It’s very possible to cram a lot of fun into a relatively short amount of time during a weekend getaway to Punta Gorda in southwest Florida.
The waterfront city is halfway between Sarasota and Fort Myers, offering beautiful views of Charlotte Harbor and the Peace River, and only 26-30 miles/ (35-45 minutes) from Englewood Beach.
It’s even better if you have longer than 48 hours for an extended stay.
This article is written in partnership with the Punta Gorda/ Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau. All opinions are my own. This article contains affiliate links.
Take Advantage of Non-stop Flights from Allegiant Airlines
If you only have a few days to get away, a Florida getaway is still doable, but you need to be strategic.
Our direct flights on Allegiant Airlines from Cincinnati (CVB) to Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) helped us maximize our time. We booked an early flight arrival in Florida and a later evening departure for our flight home.
Take a Guided Eco Tour at Babcock Ranch
8502 FL-31 Punta Gorda, Florida
Babcock Ranch is definitely a hidden gem to discover for all ages.
The preserve at Babcock Ranch encompasses 73,000 acres, and the only way it’s accessible to the public is during a 90-minute eco tour.
The bus tour travels through a small portion of the property where you’ll see Florida “cracker cows” not used for market.
The property also offers 11,000 acres for black panthers to roam without human interaction.
Guests experience safari vibes while riding in the open-air bus that travels throughout the property, stopping to observe wildlife along the way.
There is even an opportunity to get out of the bus and walk along the boardwalk to observe bald cypress trees. The area can be filled with 4.5-8.5 feet of rainwater during the rainy season.
We learned that crates for Coca-Cola bottles were made with wood from Babcock Ranch during their early years.
Fun Fact: Babcock Ranch was a filming location for the movie “Just Cause” starring Sean Connery and Lawrence Fishburne.
Several filming locations for the movie were pointed out along the tour.
You’ll have an opportunity to visit a small exhibit in the shed after your tour, located next to the gift shop.
A tribute to the movie, along with other information about the property’s history and ecology, can be found inside one of the sheds.
We also discovered a special amphibious guest riding on board with us, previously undetected in his crate.
Our guide, Roger, introduced us to “Chomper,” the small gator, and allowed us to take pictures with him.
Eat lunch onsite at The Gator Shack Restaurant
Babcock Ranch has a restaurant on-site. You’ll want to double-check their lunch hours so that you have enough time to eat there before or after your tour.
I’d recommend trying their made-to-order shrimp Po Boy, burgers, or pulled pork sandwich.
Check in to the Wyvern Hotel
101 E Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, FL
The Wyvern Hotel, a Choice Ascend Hotel collection member, offers guests an affordable luxury boutique hotel experience located in the heart of downtown Punta Gorda. Free self-parking is available in a dedicated lot for overnight guests.
The hotel features 63 guest rooms, Perch 360, a rooftop restaurant, and fine dining at 88 Keys Florida Restaurant, featuring contemporary American cuisine.
Guests are treated to vibrant art on rotation from the Visual Arts Center of Punta Gorda in the lobby.
Our king room was very spacious with additional seating by the window and at the desk. There are also double-bedded rooms, many of which are wheelchair-accessible.
Our room also had a Serta pillow-top mattress, an in-room safe, and a mini fridge.
If you need to get any work done during your stay, complimentary Wi-Fi is provided throughout the entire property.
The bathroom was also large with a separate tub and shower, marble floors, and granite countertops.
Our room had beautiful scenic views of Charlotte Harbor, conveniently located across the street.
Save on your stay at the Wyvern Hotel here
Walk to Dinner at Celtic Ray Public House
145 E Marion Ave, Punta Gorda, FL
Celtic Ray Public House is a short walk from the Wyvern Hotel. The restaurant offers great vibes and food.
Inside, it’s dark and cozy, and the large pub also offers plenty of outdoor seating to enjoy a beautiful day or evening.
We started with their Scotch Eggs as an appetizer. It’s made with hard-boiled eggs wrapped in seasoned Irish sausage meat and baked, served with coleslaw and soda bread.
