30 Best Things to do in Cape Coral

Cape Coral, located in Florida, is a paradise for travelers looking for a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, and relaxation. In this comprehensive guide, we’re excited to guide you through the top attractions, iconic landmarks, family-friendly activities, and best things to do in Cape Coral during your visit to Florida.

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1. Historic Attractions

The Tom Allen Memorial Butterfly House

The Tom Allen Memorial Butterfly House offering visitors a chance to see native Florida butterflies up close. The butterfly house is designed to support butterfly populations with host plants for caterpillars and nectar sources for adult butterflies. Guests can take free guided tours on Monday, Friday, and Saturday, learning about different butterfly species and their life cycles. The tour guides share useful conservation tips on how to protect butterflies and create butterfly-friendly gardens. Visitors can often spot species like Zebra Longwing, Florida’s state butterfly, along with other colorful varieties.

Rotary Park Environmental Center

Covering 97 acres, Rotary Park Environmental Center provide visitors to enjoy nature while learning through different educational programs and outdoor activities. The park features walking trails, wetlands, salt flats, and ponds, making it a great spot for wildlife observation and birdwatching. One highlight is the Glover Bight Boardwalk, which leads to an observation tower with scenic views of the area. The trails passing through uplands and marshes, and the center offers programs like birding workshops, gardening classes, and nature walks, making it a great place for learning and exploration.

Sanibel Lighthouse

The Sanibel Lighthouse is standing on the eastern tip of Sanibel Island, has been a notable landmark since its construction in 1884, guiding ships into San Carlos Bay with its 102 foot iron structure. While the lighthouse itself is not open for tours, visitors can explore the Lighthouse Beach Park, which features walking trails, a fishing pier, and a shoreline filled with various seashells wash up along the coast. The lighthouse stands as a lasting piece of Sanibel’s maritime history, holding strong through years of storms and tides. Nearby, visitors can explore nature trails offering glimpses of coastal ecosystems.

Edison and Ford Winter Estates

Located in Fort Myers, Edison and Ford Winter Estates provide visitors with a look into the everyday lives and achievements of two legendary American inventors. The estates include historic homes, a museum, botanical gardens, and a research laboratory. Thomas Edison first visited the area in 1885 and built his winter retreat, Seminole Lodge, which later became a gathering place for friends like Henry Ford. Ford purchased the neighboring property, The Mangoes, in 1916, creating a space where the two could exchange ideas.

Inside, visitors can explore Ford’s classic automobiles, Edison’s inventions, and a collection of historical items that highlight their impact on science and industry. The botanical gardens feature over 1,700 plant species, including trees planted by Edison himself for research purposes. The Edison Botanical Research Laboratory, recognized as a National Historic Chemical Landmark, highlights Edison’s experiments with plant-based rubber. Guided tours provide details about the estates’ history, and visitors can explore the homes, gardens, and laboratory at their own pace.

2. Outdoor Activities

Kayaking and Canoeing

Cape Coral is an ideal destination for kayaking and canoeing, that includes mangrove tunnels, open waterways, and coastal estuaries. Gulf Coast Kayak offers rentals and guided tours, allowing visitors to explore Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve, a peaceful spot known for its dolphins, manatees, and wading birds. Cape Coral Kayak provides self-guided and guided tours, with routes passing through mangrove forests and shallow waters. For those looking for a unique experience, Carmen’s Kayaks specializes in kayak fishing and nature tours, where visitors can paddle alongside manatees and dolphins.

Biking Trails

Cape Coral offers a variety of biking trails, making it a great destination for cyclists of all skill levels. The Cape Coral Linear Park Trail is a 10.5 miles paved path, providing a scenic ride through parks and neighborhoods. Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve offers trails where visitors can bike while surrounded by wetlands, creating a peaceful outdoor experience. Sirenia Vista Trail is a relaxing route where cyclists can enjoy waterfront scenery and spot manatees. Cape Coral Community Park Trails provide family-friendly biking options with well-maintained paths.

