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Sparkling waters, nearby pristine beaches, fishing at its greatest, wildlife in abundance and a casual, friendly atmosphere draw those who seek the natural pleasures of life to Punta Gorda. This pleasant town has consistently been named among “America's Best Places to Live” by Money Magazine, Forbes Magazine and others. With miles and miles of canals offering easy access to Charlotte Harbor and the Gulf of Mexico, it’s a favorite with boaters and fishermen.
Punta Gorda is located in Charlotte County, between Fort Myers and Sarasota on the Gulf coast of Florida, in an area known as “the Suncoast.” The name Punta Gorda means "Fat Point" and dates back to the landing of Ponce de Leon in 1513. Punta Gorda is bounded on the west by Charlotte Harbor and on the north by the Peace River.
Boaters are partial to the local waters for the easy access into Gasparailla Sound, the Intracoastal Waterway and the Gulf of Mexico. The stats shine bright for some serious fishing in Charlotte County: 830 miles of everything from river passages to mangrove-edged aquatic preserves to miles and miles of sandy beaches; 53 canoe and kayak Blueway Trails (nearly 200 miles throughout Charlotte Harbor); the Peace River, which feeds into the harbor; 190 miles of saltwater canals and 175 miles of freshwater canals; and deep-sea charters in the Gulf of Mexico. No wonder one of the major recreational pastimes here is fishing!
The beaches of Charlotte Harbor & the Gulf Islands line miles of the Gulf coast. Not only do they attract sunbathers, swimmers and shellers, there are also abundant birds, dolphins, sea turtles and other wildlife. A playground, a heated swimming pool and picnic shelters make Port Charlotte Beach Park a great choice for families. You can also launch canoes and kayaks from this harborfront park, which is also a favorite location for sunset viewing.
The Punta Gorda Historic Mural Society, formed in 1994, organizes and promotes the painting of more than 20 historic and educational murals throughout the city of Punta Gorda. This attitude toward preservation of Punta Gorda’s historic areas and buildings is one reason it is so highly rated as a place to live. Historic walking tours and a visit to the Charlotte County Historic Center are worthwhile.
A visit to Fisherman’s Village will satisfy your shopping and dining needs. Many nice shops offer resort wear, quality souvenirs, home décor, fishing gear and Florida crafts while the restaurants serve up local seafood to diners seated overlooking the Harbor. It’s a good spot to enjoy the glorious Gulf of Mexico sunsets while sipping a tropical concoction, and also offers nightlife for those who want to keep partying after the sun goes down.
Babcock Wilderness Adventure is a glimpse into life in early Florida offered on the massive 90,000 acre Crescent B Ranch in Lee and Charlotte counties, and offers guided tours with commentaries on the wildlife you will be able to view, ranch activities such as cattle and horses, and history of the area. While some of this area is slated for future development, a large portion of the ranch has been set aside as protected land.
Charlotte County Stadium was home to the Texas Rangers spring training camp. While the Rangers are no longer there, you can see some fine baseball played by the South Coast League’s Charlotte County Redfish. At the Charlotte County Speedway, racers compete in many classes but perhaps the most fun is the “Flag Pole” race, a race for which fans can put their name in a hat to run one of the "race cars".
Round out your vacation with an easy day trip to the Sarasota area to the north or the Fort Myers area to the south.
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