1. Military Heritage Museum, in Punta Gorda – to honor all who served, from the Revolutionary War through modern conflicts and across all five military branches, the Museum utilizes multiple methods to educate its visitors on the heritage aspects of US military history. With thirty thousand-plus artifacts, veterans serving as museum guides, flight and ship simulators, virtual reality experiences, thousands of infographics, live performances, and audiovisual displays, the Museum provides unique and innovative experiences. The museum is designed to be a great family-friendly attraction, providing a “can’t get anywhere else” experience! Adults $14, Veterans – $12
https://militaryheritagemuseum.org/
2. Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens, 10 minute drive east of Punta Gorda – 27- acre preserve and sanctuary of art and nature. Florida’s natural landscape, with more than 4500 plants, trees, and bamboos, is intertwined with a permanent world-class sculpture collection to become one of the largest botanical and sculpture gardens in Florida. Enjoy a shady walk down mangrove paths to the Peace River or cross the bridge to an island for a picturesque view of wetlands. Adults $18, Seniors $15
https://peacerivergardens.org/
3. Peace River Wildlife Center, in Punta Gorda – a 501(c)(3) non-profit wildlife rehabilitation and education center tucked neatly into the mangroves overlooking Charlotte Harbor at Ponce de Leon Park in Punta Gorda Isles, Florida. Meet Luna, a Leucistic Screech Owl, who has become the primary “ambassador” for the Center, or Bella, a Great Horned Owl, who shares the role with Luna. Donations are recommended.
https://prwildlife.org/
4. Charlotte Harbor Boat Cruises with King Fisher Fleet, in Punta Gorda at Fisherman’s Village – board either the “Helen M’ or the “Charlotte Lady” for one of these enjoyable and informative cruises over our beautiful estuary, complete with dolphins playing in the boat’s wake: a sunset cruise, a 92-minute harbor tour, a full-day cruise to Cabbage Key a.k.a. “Cheeseburger in Paradise”, 3 ½ hour Peace River Nature cruise, or a full-day cruise to Boca Grande. Adults: $25 – $52
https://kingfisherfleet.com/
5. Punta Gorda’s Historical Murals – a self-guided walking tour using a free Walking Guide. Each mural has a QR code to scan and learn more about it and the history it depicts.
6. Fisherman’s Village, in Punta Gorda – a waterfront shopping and entertainment complex on Charlotte Harbor with over 30 specialty shops and restaurants – even a Tiki Hut on the beach for a view of the sunset!
https://www.fishermensvillage.com/
7. Peace River Airboat Tour, 30 minute drive east of Punta Gorda – a 50-minute memorable REAL Florida ride over 20 miles of the Peace River – a fun and exciting tour through amazing scenery with hundreds of species of animal and plant life. By reservation – Adults $37 – $52
https://peacerivercharters.com/
8. Babcock Ranch Eco-Tours, 45 minute drive east of Punta Gorda – a Swamp Buggy EcoTour takes you on 90 minute tour through the natural wildlife of historic Babcock Ranch. You will travel through the Crescent B Ranch, a working cattle ranch with over 14,000 acres in pasture land and learn its history, all the while getting up close and personal with the local wildlife – like wild turkeys, caracara, soft shell turtles, magnificent osprey, Sandhill cranes, and fox squirrels –just to name a few. You will be amazed at all the wildlife you will see and the history and knowledge of the guides. Adults $24, Seniors $23
https://babcockranchecotours.com/
9. SW Florida Skydive Club, 15 minute drive east of Punta Gorda – Jump at the most scenic drop zone on the west coast of Florida. Experience the beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico and Peace River. We specialize in Tandem sky diving. $199 – $279
http://www.skydiveswflorida.com/
10. The Ringling, in Sarasota – a place of art, architecture, and circus in an environment that inspires, educates, and entertains. A diverse art collection, an historic Circus Museum and the world’s largest circus model of more than 42,000 pieces that replicate a miniature historically accurate rendition of an early 20th century circus, and the glamorous Da’ d’Zan, John & Mable Ringling’s Mediterranean Revival style mansion.
Art Museum, Circus Museum, Gardens & Ca’ d’ Zan: Adults: $35
https://www.ringling.org/
11. Ford Edison Winter Estates, in Fort Myers – Winter home of Thomas Edison and the guest house used by Henry Ford dating from 1885 when Edison first visited Southwest Florida and purchased property to build a vacation home on the Caloosahatchee River. Plus Edison’s Botanic Research Laboratory which has been designated as a National Historic Chemical Landmark – all surrounded by more than 1,700 plants representing more than 400 species from six continents. Adults: $25
https://www.edisonfordwinterestates.org
12. Sanibel and Captiva Islands, in Fort Myers – specialty shops, incredible views of the Gulf of Mexico, and great restaurants BUT remember that the islands were washed over by Hurricane Ian and some have not recovered. The causeway is now open and the drive might be worthwhile.
Securities offered through LPL Financial, Member FINRA/SIPC. Advisory Services offered through IFG Advisory, LLC, a registered investment advisor. IFG Advisory, LLC and Fero Financial are separate entities from LPL Financial.
