Neighborhood Spotlight: Cape Coral
Neighborhood Spotlight: Cape Coral
Located west of Fort Myers, Cape Coral is one of the largest cities in Florida by area. There’s plenty to do both on and off the water.
Cape Coral
Would you believe that Cape Coral has more waterways than Venice, Italy? More than 400 miles of saltwater and freshwater canals wind their way through this city. In what was once called a waterfront wonderland, you can spend your days boating along the canals, renting a vacation home with direct access to the water and taking your pick of waterfront restaurants.
Natural Attractions
The wetlands of Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve are a nature-lover’s paradise on the edge of the Caloosahatchee River. The preserve spans 365 acres, making it one of the largest green spaces in Cape Coral. Walk through the mangrove forest on a 1.2-mile boardwalk loop where wading and migratory birds show up in droves.
In addition to the preserve, there are 44 more community parks throughout Cape Coral, many of which are filled with fun activities and amenities for all ages. Pack a picnic to enjoy while looking at Saratoga Lake and listen to live music at Lake Kennedy Center on the grounds of Lake Kennedy Community Park. Slated to reopen later in the summer is Yellow Fever Creek Preserve, which spans nearly 340 acres of wilderness including a 2.5-mile-long walking trail.
Family Time
When you’re not on a boat, hiking or walking around town, spend a gleeful day zip lining and rock climbing at Gator Mike’s Family Fun Park. Or you can keep it laid back with a round of mini golf and time at the arcade.
A day at SunSplash Family Waterpark will have everyone begging to stay just a little bit longer. Float along the lazy river and zip down multiple waterslides that will get your adrenaline flowing.
Arts & Culture
Art enthusiasts gather at Cape Coral Art Center for rotating exhibitions and art classes designed for all ages. Rubicond Park is a lovely outdoor area to wander along pathways, admiring sculptures and thoughtfully designed landscaping.
Learn about the region’s earliest roots at the Cape Coral Museum of History before walking through a certified Butterfly Garden, the Memorial Rose Garden and the Natural Gardens.
Dining Around Town
Known for its diverse dining scene, Cape Coral truly has something for everyone to enjoy. From modern American on the waterfront to authentic Latin American flavors to two craft breweries and a distillery, there are crave-worthy meals for every occasion.
In the heart of downtown, Fish Tale Grill by Merrick Seafood serves up the freshest local seafood hauled in by fishermen to the adjacent market. In this sit-down restaurant, you’ll find a massive seafood tower, lobster rolls, New England-style steamers, and other delicious bites.
Enjoy live music and a casual grill at Cork Soakers Deck & Wine Bar or plan for a date night on the waterfront at restaurants in Tarpon Point Marina or Cape Harbour. Barbecue feasts and taco nights are just a portion of what you’ll enjoy at Nevermind Awesome Bar & Eatery. Pizza-lovers flock to Nice Guys Beer & Pizza Lounge, while burgers and craft beer are on the menu at Ford’s Garage.
Beyond its craft beer scene, Cape Coral also stands apart with its small-batch distillery. A tour of Wicked Dolphin takes you behind the scenes of award-winning rum and vodka.
The Cape Coral Farmers Market is another favorite stop for curious foodies. Taking place every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., this family-friendly market is overflowing with Southwest Florida-fresh produce, baked treats and other artisan-made goods.
Festive Seasons
No matter what time of year you visit, there’s always a special event or festival to look forward to.
Support local wildlife at the Burrowing Owl Festival Wildlife & Environmental Expo that takes place every February in Rotary Park Environmental Center. Proceeds go toward conservation efforts by the Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife. You’ll spend the day learning about adorable burrowing owls and other wildlife, and enjoy animal encounters, crafts and a visit to the Tom Allen Memorial Butterfly House. Before you arrive at this event, get a sneak peek of the butterfly house with our live webcam that shows their movement in real time.
You don’t have to be a hardcore biker to enjoy Cape Coral Bike Night, a special evening that takes place several times a year. Motorcycles line the streets as enthusiasts rev their engines and roam around checking out new designs on display. Look forward to Harley-Davidson slow bike races, food and music from 5 to 10 p.m.
Move to the Sounds of Jazz & Blues in this annual March event. Local talent brings the whole community together over live performances on the main stage, with food and family-friendly fun.
Now in its third year, Brew Fest returns in March. Hosted by the Cape Coral Museum of History, this Cultural Park event invites you to sample beers, seltzers, wines and other beverages from local purveyors as well as guests from around the country. Food trucks, music and local vendors round this perfect day out.
Summertime shines during Cape Coral’s Red, White & BOOM Independence Day event. Taking the title as Southwest Florida’s best fireworks display, this day-long event is made for family fun.
The annual Cape Coral Oktoberfest is an authentic festival highlighted by German beer, delicious food and live music (polka included, of course).
The annual Cape Coral Art Festival & Market Place takes place in January, showcasing the works of as many as 300 artists and artisans from around the world. Walk among the stalls to browse paintings, jewelry, sculptures, and other original works along with food and entertainment
For over three decades, the Cape Coral Holiday Festival of Lights has brought together generations of local families and visitors. Snap photos with Santa, take a ride on the Tiny Tots Train and be amazed by the arrival of snow in Southwest Florida as you tackle the Snow Drift Slide.
As a true boating community, it’s no wonder that Cape Coral has a fun-filled boat parade in December. At the Holiday Boat-a-Long, cheer as Santa Claus arrives in Bimini Basin and watch the colorful boat parade that lights up the canal at night.
With a perfect mix of nature and culture, this welcoming neighborhood will inspire a sense of relaxation from beginning to end. Check out the Cape Coral Quest, a scavenger hunt–style passport where you visit local shops and restaurants, enter a code and earn special deals and discounts.
You have lots of options to stay in Cape Coral, no matter how big or small your group is. The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village puts you in a perfect position to enjoy the water with open views of Tarpon Point Marina, the Caloosahatchee River and the Gulf of Mexico. The hundreds of miles of canals that Cape Coral is famous for are also prime spots for vacation rentals, often with pools, watercrafts and other fun-filled amenities.
