Punta Gorda has all the charm of a fishing town, mixed with a creative energy that makes it one of the most interesting destinations in Southwest Florida. Roam the palm tree-lined streets and check out the Queen Anne style homes in the Historic District, then head to Fisherman’s Village for—what else?—fresh seafood. There’s tons of great spots to eat—the city’s got one of the best small town dining scenes in the U.S.—plus live music that you can catch at many bars and restaurants or from the Punta Gorda Symphony. Year-round tropical weather makes getting out into nature easy: Stroll or bike along the Punta Gorda Pathways, or hike or kayak through mangrove forests at the Charlotte Harbor Environmental Center. But there’s lots of art, too, from galleries and street murals, to free exhibits at the Visual Arts Center. We’ve got even more recs, below.