Gilchrist Park
Gilchrist Park
4.5
Full view
Top ways to experience nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
Restaurants
121 within 3 miles
Attractions
50 within 6 miles
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
206 reviews
Excellent
140
Very good
50
Average
10
Poor
3
Terrible
3
Jean W
7 contributions
Mar 2021
This park was just outside our hotel. We were able to walk all the way to Fishermen's Village, taking in a lot of sights on the way. There were benches all along the path so you could sit and rest and enjoy the harbor view.
Written March 13, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tttomf
Englewood, OH21 contributions
Jan 2021
Great place to relax and look over the Bay. Grilled out there one night and spent a couple of the afternoon's relaxing staring at the Bay. Sometimes there was entrainment in the afternoon. I played Pickleball in the morning's. They have shelter's there to get out of the sun.
Written February 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura T
Punta Gorda, FL59 contributions
Dec 2017 • Solo
When i first moved here three years ago Gilchrist was a lovely park where people came for picnics, to walk along the river, have family reunions, watch the sun set over Charlotte Harbor, etc. The Guitar Army used to have free concerts in the evenings once a week. Then they decided to remodel the park They tore down the restrooms and old picnic pavilions, ripped out the parking lot and a lot of the trees and bushes. They put in a new parking lot near the hotel and some along Retta Esplanade and a lovely new walkway along the river. The also put in many new palm trees. Some in the circular terrace near the gazebo. Sadly the new trees are not watered and we have had no rain so those trees are majorly stressed and look to be dying.
The very big problem is that they have not rebuilt the restrooms and a park without them is not going to get much use. I don't see people coming to the park for more than a half hour or so now, when people used to come and socialize for hours.
At one time I would have given it a Five star rating but had to deduct for that one major defect which is a pity as it is a lovely park.
The very big problem is that they have not rebuilt the restrooms and a park without them is not going to get much use. I don't see people coming to the park for more than a half hour or so now, when people used to come and socialize for hours.
At one time I would have given it a Five star rating but had to deduct for that one major defect which is a pity as it is a lovely park.
Written December 6, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Randy F
North Port, FL2 contributions
Nov 2018 • Solo
The city recently renovated the park and destroyed the warm atmosphere! Now it is a cold concrete place that no one goes anymore. All the cute buildings have been torn down and replaced with concrete. Fire the planner!
Written November 7, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alan H
Punta Gorda, FL23 contributions
Mar 2018
We live in Punta Gorda and often take a walk along the harbor. We often take visitors to the park especially the young ones who like the playground now that is has reopened. We liked the park the way it was before the renovations which reduced the available parking, but it is still a nice place to visit.
Written August 31, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Greg W
Punta Gorda, FL126 contributions
Dec 2015 • Friends
Great place for Pickleball specific courts! View is fantastic of Charlotte Harbor and the only place in town for Pickleball specific courts.
Written December 12, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nonnieandpops
New Hope, PA269 contributions
Apr 2015 • Friends
Every Thursday and Tuesday night, there are at least two different "pick-up" groups playing in one of the gazebos or pavilions. The music ranges from 50's to today and the singers aren't bad either.
The scenery can't be beat and what's better than kicking back listening to music and watching the sun set over Charlotte Harbor with your favorite company?
The scenery can't be beat and what's better than kicking back listening to music and watching the sun set over Charlotte Harbor with your favorite company?
Written April 23, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Slick
Bismarck, ND111 contributions
Mar 2020
Visited this park a couple of times during our time in the area> Walked the park and enjoyed a nice picnic. Great location and view of the water. Also nice for viewing the sunset.
Written April 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RichardGBFL
King's Lynn, UK51 contributions
Mar 2019 • Couples
A gentle stroll along the banks of the Peace River. Afternoon quieter than the mornings because there's less noise from the pickleball courts then. The whole park is being updated (March 2019) with half of it improved and half still to be done. It's all part of a continuous walkway (and cycle way) for several miles that provides an uncommercialized and interesting walk. Cycles are available for zero rental cost. Laid back atmosphere. It's no wonder that so many people want to retire to Punta Gorda.
Written March 31, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Travel59676148412
1 contribution
Jan 2019
Beautiful view of Charlotte Harbor with plenty of pickle ball, tennis, children's playground and just chilling out enjoying the view of the harbor. Short walk to Fishermans Village pier containing multiple shops and restaurants.
Written February 7, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can I walk across the southbound bridge
Written January 14, 2021
If you are referring to us 41, I know you can drive. I believe there are paths both ways. That would be a long walk. I think I recall passing joggers on that route.
Written January 14, 2021
There is a little area/beach where some people swim but I don't think that it is encouraged. The park has walking/biking paths along the waterfront as well as tennis and pickleball courts and a children's playground. Laishley Park, on the east side of 41, has water fountains for children to play in and around.
Written July 2, 2019
Is a pier available for boats to tie off?
Written May 24, 2018
No but at one end of the park is a boat club with berths (I do not know what they charge) and at the other end is a hotel that has a few places to tie up. Just a short ways farther down
just beyond the end of the parks toward Charlotte Harbor is Fisherman's Village and there is a marina and there are a few places to tie up outside of Harpoon Harry's. The other direction, between the north and southbound Tamiami Trail bridges is the Sheraton Hotel and Tiki Bar. Haven't been there but they should have a few places to tie up.
Written May 25, 2018
Yes leashed dogs are allowed. Doggie waste disposal bags are available. Some of the park is under construction.
Written July 16, 2017
What are the hours or when does everyone show up to play pickleball?
Written February 1, 2017
Pickleball starts at 08:00 every day. Place is packed and not clear on the protocol to get on the court. Suggest you show up. Place is empty in early afternoon.
Written February 2, 2017
jkinran
Rice Lake, Wisconsin
I'm from Wisconsin--do I need a fishing license to fish? Is there a charge for entry into the park? Is there handicap parking?
Written January 5, 2017
Hello, there is no charge to park and yes I believe there is handicap parking. A fishing license is necessary in Florida.
Written January 6, 2017
jkinran
Rice Lake, Wisconsin
Do I need a fishing license I'm from Wisconsin--Is there a charge for entry into the park?-Is there handicap parking?
Written January 5, 2017
Ask about fishing licence you will have to check with FL Fish & Game. Gilchrist Park closes for a year any day now. Expected to open again Dec. 2017. I suggest you check into Laishley Park on PG city website. I think the fishing pier is accessible.
Written January 6, 2017
Showing results 1-9 of 9
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing