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Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach on Florida’s southwest coast is a premier eco-tourism destination, offering more than 100,000 square feet of event space and 2,470 guest rooms. The area is accessible via Punta Gorda Airport (PGD), Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), Sarasota-Bradenton International Airport, and I-75 and U.S. 41.
Charlotte Harbor Event & Conference Center features 44,000 square feet of space, including a 20,000-square-foot main hall (capacity 1,517) and the 18,000-square-foot Great Lawn.
The 785-room Sunseeker Resort Florida Gulf Coast, Curio By Hilton boasts more than 63,000 square feet of event space across 22 meeting rooms. Palm Island Resort, south of Manasota Key, offers 160 units with private beach access and elegant indoor and outdoor event venues. The resort can also help groups organize teambuilding activities, including golf, tennis, and fishing tournaments. Other options include the 106-room Four Points by Sheraton Punta Gorda Harborside, which has an onsite tiki bar, a full beach volleyball court, pool tables, bicycles, foosball, and live music; other amenities include an onsite comedy club, a salon, spa, and restaurant. The recently renovated 63-room Wyvern Hotel offers event space for small gatherings. One of the area’s favorite gathering spots is Perch 360, a rooftop bar and restaurant overlooking Punta Gorda and Charlotte Harbor.
“We like to say that our best side is outside,” says Robyn Price, senior sales manager for Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach Visitor and Convention Bureau. Babcock Ranch Eco-Tours offers custom swamp buggy tours, which take groups on immersive 90-minute journeys into “Old Florida.” Tours cover 14,000 acres of a historic working cattle ranch with four distinct ecosystems, including the prehistoric Telegraph Cypress Swamp.
