Punta Gorda, Florida

Pictures from Punta Gorda.

  Punta Gorda is on the lower Gulf Coast of Florida, about 100 miles south of Tampa. Established as a fishing village in the early days of Florida development, it sits on the south side of the Peace River and the top of Charlotte Harbor. You can still see fishing shacks and some lovely, restored old homes but after years of being overlooked progress is catching up to Punta Gorda.

Visitors to this small Florida city won't be intimidated by the skyline. Only a few buildings reach over three or four stories. Those that came for the peace and quiet can enjoy natural settings at Laishley Park and Gilchrist Park in downtown Punta Gorda and several other nature areas. Boaters can easily get into the water from the many boat ramps at the parks and around the city. Fishing, either in the Peace River or Charlotte Harbor is some of the best around. Waterfront property is still available but, as in most of Florida, going fast.

For a fine day of shopping, dining and revelry in Punta Gorda, head over to Fisherman's Village. Many fashionable shops await your pleasure. Harpoon Harry's serves fresh grouper sandwiches and beer in shaded but open-air dining on the pier with a great view of the river. Stick around for the band at night or get dressed and dine upstairs in the evening at the Captain's Table.

Visitors to Punta Gorda can easily tour the southwest Florida cities in the area. You'll have a 30-60 minute drive south to Cape Coral, Fort Myers and Fort Myers Beach, Pine island (including Matlacha, Bokeelia and St. James City), Sanibel and Captiva Islands. Head west to Englewood, Rotonda, Venice, Boca Grande or the Gulf Coast beaches, 30-60 minutes away. Sarasota is about an hour's drive, also. Visitors flying to the area generally use the Southwest Florida International Airport, about 45 minutes away.

View east on Taylor St. 

Photos show  a refurbished section of the commercial area downtown.

Pictures of downtown and (upper left) the intersection of Taylor Street and Marion Ave.

View out palm-lined Marion Ave. toward "the Isles".

Beautiful old house with Captain's walk on Marion Ave.

Burroughs House after the move to its new location.

More lovely old Punta Gorda Houses in the downtown residential area.

Next to Gilchrist Park and the Best Western Motel,  this large, old banyan tree is another home town and tourist favorite. The "trunk" must be close to 40' across. Don't get lost in there if you visit it!

Punta Gorda Isles

Some photos of waterfront houses in Punta Gorda Isles, the upscale, waterfront area of Punta Gorda. Condos on lagoon (top right).

Pictures of houses & canals.

Homes & canals.

Photo of Charlotte Harbor

View of the canal from the Vasco Peeples Bridge.

Picture from the Vasco Peeples bridge.

When its Spring, the Poinciana's are in bloom.

Pictures of Punta Gorda Isles houses and landscaping.

Fisherman's Village, Punta Gorda, Florida

Empty Fisherman's Village Yacht Basin - late spring - undergoing renovation.

Inside Fisherman's Village you'll find an abundance of specialty shops.

Take a shopping break at Fisherman's Village indoor area.

Have lunch at Harpoon Harry's (left), dinner at the Captain's Table (middle) and bring the whole family to Fisherman's Village in your boat (right).