Punta Gorda parks, alongside the many independent restaurants and tons of fun events and attractions in the area, are a major reason this historical little city is so beautiful and fun to explore. There are a whopping 19 parks covering more than 100 acres of prime real estate, and all of them have picnic tables or benches where you can sit and enjoy a variety of gorgeous views.

But there's more to Punta Gorda's parks than just the scenery. Read on to explore a few of these amazing green spots for inspiration to get out and about...and playing!

Gilchrist Park

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Outdoor recreation in Punta Gorda can mean everything from renting a Jet Ski or paddling a kayak to riding a free rental bike or walking a nature trail.

Of course, one of the most popular outdoor activities in the area is Pickleball. To play a round or two while out and about, Gilchrist Park is a good choice. There are dedicated pickleball courts available from 8 am to 8 pm—or dusk, whichever is earlier. 

 

Ponce de Leon Park

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Ponce de Leon Park offers visitors a variety of sensory experience, from sitting on the dry beach and boat watching to exploring the boardwalks through the mangroves, where you'll encounter all manner of fascinating wildlife. Stay a bit longer to enjoy a beautiful sky show—Ponce Park is on our Top 10 Spots to See Spectacular Sunsets.

Right next door is the Peace River Wildlife Center, where you can see both resident and rehabbing birds and other wildlife up close and personal and you'll find all manner of unique souvenirs in the Gift Shop.

Keep an eye out for Luna, a leucistic Eastern screech owl that serves as the Center's mascot. Luna is white, but not albino, as his eyes, feet, and beak are pigmented normally.

Laishley Park

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Kids and (leashed) four-legged friends will especially love Laishley Park.

This beautiful park is right along the Peace River and features lots of green space, amazing views no matter which way you walk on the nice, wide paths, and the poignant and beautiful public art piece, "The Spirit of Punta Gorda." 

Frequent food- and/or music-related festivals take place in this great space as well, so keep an eye out.

Find more public art and other Punta Gorda eccentricities here.

 

Punta Gorda History Park

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The Punta Gorda History Park is a charming collection of historical buildings and thoughtfully-curated botanicals, offering a peaceful respite and plenty of photo opps for people and leashed dogs. 

On Sundays at 9 am, the park comes alive with the Punta Gorda History Park Market. You'll find unique arts, crafts, food and produce, and chill live music. The historic buildings, known as the Artisans Village, are full of local artists' creations and open to the public for shopping during the Market.

Hounds on Henry Street

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Happy hound at Hounds on Henry Street Dog Park in Punta Gorda, FloridaThere are plenty of (leashed) dog-friendly parks in Punta Gorda, but the ultimate is definitely Hounds on Henry Street. 

With separate areas for large and small breeds, every dog can feel safe and comfortable. There's even shaded seating for pet parents.

Traveling with your dog is both rewarding and demanding, and a visit to this off-leash, fenced dog park can relax and refresh you both!

Find more dog-friendly spots in this blog post, and plan a few great summer dog walks with this one!

Like Punta Gorda itself, parks in this beautiful liittle city offer something for everyone.

The question is not whether a visit to a park should be on your "to do" list, but which one to enjoy first!