Once you get here, you’ll be so relaxed, you’ll feel like you’re on the ultimate staycation!
Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach offers several different vibes, depending on where you stay. Englewood, Cape Haze, and Placida are laid back, Punta Gorda is casually elegant, Port Charlotte is an easygoing and friendly geographic hub, and Charlotte Harbor—while sharing a name with the second-largest estuary in Florida—is a small area right between Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda, bordering the Peace River.
Here are some staycation ideas to get you started:
Punta Gorda
For a coastal chic vibe—sophisticated but laid back—set yourself up in Punta Gorda.
The walkable downtown is one of the main draws, with tons of independent restaurants and authentic pubs (most offering live music in a variety of genres), adorable boutiques and art galleries, spas and salons, and more. Explore the 30+ historical murals around town and seek out the charming eccentricities of the town to deepen the entire experience.
Don't miss the Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens, where world-class art meets amazing botanicals.
The convivial atmosphere in Punta Gorda will probably make you want to stay longer!
Englewood
Englewood, Cape Haze, and Placida are beachy and happy-go-lucky.
Fresh seafood is plentiful at many restaurants and the unhurried vibe and easy access to perfect sandy shores and Gulf waters are a huge draw.
You’ll find a wide range of accommodation options, from hotel rooms and cozy condos right on the beach to large homes able to comfortably harbor multiple people, both on secluded beaches and right in town.
There are a lot of ways to get on the water, from boat tours and rentals to kayak and SUP excursions to Jet Ski tours and even parasailing. Or hop on a fishing charter and catch your own dinner!
Port Charlotte
Port Charlotte features indulgent dining from cuisine ranging from creative gourmet to traditional steakhouse and Italian to crab shacks and fish and chips to die for. Live music is showcased at many restaurants and shopping is abundant and eclectic.
A stay in Port Charlotte also sets you up perfectly to pop over to Englewood or down to Punta Gorda quickly and easily.
You’ll also find 15+ top-notch golf courses in the area—and even an indoor golfing option.
Amazing nature trails and parks full of fascinating wildlife abound, as does serene paddling and kayaking,
Port Charlotte's homey atmosphere really brings that "staycation" feeling to the forefront. You may not want to leave!
Charlotte Harbor
The community of Charlotte Harbor is just south of Port Charlotte and just north of Punta Gorda, bordering the Peace River and the north ends of the Barron Collier and Gilchrist bridges. This small, historic community offers waterfront amenities, easy access to cultural and outdoor events, and an overall Old Florida vibe juxtaposed with the modernity of attractions like Sunseeker Resort.
Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor is the ultimate in staycation luxury, with their waterfront Sunsuites™. Guests and the general public alike can take advantage of myriad dining experiences and a truly luxurious spa, while guests enjoy exclusive access to Aileron, their 72 championship-level golf course, their two amazing swimming pools, and more.
Two of our most beautiful and walkable waterfront parks are also in Charlotte Harbor: Bayshore Live Oak Park and Live Oak Point Park. Each park offers unparalleled views of the waters of the Peace River and Charlotte Harbor, as well as beautiful greenery, wildlife and birds galore, and a respite from the work-a-day. A nice walk is a perfect way to treat yourself!
Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach offer the ultimate getaway. No matter if you're looking to laze at the pool or beach all day, or find your own adventure with myriad activities, you'll find plenty to do (or not do) and see around here. Your next best staycation starts when you arrive, see you soon!