Cape Coral Vacation Guide

Where to eat, shop, play, and stay in Cape Coral Florida

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About Cape Coral

Located on Florida's gulf coast, southwest of Fort Myers, Cape Coral is the perfect vacation spot for those looking to explore all Florida's great outdoors has to offer.

Cape Coral is the largest city in the Cape Coral-Fort Myers area and is the largest city between Tampa and Miami. The population in 2017 was calculated to be around 183,300 people.

Well known for its 400 miles of explorable canals and waterways, as well as beaches, nature preserves, and golf courses, Cape Coral is a hidden gem for those looking to explore. The perfect spot for families, snowbirds, and couples looking to relax and explore the great outdoors.




Cities in Cape Coral

What Cities Are In or Near Cape Coral, FL?

Where Is Cape Coral?

Cape Coral is located in Southwest Florida, south of Tampa and north of Naples. Ideally located on the beautiful Gulf Coast of Florida, the weather is balmy and the beaches are sugar-white.

What Cities Are Near Cape Coral? 

Fort Myers

Located across the Caloosahatchee River, east of Cape Coral is Fort Myers, Florida. In 2017 the population was just under 80,000 people. Fort Myers is known as the commercial center of the county and is rapidly growing with many different sporting, dining, and touring opportunities. Fort Myer's two main claims to fame are the Winter Estates of both Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, both of which are available for daily tours.  

Sanibel 

Sanibel is a small city on Sanibel Island, just south of Cape Coral. In 2017, the population was around 7,400 people. Enjoy quiet beaches and Gulf views on Sanibel, while still having access to plenty of activities and dining opportunities. Sanibel is the perfect spot for couples, snowbirds, and young families who want to relax on the beach in a quiet, safe community. 


Cape Coral, FL Zip Code(s): 

33904 , 33909 , 33910 , 33914 

Cape Coral, FL area code:

239

 What County is Cape Coral, FL in? 

Lee County


Cape Coral

Cape Coral


Highlights of Cape Coral

What's Great About Cape Coral?

  • The 400 miles of explorable waterways make hiring a boat or participating in water sports a must-do activity.
  • Several nature preserves are available to explore, perfect for a day out in the great outdoors.
  • Go golfing at one of the several golf clubs available in Cape Coral and Fort Myers.
  • Get away from the action and relax on Sanibel Island. Enjoy the Gulf breeze and uncrowded beaches.
  • Visit Fort Myers and Sanibel Island for even more things to do and places to see.
  • Explore a variety of dining opportunities in Cape Coral, fans of seafood will not be disappointed.
  • Best Suited for outdoorsy types, such as active families, couples, and snowbirds.

Things to do in Cape Coral

You Won't Be Bored In Cape Coral!

Cape Coral, FL is a special place, perfectly suited for outdoor living.

Here's a handy list of things to do when you visit Cape Coral, FL

  • Explore the 400 miles of canals, either by renting a boat, or joining one of the many water-sport activities that are offered across the city.
  • Kayaking, Cruises, Jet Skiing and More!
  • Fishing (beach, boat and pier fishing).
  • Explore one of the many Nature Preserves, Four Mile Cove and Rotary Park come highly recommended.
  • Cool off at the Sun Splash Family Water Park.
  • Visit the Winter Estates of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford in Fort Myers.
  • Relax on the quiet beaches in Sanibel and soak up the Gulf views.
  • Biking.
  • Great unique restaurants.

Things to do indoors in Cape Coral when it rains:

  • Visit The Wicked Dolphin Rum Distillery
  • Take the family to HeadPinz Family Entertainment Center with its state of the art bowling lanes an arcade
  • Another great family bowling and arcade destination is Bowland Coral Lanes
  • You and your family won't run out of great places to bowl in Cape Coral! Bowland Centers: Traditional bowling + Glow-in-the-dark bowling on weekends
  • History and military buffs will love Cape Coral's Southwest Florida Military Museum & Library
  • Another great place to visit for history buffs is Cape Coral Historical Museum with the facinating history of the development of Cape Coral
  • Batter up! Mike Greenwell's Bat-A-Ball & Family Fun Park has batting cages and much more
  • Take in a movie at Marquee Cinemas

