From world championship boat races to Tampa Bay Rays Spring Training Baseball to hunting, fishing, and more, Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach delivers year-round sporting action for athletes and spectators alike.
Air Sports
When: November
Where: Punta Gorda Airport, Punta Gorda, Florida
Why it's great: Attendees get close-up views of fascinating ground displays and exhilarating aerial performances from elite civilian pilots set against the backdrop of Southwest Florida's skies.
The Florida International Air Show presents a thrilling lineup of aerial demonstrations including the Warbird Thunder formation aerobatics featuring the North American SNJ Texan aircraft, and performances by renowned aerobatic pilot Aarron Deliu. The event offers a full slate of family-friendly activities, including the Innovators STEM Pavilion with interactive experiences for all ages. Find more information in this blog post.
Water Sports
When: October
Where: Englewood Beach at Chadwick Park on Manasota Key, Florida
Why it's great: This is world-championship powerboat racing at one of Florida’s most scenic Gulf beaches, blending high-speed excitement with local culture and conservation.
Englewood Beach Waterfest is a celebration of all things water in Englewood and the Cape Haze peninsula. The multi-day event takes place every October and features marine education exhibits, food vendor, family-friendly fun. The event culminates in the Offshore Powerboat Association World Championships —an annual spectacle that’s as much about community pride as it is about competition. Don't forget there are several beachy restaurants just steps away!
Baseball
When: mid-February to mid-March
Where: Port Charlotte, Punta Gorda, and Englewood, Southwest Florida's Gulf Coast
Why it's great: Fans can experience Florida's iconic spring baseball season with Major League Spring Training and an iconic Collegiate tournament as well as rookie-level play all summer. 
Tampa Bay Rays Spring Training at the Charlotte Sports Park in Port Charlotte: the best way to get into the swing of baseball season! See the players up close in a comfortable setting and get a sneak preview of regular season possibilities.
Snowbird Baseball Classic: takes place at several county fields and features top-rated college teams going head-to-head.
Minor League Baseball at Charlotte Sports Park: these Rookie-level Florida Complex League games offer free admission and yet another chance to experience the future of baseball.
Golf
When: year-round
Where: Across Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, and Englewood, Florida
Why it's great: With more than 15 beautifully designed courses set amid Florida’s natural landscapes, Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach is a relaxed yet rewarding golf destination for players of every level.
Golf courses in the area offer plenty of variety, with courses ranging from championship-level layouts to beginner-friendly fairways. Heritage Landing Golf & Country Club anchors the area’s offerings with scenic views and challenging play, while many smaller clubs showcase Florida’s native wildlife and laid-back atmosphere. Rainy day? There’s even an indoor practice facility to keep your swing sharp.
For an overview of what Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach has to offer, read about 7 of our favorite golf courses. You can also order or download our Golf Guide. Maybe the best part is, it's very easy to get here and get out on the green!
Find real-world inspiration to come clubbing in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach in this video:
Pickleball
When: year-round
Where: Across Charlotte County, Florida
Why it's great: Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach is a year-round hotspot for America’s fastest-growing sport, offering world-class courts and an active, welcoming player community.
Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S. for the last 4–5 years and shows no signs of slowing. It’s so popular in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach, in fact, that a deluxe facility, the PicklePlex® of Punta Gorda, was built several years ago. The PicklePlex® is not only a place to play (and learn how to play), it also hosts several professional tournaments throughout the year.
You can also find courts all around the area.
Indoor Sports
When: year-round
Where: Punta Gorda, Florida, along Charlotte Harbor
Why it's great: Visitors can experience competitive events up close in a climate-controlled setting.
Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach hosts several indoor sporting events, like gymnastics and dog agility, which means there's fun for everyone! Keep an eye on our Events page to see what's coming up.
Hunting & Fishing
When: year-round
Where: The waters of Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach: Charlotte Harbor, the Peace and Myakka Rivers, Lemon Bay, Placida Harbor, and numerous mangrove tunnels and preserves in the area.
Why it's great: A variety of guides offer hands-on outdoor adventures that combine thrill, skill, and plenty of natural beauty.
Hunting of many kinds, from quail, wild boar, turkey, and even alligator is available in our area. We have all types of fishing available as well, and there's even a bowfishing guide. Head out with an expert or explore on your own! Babcock/Webb Wildlife Management Area offers all kinds of hunting, fishing, camping, and more.
Whether you’re looking to watch sports or challenge yourself physically, Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach has you covered.
Reviewed and updated by Julie P., Marketing Coordinator.