If you like spice, I highly recommend their spicy beef pasty. I ordered this one on a whim, and I’m so glad that I did!
It’s made with ground beef simmered in Jai Allai with fresh garlic, onions, and jalapenos, seasoned with smoked chili, thyme, and curried pastry shell, and served on spicy curry butter.
The dish is served with fries, coleslaw, and soda bread.
I have to mention that the soda bread was spectacular. It might look like just an add on but this bread is homemade and served with a really high quality butter that really makes for the perfect side to your meal.
Of course, you can’t go wrong with Fish n’ Chips. The classic entree features Icelandic cod lightly battered and fried, served with fries, coleslaw, and soda bread.
Save room for dessert. We were stuffed, but still powered through their delicious Jameson’s Bread Pudding, which thankfully didn’t have raisins.
In my opinion, raisins are the demise of so many great desserts.
Breakfast at Steph’s Bakery and More
121 E Marion Ave #111, Punta Gorda, FL
This AMAZING bakery and plant store is such a gem!
We’re passionate about thorough research, especially when it comes to pastries, so we decided to try a few of their menu items for both sweet and savory, along with coffee.
We loved their quiche, Chorizo Bear Claw, and Banana Foster Cinnamon Roll.
I’d recommend getting a box for leftovers for the Banana Foster Cinnamon Roll and enjoying it later as dessert.
It’s almost not fair that they are gifted in creating AMAZING pastries and beautifully arranging plants.
I found lots of plant design inspiration around the shop.
If I weren’t flying, I would’ve taken a few plants home with me. Be on the lookout for their special events, too.
Take a guided kayak tour with SUP Englewood at Don Pedro Island State Park
8450 Placida Rd, Placida, FL
I love any excuse to get out on the water, and a guided kayak tour with SUP Englewood is such a great way to see wildlife and explore parts of the state park that you wouldn’t experience on land.
Reservations are required for tours, and same-day bookings are ok if space is available. If you have a specific day/time in mind, I’d recommend booking in advance.
You can also rent kayaks, but honestly, I think it’s way better to follow a guide who is familiar with the area and who can also easily spot wildlife along the way.
We saw dolphins and a variety of birds along the way during our tour. It was such a relaxing paddle.
Maps are available for kayakers going on their own.
I know we wouldn’t have found this beautiful beach area without our guide.
The setting was postcard-perfect.
It felt like we had this gorgeous beach all to ourselves with only a handful of people in sight. As a bonus we were given time to search for shark teeth and unique shells on the beach.
One of the highlights of our brief time at the beach was seeing a “fever of rays” swimming together. In fact, we saw two different groups of sting rays pass by us.
Stop for a scenic lunch at Lighthouse Grill & Tiki Bar
Channel Marker #17A on ICW, 260 Maryland Ave, Englewood, FL
We worked up an appetite after our guided kayak tour. Lighthouse Grill & Tiki Bar was a great spot for waterfront dining for our lunch.
My husband enjoyed their Grouper Reuben with coconut rice.
I opted for their Blackened Grouper Tacos with coconut rice. The setting was perfect with great views in the shade while we dined.
Spend the afternoon enjoying the sunshine, white sand, and turquoise water at Englewood Beach
Englewood Beach at Chadwick Park – 2100 N Beach Road, Englewood, FL
Of course, you don’t want to miss out on some beach time while you’re in the area.
We spent several hours relaxing in the sun and swimming in the turquoise blue ocean.
Tiki Sunset cruise with Punta Gorda Adventures
Celebrate the sunset during a relaxing sunset cruise around Charlotte Harbor with Punta Gorda Adventures.
The boat can hold up to 30 people on the 2-hour public cruise. There is a restroom on board available for guests.
It’s BYOB and snacks, or you can purchase drinks during the cruise.
We brought drinks purchased from the hotel lobby and walked across the parking lot from our hotel to the boat launch area.
I also enjoyed traveling through some of the nearby channels and observing the beautiful houses along the water.
Staff had great music and vibes for the duration of our cruise.
During sunset, guests can take turns getting their picture taken by staff at the front of the boat with their cell phones.