The city has over 90 miles of interconnected bike routes, passing through nature preserves, canals, and parks. Yellow Fever Creek Preserve offers a mix of hiking and biking trails in a 339 acres of conservation area, perfect for those looking for a quiet ride. Prairie Pines Preserve has 18 miles of trails, including boardwalks and rugged paths designed for those looking for a more adventurous ride. Buckingham Trails Preserve has around 5 miles of multi-use paths, giving both horseback riders and cyclists, the chance to explore open scrub landscapes and pine flatwoods.

Boating & Sailing Tours

Cape Coral offers a variety of boating and sailing tours, allowing visitors to explore the scenic waterways and coastal beauty of Southwest Florida. Cape Coral Boat Charter & Tours offers custom boat trips for up to six passengers, providing a personalized experience on the water. Captain Paul’s Yacht Charters features a 44 foot yacht, where guests can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and fishing, with all gear included. Cape Coral Boat Rentals provides GPS-equipped boats, allowing visitors to navigate to nearby destinations like Sanibel, Captiva, and Fort Myers Beach, with chances to encounter dolphins.

Fishing Charters

Cape Coral is a great place for fishing charters, offering access to both inshore and offshore waters filled with a variety of fish species. iFish Charters LLC specializes in fishing around Pine Island Sound, near Sanibel, Captiva, and Fort Myers. Conway Charters is a popular choice, offering fishing trips and sightseeing tours in Southwest Florida. Sight Sea-R Cruises offers inshore and nearshore fishing, using live bait, artificial lures, and fly rods, with trips designed for all skill levels. Salty Native Charters also include eco-tours, shelling trips, and dolphin-watching excursions, a great option for families.

Golfing Courses

Designed by Arthur Hills, Coral Oaks Golf Course is an 18-hole course featuring rolling fairways, well-kept greens, and a natural landscape with 8 lakes and 37 bunkers. Cape Royal Golf Club is a public course known for its well-maintained greens and beautiful landscape. Palmetto-Pine Country Club, established in 1969, is another notable spot with a championship course designed by Arthur Hills, known for its smooth and fast greens. Hunters Run Golf Club, a family-owned 9-hole executive course, has been welcoming golfers since 1961, offering a laid-back atmosphere without requiring tee times.

3. Iconic Landmarks

Cape Coral Historical Museum

The Cape Coral Historical Museum focuses on the development of the area, highlighting key figures like the Rosen Brothers, who played a major role in shaping Cape Coral. It consists of three buildings and three garden areas, each showcasing different aspects of the city’s history, including its early businesses and local industries. Visitors can browse old photographs, learn about Cape Coral’s transformation over the years, and see exhibits detailing important milestones. Visitors can explore the city’s history through guided tours and educational programs, offering a detailed look at city’s heritage.

Cape Coral Art Center

Since 1977, the Cape Coral Art Center has been a gathering place for creativity, offering fine arts and crafts classes year-round for people of all experience levels. The center provides workshops in painting, pottery, sculpture, jewelry-making, and glass art, allowing visitors to explore different artistic techniques. The Fine Art Gallery hosts special events, express workshops, and summer art camps, making it accessible for both beginners and experienced artists. The Art Supply Store provides specialized materials for students and art lovers, ensuring they have the tools needed to bring their ideas to life.

Cultural Park Theater

The Cultural Park Theater has been a vibrant part of the local arts scene since 1963, hosting a variety of musicals, dramas, and comedies throughout the year. The 184 seats venue offers an intimate setting where audiences can enjoy live performances from talented local actors. In addition to its Main Stage productions, the theater also features Second Stage performances, which spotlight original works by local playwrights. The venue supports arts education with acting classes, summer camps, and workshops designed for children and teens, helping them develop stage presence and creativity.

