Share The Article
The Sunshine State continues to be a raving success, and no one is happier than smaller sized airports serving as secondary options to avoid the masses.
Sadly, you could still undergo an unwanted physical exam under the guise of “you’ve been randomly picked for additional screenings”. Yeah … all right, buddy …
Inescapable TSA troubles aside, there are certainly benefits to flying secondary airports. With normally less difficult lines and low-priced carriers anchoring them, it’s the way travel ought to be: smooth and affordable.
As Florida advances a record-breaking tear, a new report exposed that a person surprising Florida city has
ended up being a new travel hotspot– and it’s not even if it’s been changed into an unforeseen resort town. Tourists are utilizing its convenient location to take pleasure in the unexpected thrills of the harbor over the packed coast, all while remaining in close distance to other concealed gems overshadowed by Southwest Florida’s cluster of paradises, such as year after year ‘Finest Beach’ champ, Siesta Key.
Punta Gorda: Entrance To Paradise Or New Resort Town?
Punta Gorda. Not precisely a household name, right?
< img width ="1200"height ="1200"src
=”https://www.traveloffpath.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Aerial-view-of-Punta-Gorda-Florida.jpg.webp” alt=”Bird’s-eye view of Punta Gorda, Florida”/ > Punta Gorda Airport is seeing a nearly 24 % rise in tourists, so there’s no rejecting it’s acquiring prestige. However what’s the function? As mentioned, there are a multitude of neighboring seaside vacations deserving of being screensavers, yet a notable variety of visitors to Southwest Florida are
selecting Punta Gorda. With Tampa, St. Pete, Fort Myers, and Sarasota all within a sensible distance, only St. Pete was noted behind Punta Gorda with a notable increase of travelers.
But one key factor is how much of a circus Tampa (TPA) has become. It’s America’s least trustworthy major airport with over half of all flights delayed, so naturally travelers will naturally seek options.
That’s where Punta Gorda comes in. It functions as a base for among America’s fastest-growing spending plan airlines, Allegiant, which, in an unmatched move, constructed its own resort, Sunseeker Resort, along the beautiful Charlotte Harbor instead of among many white-sand beaches to
choose from. Before the resort opened in December 2023, there’s no rejecting Punta Gorda was exclusively a springboard to Siesta Secret, Naples, and various beautiful islands, but Sunseeker branded this underrated hideaway with a new identity that’s still being sorted out.
Spoiler alert: Sunseeker Resort is for sale, less than 2 years eliminated from the grand opening.
The Future Of Sunseeker
Simply a year and half after opening, Sunseeker Resort has fought with occupancy rates without any assistance from Typhoon Milton. As hyped as it was and as remarkable as it looks, the place and rate points seem to be the
problem going forward. Allegiant took on a grand undertaking, even naming the resort after their allegiant leaflets who they call sun applicants, a nod to the airlines’ network of routes to bright destinations.
Given how the airline company is understood mostly for their low fares, the exact same can’t be stated when reserving a room. A quick search reveals ‘Harbor View’ rooms upwards of $330 this summer and the views are terrific for sunsets, but the brackish water is no contrast to abovementioned white-sand shores in close distance.
Now it’s on the market for a new owner with a new vision, leaving Punta Gorda in limbo awaiting its next chapter. No one is asking my suggestions, however I state slap” Margaritaville “on the exterior call it a day! It’s always 5 o’clock somewhere which’s an attract and of itself along Charlotte Harbor, a place that has all the components of a Jimmy Buffet tune.
New Attractions & Chill Vibes: Punta Gorda’s Appeal Beyond Sunseeker
One thing you’ll discover right away about Southwest Florida is they like their tiki bars! Punta Gorda is no various.
Beyond Sunseeker, probably the biggest destination is TT’s Tiki Bar, a popular gathering spot for residents and visitors
to take in the harbor views without having to dish out$300 +. They even provide a complimentary shuttle to get here!
There’s another tiki hut on the horizon, however. Bayfront Center was damaged by Typhoon Ian 3 years ago, and the comeback strategy is to revamp the former site with a brand-new tiki hut (bar included, of course), an efficiency stage, and other fun amenities like food trucks and porch-like swings facing the waterfront to capture Punta Gorda’s well-known intense sunsets.
However what’s currently drawing in visitors are ample harborside seafood dining establishments, particularly Angler’s Village.
Here, you’ll discover over 30 shops and restaurants, plus an all-suites resort offering Sunseeker
a run for its money– literally! A Village Suite goes for $192 this summer season, nearly half the price of Sunseeker with more walkability, a lively marina if you befriend a luxury yacht owner, and numerous interesting events throughout the year.
Sam Sears Sam, our Lead Writer & Reporter based in San Diego has gone to 36 countries and edited 1000 articles with a focus on sharing his own travel experiences and shining a light on lesser-known gems.
Ready For Your Trip? Check The Latest Entry Requirements For Your Location Here
↓ Elevate Your Travel ↓
Register Now For Travel Off Course Premium! No ads, VIP Material, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!
Join Our Travel Off Course Community Forum: Where travelers unify, ask concerns, share experiences and even discover similar travel buddies!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your e-mail address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s newest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.
This short article initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Viewpoints expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card company, hotel, airline company, or other entity. This content has actually not been examined, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities consisted of within the post.