Dinner on the rooftop at Perch 360 at Wyvern Hotel
101 E Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, FL
Perch 360 offers fantastic 360-degree views of the surrounding area during the day and at night.
We enjoyed their Calamari as an appetizer, their Coca-Cola braised short rib, and the Fresh catch taco with mahi.
The restaurant sources as much as possible from local producers and also has a selection of signature cocktails, craft beers, and wine.
Morning walk along the harbor at Gilchrist Park
400 W Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, FL
We enjoyed a slower morning walking along Charlotte Harbor at Gilchrist Park. Gilchrist Park is only .3 miles from the Wyvern Hotel.
The park encompasses 11 acres along the water, which includes a large playground, pickleball courts, a fishing pier, a gazebo, picnic areas, and more.
We walked past TT’s Tiki Bar on our way back to the hotel, which is a very colorful photo op.
Breakfast at 88 Keys Florida Restaurant at the Wyvern Hotel
After our walk, we worked up an appetite, and we enjoyed a fantastic omelet and a side of sourdough toast for breakfast at our hotel, 88 Keys Florida Restaurant.
If you visit for dinner, you’ll find contemporary American cuisine and an art deco piano bar.
Stop by Peace River Wildlife Center
3400 Ponce de Leon Parkway, Punta Gorda, FL
Peace River Wildlife Center is a rescue center for animals that can’t be released back into the wild due to injuries or human imprinting.
Whenever possible, the animals are released back into the wild after their care.
It’s important to remember that feeding wild animals is harmful to them, which is why animals can’t be released back into the wild.
The volunteers are so passionate about the animal ambassadors in their care and do a great job of educating visitors about the animals at the center.
After your visit, you’ll have a greater understanding of what to look for when you see wildlife and how you can help prevent their harm.
The wildlife rescue opened in 1982 and has a new location in the works that will be significantly larger.
Enjoy the views nearby at Ponce De Leon Park
3400 Ponce de Leon Pkwy, Punta Gorda, FL
Ponce De Leon Park is located adjacent to the rescue center.
It’s a popular spot for fishing, kayaking, and picnics. There is also a playground and a boat ramp.
Lunch at Laishley Crab House
150 Laishley Court, Punta Gorda, FL
Laishley Crab House is another great spot for waterfront dining and fresh seafood, steaks, and sushi.
I recommend their Blue Crab Cake Sandwich. It’s served on a toasted croissant with homemade tartar sauce, made with blue crabs from Peace River. I’m also a big fan of sweet potato fries.
My husband ordered the grouper sandwich that came with a side of coleslaw and fries.
Explore the shops at Fishermen’s Village
1200 W Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda, FL
Fishermen’s Village is a popular spot for locals and tourists with over 20 retail shops and multiple dining options.
Be sure to check their website for upcoming special events with a regular variety of live music.
I highly recommend eating your ice cream outside while enjoying their Adirondack chairs in the sand by the water after you shop.
The environment by the harbor is so relaxing with plenty of seating and an outside bar.
Visit Iguanaland, the largest reptile zoo in the world!
33900 Bermont Rd., Punta Gorda, FL
Iguanaland has 12 acres completely dedicated to reptiles and amphibians, with over 250 different species from around the world!
We were pretty blown away by the size of Iguanaland and the variety of reptiles and amphibians which included tortoises.
I enjoyed learning more about what regions of the world each reptile was native to.
The majority of reptiles are outside but there are some displays inside. There is also a large area with picnic tables if you want to pack a lunch or need a break from the sun.
You can bring your own food and drinks or a small amount of drinks and snacks are available for purchase in the gift shop.
Speaking of sun, you’ll want to put on some of the free sunscreen available or use one of the coursetsy umbrellas before checking out the outdoor exhibits on a warm sunny day.
There are some sections with outdoor sun shade and guests are encouraged to wear close toed shoes.
Start planning your next visit to Punta Gorda and Englewood Beach
We had such a great visit and after flying home on a direct flight with Allegiant Airlines we’re already dreaming about making plans for our next visit.
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