Charlotte County

Gulf Theatre at MHM PUNTA GORDA/ENGLEWOOD BEACH VISITOR & CONVENTION BUREAU / COURTESY PHOTOS

ART & MUSEUMS

The Charlotte Players

941-625-4175, charlotteplayers.org

Established in 1961, this community theater company has produced over 300 theatrical productions, offered acting classes and run a children’s summer program. It also partners with the Dolly Parton Imagination Library to distribute free books to preschoolers.

Gulf Theater & Military Heritage Museum

941-575-9002, gulftheater.org , militaryheritagemuseum.org

The Militar y Heritage Museum, chaired by Sean O’Keefe, honors U.S. military veterans with artifacts and stories under the theme “Freedom Isn’t Free.” It includes the Gulf Theater, a 247-seat venue for lectures and concerts.

Gulfshore Opera

239-529-3925, gulfshoreopera.org

With affordable tickets and diverse performances, Gulfshore Opera makes opera accessible to all. Steffanie Pearce’s 30 years of global experience in opera underscores the company’s commitment to community and the arts.

Visual Arts Center

Military Heritage Museum

941-639-8810, visualartcenter.org

The Visual Arts Center in Punta Gorda hosts a variety of art activities and exhibits, including “Back in Time,” “Wonky World” and “Ignite Imagination.” It evolved from a small artists’ gathering in 1961, eventually establishing the center in 1989. The VAC offers free access to galleries, art classes and exhibit opportunities for all ages and skill levels. ¦

SHOPPING

The Suites at Fishermens Village

Becky’s Garden Shoppe offers a unique blend of art and horticulture, with a wide range of gardening supplies, outdoor decorations and plants. Known for its quality and personalized service, it’s a favorite among gardening enthusiasts and those wanting to beautify their outdoor spaces.

Fishermen’s Village is a vibrant complex on the waterfront of Charlotte Harbor with shopping, dining and entertainment. It has over 30 establishments, special events, and is located at 1200 West Retta Esplanade, Punta Gorda.

The Port Charlotte Town Center is a traditional shopping destination with over 100 specialty stores, anchor stores like Macy’s and JCPenney, dining options, and a cinema. The mall accommodates busy schedules with convenient operating hours.

The Punta Gorda Farmers Market is a bustling hub of activity, offering fresh produce, crafts, and live music from 8 a.m. to noon every Saturday. ¦

BARS & RESTAURANTS

Dish at TT’s Tiki Bar & Grill. PUNTA GORDA/ENGLEWOOD BEACH VISITOR & CONVENTION BUREAU / COURTESY PHOTOS

The Belgian Monk

833-843-6665, thebelgianmonkpg.com

Enjoy authentic Belgian cuisine featuring traditional dishes, a variety of Belgian beers, music bingo, live music and beer flights to explore the country’s beer culture.

Celtic Ray Public House

941-916-9115, celticray.net

Established in 1997, this spot is renowned for its imported beers and authentic Irish pub vibe, including the acclaimed fish and chips made from fresh, family-recipe ingredients.

Copper Cask Backyard Beer Garden at Sunseeker

833-914-7300, sunseekerresorts.com

An outdoor beer garden offering a wide range of beers, from local to international bestsellers.

Ice House Pub

941-575-0866, theicehousepub.com

An authentic English-style pub in Punta Gorda, featuring a 37-foot mahogany bar with 26 taps. Offering a global beer selection, including Guinness, Stella Artois and Yuengling, alongside rotating taps of seasonal and rare beers.

The Perfect Caper

941-505-9009, theperfectcaper.com

Opened in 2002 by Jeanie Roland and her husband, James, melding casual elegance with creative, French-Asian fusion cuisine.

Riviera Bar & Grill

941-639-2633, rivierabarandgrillpuntagorda.com

A stunning waterfront dining experience with live music, daily happy hour, fresh culinary delights and seamless boater access.

The Sandtrap Bar

941-249-8671, sandtrapbar.com

Located in Deep Creek, it is a local hangout with drinks, pool, TV, engaging bartenders and special events like free pool on Tuesdays, karaoke on Wednesdays, and J&K’s Café Food truck on Thursdays.

TT’s Tiki Bar

941-637-6770, ttspg.com

A fantastic waterfront dining experience in Charlotte Harbor with a variety of drinks, delicious cuisine, and live entertainment, all enjoyed with your toes in the sand. ¦

BEACHES & PARKS

Gilchrist Park

The Charlotte Harbor Preserve, located at 12301 Burnt Store Road, offers 40,000 acres of natural beauty and a rich habitat for diverse flora and fauna. It’s perfect for water sports and nature lovers with opportunities for boating, fishing and kayaking.

Englewood Beach at Chadwick Park is a 12.67-acre beachfront paradise with white sand, clear waters, a boardwalk, sports courts, a playground and picnic areas with pavilions for rent at 2100 North Beach Road.

Gilchrist Park spans 11 acres of waterfront beauty and panoramic views of Charlotte Harbor. It has amenities for sports and leisure, making it ideal for family outings and community events.

The Peace River Preserve is a biodiverse area at 28000 Sandhill Blvd. It showcases a mix of habitats supporting local wildlife and offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the area’s natural beauty.

Port Charlotte Beach Park, located at 4500 Harbor Blvd., is perfect for beach lovers and families. Renovated in 2012, it offers a boat ramp, sports courts, picnic areas and event spaces with harbor views.

The Punta Gorda Nature Park at 1623 Aqui Esta Drive showcases the city’s dedication to green spaces. This 19-acre park, surrounded by residential areas, is a peaceful educational resource for environmental conservation. ¦

ENTERTAINMENT

A view of Venus from the James and Barbara Moore Observatory. FSW / COURTESY PHOTO

Babcock Ranch Eco-Tours

800-500-5583, babcockranchecotours.com

Swamp Buggy Eco-Tours, walking tours, nighttime and photography tours and more. Expert guides will enrich your journey through Southwest Florida’s diverse ecosystems.

Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center

941-575-5435, checflorida.org

Focused on environmental education and preservation, the CHEC offers the community over 20 educational programs and more than 8 miles of hiking trails, fostering a connection with nature and supporting the conservation of Florida’s natural landscapes.

Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center

941-833-5444, charlotteharborecc.com

Renowned for hosting diverse events including concerts, plays and music performances, LLSN Events is presenting an Indoor Arts & Crafts Show at this venue on Saturday, July 27 and Sunday, July 28 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Iguanaland
941-844-5350, iguanaland.com

A hub for reptile enthusiasts, offering unique experiences, educational visits and private events such as birthday parties. General admission is required for certain activities.

James & Barbara Moore Observatory

941-637-3518, fsw.edu/charlotte/observatory

Attendees can enjoy an enchanting cosmic experience starting 30-45 minutes after dusk, weather permitting. Early arrivers can relax at picnic tables while the equipment is set up.

King Fisher Fleet

941-639-0969, kingfisherfleet.com

Ride on various cruises from Fishermen’s Village, including sightseeing tours to Cabbage Key, Cayo Costa, and Boca Grande, Peace River excursions, harbor tours, sunset cruises and private events.

Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary

239-543-1130, octagonwildlife.org

Pack a picnic lunch and spend a day at the Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary, which provides recovery and living environments for abandoned and abused exotic wildlife.

Peace River Airboat Tours

863-884-4000, peacerivercharters.com

Airboat and swamp buggy tours exploring Southwest Florida’s natural beauty. Guests can see local wildlife, including the area’s largest alligator, Dale. Private charters are also available for personalized adventures.

Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens

941-621-8299, peacerivergardens.org

Spanning 30 acres along the Peace River, the Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens features diverse ecosystems, native plant life, and world-class sculptures.

Peace River Wildlife Center

941-637-3830, prwildlife.org

The center focuses on rescuing, rehabilitating and educating people about native wildlife. It’s funded by donations, recycling and gift shop sales. The facility is open daily and includes a wildlife hospital that accepts animals year-round. Volunteers and donations are essential to support their mission.

Starry Night Florida

941-800-2161, starrynightflorida.com

Be surrounded in the wonders of the cosmos during a 2.5-hour stargazing tour. Experts will guide you, and you’ll enjoy a small group setting, telescope observation, laser-guided constellation viewing and refreshments. ¦

GOLF

Riverwwod Golf Club PUNTA GORDA/ENGLEWOOD BEACH VISITOR & CONVENTION BUREAU / COURTESY PHOTO

The Aileron Golf Club at Sunseeker Resort offers an exclusive championship level golf experience, available only to guests of the Sunseeker Resort, located at 11274 S.W. Aileron Way in Lake Suzy.

Just a short drive away, at 1260 San Cristobal Ave., the Deep Creek Golf Club offers a challenging yet rewarding experience. This Mark McCumber-designed course features a 6,000-yard layout, meandering waterways, and strategic bunkers. It’s open to the public for an affordable daily fee, welcoming players from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. seven days a week.

Kings Gate Golf Club, located at 24000 Rampart Blvd., offers a relaxed yet elegant club experience alongside a wonderful golf course, making it one of the most respected clubs in the area.

Riverwood Golf Club in Charlotte County offers an award-winning golf course, delightful clubhouse and exquisite dining. The 18-hole championship course is renowned for its challenging yet enjoyable layout and beautiful scenery, making it a top destination for golfers. ¦

HOTELS & RESORTS

Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor Sunsuite COURTESY PHOTO

The Charlotte Bay Resort and Club in Port Charlotte offers tranquility and picturesque views, perfect for unwinding in style. Guests can enjoy well-appointed rooms, exceptional amenities and warm hospitality. The resort is close to Gulf beaches and attractions and offers stunning sunsets that keep guests coming back.

Experience modern accommodations and luxury amenities at Four Points by Sheraton on 33 Tamiami Trail in Punta Gorda. The hotel offers The Library Comedy Club for nightly entertainment, a pool, a fitness center, and eco-friendly transportation options. Its downtown location is perfect for exploration and relaxation.

Situated near Lake Sandhill on Sandhill Boulevard, the Holiday Inn Express & Suites offers a blend of comfort and convenience. Guests enjoy high-speed internet, a 24-hour Business Center, proximity to golf, shopping, island exploration, hot breakfast, outdoor pool and fitness center for a memorable stay in Port Charlotte.

Discover affordable, stylish accommodations at the Sleep Inn & Suites at 806 Kings Highway in Port Charlotte. This modern, non-smoking hotel offers complimentary hot breakfast, WiFi, a fitness center and an outdoor heated pool. Its location near I-75 provides easy access to local attractions, making it a great option for travelers.

The SpringHill Suites Punta Gorda Harborside offers chic suites, free Wi-Fi, a hot breakfast, a fitness center and an outdoor pool. It is close to Charlotte Harbor and Fishermen’s Village.

Immerse yourself in luxury at the Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor at 5500 Sunseeker Way, Port Charlotte. This waterfront getaway offers sumptuous accommodations and a host of amenities. With stunning views and exceptional service, it’s the perfect setting for a lavish retreat.

The Wyvern Hotel in Punta Gorda offers chic boutique style, attentive service, and 63 elegant rooms with city or harbor views. Guests can dine at Perch 360 for fresh, locally sourced ingredients or at 88 Keys Florida Restaurant for contemporary American cuisine and a unique art deco piano bar experience. ¦

The post Charlotte County first appeared on Charlotte County Florida Weekly .