History
Punta Gorda or “Fat point” in English is the oldest city in Charlotte County. Originally named Town of Trabue, after the city’s first settler, founder and developer, Punta Gorda is a holiday destination offering century-old atmosphere and leisurely living.
The city was originally founded and developed by Isaac Trabue, a lawyer from Kentucky who purchased 30 acres of Charlotte Harbor’s south shore. Isaac Trube and his wife Virginia arrived in Punta Gorda after the end of civil war and envisioned a town for cattle farming and ranching. Trube’s dream came to actualization in 1886, when first train of the Florida Southern Railroad reached into town.
The opening of Southern Railroad propelled the small town’s development. In 1887, the town’s name was changed to Punta Gorda and was incorporated in 1900. Since then, Punta Gorda continued to grow with new businesses, buildings, schools and specialty shops.
In 1905, the town was destroyed by fire and hurricane in 2004, but these tragic events did not stop Punta Gorda from progressing. From its restoration, Punta Gorda attracts visitors who want to enjoy quite and relaxing lifestyle; charming old Florida living.
Getting There
Visitors can reach Punta Gorda by air or land.
There are four major airports you can fly into:
• Southwest Florida Regional Airport
• Tampa International Airport
• Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport
• Charlotte County Airport
Driving routes to reach Punta Gorda:
• Visitors from the North take I-75 to Exit 164, then U. S. Highway 41 into Downtown.
• Visitors from the South take I-75 to Exit 161, then head West to U. S. Highway 41. From Highway 41, turn right and upward though US 41 business corridor.
• Visitors from the East take U.S. Highway 17 West.
Weather
Punta Gorda features a subtropical climate with an average 267 sunny days per year.
Summer in Punta Gorda is hotter especially around July. Average high and low temperatures are in 80s°F and 70s°F. During summer, thunderstorms are expected in late afternoons, but quickly disappears. June is the wettest month of the year with an average rainfall of 8.45 in.
January is the coolest month with average highs in 60s°F and lows around 40s°F.
What to Wear
When in Punta Gorda, you can get away with shorts, flip flops and t shirt. However, dress codes are imposed in some establishments like upscale restaurants, bars and hotels, so you need to pack business casual clothes.
Men and women when exploring downtown Punta Gorda can wear shorts, sandals, flip flops and light shirts. During daytime it is better to wear cotton made tops since the temperature is hotter and humid. Night time strolls require men to wear lightweight jacket and cardigan for women as nighttime temperature tends to get chilly.
If you plan to dine in fancy restaurants or luxury hotels, a dark colored pants paired with collard shirt will do for men. Women can wear skirts or casual dress paired with strappy sandal for that business casual look.
Hiking trips and visits to zoo and wildlife sanctuary require a comfortable shoes, cotton long sleeved top. Don’t forget to wear your sunglasses and hat anywhere to protect yourself from the harmful sun rays. Lastly, always bring bottled water to keep you hydrated.
Fishing
Punta Gorda is a fishing paradise with over 100 square miles of protected waters and grass flats providing distinct fishing experience for all sport and game fish enthusiasts. Whether you are into freshwater or saltwater fishing, Punta Gorda fishing locations boast abundant fishing spots; Inshore, Flats, Near-shore, offshore, backcountry.
Fishing in Punta Gorda coves, lakes, passes, bridges, holes and rivers allow you to catch:
• Snapper
• Grouper
• Mackerel
• Tarpon
• Sheepshead
• Trout
• Tarpon
• Cobia
• Lady Fish
• Red Fish
• Pompano
• Permit
Punta Gorda fishing locations:
• Charlotte Harbor
• Peace River
• Webb Lake
• Allligator Bay
• Boggess Hole
• Bull Bay
• Cape Haze Bay
• Muddy Bay
• Turtle Bay
• Hobb’s Point
If you are an inexperienced fisher or new to the area, there are plenty of fishing charters in Punta Gorda to help you familiarize Punta Gorda waters and species. These charters have different specializations including back bay fishing, deep sea fishing, flats fishing, light tackle fishing and fly fishing to accommodate varying skills and preference.
BEST MONTHS TO FISH
The specified months allow you to catch particular fish types in Punta Gorda.
January to February, October to December – Amber Jack, Grouper & King Mackerel
April to September – Barracuda
May to April, October to December – Cobia
March to August, October to November – Jack Crevalle
April to October – Jewfish & Red Fish
May to August – Permit
May to October – Shark
March to October – Snook
April to July – Tarpon
WHAT TO BRING AND WEAR WHEN FISHING
• Appropriate clothing
• Sunglasses
• Boat Shoes
• Hat
• Sunblock
• Food and Drinks
• Camera
Attractions and Activities
Punta Gorda is a small town rich in history, natural and picturesque sights, making it a favorite holiday destination for beach lovers, nature trippers, fishermen and shoppers as well. No matter what your interest is, you are sure to find fun things to do and interesting places to see in Punta Gorda.
