Cape Coral

Nature lovers, families, and couples alike will find abundant adventures along the “Waterfront Wonderland” of Cape Coral. We have a team of Cape Coral area resident experts who can give you the best tips to make your vacation memorable. From where to stay, where to eat, and how to explore the beaches, your stay can be customized for you.

What sets Cape Coral, Florida, apart from other Florida vacation spots?

Cape Coral, referred to as “The Cape,” is often referred to as the Venice of Florida for its 400 miles of canals which provide access to the Caloosahatchee River and the Gulf of Mexico. The city is located near the world-famous beaches of Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel and boasts a large and eclectic collection of independent restaurants including Italian, Mexican, Cuban, German and, of course, American, reflecting its equally diverse population.

What are the best beaches in Cape Coral, Florida?

Cape Coral has two fantastic beaches and the beautiful beaches of Fort Myers Beach and Sanibel are nearby. The beach at Yacht Club Community Park on the Caloosahatchee River is Cape Coral’s primary beach. Enjoy a playground, BBQ grills and picnic tables and a public boat ramp is located next door at the Yacht Club Pier. The beach at Four Freedom Park at the Bimini Basin is the city’s newest beach. Like the Yacht Club Community Park, it also has a playground, BBQ grills and picnic tables. These beaches are open daily dawn to dusk and do not have lifeguards.

What is the history of Cape Coral, Florida?

Although there were settlers in the area in the early part of the twentieth century, Cape Coral’s history begins in 1957 following a collection of land deals. Gulf American Corporation (GAC) was formed by brothers Leonard and Jack Rosen who broke ground on the “Waterfront Wonderland” on the north side of the Caloosahatchee River. This 103 square-mile tract of land was known as Redfish Point and once land was broke, it became Cape Coral.  The area was marketed to northerners through direct mail, print advertising and ads on television and radio and welcomed its first residents in 1958. Cape Coral was incorporated in 1970 and today, continues to be a popular vacation and relocation destination for those seeking the Florida lifestyle, as evident by the addition of modern waterfront condo-marina complexes and luxury condo-hotel resorts.

What are things to do in Cape Coral, Florida?

Beaches – With playgrounds, BBQ grills and picnic tables, the Yacht Club Community Park on the Caloosahatchee River and the beach at Four Freedom Park at Bimini Basin, are perfect Cape Coral beaches for families.

Boating – Cape Coral has more than 400 miles of canals with many having access to the Gulf of Mexico and Caloosahatchee River. The city has five improved public boat ramps with access to freshwater or saltwater (BMX Boat Ramp – freshwater; Burnt Store Boat Ramp, Horton Park Boat Ramp, Rosen Park, and Yacht Club Boat Ramp) which charge for parking. Cape Coral also has almost a dozen public, non-fee unimproved freshwater boat ramps. If you don’t have your own boat, rent one from a Cape Coral marina.

Canoeing, Kayaking and Standup Paddle Boarding  –  Since Cape Coral is located on the Caloosahatchee River and has more than 400 miles of canals, canoeing, kayaking and standup paddle boarding are favorite activities. The city is located in Lee County which has the 190-mile Calusa Blueway Trail, a popular network of paddling trails. Paddle the Shelburne Canal to freshwater lakes Alhambra or Saratoga. Experienced paddlers will appreciate the trail at Four Mile Cove which includes an 800-foot portage, floating docks and weather shelters. If you don’t have your own canoe, kayak or standup paddle board, outfitters rent them and offer guided tours. Cape Coral is also home to the South Florida Canoe Kayak Club which offers a paddlesports training venue.

Family-Friendly Fun – Cape Coral is an ideal base for a family-friendly Florida vacation with activities as Sun Splash Family Water Park and Mike Greenwell’s Family Fun Park, plus the beaches at Yacht Club Community Park and Four Freedom Park.

Fishing – When it comes to fishing, Cape Coral is unique to Southwest Florida because it offers both saltwater and freshwater fishing. In the Caloosahatchee River, catch freshwater fish as largemouth bass, bluegill and bream. Inshore fish in Matlacha Pass for saltwater fish such as snook, redfish, grouper and sea trout. If you’re not familiar local waters, experienced fishing guides are available for hire.

