Depending upon your location, Spring Break dates can be any time from late February to March, or even into April. No matter when you get to take it, Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach is one of the best spring break destinations for families, with a wide variety of activities, events, and amazing dining experiences to delight everyone.
Our favorite spring break ideas include:
Art and Culture
Peace River Botanical & Sculpture Gardens is a singular experience featuring world-class art and fascinating flora.
They also feature special exhibits like the upcoming return of the world-renowned Zimsculpt, and exclusive showcase of unique sculptures by Zimbabwean artists.
Another don't-miss experience is the Military Heritage Museum. Along with thousands of artifacts, they also have flight and boat simulators, virtual reality expeditions, interactive exhibits, a wide variety of live shows in the Gulf Theater, and more.
Exciting Spring Break Events:
Don't miss the amazing Port Charlotte Greek Fest, February 14–16! With a range of authentic dishes, rousing music, grape stomping, vendors, and much more, there will be fun for all!
Catch possible future Major Leaguers at a Snowbird Baseball Classic game or three. This NCAA Division I and III Baseball Tournament showcases the very best of college baseball. If you compare the Snowbird games to Tampa Bay Ray Spring Training—held at Charlotte Sports Park, named the #1 Spring Training Facility by USA Today's 10Best—you probably won't see much difference in quality of play. Both events run from mid-February to late March.
We also highly recommend heading down a bit early to experience the Annual Taste of Punta Gorda, which always happens in early March. It’s a full day of scrumptious food, live music, art and craft vendors galore, and a large kid zone with bounce houses and more.
The Sullivan Street Craft Festival happens four times a year—January, March, September, and November—and features hundreds of artisans who travel in from across the country to display their wares. It’s a don’t-miss for treasure hunters.
If cars are your art, you're in luck. The Gulf Coast Classic Car Auction (no purchase necessary!) happens every March in Punta Gorda.
Robust Food Scene
Dining in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach can be whatever you want it to be, from an adventure in trying new and innovative cuisine to relaxing with comfort food. Many restaurants have dedicated kid’s menus, and live music abounds.
Uncrowded Beach Time
Enjoy Englewood Beach with the family. There's a nice playground for the kids, showers and restrooms close by, as well as plenty of good eats right across the street. Beach parking is $.75 an hour, payable via the free ParkMobile app. Check out our tips to get your family beach-ready and to pack a good beach bag to have the best sandy seaside day ever.
Head a bit further south to Stump Pass Beach State Park for some true serenity, sugar-like sand, and gorgeous water. Make a wish on a shell and hang it on one of the driftwood trees before you go! Parking is $3 per vehicle.
As you can see, Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach is truly one of the best places to go for Spring Break. We’ll see you then!
