In Spanish, Punta Gorda means fat point. Parks lie along the Peace River on the north side. Mangroves border Charlotte Harbor to the south and west. Punta Gorda Isles is a waterfront community with 55 miles of city maintained canals. Water sports are popular here. Several Friendship Force members live here and in Port Charlotte on the north side of the Peace River.Punta Gorda sports a popular bicycle loaner program and pathways to ride them on. 

If you are staying in Punta Gorda, The Peace River Wildlife Center provides an opportunity to see local birds that have been injured and cannot return to the wild.   Pick up a souvenir or two at Fishermen's Village.   Tour Babcock Ranch to see a working cattle ranch and a chance to see local wildlife.  Nice beaches can be found from Venice to Boca Grande.