In Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach, Florida, we say Outsiders Welcome. If you like to adventure off the beaten path, you may be an Outsider, which means you'll find your home away from home right here. While you’re exploring the incredible outdoor adventures, attending the fun events, and partaking in the amazing food of Florida’s Charlotte Harbor Gulf Island Coast, you’ll want to grab as many pics as possible to share your adventure.
Whether you’re an Instagram influencer or just posting for friends and family, you'll have a blast checking out these unique and beautiful places. Snap and post to your heart's content, and discover why we say Our Best Side is Outside!
1. At the Ultimate Art and Botanical Garden
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.
For a truly amazing experience, don't miss the Zimsculpt Exhibition, running through April 20, 2025.
2. On a Kayak, Canoe, or Standup Paddleboard Tour
Experience Old Florida by sea on a peaceful paddling tour you'll never forget. Nothing matches the unparalleled beauty and wonder of Florida’s Gulf Coast and the pristine waters of Charlotte Harbor.
There's a gorgeous picture—and often, a dolphin or a bird—in every direction.
3. With an Exotic Reptile
The world's largest reptile zoo, IguanaLand, is located right in Punta Gorda, and if you go for the Animal Encounter tour, you'll get up-close and personal with some of the most unique lizards in the world.
Trust us, no one will have photos like the ones you'll get, even if you take the regular tour!
4. From the SkyDeck at Perch 360
Perch 360, located on the roof of The Wyvern Hotel, is an open-air restaurant and bar boasting panoramic views of downtown Punta Gorda and the picturesque Charlotte Harbor and Peace River, which means amazing photographic options!
Enjoy refreshing cocktails and a tapas style meal while watching the sun sink below the horizon. Snap and post a pic to make all your followers jealous…and hungry.
5. On an Eco-Tour with Florida Wildlife
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. A refurbished school bus will take you through the four different ecosystems of the working Babcock Ranch. You'll get plenty of pics as you get up close and personal (safely) with alligators, Florida cracker cattle, wild turkeys, deer, sometimes wild boar, and birds of every feather.
6. At Peace River Seafood and Botanicals
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. With plenty of outdoor seating, this is an Outsiders dining dream come true. Peace River Seafood’s menu offerings change frequently, at the will of the sea, but they are most well-known for their Florida Blue Crabs and She-crab Soup.
7. In a Charlotte Harbor Mangrove Tunnel
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. At the Solar Trees at the Sustainable City of Babcock Ranch
Home to the largest solar-plus-storage system in the U.S.A., the town of Babcock Ranch is a must-see for those who care about protecting the environment. The solar trees are a great photo op and are an innovative combination of technology, functionality, and art.
9. Near the Water for a Dazzling Sunset
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. With 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.
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!
