Cape Coral Travel Guide

Plan your visit to Cape Coral, Florida with this comprehensive travel guide including top places to visit, best things to do, where to stay and more.


Introduction to Cape Coral

Located in Southwest Florida, Cape Coral is a city in the Lee County of Florida. Known for its beautiful beaches, upscale shopping and dining options, and outdoor recreational activities, Cape Coral is perfect for those looking for a relaxing vacation or a weekend getaway.

List of Places to Visit in Cape Coral

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

For history and museum enthusiasts, Cape Coral offers a variety of cultural attractions

  • Cape Coral Historical Museum: Learn about the rich history, culture, and lifestyle of the earliest settlers to Cape Coral. This museum features artifacts, photographs, and interactive displays.
  • Military Museum & Library: This museum is dedicated to preserving the memories of the military and veterans who served the United States. The exhibits include photographs, memorabilia and artifacts from different wars.
  • Cape Coral Arts Studio: Art lovers will appreciate visiting the Cape Coral Arts Studio, an award-winning facility that offers classes and exhibits all year round.

Natural Attractions of Cape Coral: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Cape Coral has stunning natural beauty that can be experienced through its many parks, reserves, and waterways.

  • Sun Splash Family Waterpark: Enjoy water rides and slides in the midst of a tropical paradise at Sun Splash Waterpark, which is perfect for families and kids alike!
  • Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve: Enjoy the unspoiled beauty of Florida’s natural habitat by taking a tour of Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve, which covers 365 acres of wetlands and forests, and emphasizes conservation and restoration of wetland habitats.
  • Cape Coral Yacht Club Community Park: This picturesque park offers fishing pier, playground, beach, community pool and also the public tennis and basketball courts for free.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Cape Coral

Cape Coral provides miles of hiking and biking trails which is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. The most popular routes to explore include:

  • Rotary Park Environmental Center: Offers hiking trails, a butterfly garden, and a nature center. There’s also a dog park, dog beach and kayaking access nearby.
  • Lake Kennedy Trail: A 4-mile scenic trail that offers a peaceful experience walking through the million-dollar neighborhoods.
  • North Spreader Canal Trail: This 5.4-mile trail offers views of the mangrove swamps and wildlife along the trail.

Best Things to Do in Cape Coral: Activities and Tours

Whether you are looking for adventure or just want to relax, Cape Coral has plenty to offer for all ages.

  • Dolphin Tours and More: This tour company offers dolphin and eco tours, sunset cruises, shelling, and fishing adventures. The tours are conducted on a floating tiki style pontoon and a great way to experience Cape Coral from the water.
  • Sky Zone Trampoline Park: This indoor trampoline park is perfect for visitors of all ages. The park offers a safe environment with many different activities like trampoline dodgeball, basketball, and fitness classes!
  • Cultural Park Theatre Company: This community theatre company produces several plays and musicals each year showcasing the local talents.

Week-Long Itinerary for Cape Coral

Are you planning to spend a week in Cape Coral? Here’s a one-week itinerary:

Day Activity
Day 1 Visit the Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve and explore the natural beauty of Cape Coral
Day 2 Go shopping and dine at The Shops at Surfside, the most upscale center in Cape Coral
Day 3 Take a tiki cruise, dolphin and eco tour to experience Cape Coral from the water
Day 4 Visit Sun Splash Family Waterpark and enjoy the water rides
Day 5 Take a walk at Cape Coral Yacht Club Community Park, watch the beautiful sunset and take advantage of the community pool
Day 6 Visit the Cape Coral Historical Museum and Military Museum & Library to learn the history of the early settlers and veterans
Day 7 Enjoy the cultural experience at the Cape Coral Arts Studio and watch a play or musical at the Cultural Park Theatre Company.

Food and Drink Scene of Cape Coral

Cape Coral offers a delicious culinary scene with variety of cuisines including Asian, Italian, Mexican, American and much more!