With the sun smiling almost everyday, explore Punta Gorda and get to know the area’s local history through these attractions:
• Military Heritage & Aviation Museum
• A.C Freeman House
• Railroad Depot
• Florida Adventure Museum
• Florida Military Heritage Museum
• Blanchard House Museum
• Charlotte Performing Arts Center
• Art Around Town
• Peace River Wildlife Center
• Babcock Ranch
• Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary and Rehabilitation Center
• Muscle Car City Museum
• Yoga Sanctuary
Enjoying the waters of Punta Gorda is available in numerous options depending on your preference. Different types of ocean and water sports such as windsurfing, standup paddleboarding, kiteboarding and surfing. Water sports coaching businesses are available in Punta Gorda, with licensed coaches offering safe instructions for first timers.
Uncover the beauty of Punta Gorda through boat cruises, available in half day or all day trips. Harbor, sunset and up river cruises are the options, allowing you to get up close and personal with the area’s untouched waters, magnificent sunset and rich marine life.
A fun way to experience Punta Gorda living is through shopping. The area is flooded with chain stores, locally owned and specialty shops for your shopping delight. You can find almost anything from these shops including clothes, books, jewelry, antiques, gifts, shoes, home improvement, wine, car accessories and many many more. To add a little fun, try the waterfront shopping style in Fishermen’s Village, Punta Gorda’s most popular landmark. Not only that, thrift stores for great finds and treasure items abound, a must visit for those who want to shop without breaking the bank.
Other Punta Gorda activities:
• Shelling
• Snorkeling
• Sailing
• Airplane and Helicopter tours
Where to Stay
Choose your accommodation with excellent amenities and service at a price you can afford for that ultimate Punta Gorda holiday.
The Wyvern Hotel
Address: 101 East Retta Esplanade Punta Gorda, FL 33950
For more information, visit their website:
http://www.thewyvernhotel.com/
Fishermens Village Resort
Address: 1200 West Retta Esplanade – Punta Gorda, FL 33950
For more information, visit their website:
American Inn
Address: 1015 Tamiami Trail Punta Gorda, FL 33950
For more information, visit their website:
http://americaninnfl.com/
Sea Cove Motel
Address: 25000 MARION AVE, PUNTA GORDA, FL
For more information, visit their website:
http://www.all-florida.com/swseacov.htm
Gilchrist Bed & Breakfast Inn
Address: 115 Gilchrist Street – Punta Gorda, Florida 33950
For more information, visit their website:
http://www.all-florida.com/swgilchr.htm
La Quinta Inn & Suites Port Charlotte
Address: 812 Kings Highway, Punta Gorda, FL, US, 33980
For more information, visit their website:
http://www.lq.com/lq/
Four Points by Sheraton Punta Gorda Harborside
Address: 33 Tamiami Trail Punta Gorda, FL 33950
For more information, visit this link:
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/fourpoints/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=3213&EM=VTY_FP_3213_PUNTAGORDAHARBORSIDE_PROP_OVERVIEW
Punta Gorda RV Resort
Address: 3701 Baynard Drive Punta Gorda, Florida 33950
For more information, visit their website:
http://pgrvresort.com/
Marina Inn
Address: 3160 Matecumbe Key Road, Punta Gorda
For more information, visit their website:
http://www.marinainn.net/
Charlotte Bay Resort Club
Address: 23128 Bayshore Road, Port Charlotte
For more information, visit their website:
http://www.charlottebayresort.com/
Where to Eat
The Perfect Caper
Address: 121 E Marion Ave # 121, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
For more information, visit their website:
http://www.theperfectcaper.com/index.asp
Laishley Crab House
Address: 150 Laishley Court • Punta Gorda, FL 33950
For more information, visit their website:
Captain’s Table
Address: 1200 West Retta Esplanade, #55 Punta Gorda, FL 33951-1289
For more information, visit their website:
Bella Luna
Address: 1200 W Retta Esplanade # 50, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
For more information, visit their website:
http://www.bellaluna-restaurant.com/
Torch Bistro
Address: 2113 Tamiami Trail Punta Gorda, FL
For more information, visit their website:
http://www.torchbistro.com/
Riviera Oyster Bar & Seafood Restaurant
Address: 5500 Deltona Drive, Punta Gorda, FL 33950
For more information, visit their website:
http://www.rivieraoysterbar.com/
River City Grill
Address: 131 W Marion Ave- River City Grill – Punta Gorda, FL 33950
For more information, visit this link:
Phil’s 41
Address: 1975 Tamiami Trail – Punta Gorda, FL
For more information, visit their website:
http://phils41.com/
Jacks Cafe Restaurant
Address: 201 W Marion Ave – Jacks – Punta Gorda, FL 33950
For more information, visit their website:
http://www.jacks-restaurants.com/
The Cozy Cafe
Address: 2705 Tamiami Trail Punta Gorda, FL
For more information, visit their website:
http://thecozycafefl.com/5.html
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