Punta Gorda

Founded by homesteading Civil War veterans in the 1800s, the land that would become the Charlotte County and the city of Punta Gorda first became a tourist destination in 1886 where it was the southernmost stop on The Florida Southern railroad and people just kept coming back ever since, come find out why!

Incorporated in 1887, Punta Gorda has a rich and interesting history ranging from rum smugglers to Vanderbilts and a jazz artist, but there's certainly plenty going on in the present as well! Boutique shopping and unique restaurants abound, one must-see is the Fishermen's Village where you can catch live entertainment and all sorts of community activities like the annual Dachshund race or a Key Lime festival.

Charlotte County also encompasses Port Charlotte, home to the Charlotte Stone Crabs baseball team and named #1 place to retire by CNN in their 2009 list of "25 best places to retire." Port Charlotte features a full shopping mall and movie theater to round out the area's charms.

Smattered with beautiful parks and draped in seaside views, Charlotte residents love to enjoy the outdoors. Bicycling around the gorgeous little town is a favorite pastime and the city even has a free bike loaner program stationed in popular points of interest so anyone can hop on a set of wheels. Fishing, golf, swimming, and boating are also very popular, as well as spas to complete the resort lifestyle you'll find here on the Gulf Coast.