4. Family-Friendly Activities

Sun Splash Family Waterpark

The Sun Splash Family Waterpark is the largest waterpark in Southwest Florida, stretches across 14 acres and offers a mix of thrilling slides, relaxing pools, and fun attractions for all ages. The park offers fun for all ages, with thrilling rides like Terror Tube, Thunder Bump, and X-cellerator, which provide fast drops and exciting twists. Families can enjoy Pirate’s Cove, an interactive play area with smaller slides and water features designed for younger visitors. those looking for a challenge, the Sand Dollar Walk tests balance and agility as guests try to cross floating sand dollars using an overhead rope.

IMAG History & Science Center

The IMAG History & Science Center provides an engaging experience for families, featuring aquariums, interactive exhibits, historical displays and a 3D theater for hands-on learning. The center focuses on STEM education, combining science and history to create engaging experiences for visitors of all ages. Guests can explore Science on a Sphere, Google Earth Wall, Engineering Lab, and Nano Lab, each designed to spark curiosity and learning. The USS Mohawk Aquarium and Lionfish Aquarium showcase marine life, while the Living Lab features turtles, snakes, frogs, and other animals.

Visitors can also take part in hands-on activities like prospecting for fossils, weather forecasting in the IMAG TV studio, and interactive science demonstrations. The center hosts guided tours, customized group visits, and educational programs, making it a great place for school trips and family outings. The Snack House Café brings back a piece of Fort Myers’ past with its collection of memorabilia and a carefully restored 1950s sign, celebrating the city’s rich dining history.

Cape Coral Yacht Club Community Park

The Cape Coral Yacht Club Community Park is a popular waterfront spot where visitors can enjoy a fishing pier, beach, marina and various recreational activities. For years, it has been a go-to destination for both locals and tourists, offering a relaxing space to relax by the water. The public beach provides a relaxing place to enjoy the sun, with soft sand and calm waters along the Caloosahatchee River. The marina features boat slips and docking areas, making it convenient for boaters to explore nearby waterways. The fishing pier is one of the popular spots for anglers looking to catch local fish species.

Gator Mike’s Family Fun Park

The Gator Mike’s Family Fun Park is a popular spot for visitors looking for entertainment and outdoor activities in Cape Coral. The park offers a variety of attractions including go-karts, mini golf, bumper boats, paintball, ziplining, and arcade games, making it a fun destination for families and groups. The aerial ropes course challenges guests to test their balance and climbing skills, while the mini golf course features creative obstacles like a fire-breathing volcano. The go-kart track allow visitors to race against friends on a well-designed course, while the arcade provides a mix of classic and modern games.

Bowland Coral Lanes

The Bowland Coral Lanes is a well-loved bowling alley that provides a fun and entertainment for visitors. It features modern bowling lanes with automatic scoring systems, making games smooth and enjoyable. Guests can participate in league bowling, open play, and themed events, offering options for both casual and competitive players. The venue includes an arcade area, where visitors can try different games in between rounds of bowling. Glow bowling nights add excitement with neon lights and music, while birthday parties and private events can be booked, making it an ideal for celebrations.

5. Natural Attractions

Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve

The Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve stands as one of Cape Coral’s largest protected natural areas, spanning 365 acres of mangroves and wetlands. The preserve offers a peaceful escape into nature with walking trails, boardwalks, and scenic views. Visitors can explore the 1.2 mile loop trail, passing through mangrove forests and salt marshes, providing a chance to spot wildlife. The Veterans Memorial Area serves as a tribute to members of the U.S. armed forces, offering visitors a place for remembrance. Kayaking is a popular activity, allowing paddlers to explore the waterways and observe marine life.

Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve

The Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve is a protected estuary in Southwest Florida, covering 14,776 acres of waterways, mangrove islands, and seagrass beds. Located between Charlotte Harbor and the Caloosahatchee River, the preserve plays an important role in supporting marine life and maintaining water quality. Fishing is common here, while kayaking and boating are popular activities, allowing visitors to explore the waterways and observe wildlife up close. Conservation efforts focus on protecting the natural balance of the estuary, ensuring the area remains a thriving habitat for marine species.

