In 2004, Hurricane Charley executed an abrupt turn and slammed headlong into Punta Gorda, shaking the sleepy southern Florida town into the 21st century. Not only was the city rebuilt with hurricane-resistant new buildings, but historic structures like the 1890s Ice Plant building that once supported the local fishing industry were rescued and revived.
Planning a visit? Stay at Punta Gorda RV Resort.
The rebirth of Punta Gorda is symbolized by the Harborwalk that hugs the water’s edge of the Peace River for more than two miles. In Laishley Park, the concrete walk passes the “Spirit of Punta Gorda” sundial that symbolizes the community’s response to Hurricane Charley. Harborwalk links to Fisherman’s Village, an upscale waterfront shopping and entertainment complex constructed on a 1928 municipal pier. The Punta Gorda Linear Park traces the former rail bed of the Florida Southern Railroad in the downtown area.
The Punta Gorda Historical Mural Society rides herd over two dozen public paintings depicting the city’s heritage that dates back to the 19th century when Punta Gorda was the southernmost stop on the railroad. The Society also provides walking tour maps to explore the government seat of Charlotte County. Artifacts and exhibits are presented in the Punta Gorda Atlantic Coast Line Depot, constructed in a Mediterranean Revival style in 1928. The Blanchard House Museum of African American History collection can be found in the former home of sea captain Joseph Blanchard.
Recreation in Punta Gorda points towards the “thin waters” of Charlotte Harbor, which are ideal for small and medium-sized craft and sailboats. Deep sea fishermen need only navigate out past the sheltered harbor waters to reach the prime sport fishing grounds where big silver king tarpon feed. Some 84 percent of the shoreline is preserved land and the Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park is Florida’s fourth largest state park.
On the shore, Punta Gorda is a whirlwind of activity beginning with farmer’s markets every Saturday and Sunday and Downtown Merchants Gallery Walks the third Thursday of every month. Seafood festivals take place in the spring and fall and the Peace River National Art Show in March attracts artists from across the country.