Must-Try Dishes

  • Grouper: A local specialty, grouper is a type of fish commonly found in Florida and is a definite must-try!
  • Cuban sandwich: This sandwich is stuffed with ham, shredded pork, Swiss cheese, pickles, and mustard and is one of the most popular sandwiches in Florida.
  • Key Lime Pie: This dessert’s flavors come from Key limes, which are smaller and sweeter than regular limes. The pie is a popular Florida dessert.

Local Beverages

  • Margarita: This drink is perfect for sipping alongside your Cuban sandwich. It is a cocktail that consists of tequila, lime juice, and triple sec.
  • Hurricane: A rum-based drink that consists of several fruit juices and goes perfectly with the beach and sunset!

Where to Stay in Cape Coral: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Cape Coral offers a variety of accommodations for all types of travelers and budgets.

  • Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village: This resort is situated on the bank of a river and islands. It offers luxurious amenities, a full-service spa, and private balconies with breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico.
  • Hideaway Waterfront Resort & Hotel: This boutique hotel offers an intimate setting and a perfect location on the waterfront. It offers amenities such as private beach access, swimming pool, fishing and dock.

What to Buy in Cape Coral: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Citrus: A citrus souvenir is a must-buy when visiting Florida. Cape Coral has many local citrus packing houses that sell fresh citrus.
  • Jewelry: The shops across Cape Coral offer unique handmade jewelry using local shells, pearls, and stones perfect for taking back home.

Local Culture and Customs of Cape Coral

Cape Coral is known for its laid-back Florida culture, which can be seen in the local beach bars and outdoor recreational activities.

Best Time to Visit Cape Coral

Cape Coral has pleasant weather all year round, but the best time to visit is from December to April when the weather is at its best.

Do’s and Don’ts of Cape Coral

Do:

  • Do take a dip in the Gulf of Mexico and experience the beautiful beaches.
  • Do check-out the art festivals and craft fairs all year round which showcase artists’ work from Southwest Florida.

Don’t:

  • Don’t forget to apply and re-apply sunscreen to avoid sunburns because the sun is often intense in Florida.
  • Don’t drive in the bus only lane during peak hours or it could result in a ticket.

Safety and Health

Safety in Cape Coral

Cape Coral is a safe city but some general safety rules need to be followed:

  • Keep valuables out of sight in the car.
  • When walking at night, carry a flashlight and stay on the main roadways and well-lit areas.

Health in Cape Coral

There are many medical facilities and hospitals across Cape Coral.

Getting to Cape Coral: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Cape Coral

  • Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is the closest airport to Cape Coral, offering both domestic and international flights.

Bus Stations Near Cape Coral

  • Greyhound bus station in Fort Myers is the closest station.

Other Options

  • Uber and Lyft taxis are available in Cape Coral, which provide easy and affordable transportation options to move around the city.

How to Get Around in Cape Coral

Cape Coral is a car-centric city, so renting a car is the best way to get around. Other options include:

  • Bike Rentals: There are numerous bike rentals available to explore the beautiful routes of Cape Coral.
  • Taxis: Taxis are easily available in Cape Coral, or you can book through Uber and Lyft.
  • Cape Coral Transit: Also known as the CAT, a local bus system with fixed routes.

Where to Go Next from Cape Coral: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Cape Coral is in close proximity to many other attractions in Florida:

  • Sanibel and Captiva Islands: Located just 30 minutes from Cape Coral, these two islands are the perfect location for enjoying the beautiful scenes, the beaches, and the sunsets.
  • Fort Myers Beach: Another beautiful beach town that offers similar attractions like Cape Coral but on a bigger scale.
  • Naples: Just an hour south of Cape Coral, Naples offers a more upscale shopping, dining and cultural scene.

Conclusion

Cape Coral is a paradise that offers something for all types of travelers. From breathtaking natural beauty to exciting adventures and cultural attractions, Cape Coral is the perfect destination for your next escape. Plan your trip today and enjoy all the city has to offer!

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