Welcome and thank you for visiting the City of Punta Gorda. As Mayor, I invite you to explore all the amenities that our City has to offer. Although considered a small city by some (population of 21,079), Punta Gorda is a vibrant waterfront community with a connected and laid-back lifestyle.

The beautiful Charlotte Harbor surrounds Punta Gorda. Come and explore an active lifestyle, including many diverse activities such as cycling, golf, tennis, pickleball or bird watching. We offer unprecedented access to the harbor for sailing, cruising, deep-sea fishing, kayaking and paddleboarding. You will find full-service marinas, charter cruises, boat launches and piers, as well as beautiful waterfront parks and trails that run throughout the City. Punta Gorda is a true boater's paradise with a unique layout of neighborhoods consisting of 109 miles of seawalls in our waterfront canals.

The Punta Gorda Pathways consists of approximately 18 miles of bicycle and pedestrian trails that connect the City's neighborhoods, parks and commercial areas. Come check out our free bicycle loaner program with locations throughout the City. As one of the oldest cities in Florida, we are proud to feature a National Register Historic District. Be sure to visit the Military Heritage Museum, where history comes alive, as well as the Punta Gorda History Center to discover how Punta Gorda came to be. History Park is a great place to enjoy beautiful landscaping and view the historic buildings preserved for future generations to enjoy. Additionally, the Punta Gorda Historic Mural Society, an organization whose mission is to preserve the City's rich history through the beauty of mural art, has completed 32 murals as its contribution to the Florida Mural Trail.

Whether exploring on foot, by bicycle or in a car, you will find a variety of local shopping and dining experiences. Visitors will find that exceptional Florida hometown hospitality here in our boutiques and specialty shops. We have something to satisfy all of your food and beverage cravings, from open-air tiki bars to small, romantic and upscale dining establishments. Outdoor live music is available on any given day, and the sunshine is always abundant!

If you are like so many who turn this vacation paradise into their hometown, various resources are available to help you make that dream a reality. The Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce is a one-shop stop for finding all of the unique businesses and events the community has to offer. I encourage you to reach out to the local businesses featured in this guide for assistance with finding the perfect home and everything you need to make it your own.

We love our residents! Punta Gorda has an engaged citizenry that cares about the future of this great City. Together we focus on maintaining a livable historic city and promoting a business-friendly culture. It's what makes Punta Gorda genuinely unique. Whether you're here for a day or you choose to call Punta Gorda home, we welcome you to enjoy Punta Gorda, Florida's Harborside Hometown!

Lynne R. Matthews, Mayor