We only get the "extra day" novelty of Leap Day every four years, but you can take advantage of any 3-day weekend to come and play in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach!
Read on for an overview of some fun activities to enjoy on those long weekend getaways, and remember, it's never too early to start thinking about what you want to do on the next Leap Day!
Fun Things to Do
Take to the skies with Suncoast Biplanes! A flight in their open-air small plane is the very definition of freedom and adventure, with the added perk of truly unmatchable views.
Take a leisurely trip up the picturesque Peace River with Wilderness Boat Tours for amazing wildlife and nature viewing. Their custom-built pontoon can take you where few other boats can. They also offer Harbor Tours, evening cruises, and more.
Spend the day on the water with a private tour with Island Coast Cruises. They offer dolphin & shelling tours, dolphin & lunch tours, and more.
Enjoy the nightlife with our Downtown Punta Gorda Pub Crawl or Follow our Tiki Trail for the ultimate island vibes.
However you spend your day, it’s always nice to wind down and prepare for a fun evening with a glass of wine at The Grape Winery & Wine Bar or unWined Wine & Beer Bar, or head to one of our waterfront restaurants to enjoy a beautiful sunset.
Special Events
If you're here in February and March (and you definitely should be!) take everyone out to the ballgame at Charlotte Sports Park, the #2 Spring Training Facility in the US as voted by USA Today's 10Best in 2025. While there's nothing like a Tampa Bay Rays Spring Training game, you can also catch Minor League Baseball in June and July. For even more baseball, don't miss the Snowbird Baseball Classic, which runs almost concurrent with Spring Training, from mid-February to mid-March.
Even when not featuring special exhibits, Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens is a must-visit, with many different events and activities on offer, along with world-class art and amazing botanicals. There's always something new to see and experience at The Gardens, so we recommend putting it on the agenda of every trip to the area!
Craving culture? Keep an eye on the Gulfshore Opera, the Florida Philharmonic, and The Charlotte Chorale for music, and the Charlotte Players for theater. Aside from tons of live music in our many restaurants and bars, we're fortunate to enjoy several full opera productions, classical and chorale music, and quite a few theater productions each year.
Whether you're here for a nice long is, a day spent exploring Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach is a day well-spent.
