Sarasota, Bradenton. Private airport, only 7 miles off I-75 (exit 164) then US 17 north.
2. King Fisher Fleet
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 3,497 reviews
Sightseeing Cruises and Fishing Charters in Southwest Florida. Welcome to our slice of paradise, the waters of Charlotte Harbor and the Gulf of Mexico. We invite you to explore our beautiful estuary on a trip with our knowledgeable crew. We specialize in a variety of boat activities that include action-packed fishing charters, romantic sunset cruises, picturesque river tours, off-the-beaten path island trips to Cabbage Key, Cayo Costa, and Boca Grande, private events, and more.
3. Babcock Ranch Eco Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,846 reviews
Babcock Ranch Eco Tour takes you on 90 minute eco-tour through the Babcock Ranch. You will travel through the working cattle ranch and learn its history, wander through Florida eco-systems, all the while getting up close and personal with the local wildlife. There is a picnic area, gift shop and exhibits to enjoy as well.So come on out and get back to nature!
4. 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.
5. Escape Rooms Unlocked
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 91 reviews
Escape Rooms Unlocked is Punta Gorda's premiere live-action adventure game. Can you and your team complete our themed rooms? Think outside the box, crack the codes, and solve the puzzles. Perfect for families, tourists, corporate teambuilding, and date night, it's a unique experience you won't forget.
Reviewed By jdewitt22 - North Port, United States
Had a great time in Dean's Diner! Solved the puzzle with only 8 minutes left. Cannot wait to do the next room on date night!!
6. Babcock Ranch Preserve
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 218 reviews
Reviewed By RVandHotelTraveling - Metro Minneapolis-Saint Paul, United States
This was a hidden gem of an experience!! We were visiting the Ft Myers area during spring break and the beaches were jam packed so we were looking for alternatives and found Babcock Preserve Eco Tour!! Ticket prices were very affordable for a 90 minute tour through a preserve/swamp that has 4 different eco systems and is a working ranch!! Not only were there tons of gators but there were heritage cattle and wild pigs (with many cute piglets) that come running after the swamp buggy for corn! We saw tons of different cranes and other birds!! Kids to grandparents enjoyed the ride! I would definitely recommend checking out Babcock Eco Tours!! Our guide Andrea was very knowledgeable about the history of the land and the animals roaming about
7. 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!
8. Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary And Rehabilitation Center
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 369 reviews
Reviewed By testoreviews - Crystal Lake, United States
So. Many. Tigers!!! We came here with our young children and were so close to these beautiful BIG CATS! There were tons of other animals too, Bears, Lions, Tigers, Bobcats, Hyenas, Lilly the Black Leopard, monkeys, birds, foxes, goats, and so much more. Each animal with their own story, and each animal loved so dearly by the volunteers who run this place. I would highly suggest this place to any and all Florida vacationers.
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. Gilchrist Park
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 198 reviews
Reviewed By davebE2512QV - North Naples, United States
The park provides many options for all. First, great bike riding/walking path along the harbor providing scenic views. Basically connects the Historic district to the wharf/pier area. Tennis and pickleball courts exist. A fine enclosed children's park for families including restroom facilities. We brought our own lawn chairs. Plenty of room for all and adequate parking. As a bonus, we were entertained by flyovers of vintage airplanes. The grandkids and us enjoyed that!
