Best Things to Do in Port Charlotte, Florida

By Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau on Oct. 11, 2023

Port Charlotte is not only the perfect, central place to stay in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach—affording convenient access to the beachy fun of Englewood and to the charm of Punta Gorda—it’s also a destination in its own right. You’ll find lots of fun and unique activities, stellar dining, several amazing golf courses, and accommodations of all kinds in this friendly town, and it's the only place to go to experience Tampa Bay Rays Spring Training in person.

Read on for a few highlights of what Port Charlotte has to offer and check out an itinerary for a Port Charlotte Adventure you'll never forget!

Outdoor Fun
Indoor Fun and Arts & Culture
Restaurants to Rave About

Outdoor Fun

Port Charlotte has several large parks, so the birding is top notch! Add in great fishing and you've got an outdoors dream.

One of our favorite spots is Port Charlotte Beach Park. This local treasure offers easy access to the Peace River and Charlotte Harbor and features a man-made beach, a playground, heated pool, and much more. It's also one of the best places to watch a beautiful sunset. Explore below for more naturally entertaining activities:

>Riptide Jet Ski Rentals

(941) 229-3687

Rent a Jet Ski and have it delivered to any public boat ramp in Charlotte County! We give you…

>Riverwood Golf Club

4100 Riverwood Drive
(941) 764-6661

Four-and-a-half star Golf Digest-rated, par 72 championship golf course with a full-length…

>Tippecanoe Environmental Park

2400 El Jobean Road
(941) 613-3220

Tippecanoe Environmental Park features an ADA-accessible trail and restrooms. The preserve also…

Indoor Fun and Arts & Culture

With everything from a challenging escape room to professional live standup comedy and fun community theater (in season), to an historical café with weekly bluegrass music, kid-friendly spots and even indoor golf, you'll never run out of interesting and entertaining things to do in Port Charlotte. Explore below for even more activities:

>Smash It Shatter & Splatter Rooms

3280 Tamiami Trail Unit 23
(941) 875-3328

Here to Shatter: Unleash your inner Hulk at our Rage Room! Grab a sledgehammer, don your safety…

>Go4Golf

1101 El Jobean Road
(941) 889-7802

Golf is always fun at Go4Golf! Come play and have a refreshing drink in the air conditioning…

>The Escape Ventures Port Charlotte

21178 Olean Boulevard
(941) 979-8896

The Escape Ventures Port Charlotte is a thrilling escape room experience in Port Charlotte, FL…

>Kidstar Park

18505 Paulson Drive
(941) 255-7827

We have Go karts for adults and children, 4-story indoor Play-Gym , iCOMBAT Laser tag…

Restaurants to Rave About

The indie restaurant scene in Port Charlotte is thriving, with cuisine and atmospheres of all types, from upscale fine dining to down-home comfort food. We've featured a few highlights below, and you can find more favorites in our Where to Eat in Port Charlotte blog post and of course, on our Restaurants page.

>Blue Heron Pizza Pub

992 Tamiami Trail Unit F
(941) 235-8560

Family-friendly sports pub offering New England-style food and Massachusetts Pub Pizzas. Good…

>Gatorz Bar & Grill

3816 Tamiami Trail
(941) 625-5000

Sports bar serving wings & regional fare in a decor-rich roadhouse setting with a covered…

>Curry & Kabab

3492 N Tamiami Trail
(941) 979-8080

Local favorite authentic Indian restaurant located conveniently in Port Charlotte, Florida…

>Brother's Fish House Restaurant

3821 Tamiami Trail
(941) 627-1006

Local chef Max Padrón and his brothers welcome you to Brother's Fish House! With years of…

There's a ton of fun to be had right in Port Charlotte. Happy exploring!

Author

Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau

The Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor & Convention Bureau was established in 1997. The Visitor & Convention Bureau supports local businesses by promoting Charlotte County as a premiere travel destination, domestically and internationally, to consumers, meeting planners, travel trade and sports-rights holders.
We advocate for and promote Charlotte County as a warm, welcoming, and beautiful destination with positive economic growth and a focus on the preservation of natural resources to build a sustainable future for visitors and residents alike.
Learn more on our About Us Page and visit our Events Page to stay up to date on happenings in the area.
Blog content is created and reviewed by our amazing staff, (locals of course!). Through our posts we share those “in the know” tips, the “where the locals go” info, and the “places not to miss” to inspire travelers to visit. We share our knowledge by highlighting activities and events, the area’s unique natural appeal, and our prioritizing of conservation, sustainability, and accessibility. Our social media, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube in particular, focus on all there is to do, see, and eat in the area. Social posts and videos are created and shared by the VCB, by visitors, and sometimes by sponsored travel writers (always disclosed).
Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach, the Charlotte Harbor Gulf Island Coast is Florida’s premier ecotourism destination, free from crowds and off the beaten path yet still offering the comfort and amenities discerning travelers seek. Our location on Charlotte Harbor means endless miles of natural shoreline and outdoor assets like beaches, nature preserves, and waterways of all kinds. Visitors can find unlimited outdoor pursuits like sailing, boating, world-class fishing, paddling, birding, biking, dining and arts. Come find out why “Our Best Side is Outside℠.”