Beautiful Punta Gorda is one of southwestern Florida's almost-hidden gems. This coastal city, once mainly a fishing village, is located on the Gulf of Mexico's Charlotte Harbor, south of Tampa and north of Naples and Fort Myers. Not nearly as well known as these neighboring cities, Punta Gorda offers just as much vacation fun but at much more reasonable prices and with fewer crowds. With its great location, almost perfect climate and dozens of outdoor recreational activities, Punta Gorda is the perfect place for your Florida vacation.
The city's historic downtown district features Old Florida architecture blended with just a touch of tropical elegance. Its picturesque cobblestone streets are lined with gaslights, fine shops and a variety of restaurants, and the majestic Royal Palm trees standing guard along the way will make you feel like you're on an exotic Caribbean island. Many of Punta Gorda's dining establishments serve up some of the finest fresh seafood you'll ever eat, enriching your taste buds while nourishing your body. Harbor views and plentiful examples of street art and murals add ambiance and are constant companions while you're visiting this unique city. Additional atmosphere and ambiance is added by the multitude of emerald-green canals that wend their way throughout the area. In several ways, Punta Gorda will remind you of Venice, but this interesting and unique blend of urban sophistication and untamed wilderness isn't in Italy - it's in easy to get to, laid-back southwestern Florida! Other activities offered by Punta Gorda include colorful boat tours of wild riverside mangrove swamps.
Punta Gorda is located in the center of one of the most popular vacation regions in the country. Travelers from all over the world spend their vacations in Punta Gorda, all because they want to experience the area's sugary white sand beaches, balmy weather, fashionable resorts, sophisticated cultural centers and multitude of options for outdoor recreation. You can easily join these visitors that are flocking to the city -- the Punta Gorda area is served by several different airports, including one that's extremely close by.If you want to travel just a bit further afield, a two hour drive will land you in Orlando, the world's theme park capital. Fabled Cape Canaveral and NASA's Kennedy Space Center attractions are just a short drive beyond that fabulous city. World-famous Naples, with its seven miles of sandy beaches, sophisticated shopping and world-class golf courses, is only a hop, skip and a jump away, about 30 miles south of Punta Gorda. And Sarasota, a sophisticated resort town with fabulous beaches on the Gulf of Mexico, is just a short drive north along the beautiful Gulf coast.
Punta Gorda's mild winters and hot, sunny summers let you enjoy the great outdoors no matter when you take your Florida vacation.  Boating, swimming, snorkeling and fishing in tranquil Gulf waters, basking on the beach, year-round golf and the area's exceptional beauty all await. Punta Gorda used to be just a fishing village, but nowadays it's one of the country's premier spots for fun and relaxation. Whether you're looking for family fun, a romantic getaway, a relaxing vacation or just getting in some golf or boating, a vacation in Punta Gorda is your perfect Florida vacation.