Englewood Beach and the amazing restaurants just steps from the sand are a huge draw—but there’s so much more to experience beyond the shoreline. From wildlife encounters to arts and culture, here are some great ways to spend your time off the beach:
Visit the Largest Reptile Zoo in the World
IguanaLand is home to more than 250 reptiles, including iguanas, chameleons, tortoises, turtles, and monitor lizards. Explore at your own pace, book an Animal Encounter for a hands-on experience, or go behind the scenes with a VIP tour.
Enjoy the Ultimate Old Florida Eco Tour
Take a 90-minute buggy ride through a working cattle ranch and Telegraph Swamp with Babcock Ranch Eco-Tours. Along the way, you may spot white-tailed deer, Osceola turkeys, wild boar, alligators, and even historic Florida cracker cattle.
Learn About the Past
Explore thousands of artifacts at the Military Heritage Museum, spanning from the Spanish-American War to present-day conflicts. Interactive exhibits include flight simulators, virtual reality experiences, and even a real Huey helicopter.
Looking for more? Check out our guide to local historical sites.
Take to the Skies
For a true adrenaline rush, experience tandem skydiving with Skydive Southwest Florida.
Prefer to stay in the plane? Enjoy a scenic open-air ride with Suncoast Biplanes for unforgettable views of the coastline.
Savor the Flavors
From casual bites to upscale dining, the area’s independent restaurants offer something for every taste.
For a deeper look, explore Flavor Coast for behind-the-scenes stories and video interviews with the chefs and founders behind some of the area’s standout restaurants.
Where Art Meets Nature
Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens blends art and nature across 30 acres of beautifully curated landscapes. Large-scale sculptures are integrated throughout the gardens, alongside seasonal blooms and unique plant collections. They also host national and international traveling exhibitions.
Break It, Paint It, Escape It
Test your problem-solving skills at The Escape Ventures, where teams work together to solve puzzles and escape in under an hour.
Looking for something more hands-on? Smash It Shatter & Splatter Rooms lets you unleash your creative (or destructive) side with paint splatter and smash sessions.
Ride Like the Wind
TEAM Punta Gorda offers a free Bike Loaner Program, making it easy to explore the area on two wheels.
Cruise along the Punta Gorda Pathways, an 18-mile network of scenic bike and pedestrian trails connecting parks, neighborhoods, and waterfront views.
Browse Galleries and Chat with Artists
The area is home to a thriving arts community, with galleries showcasing a wide range of styles and mediums. Highlights include:
- The Hatch Gallery in Port Charlotte
- The Visual Arts Center of Punta Gorda
- Artisan Atelier in Punta Gorda
Eat, Shop, and Cruise the Harbor
Spend the day at Fishermen’s Village, where you’ll find waterfront dining, boutique shopping, and live entertainment.
For a memorable experience, take a sunset cruise with King Fisher Fleet, or sip a cold cocktail at the Sunset Beach Club to watch the show.
You'll also find plenty to do in Port Charlotte. Check out our guide to get started.
This is just a sampling of the many things to do beyond the beach in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach. Explore the rest of our site for even more ideas.
