Seniors Enjoy Colorful Punta Gorda
Senior travelers will find Punta Gorda, a city in Charlotte County, Florida with a population of around 17,000, 26 miles north of Cape Coral and 74 miles south of Tampa.
Punta Gorda, a small historic town nestled on the shores of pristine Charlotte Harbor, a large estuary off the Gulf of Mexico, is one of the oldest incorporated cities in Florida. The name “Punta Gorda” ( Fat Tip ) has been on maps at least since 1851, referring to a point of land that juts into Charlotte Harbor.
Punta Gorda is a prime harbor front location with over 60 miles of canals that provide access to both casual day boating and fishing to serious deep sea fishing, sailing and cruising to the Gulf of Mexico. Seventy percent of Punta Gorda’s residents live on waterfronts.
Seniors Like Historic Punta Gorda
It was in the late 1800s that early settlers began to arrive in what is the present-day Punta Gorda area. Gilchrist Park sits alongside Charlotte Harbor and features many historic homes in the historic downtown Punta Gorda.
The Howard brothers were the first settlers in Punta Gorda. They landed at Charlotte Harbor in the late 19th century. The initial settlers comprised 34 men, including 4 African-Americans. The town had its first railroads within ten years, which opened the way for land developers and tourists.
The town was incorporated in 1900, 18 years after the first settlement. This Coastal Paradise was named “One of the best places to live in the South” by Money Magazine and “One of the best places to retire” by CNN Money.
Seniors Enjoy This Tourist Destination
Punta Gorda offers many opportunities for watersports, fishing and sightseeing that make it an excellent tourist destination. Senior visitors are drawn by the beautiful views of the Peace River and Charlotte Harbor.
There are guided walks through nature trails and tours through the Telegraph Cypress Swamp called the Swamp Buggy Eco-tour.
The beautifully restored historic district is always popular with senior visitors. Fodor’s notes that the fine dining is excellent and they note for you seafood gourmets, the Laishley Crab House.
Nearby attractions include a Wildlife Management Area, Peace River Wildlife Center & Ponce De Leon Park, International Sailing School, Octagon Wildlife Sanctuary And Rehabilitation Center, and Babcock Ranch. Fisherman’s Village is a unique waterfront destination.
TripAdvisor highlights the Peace River Wildlife Center and the Muscle Car City Museum. Seniors, set your GPS for Florida and enjoy the host of amenities that Punta Gorda offers. -jeb