Sirenia Vista Park

The Sirenia Vista Park is an 8 acres of nature preserve, known for its manatee viewing opportunities, especially during the cooler months when they gather in warm waters. The park features a kayak launch, providing access to the Calusa Blueway, a scenic water trail passing through mangrove estuaries. Fishing is allowed in designated areas, where anglers can catch a variety of local species. Many guests visit for kayaking excursions, with easy water access making it ideal for paddlers of all skill levels. Educational signs in the park provides information about marine life, birds, and conservation efforts.

Jaycee Park

The Jaycee Park is a waterfront park, known for its scenic views along the Caloosahatchee River. Covering 11.8 acres, the park offers walking paths, fitness stations, picnic shelters with BBQ grills, and a playground designed for children, making it a great spot for families and outdoor gatherings. The gazebo provides a shaded area for relaxation, and the open spaces allow visitors to enjoy casual walks or enjoy the outdoors. Jaycee Park has long been a valued outdoor space where people gather for picnics, morning walks and events, making it an important part of Cape Coral’s recreational offerings.

Lake Kennedy Community Park

The Lake Kennedy Community Park is a 46 acres of recreational space in Cape Coral, offering a variety of activities and programs. The park is home to Sun Splash Family Waterpark, a popular attraction featuring slides and pools for visitors of all ages. The Lake Kennedy Senior Center provides activities and services for older adults, including fitness classes and social events. The Freida B. Smith Special Populations Center offers recreational programs designed to support individuals with special needs. Educational programs and workshops are hosted, offering a chance for learning and engagement.

Burton Memorial Park

Covers 9.1 acres, Burton Memorial Park is home to the Cape Coral Girls’ Softball League, hosting games an d tournaments for players ages 5 to 15, and has also been the site of several state-level competitions. The park features four lighted softball fields, making it a key location for local sports events. Visitors can also enjoy basketball courts, a tennis court, a playground, and picnic areas. A concession stand is available during events, making it easy for guests to grab snacks while watching games. The picnic shelter is available on a first-come, first-served basis, making it a great spot for gatherings.

Camelot Park

Spans 6.4 acres, Camelot Park features two lighted tennis courts with lines for pickleball, making it a great spot for both sports. Visitors can enjoy horseshoe pits, picnic shelters with BBQ grills, and a playground designed for children. The walking trail is surrounded by natural greenery, offers a peaceful environment for exercise and enjoying the fresh air. The park is a great place for families and individuals looking for a outdoor space. The picnic shelters can be reserved for gatherings, offering shaded seating areas. Tennis and pickleball players appreciate the lighted courts, allowing for evening games.

6. Day Trips & Excursions

Sanibel Island

Planning a day trip to Sanibel Island takes around 30 minutes drive from Cape Coral, and is a great way to experience Florida’s Gulf Coast. Visitors can cross the Sanibel Causeway, which offers scenic views of the water before reaching the island. Bowman’s Beach and Lighthouse Beach Park are well-known spots for visitors to enjoy, offering stunning views. Sanibel Island is also home to the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge, where guests can see alligators and other native wildlife. Kayaking gives visitors a chance to paddle through the mangroves and observe marine life in its natural habitat.

Fort Myers Beach

Just a short drive from Cape Coral, a day trip to Fort Myers Beach is a great way to enjoy Florida’s Gulf Coast. Visitors can take the San Carlos Boulevard route, which leads directly to the island. Fort Myers Beach is a favorite spot for visitors, offering gentle waves and soft white sand, making it an ideal place to relax and swim. For those looking for excitement, the beach features parasailing, jet skiing and paddleboarding, providing plenty of opportunities for adventure on the water. The beach has several waterfront restaurants serving fresh seafood, offering a great place to enjoy a meal with ocean views.

