Sailing on Charlotte Harbor
Credit : Courtesy of Punta / Gorda / Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau
Bill Coy Preserve
Credit : Courtesy of Punta / Gorda / Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau
Florida ’ s Southwest Coast . . .
. . is rapidly becoming the place to go in the Sunshine State , thanks to its clear waters , white beaches , and the opening of new notable hotels across the region . One soon-to-be “ it ” destination is Punta Gorda , located 30 minutes north of Fort Myers . Punta Gorda offers a laid-back , family-focused escape from winter in a refreshing change from Miami ’ s trendy clubs and resorts or the spring break mayhem of Daytona Beach .
Punta Gorda , meaning “ Fat Point ,” was established in 1851 and steadily grew throughout the 20th century . In 2004 , it suffered massive destruction by Hurricane Charley but has been meticulously restored since , including the development of the Laishley Park Municipal Marina , which offers bike and pedestrian access across the city .
WHERE TO STAY
The Wyvern offers some of the most luxurious accommodations in Punta Gorda . The art deco-style boutique , an independently owned hotel , features work by local artists through its partnership with the Visual Arts Center of Punta Gorda . All 63 rooms boast views of Charlotte Harbor , while its two restaurants — Perch 360 and 88 Keys Florida — use locally sourced ingredients and herbs from the rooftop garden . The nearby Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor is a brand new resort with an expansive location with sprawling suites , two pools , a fitness center , and a relaxing spa . The resort has 20 different food and beverage options , ranging from the Harbor Yards Food Hall to the adults-only Level Blue rooftop bar and eatery .
WHERE TO EAT
Nothing is better than a waterfront table watching the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico , feasting on freshly caught local seafood while soaking up the ocean breeze . Punta Gorda has countless restaurants where you can experience such an idyllic dinner , ranging from casual to five-star . Punta Gorda has an award-winning restaurant called The Perfect Caper . Chef Jeanie Roland has not only been nominated for a James Beard award seven times , but she also Beat Bobby Flay on the hit TV show . Another cool thing about the cuisine in Punta Gorda is that if you catch a fish from the Charlotte Harbor , you can cook it the same day at restaurants like Farlow ’ s on the Water .
WHAT TO DO
If “ relaxing in paradise ” isn ’ t exciting enough for you , Punta Gorda offers plenty of other activities . Thanks to the gulf ’ s calm water , water sports like boating , sailing , fishing , jet skiing , canoeing , kayaking , and paddleboarding are abundant . The city ’ s numerous parks and nature reserves are also perfect for biking , walking , basketball , tennis , or pickleball . Take a guided tour of the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center to meet baby alligators , wild hogs , and an abundance of birdlife . Culture enthusiasts will appreciate the local museums , Punta Gorda History Park , and the community ’ s numerous art galleries . The Peace River Botanical and Sculpture Gardens appeal to lovers of art and nature , as world-class sculptures can be found in local fauna .
GETTING THERE
Allegiant Air offers twice weekly nonstop fights from Dulles International Airport ( IAD ) to Punta Gorda ( PGD ) while United Airlines offers nonstop fights from IAD to nearby Sarasota ( SRQ ) and Ft . Myers ( RSW ). American Airlines also offers SRQ and RSW service Reagan National Airport ( DCA ).
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