The first Saturday of every month is National Play Outside Day, which is the perfect excuse to put your screens away and get outside. In Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach, you don't need an excuse: every day is a great day to hike, play, paddle, and reconnect with family, friends, and nature. Whether you're marking the occasion or simply looking for inspiration to spend more time outdoors, fuel up first with a hearty breakfast or leisurely brunch approved by the locals and then head outside. Here are some of our favorite ways to make the most of a day in the open air."
Flora and Fauna
There are over 70 parks and nature preserves in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach, so whether you’re looking to fly a kite or have a picnic on well-manicured grass, or you want to hike natural terrain and wildlife-watch or paddle Blueway Trails, you’re covered.
The Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens are worth a wander: art and nature woven together across beautifully landscaped grounds. Bring a sketchbook and experience it through your own lens.
Fun and Games
Family outdoor games are fun for all, so challenge your group to a volley ball game or a cornhole match at TT’s Tiki Bar, a magical and musical place right on the waters of the Peace River as it meets Charlotte Harbor. Grab a bite and a drink afterward then enjoy the sky show: TT’s is one of the top ten sunset watching spots in our area.
Prefer your outdoor adventures with a side of local flavor? Our Downtown Punta Gorda Pub Crawl and Tropical Tiki Trail are both made for meandering.
Our Parks also feature many fun and creative playgrounds, which means all kinds of outdoor adventure for kids. For adults, there are sport fields, pickleball and tennis courts, and more. Three of our parks also have pools with Saturday public swimming hours: Port Charlotte Beach Park, Ann & Chuck Dever Regional Park, and South County Regional Park.
Boats and Floats
There are many ways to get out on the water in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach. Boats of all sizes, from a 6-seat floating tiki bar to a 140-seat cruising vessel to a sailing yacht—and everything in between—offer sunset, eco, and history tours, and fishing expeditions of all kinds.
You can also rent your own boat, kayak, standup paddleboard, or jet ski and explore the area at your leisure, or take guided tours to learn more about the area…and how to standup paddleboard, if needed.
Sand and Surf
Fall, with its cooler weather but still-warm water, is the perfect time of year to take advantage of a trip to one of our beautiful beaches. Swim, sun yourself, skim board or surf, fish, hunt for fossilized shark teeth and beautiful shells, or take a sand walk to work up an appetite then satisfy it at one of our amazing beach restaurants.
No matter how (or when) you decide to play outside in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach, you’re sure to have a great time with any of these healthy outdoor activity ideas. For even more fun, tag your outdoor play time photos with #BestSideOutside and you may show up on our website!