Everglades National Park

Start a day trip to Everglades National Park and drive around 2.5 hours from Cape Coral, is a great way to explore Florida’s unique wetlands. The Everglades is home to alligators, manatees and dolphins, making it a great place for nature lovers. Airboat tours are a popular way to explore the park, allowing visitors to glide over the water and see wildlife up close. The park has several walking trails, including the Anhinga Trail, where visitors can spot alligators. Shark Valley is another must-visit area, offering a tram tour that takes guests through the park with opportunities to see wildlife along the way.

Captiva Island

From Cape Coral, a day trip to Captiva Island takes about an hour with a scenic drive that includes crossing the Sanibel Causeway. Captiva is a popular destination with beaches, clear waters and a laid-back vibe, making it an ideal place for a getaway. Turner Beach is a great choice for visitors who enjoy sunset views and shelling, while Captiva Beach offers soft sand, perfect for relaxing by the shore. The island has several waterfront restaurants, where guests can enjoy fresh seafood with ocean views. Boat tours are available for those who want to explore the nearby waters or go dolphin watching.

Matlacha

Located just 13 miles from Cape Coral, a day trip to Matlacha is a great way to experience a small, colorful island town. Matlacha stands out with its lively art galleries, colorful buildings and waterfront dining, capturing the essence of Old Florida’s charm. Visitors can explore the World’s Fishing-est Bridge, a popular spot for anglers catching snook, redfish, and tarpon. The town has several art galleries, including the well-known Lovegrove Gallery & Gardens, featuring vibrant paintings in outdoor space. Boat tours are great ways to explore the surroundings, where dolphins and manatees are spotted.

Sarasota

Planning a day trip to Sarasota takes about 1.5 hours from Cape Coral, and is a great way to explore rich cultural scene, stunning beaches and a variety of outdoor experiences that attract visitors year-round. Start at Ringling Museum of Art, where guests can explore European paintings and exhibits on circus history, offering insight into Sarasota’s heritage. Mote Marine Laboratory & Aquarium is a great place to learn about marine life, featuring exhibits on sea turtles, sharks, and manatees. Outdoor lovers can visit Myakka River State Park, where they can hike, kayak, or take an airboat tour to see alligators.

How to Reach Cape Coral

Cape Coral is easy to reach by car, bus, or plane, making it a convenient destination for travelers. The nearest airport is Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers, located about 19 miles away, providing convenient access for travelers. Whether you’re flying from New York City, Chicago, or Los Angeles, you’ll find hassle-free options to get you to your destination. From the airport, visitors can rent a car or take a shuttle to Cape Coral. Driving is a popular option, with Interstate 75 providing direct access to the area.

Travelers coming from Miami or Tampa can take I-75 South or North, depending on their starting point. Bus services like Greyhound and Amtrak Thruway offer routes to nearby cities, including Fort Myers, where travelers can take local transportation to Cape Coral. The city does not have a train station, but Amtrak provides connections through Fort Myers. Once in Cape Coral, visitors can use rental cars, taxis, or rideshare services to get around.

Local Transportation

Cape Coral offers several transportation options for getting around the city. LeeTran, the public bus system, provides routes connecting Cape Coral to Fort Myers and other nearby areas. The buses run on a set schedule, making them a reliable choice for those without a car. Taxis and rideshare services like Uber are available throughout Cape Coral, offering convenient door-to-door transportation. Many visitors and residents rely on rental cars, as Cape Coral’s layout makes driving the easiest way to explore.

Biking is another option, with several bike-friendly roads and paths. Some areas have water taxis, providing scenic transportation across waterways. Private shuttle services operate between Cape Coral and Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), making airport transfers simple. Whether using public transit, rideshares, or personal vehicles, Cape Coral has multiple ways to get around.

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FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions)

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