Punta Gorda parks 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 the view. But there's more to Punta Gorda's parks than just the beautiful scenery. It's hard to choose the best parks in Punta Gorda, but here are a few great green spots to get you out and about.

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 four dedicated pickleball courts, available from 8 am to 8 pm—or dusk, whichever is earlier. 

Gilchrist also offers live music! Stop by the park Thursday evenings to enjoy the legendary “Guitar Army.” The style of music depends on who shows up that night, but folk, blues, and rock are typically on the play list.

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. Listen to a naturalist talk at the pelican feeding daily at 2:30 pm, and 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 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, an amazing splash pad and fountain for the littles, and the poignant and beautiful public art piece, "The Spirit of Punta Gorda."

 

Punta Gorda History Park

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You’ll get a lot of bang for your buck at the History Park on Sundays. Starting at 9 am, you’ll find unique arts, crafts, food, and produce. Enjoy live music while you take in the historic buildings, one of which houses a gift shop with local artists’ creations.

Hounds on Henry Street

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Two Corgis on a double leash enjoying the Downtown Punta Gorda Farmers MarketThere are plenty of dog-friendly parks in Punta Gorda, but the ultimate has to be Hounds on Henry Street.

Traveling with your dog is both rewarding and demanding, and a visit to this fenced dog park can relax and refresh you both! There are separate areas for large and small breeds so every dog can feel safe and comfortable.

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

Like Punta Gorda itself, its parks 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.