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Visit Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach

Visit Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach was established in 1997 and supports local businesses by promoting Charlotte County as a premiere travel destination, domestically and internationally, to consumers, meeting planners, travel trade and sports-rights holders. 
We advocate for and promote Charlotte County as a warm, welcoming, and beautiful destination with positive economic growth and a focus on the preservation of natural resources to build a sustainable future for visitors and residents alike. 
Learn more on our About Us Page and visit our Events Page to stay up to date on happenings in the area.
Blog content is created and reviewed by our amazing staff, (locals of course!). Through our posts we share those “in the know” tips, the “where the locals go” info, and the “places not to miss” to inspire travelers to visit. We share our knowledge by highlighting activities and events, the area’s unique natural appeal, and our prioritizing of conservation, sustainability, and accessibility. Our social media, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube in particular, focus on all there is to do, see, and eat in the area. Social posts and videos are created and shared by the VCB, by visitors, and sometimes by sponsored travel writers (always disclosed). 
Visit Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach, the Charlotte Harbor Gulf Island Coast, is Florida’s premier ecotourism destination, free from crowds and off the beaten path yet still offering the comfort and amenities discerning travelers seek. Our location on Charlotte Harbor means endless miles of natural shoreline and outdoor assets like beaches, nature preserves, and waterways of all kinds. Visitors can find unlimited outdoor pursuits like sailing, boating, world-class fishing, paddling, birding, biking, dining and arts. Come find out why “Our Best Side is Outside℠.”

Skip the Resolutions & Get Active in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach

Beyond the Resolutions: Getting Active (and Eating Well) in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach It doesn’t take New Year’s-levels of willpower to get moving, learn new skills, and eat well in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach. All you have to do is get here and let nature take its course. Get on the Water Launch…

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Restaurants Open Christmas Eve and/or Christmas Day in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach

In 2026, Christmas Eve is Thursday, December 24 and Christmas Day is Friday, December 25. 'Tis the season for celebrating, and for many, that means eating out with family and friends. Whether you're looking to continue cherished traditions around the holidays or create new ones, you'll find amazing dining experiences with our many independently-owned local restaurants open over Christmas! Celebrate with everything from comfort food and pub bites to seafood and sushi, to gourmet dining options, Italian, Mexican, Mediterranean, and more. To help you choose your holiday meal/s, here's our list of restaurants that have traditionally been open either Christmas Eve, Christmas Day, or both. As the holiday approaches and we're able to verify, we'll update this list, but as always: please contact the individual businesses to verify their hours before heading over.  …

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Worth the Park: Relaxing RV Resorts in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach

Whether you’re pulling in for the weekend or for a whole season, you’ll find a great home base and plenty of fun close to a Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach RV Resort. Each geographic area has its own personality, and you’ll find activities and events for all tastes no matter where you stay: laze on the…

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Holiday Events and Winter Festivities in Punta Gorda/ Englewood Beach, Florida

Doing festive holiday and Christmas activities in shorts and sandals is not only a refreshing and fun change of pace, it's an easy way to make your friends and family back home jealous! Not to brag, but that’s our normal in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach. During the holidays around here, you may need a…

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Restaurants Open for Thanksgiving in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach

Thanksgiving always falls on the fourth Thursday in November. In 2026, it falls on November 26. Share a special meal with family and friends at independently-owned local restaurants offering amazing Thanksgsiving Day buffets and/or curated menus in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach. Below are restaurants…

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Beachcombing in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach: Shells, Shark Teeth & Coastal Keepsakes

A beach walk in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach is more than a stroll along the shore, it’s a little treasure hunt, too. You never know what the tide might leave behind, from a fossilized shark tooth or beautifully patterned olive shell to an unexpected find that has you reaching for your phone to…

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