Punta Gorda ... Paradise Found!

Punta Gorda ... the very name conjures up images of Olde World charm and tranquility to those who know and love it. Situated in the heart of the west coast of Florida, between Fort Myers and Sarasota, Punta Gorda has long been a haven for those seeking the finest in tropical living and vacationing.

The city of Punta Gorda is a charming and historic waterfront town, tracing its roots back to 1539 when Hernando De Soto landed at a point on the Peace River. The name itself means "Broad Point" in the language of the Conquistadors. With brick roads and quaint homes in historic neighborhoods along the Peace River, the city is designated as a State Historic District. Now more than 100 years old, Punta Gorda remains Charlotte County's only incorporated city.

While peace and tranquility pervade, Punta Gorda is far from sleepy! In fact Charlotte County has found its place in the sun.

In spite of its phenomenal growth, Charlotte County remains a delightful place to live, work and vacation. The living is still leisurely, uncongested and unhurried. The air is clean, the waters sparkling, and sunshine year-round. The fishing is great, the wildlife is in abundance and a casual, friendly atmosphere beckons all those in pursuit of the casual Florida lifestyle.

For the avid fisherman, hunter, boatsman, golfer, or just an enraptured observer of magnificent sunsets, this is truly a sportsman's paradise. Boasting a sub-tropical climate, temperatures in the summer and winter months are tempered by the gentle influence of the Gulf of Mexico.

Shoppers and diners also experience a little slice of heaven. Unique shops and restaurants line the waterfront with the characteristic charm of Punta Gorda. Port Charlotte Town Center, a huge shopping complex, is located in Murdock.

For the culturally minded, concerts, ballet, Broadway shows and dancing to name bands are offered at nearby Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center, and the Port Charlotte Cultural Center offers a full program of cultural events year round.

Nature and wilderness enthusiasts delight in a visit to Babcock Wilderness Adventures, where they can experience the real Florida as it was long ago. The guided swamp buggy excursion traverses the unspoiled woodlands and swamp on the 90,000 acre ranch. Along the trip, visitors are likely to encounter alligators, bison, deer, members of the panther family, and many exotic types of birds.

Easily accessible by air and ground, Punta Gorda is less than one hour's drive to major airports in neighboring Fort Myers or Sarasota. Commercial flights to and from select cities are also available at the Charlotte County Airport. Auto travel is convenient either via U.S. 41 or Interstate 75, which has five interchanges in Charlotte County.

Punta Gorda ... shining bright. Its unspoiled beauty and liveability make it a destination of choice for both full-time and seasonal residents.

Welcome to paradise ...

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