Travel Guide
Move Over Tampa! This Surprising City Is Southwest Florida’s New Travel Hotspot
May
The Sunshine State continues to be a raging success, and nobody is happier than smaller airports serving as secondary options to avoid the masses.
Unfortunately, you could still be subject to an unwanted physical exam under the guise of “you’ve been randomly selected for additional screenings”. Yeah…okay, buddy…
Unavoidable TSA hassles aside, there are definitely benefits to flying secondary airports. With typically less stressful lines and low-cost carriers anchoring them, it’s the way travel should be: seamless and affordable.
As Florida continues on a record-breaking tear, a new report revealed that one surprising Florida city has become a new travel hotspot—and it’s not just because it’s been transformed into an unexpected resort town.
Travelers are using its convenient location to enjoy the surprising delights of the harbor over the jam-packed coast, all while being in close proximity to other hidden gems overshadowed by Southwest Florida’s cluster of paradises, such as year after year ‘Best Beach’ champ, Siesta Key.
Punta Gorda: Gateway To Paradise Or New Resort Town?
Punta Gorda. Not exactly a household name, right?
Punta Gorda Airport is seeing a nearly 24% surge in travelers, so there’s no denying it’s gaining notoriety.
But what’s the purpose? As mentioned, there are a multitude of nearby coastal getaways worthy of being screensavers, yet a noteworthy number of visitors to Southwest Florida are opting for Punta Gorda.
With Tampa, St. Pete, Fort Myers, and Sarasota all within a reasonable distance, only St. Pete was listed behind Punta Gorda with a notable increase of passengers.
But one key reason is how much of a circus Tampa (TPA) has become. It’s America’s least reliable major airport with over half of all flights delayed, so of course travelers will naturally seek alternatives.
That’s where Punta Gorda comes in. It serves as a base for one of America’s fastest-growing budget airlines, Allegiant, which, in an unprecedented move, built its own resort, Sunseeker Resort, along the scenic Charlotte Harbor rather than one of many white-sand beaches to choose from.
Before the resort opened in December 2023, there’s no denying Punta Gorda was solely a springboard to Siesta Key, Naples, and numerous pristine 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 removed from the grand opening.
The Future Of Sunseeker
Just a year and half after opening, Sunseeker Resort has struggled with occupancy rates with no help from Hurricane Milton.
As hyped as it was and as awesome as it looks, the location and price points seem to be the problem going forward.
Allegiant took on a grand endeavor, even naming the resort after their allegiant flyers who they call sun seekers, a nod to the airlines’ network of routes to sunny destinations.
Given how the airline is known mostly for their low fares, the same can’t be said when booking a room. A quick search shows ‘Harbor View’ rooms upwards of $330 this summer and the views are great for sunsets, but the brackish water is no comparison to aforementioned 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.
Nobody is asking my advice, but I say slap “Margaritaville” on the facade call it a day! It’s always 5 o’clock somewhere and that’s a draw in and of itself along Charlotte Harbor, a place that has all the ingredients of a Jimmy Buffet song.
New Attractions & Chill Vibes: Punta Gorda’s Appeal Beyond Sunseeker
One thing you’ll notice right away about Southwest Florida is they love their tiki bars! Punta Gorda is no different.
Beyond Sunseeker, arguably the biggest attraction is TT’s Tiki Bar, a popular gathering spot for locals and visitors to take in the harbor views without having to fork over $300+.
They even offer a free shuttle to get here!
There’s another tiki hut on the horizon, though. Bayfront Center was ravaged by Hurricane Ian 3 years ago, and the comeback plan is to revamp the former site with a new tiki hut (bar included, of course), a performance stage, and other fun amenities like food trucks and porch-like swings facing the waterfront to capture Punta Gorda’s famous fiery sunsets.
But what’s already drawing in visitors are ample harborside seafood eateries, especially Fisherman’s Village.
Here, you’ll find over 30 shops and restaurants, plus an all-suites resort giving Sunseeker a run for its money – literally!
A Village Suite goes for $192 this summer, nearly half the price of Sunseeker with more walkability, a vibrant marina if you befriend a yacht owner, and numerous exciting events throughout the year.
Ready For Your Trip? Check The Latest Entry Requirements For Your Destination Here
↓ Elevate Your Travel↓
Sign Up Now For Travel Off Path Premium! No ads, VIP Content, Personal Travel Concierge, Huge Savings, Daily Deals, Members Forum & More!
✈️Join Our Travel Off Path Community Forum: Where travelers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even find like-minded travel buddies!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your email address to subscribe to Travel Off Path’s latest breaking travel news, straight to your inbox.
This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
