Punta Gorda is a surprising small town on the Gulf Coast between Naples and Tampa. It has big waterfront views along Charlotte Harbor, a historic district and a charming downtown. It’s a good base for kayakers, with several options nearby.
Tag: Punta Gorda
Stump Pass Beach State Park reopens 11 months after Hurricane Milton
Discover a less well-known string of islands — Gasparilla Island, Don Pedro Island and Manasota Key. Each holds a spectacular state park with top beaches.
Charlotte Harbor Freedom Swim and Vero Beach Swim to the Wreck: Unusual July 4th traditions
Elsewhere, picnics and lawn games may be a perfect Fourth of July tradition. In steamy Florida, we like to stay wet, and these two exuberant saltwater adventures have become traditions for a good reason.
Florida road trip: 10 ways ways to find the real Florida 10 minutes off I-75
You don’t have to drive hours off the interstate to find Florida’s natural beauty and funky history. You can find treasures within 10 minutes of these I-75 exits.
Off-the-beaten-path getaways: Nine Old Florida towns make great bases
As you plan your Florida travels, here are nine towns that I’ve found make great bases for exploring. Each puts you in the center of outstanding places to hike, bike, kayak and explore history. Each is surrounded by natural beauty.
Peace River Seafood: Cracker cabin is a real crab shack
Peace River Seafood in Punta Gorda is a true Florida crab shack; they don’t come more authentic than this. From its 1927 Cracker cabin to the buckets of fresh blue crabs, it’s a little piece of old Florida.
Prairie Creek: Beautiful little-known kayak trail in Punta Gorda
I love to discover and share new places to kayak, and Prairie Creek near Punta Gorda is a scenic, pristine stream full of birds and wildlife. It’s just the sort of place that makes me love to paddle.
Charlotte Harbor kayaking: White pelicans & mangrove mazes
The Gulf coast along Charlotte Harbor has miles of wild shoreline, making it a wonderland of wildlife and natural beauty and ideal for sea kayaking.
Kayaking Deer Prairie Creek for hours of paddle heaven
You’ll discover a natural world without traffic and crowds when you’re kayaking Deer Prairie Creek in North Port. This tributary of the Myakka River is quiet, off-the-beaten track and not widely known outside its neighboring area.
Peace River Botanical Gardens: A delight in Punta Gorda
Peace River Botanical Gardens in Punta Gorda exceeded my expectations with its whimsical monument sculptures and lovely gardens in a scenic riverfront site.