The Sunshine State continues to be a raging success, and no one is happier than smaller airports serving as secondary choices to keep away from the lots.
Sadly, you possibly can nonetheless be topic to an undesirable bodily examination underneath the guise of “you’ve got been randomly chosen for added screenings”. Yeah…okay, buddy…
Unavoidable TSA hassles apart, there are undoubtedly advantages to flying secondary airports. With usually much less anxious strains and low-cost carriers anchoring them, it is the best way journey must be: seamless and inexpensive.
As Florida continues on a record-breaking tear, a new report revealed that one stunning Florida metropolis has develop into a brand new journey hotspot—and it is not simply because it has been remodeled into an surprising resort city.
Vacationers are utilizing its handy location to benefit from the stunning delights of the harbor over the jam-packed coast, all whereas being in shut proximity to different hidden gems overshadowed by Southwest Florida’s cluster of paradises, equivalent to 12 months after 12 months ‘Finest Seashore’ champ, Siesta Key.
Punta Gorda: Gateway To Paradise Or New Resort City?
Punta Gorda. Not precisely a family title, proper?
Punta Gorda Airport is seeing an almost 24% surge in vacationers, so there is not any denying it is gaining notoriety.
However what is the objective? As talked about, there are a mess of close by coastal getaways worthy of being screensavers, but a noteworthy variety of guests to Southwest Florida are choosing Punta Gorda.
With Tampa, St. Pete, Fort Myers, and Sarasota all inside an affordable distance, solely St. Pete was listed behind Punta Gorda with a notable improve of passengers.
However one key cause is how a lot of a circus Tampa (TPA) has develop into. It is America’s least dependable main airport with over half of all flights delayed, so in fact vacationers will naturally search alternate options.
That is the place Punta Gorda is available in. It serves as a base for one in every of America’s fastest-growing finances airways, Allegiant, which, in an unprecedented transfer, constructed its personal resort, Sunseeker Resort, alongside the scenic Charlotte Harbor quite than one in every of many white-sand seashores to select from.
Earlier than the resort opened in December 2023, there is not any denying Punta Gorda was solely a springboard to Siesta Key, Naples, and quite a few pristine islands, however Sunseeker branded this underrated hideaway with a brand new id that is nonetheless being sorted out.
Spoiler alert: Sunseeker Resort is on the market, lower than 2 years faraway from the grand opening.
The Future Of Sunseeker
Only a 12 months and half after opening, Sunseeker Resort has struggled with occupancy charges with no assist from Hurricane Milton.
As hyped because it was and as superior because it appears, the situation and worth factors appear to be the issue going ahead.
Allegiant took on a grand endeavor, even naming the resort after their allegiant flyers who they name solar seekers, a nod to the airways’ community of routes to sunny locations.
Given how the airline is thought largely for his or her low fares, the identical cannot be mentioned when reserving a room. A fast search exhibits ‘Harbor View’ rooms upwards of $330 this summer time and the views are nice for sunsets, however the brackish water is not any comparability to aforementioned white-sand shores in shut distance.
Now it is in the marketplace for a brand new proprietor with a brand new imaginative and prescient, leaving Punta Gorda in limbo awaiting its subsequent chapter.
No one is asking my recommendation, however I say slap “Margaritaville” on the facade name it a day! It is all the time 5 o’clock someplace and that is a attract and of itself alongside Charlotte Harbor, a spot that has all of the substances of a Jimmy Buffet track.
New Sights & Chill Vibes: Punta Gorda’s Enchantment Past Sunseeker
One factor you will discover straight away about Southwest Florida is that they love their tiki bars! Punta Gorda is not any totally different.
Past Sunseeker, arguably the most important attraction is TT’s Tiki Bar, a well-liked gathering spot for locals and guests to absorb the harbor views with out having to fork over $300+.
They even supply a free shuttle to get right here!
There’s one other tiki hut on the horizon, although. Bayfront Middle was ravaged by Hurricane Ian 3 years in the past, and the comeback plan is to revamp the previous website with a brand new tiki hut (bar included, in fact), a efficiency stage, and different enjoyable facilities like meals vehicles and porch-like swings dealing with the waterfront to seize Punta Gorda’s well-known fiery sunsets.
However what’s already drawing in guests are ample harborside seafood eateries, particularly Fisherman’s Village.
Right here, you will discover over 30 outlets and eating places, plus an all-suites resort giving Sunseeker a run for its cash – actually!
A Village Suite goes for $192 this summer time, practically half the value of Sunseeker with extra walkability, a vibrant marina in the event you befriend a yacht proprietor, and quite a few thrilling occasions all year long.
Prepared For Your Journey? Test The Newest Entry Necessities For Your Vacation spot Right here
↓ Elevate Your Journey↓
Signal Up Now For Journey Off Path Premium! No advertisements, VIP Content material, Private Journey Concierge, Enormous Financial savings, Day by day Offers, Members Discussion board & Extra!
Be part of Our Journey Off Path Group Discussion board: The place vacationers unite, ask questions, share experiences and even discover like-minded journey buddies!
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR LATEST POSTS
Enter your e-mail handle to subscribe to Journey Off Path’s newest breaking journey information, straight to your inbox.
This text initially appeared on TravelOffPath.com
Opinions expressed listed here are the creator’s alone, not these of any financial institution, bank card issuer, resort, airline, or different entity. This content material has not been reviewed, authorized or in any other case endorsed by any of the entities included throughout the publish.