Living in Punta Gorda is like being on vacation every day! We were named in the Rand McNally Best of the Road competition for “Most Beautiful Small Town in America”.  Being outdoors is our way of life and it’s supported through 15 incredible public parks, pathways, and recreational facilities mostly featuring our waterfront. We are recognized as one of the most bicycle friendly towns in the U.S., with free loaner bikes available at multiple locations around town. There are currently 17 miles of biking and walking trails within the city limits.

Punta Gorda (translation: Fat Point) has a land area of 21 square miles, and juts into the Peace River and Charlotte Harbor–an estuary off the Gulf of Mexico in southwest Florida.  We are one of the nation’s top areas for fishing and boating, where our award-winning marinas welcome travelers and residents, and 54 miles of canals allow many residents to keep their boats right in their backyards!

Our vibrant downtown is a great gathering place for events throughout the year with never ending festivals, fairs, and events in our parks and downtown open areas. We have a modern event center and a performing arts center that feature a variety of concerts and events. Our Visual Arts Center has exhibits and offers classes in a variety of media along with a yearly juried international art show.

Fisherman’s Village has waterside shopping and dining, and downtown also has shopping and unique locally owned restaurants. Our award-winning Farmer’s Market every Saturday, and monthly Gallery Walk, Live After 5, bring crowds to downtown. While our harbor features Dragon Boat racing and yearly regattas benefiting charities. The Peace River Botanical and Sculpture Garden has just opened its first phase with more phases planned over the next few years. We have a laidback lifestyle and glorious weather, a strong community spirit and feel like a small town, because we are!