Punta Gorda is a hidden treasure of a small city along the Peace River with a historic downtown district, thriving nightlife scene, award-winning independent restaurants, pristine parks, and easy access to the waters of Charlotte Harbor.
Whether you prefer action-packed outdoor adventure or wining and dining by candlelight, here are some ideas to inspire the perfect date for you and your sweetheart.
The Wining and Dining Couple
There are plenty of beautiful, locally-owned restaurants with stellar food that will meet and exceed all your romantic dinner date ideas in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach. Below are just a few of our favorites:
Carmelo's Italian Ristorante
Considered by many to be the best date-night restaurant in the area, the award-winning Carmelo's Italian Ristorante serves authentic Italian dishes in an amazing array of flavors, from modern takes on traditional favorites to old family Sicilian recipes. Experience the ultimate romantic outdoor date in their string-lit garden with the sounds of live music in the background.
Perch 360
Perch 360 overlooks Downtown Punta Gorda and the Charlotte Harbor and offers unparalleled views from the top of the Wyvern Hotel. Cozy up in a private cabana under the stars and enjoy signature cocktails,
boutique wines, a sharable tapas-style menu, and live music for a wonderful and romantic experience.
The Perfect Caper
Chef Jeanie Roland, nine-time Florida Trend Magazine "Golden Spoon Award" winner, uses refined French techniques and Asian influences to create unique cuisine that keeps patrons coming back again and again. Her unique vision and expertise with local ingredients, fresh fish, and organic or all-natural poultry and meats means magical meals at The Perfect Caper.
The Outdoorsy, Adventurous Couple
Few things are more memorable than the adventures you discover and create for yourselves. Find every flavor of outside fun, from relaxing nature walks and serene water excursions to exciting eco-tours, bi-plane tours and even skydiving, to satisfying nature hikes and biking.
Wonderful Walking
Punta Gorda's Harborwalk is a 2.5 mile pathway that curves along the Charlotte Harbor shoreline and offers the most diverse date experience of all. From nature lovers and fitness enthusiasts to bar hoppers and sports fanatics, there is something for everyone. Along your stroll, you’ll discover mangrove forests, parks, restaurants, shopping and bars. With so much to do, you could create an all-new experience every time you go. 
Nature Tours
Take a ride on the wild side on a Babcock Ranch Eco-Tour. Climb aboard a "swamp buggy" for a fun, funny, and educational excursion through four different ecosystems while learning about the Florida Cracker heritage. Get up close to historic cracker cattle, and see native wildlife including alligators, whitetail deer, birds of all kinds, and more, then enjoy the quirky gift shop and enjoy a hearty meal at The Gator Shack, the onsite restaurant.
Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary offer private tours of their exotic animal rescue. You'll get close—but not too—to bears, apes, canines, felines, and and more.
Take to the Skies
Suncoast Biplanes offers sky tours like no one else in the area! Climb aboard "Gracie" the open-cockpit Waco biplane to catch the views of a lifetime.
If you're feeling extra adventurous, you can also jump out of a plane! Skydive Southwest Florida offers tandem jumps, so you can both jump with your own instructor.
Get Some Wheels on the Road
Punta Gorda is proud to be a bike-friendly city, and even offers several spots where you can hop on a free loaner bike to explore the area. Find more details on our Biking page.
The Cultured Couple
Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach is bursting with world-class art installations and galleries, live music and performance, and history. You'll find all manner of culture to enrich your trip:
Historic Downtown Punta Gorda
Nearly every block of historic Downtown Punta Gorda features murals that pay homage to the rich heritage of this waterfront town. They even have an app with interactive maps and narration about the murals.
If you're here on a Sunday (and you should be!) check out the History Park Market to explore historic houses while shopping handcrafted arts and crafts, treats of all kinds, produce, and more.
Get your history on at the amazing Military Heritage Museum. With literally thousands of artifacts, ship and airplane simulators, virtual reality experiences, and much more, you'll never run out of fascinating corners to explore.
Art & Culture
Immerse yourselves in a sanctuary of art and nature at the breathtaking Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens. This showcase of world-class art sculptures and over 3,500 botanicals offers natural beauty, fresh air, and artistic inspiration, all in one.
Catch a play by the Charlotte Players at their own theater or enjoy a concert from the Charlotte Chorale or a full operatic performance from the Gulfshore Opera (October through April). For an evening of laughs, check out nationally-renowned comedy acts at Visani Italian Steakhouse and Comedy Theater.
No matter your interests and your vibe as a couple, you'll find plenty to delight both of you in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach. See you soon!
