What’s an outdoor enthusiast to do when stifled by cold, snow, and ice? Head south to Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach, of course!
Winter around here usually means temperate days, so you’ll be comfortable golfing, fishing, beaching, biking and enjoying every other outdoor activity under the blue sky.
The evening air is often crisp, encouraging you to cuddle up around a fire pit or sway the night away to live music.
Here are the best sunny things to do in winter in Punta Gorda.
Winter Fishing That Actually Delivers
Whether you book a charter, rent a boat (or trailer your own vessel down), or set up on one of our shores, you’ll hook plenty during the winter months.
This is the season to target Spanish and king mackerel, grouper, lane snapper, hogfish, sheepshead, trout, pompano and so many more. Check our monthly Fishing Forecast for more details. Be sure you know the limits and which species are catch-and-release, like Tarpon.
It’s also handy to know which local restaurants will Cook Your Catch!
Golf Without the Sweat
Golfing in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach is a year-round sport. The area boasts 15+ courses, including one in the Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary Program (ACSP) for Golf.
Three of our courses are on Golfer’s Choice 2026 Top 25 Golf Courses in Florida list: Riverwood Golf Club (#20), Babcock National Golf Club (#11), and Heron’s Glenn Golf & Country Club (#2!).
The designers embraced and enhanced the natural environment, creating many courses to remember. Trust us, you’ll never run out of options to play a fun and challenging round...with a beautiful view.
Still a Water Playground
The air may take on a gentle chill in the evenings but our waters stay pretty warm, so you can still swim and wade, paddle, kayak and go boating.
Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for birds and wildlife, both migratory and year-round residents. They love the mild weather during the winter months just as much as we do.
For wellness travelers, or those just looking to relax, add a morning beach yoga session on nearby Englewood Beach. These donation-based sessions are particularly traveler-friendly, requiring just a beach towel, a bottle of water, at least $5 cash for the donation, and of course, sunscreen.
Although our winters are usually dry, we like to keep a few great ideas for indoor fun handy, in case of rain.
Signature Winter Events
There are plenty of activities in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach, Florida in the "winter."
January brings the Charlotte County Fair, the Charlotte Harbor Chili, Beer, and Music Fest, and the January Sullivan Street Art & Craft Fest. This celebration of art and craft takes over downtown Punta Gorda for three days and affords a perfect opportunity to take a tour of the 31 murals installed by the Punta Gorda Historic Mural Society. Download the free mural tour on the Otocast app (available on Apple and Google), which includes a map and details for each mural.
February and March are great for baseball fans with both the Snowbird Baseball Classic (at Centennial Park in Port Charlotte and South County Regional Park in Punta Gorda) and Tampa Bay Rays Spring Training (at the Charlotte Sports Park), running mid-February to mid-March.
Speaking of March, don't miss the Taste of Punta Gorda and Beyond, the Babcock Ranch Art Show, and March's version of the Sullivan Street Art & Craft Fest.
Top Tips for Winter Visits
The calendar might say winter but your suitcase will look like it’s spring! Think layers: a fleece or a sweater for cool evenings, short sleeves for the rest of the time, and a mix of long pants and/or skirts and shorts will cover all bases. Don't forget your swimsuit! The sun is pretty much always shining, so pack a hat, sunscreen and a water bottle.
Keep an eye on the school schedule for those three-day weekends in January and February or plan a nice long trip for Spring Break.
If the cold weather is giving you the blues, come on down to enjoy all the outdoor activities you love in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach. We hope to see you out and about!
