PUNTA GORDA/ENGLEWOOD BEACH, Fla. — (January 27, 2026) — Punta Gorda/ Englewood Beach, a charming small-town coastal destination, is set to unveil an exciting lineup of new tourism initiatives, openings and events, elevating the region’s appeal.
Local Eats
What has flown under the radar when Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach’s story is being told is that the local food scene is thriving — it’s community-driven but recognized by national and international culinary institutions. Voted the #2 Best Small-Town Food Scenes by 10Best, the Guide to Florida also recently awarded the area with over 22 accolades for its local restaurants in the “Best of Florida” category this past year. This is all perfectly aligning with the recent launch of The Flavor Coast, a new online headquarters for food-motivated travelers and locals alike and another destination-first: intimate spotlight conversations with our chefs, standout dishes, culinary growth in the destination, a food-centric itinerary creator and more. The destination is a foodie treasure trove undiscovered — until now. The Yard on Olympia, a new outdoor family and pet-friendly entertainment venue, is aiming to extend the destination’s late-night entertainment options in the new year. Recreational offerings will include ping pong, beer pong, cornhole, Jenga and two putting holes. VIP suites will accommodate between 10 and 26 guests; however, a minimum purchase requirement will apply. The venue also will be available for private rentals. Shipping containers and Adirondack chairs will be painted bright yellow to create a recognizable visual identity. Food trucks will occupy the rear portion of the property, offering food options under renewable one-year leases. Fry said the trucks will be painted to match the Yard’s overall design. Beverages will be served at several bar areas throughout the venue.
New restaurants are also opening in Fisherman’s Village in 2026:
- Latitude 26° will serve small plates and specialty cocktails with stunning harbor views, perfect for unwinding and savoring local flavors.
- Castaways, also featuring waterfront views, will serve regional dishes and cold, refreshing drinks.
- Leroy’s Fish Shack, is expected to open in the first quarter of the year and it will be serving up some of the freshest seafood in the area to visitors and locals alike.
- The Islands Restaurant & Bar will introduce island-style cuisine and cocktails in a tropical-inspired setting.
New Events
This year at Babcock Ranch, two new music festivals debut.
- The Boots and Roots Country Music Festival, took place on January 16. Guests enjoyed live music featuring popular country artists like The Ben Allen Band, great food, and fun line dancing.
- The Reggae Festival, held March 6-8, is free for all and will feature a variety of food vendors and upbeat, feel-good music celebrating Caribbean culture.
In 2026, the National Art Exhibition will return, as it does every two years, showcasing world class artwork at the Visual Arts Center from February 13 through March 26.
Places to Stay
Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach is expanding the lodging options to meet growing interest. LaQuinta and TownePlace Suites both broke ground in 2025, while My Place Hotel is scheduled to open in 2026. Additionally, the Sunseeker resort will undergo enhancements in 2026 as it transitions fully to a Hilton Curio Hotel.
ABOUT PUNTA GORDA/ ENGLEWOOD BEACH
Punta Gorda/ Englewood Beach is located along Florida’s Gulf Coast with shimmering turquoise water and lush outdoor environments. Along with the vast, pristine shoreline, there are over 70 parks and preserves to wander through. Experience the beauty of the outdoors by adventuring through the mangrove tunnels on kayaks, biking along the trails, or sunbathing on the uncrowded beaches. There is plenty to explore in Punta Gorda/Englewood Beach and even more to come.
