Punta Gorda
Punta Gorda is located on the west coast of Florida, about 133 miles south of Orlando and 181 miles south of Miami. The city is well-served by US Routes 41 and 17, which both pass through it. Visitors can also take Interstate 75 to exit 164, which leads to Route 17.
Punta Gorda is a tiny city that resembles a medium-sized village, with only roughly 16,000 people. But that doesn’t stop it from offering a wide range of activities for the whole family. Listed below are five of the things to do in Punta Gorda:
PEACE RIVER WILDLIFE CENTER
Next to Charlotte Harbor is the Peace River Wildlife Center. Primarily a teaching facility, this is the place to go if you want to learn more about how humans affect local wildlife and how we can do more to safeguard Florida’s magnificent species.
Dr. Jerry Gingerich, a local wildlife expert, founded the facility in 1982 and launched it out of his own house. Local wildlife that he discovered or those reported to him were treated at his veterinarian clinic.
The center takes in injured animals, either treating them and releasing them back into the wild, or letting them stay at the center and receive expert care. As a visitor, you can see all of the animals currently in their care and learn about the critical work that goes into looking after them.
WALKING TOUR OF THE HARBOR
You know you’re in Florida when you’re at HarborWalk. It’s a beautiful walkway with palm trees overlooking the lake. If you look one way, you’ll see built-up hotel resorts; if you look the other way, you’ll see the famous Florida sun, blue sky, and greenery.
There’s a lot to see and learn throughout the two-and-a-half-mile trail. But it’s not just about walking with breathtaking vistas; make a pit stop at one of the river’s many eateries and dine while admiring the thick, luscious mangroves.
SEA GRAPE ARTISTS GALLERY
The Sea Grape Artists Gallery is the place to visit if you want a taste of culture as well as a chance to get away from the rush and bustle of city life and reconnect with nature. Having been established for over 30 years, it has a reputation for being the best location to enjoy great art.
The Artists Gallery is an essential community for art enthusiasts and a terrific place to see outstanding work. It offers scholarships and commissions to local artists, and hosts regular events as well. Meet other art lovers on Thursday Wine Walks, and be sure to check out their monthly feature artist to discover some fresh new talent.
CHARLOTTE HARBOR ENVIRONMENTAL CENTER
Visit the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center if you’re interested in nature and the environment. Nature trails, guided walks by local experts, and fantastic interactive educational opportunities make this a fun spot for the whole family.
In addition, there are photography displays featuring some of the local fauna, and historians and scientists giving frequent lectures. Guests can also join a planned kayaking trip at Cedar Point, as well as a voluntary water quality monitoring study.
PUNTA GORDA NATURE PARK
You’ll find the calm and gorgeous Punta Gorda Nature Park if you head down to the Punta Gorda Isles. With a total area of 21 acres, there is plenty to see and do here before the day is done.
Go fishing, enjoy the gorgeous surroundings of this unique natural park, and have a picnic at one of the several picnic tables. You can also walk along the numerous well-marked nature paths, which include educational display boards that describe some of the flora and fauna you can see.
ASSISTED LIVING IN PUNTA GORDA
Despite the city’s small size, you can rely on the facilities for assisted living in Punta Gorda, Florida. With the help of Senior Living Selections, you can provide the best nursing home for your loved ones in this peaceful place that’s full of natural beauty and charm.