In Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach, Florida, we say Outsiders Welcome because we're the perfect destination for people who like to adventure off the beaten path, aka Outsiders. Nature-appreciators will find a home away from home around here, with incredible outdoor adventures, plenty of fun events, and amazing food at a large number of independent resaturants.
Whether you’re an Instagram influencer or just posting for friends and family, you’ll want to grab as many pics as possible to share your adventure on Florida’s Charlotte Harbor Gulf Island Coast.
We've chosen the following locations as the best instagrammable spots because they're unique, beautiful, and a lot of fun. So snap and post to your heart's content, and discover why we say Our Best Side is Outside!
1. Best for Artistic Shots
Surrounded by colorful flowers, greenery, and world-class art installations—and recently named the "#1 Hidden Gem in all America" by Tripadvisor—the Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens is an outdoor oasis that provides one of the best places for Outsiders to relax, unwind, and become fully immersed in nature. Also, it’s almost impossible to take a bad picture in this garden.
Don't miss the astonishing Origami in the Garden, on display September 13, 2025–April 19, 2026.
2. Best for Water Vistas
For beautiful shots on the water and to experience Old Florida by sea, book a peaceful paddling tour. We've chosen a paddling tour because nothing matches the unparalleled beauty and wonder of Florida’s Gulf Coast and the pristine waters of Charlotte Harbor, and there's a gorgeous picture—and often, a dolphin or a bird—in every direction which means a feast for the eyes and attention-getting photos.
3. Best for Jaw-Dropping Reptile Images
The world's largest reptile zoo, IguanaLand, is located right in Punta Gorda. We've chosen this spot because there are over 250 species on site, so even if you don't go for the Animal Encounter tour that gets you up-close and personal with some of the most unique lizards in the world, you'll still have countless photo opps and a lot of fun. You can trust that no one will have photos like the ones you'll get!
4. Best for Panoramic Photos
Perch 360, located on the roof of The Wyvern Hotel, is an open-air restaurant and bar offering a wide array of tasty tapas and a nice selection of beer, wine, and cocktails. We've chosen this location because of the panoramic views of downtown Punta Gorda as well as the picturesque Charlotte Harbor and Peace River, which means amazing photographic options!
This is also one of the best spots to catch one of our stunning sunsets. Any way you turn, you'll be able to snap and post a pic to make all your friends, family, and followers jealous…and hungry.
5. Best for a Wild Florida Experience
Florida is well-known for its marine life, but for a more unique Old Florida experience, embark on a wildlife adventure with Babcock Ranch Eco-Tours. We've chosen this tour due to its uniqueness and for everything from the fun refurbished school bus that takes you through the four different ecosystems of the working Babcock Ranch to the many wildlife and landscape shots you'll get. You'll get get up close and personal (safely) with alligators, Florida cracker cattle, wild turkeys, deer, sometimes wild boar, and birds of every feather.
This is a fascinating and fun tour that will yield many amazing images as well as a tasty down-home meal at the onsite restaurant, The Gator Shack, and an eclectic Gift Shop experience!
6. Best for Mouth-Watering Images of Authentic Florida Food (in one of the last real crab shacks in Florida)
Housed in a traditional Old Florida Cracker Shack, Peace River Seafood and Botanicals is an unassuming eatery that is a legend and a favorite among those in the know. We've chosen this as one of the best Instagram spots because of the amibiance, the authentic decor, and the freshest-of-the-fresh menu offerings that change frequently at the will of the sea.
They're most well-known for their Florida Blue Crabs and She-crab Soup, alongside their amazing seafood boils. While photos won't do any of it justice, you won't care!
7. Best for Mangrove Tunnel Images
As Florida’s second-largest marine estuary, Charlotte Harbor offers over 200 miles of mapped out aquatic pathways perfect for exploration on a stand-up paddleboard or kayak or canoe tour. The photo possibilities are endless, from the gorgeous greenery to the wildlife, from the beautiful waters to a fun shot with paddle in hand! Start planning with the Blueway Trails guide.
8. Best for a Vision of Clean Energy...and the Future!
Home to the largest solar-plus-storage system in the U.S.A., the sustainable town of Babcock Ranch is a must-visit for those who care about protecting the environment. We've chosen this location because the solar trees are both a great photo op and an innovative combination of technology, functionality, and art, which adds depth to both the experience and the photographs!
9. Best for Dazzling Sunsets
There are many perfect opportunities to catch a dazzling sunset in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach. From one of the area beaches, from your rental on a private island, or aboard a sunset cruise with King Fisher Fleet—setting sail from Fishermen’s Village—there is no wrong way to watch the bright, golden sun dip below the Gulf of Mexico and capture that perfect vacation pic.
10. Best for Historic Art Shots: Calostimucu
Calostimucu, one of Peter Toth’s “Trail of Whispering Giants,” welcomes visitors from the north from its perch at the base of the southbound Gilchrist Bridge into Punta Gorda. The artist himself recently visited to give Calostimucu a "face lift," so there's no better time to drop by and get a couple of selfies.
We've chosen this spot because it's a truly unique piece of historical art conveying both deep meaning and asthetic interest.
Fun facts for your followers: the artist named the piece using a combination of Calusa and Timucua, two of the indigenous tribes of the area. The north-sided face is a chief and the south-sided face is a maiden.
Find more fun facts and more unique spots for singular selfies in our 10 Charmingly Eccentric Places and Things in Punta Gorda post!
No matter what you do on your Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach vacation, you’ll have a blast exploring our outdoor wonders, and you'll see why we say Our Best Side is Outside.
From everyone here, Welcome, Outsider!