Golf – Southwest Florida sunshine and golf go hand and hand and Cape Coral has a handful of quality golf courses to satisfy and challenge every level of golfer.

Nature – Nature lovers adore Cape Coral because it’s home to the largest population of Florida species of Burrowing Owls. It’s estimated there are between 1,000 – 1,500 of these pint-sized birds and can be found throughout the community, often during the day. If you can’t find them on your own, private tours are offered to spot them.  Another popular activity is walking the boardwalk at Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve and spotting native wildlife like bald eagles, ibis, great blue heron, and raccoons.

What tips for vacation rentals should we consider in Cape Coral, Florida?

When it comes to planning a vacation and finding the ideal Cape Coral rental, your choice depends on personal preference, budget and time of year. There are hundreds of Cape Coral rentals available throughout the year by individuals and property management companies. Before making your final decision we recommend you research the property by reading peer review sites and contacting the owners and/or property management company directly. A note of caution: there are several vacation rental scams especially online. Under no circumstance should you wire transfer money for a Cape Coral rental, especially to someone overseas. If a rental seems too good to be true, it probably is. Protect yourself and your vacation with the right information so you ask the right questions.

Is Cape Coral, Florida a good spring break destination?

Cape Coral has the ingredients for a family-friendly spring break with fun activities for kids as beaches, a water park, skate park, and family fun park. Plus, it’s great Florida vacation spot to set up base and explore other areas of Southwest Florida and the Florida Everglades. During spring break, traffic is heavier and beach parking tends to fill up early in the day so plan accordingly.

Is Cape Coral, Florida safe?

Safety is an important factor when choosing a vacation destination and we recommend checking crime levels for yourself. There are several online resources including the crime section of the Cape Coral Police Department and the website AreaVibes.com.

When considering relocating and for homes to rent in Cape Coral, before deciding on a property, visit the rental home at different times of the day. Observe how the neighborhood functions. If you see neighbors socializing, people jogging, and families out and about, this indicates an active and most likely safe neighborhood.  Take time to meet the residents and ask what it’s like living in the neighborhood.

What are the best points of interest in Cape Coral?

According to the local Chamber of Commerce and tourism office, here are the best places to visit while you vacation in Cape Coral:

Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve – This park offers a nature trail, seasonal kayak rentals, picnic areas, Veterans Memorial Area and visitor center. Also called Four Mile Cove or Eco Park, wildlife often spotted in the park include bald eagles, wading birds, migratory birds and snakes.   

Mike Greenwell’s Bat-A-Ball Family Fun Park  – Weather permitting, Mike Greenwell’s Bat-A-Ball Family Fun Park is open year-round and is a homerun with families. Former Boston Red Sox player Mike Greenwell opened the park in 1992 which now includes batting cages, go-karts, miniature golf, arcade games and midway rides such as a carousel, Ferris Wheel and Tilt-A-Whirl.

Southwest Florida Military Museum & Library – This patriotic museum honors the military, educates the public, and displays military artifacts beginning with the Revolutionary War to World War I and World War II through the current Afghanistan conflict. Admission into the Southwest Florida Military Museum & Library is free.

Sun Splash Family Water Park – This is the coolest place to chill in Cape Coral with 14 acres of aquatic fun with thrilling water slides and a leisurely river tube ride. Sun Splash Family Water Park also offers swim lessons.  The water park is open mid-March through the end of September.

Wicked Dolphin Rum Distillery – Take a tour of an artisan rum distillery and walk through the process of how Cape Coral’s Wicked Dolphin produces award-winning rum. A tasting follows this free tour. Everyone in the family can participate in the tour but in order to taste the rum, visitors need to be at least 21 years old. Or, volunteer to help the distillers in the process of bottling the rum.

What are the best hotels in Cape Coral, Florida?

Cape Coral offers quaint motels, plush hotels and luxury resorts. For those looking to live like a local during their visit, there are plenty of condos, rental homes and villas to rent.

How is the weather in Cape Coral, Florida?

There are several websites and apps available that provide current Southwest Florida weather as well as long-range forecasts. Cape Coral has a subtropical climate resulting in favorable winters January – March. On average, January is typically the coolest month and June the warmest. June – September is Florida’s rainy season with highs in the low 90s and lows in the mid-70s and a factor when planning your vacation. For temperature and precipitation averages, visit weather.com.