Romantic things to do in Cape Coral for couples

  • Take a sunset boat tour
  • Dine at one of the many fabulous restaurants
  • Go on a kayak tour
  • Stroll on the beach and catch the breathtaking sunset

Kid & Family-Friendly things to do in Cape Coral

  • Spend the day at Sun Splash Family Water Park featuring a 30-foot high, 215-foot long slide
  • Enjoy the batting cages, mini-golf, and more at Mike Greenwell's Bat-A-Ball & Family Fun Park
  • Bowl a game or two (or many) at Bowland Coral Lanes or HeadPinz Family Entertainment Center
  • Learn about Cape Coral ecology at Rotary Park Environmental Center
  • Take a kayak or sailing tour

Things to do unique to Cape Coral

  • Cape Coral is known for its 400 miles of canals, perfect for everything boating, fishing, wildlife viewing, and dozens of water activities

Explore Cape Coral

Where To Shop And Dine In Cape Coral

Shopping in Cape Coral

  • Downtown Cape Coral Shopping Mall
  • Coralwood Shopping Center
  • Del Prado Mall
  • North Point Shopping Center
  • The Shops At Surfside
  • Coral Shores
  • Shops At Santa Barbara
  • The Shops At Midpoint Center
  • Coral Point Shopping Center
  • The Looke Champagne Boutique
  • Razzle Dazzle
  • Bealls
  • Belk
  • Target
  • Homegoods
  • Many Boutique, One Of A Kind Shops


Dining & Restaurant Options in Cape Coral

The dining scene in Cape Coral has boomed in recent years, making it easy to find whatever type of dining suits your mood. You'll be able to find everything from stunning waterfront restaurants, dive bars with surprisingly good food, moms and pops, to fine dining - you will find it all.

Best Dine-in Restaurants in Cape Coral

  • Ariani - a taste of Northern Italy
  • Rumrunners - with a view of Glover's Bight featuring modern American cuisine
  • Nice Guys - a funky mix of pizza, pub fare, to vegan ++
  • Point 57 -
  • Lehne Burger Cape Coral - tons of toppings in a retro-style space + patio
  • Annie's Restaurant - traditional breakfasts and lunches
  • Blue Dog Bar & Grill - American food, seafood, and a deck out back overlooking the water
  • Mel's Diner - Cape Coral - 50's style diner with burgers, milkshakes, and other American food

Cape Coral Restaurants on the Water

  • Rumrunners - upscale steak & seafood with patio seating and views of the water
  • Boat House Tiki Bar & Grill - Cape Coral - open-air seafood restaurant with a small beach and a refueling dock
  • Fathoms Restaurant & Bar - Cape Harbour's eclectic pub food waterside eatery
  • The Nauti Mermaid Dockside Bar & Grill - familiar American fare in an indoor/outdoor waterside setting
  • Gather - funky new American-style eatery at the marina
  • Pinchers - local seafood chain with a focus on crab dishes & fried fish

Takeout Restaurants in Cape Coral

  • Big8 BBQ - 14-hour wood-smoked BBQ
  • Twisted Lobster - specializing in seafood, especially lobster
  • The Greek Spot - modern Greek cuisine
  • Lobster Lady Seafood Market & Bistro - full-service seafood market & restaurant
  • Chicago Beef Guy - sausages, Chicago hot dogs, gyros +more
  • Masala Mantra - The Indian Bistro - authentic Indian cuisine
  • FK Your Diet - comfort American breakfast and Brunch
  • Two Meatballs In The Kitchen/Cape Coral - delicious Italian-style fare
  • 4 Sestras Bistro To Go - New American gourmet takeout

Cape Coral Restaurants That Will Deliver

  • Chicago Pizza
  • Lehne Burger/Cape Coral
  • Maria's Pizzeria & Restaurant
  • Masala Mantra Indian Bistro
  • J & P Asian Fusion
  • Captain Hook's - sushi, Thai, Asian fusion
  • Two Meatballs In The Kitchen/Cape Coral
  • The Clam Shack
  • Wow Wing House

Best Cape Coral Breakfast & Brunch Restaurants

  • House of Omelets Restaurant
  • Cafe YOU
  • McGregor Cafe
  • Annie's
  • Mel's Diner
  • Hart & Soul Cafe

Local Cape Coral Lunch eateries you don't want to miss!

  • 10 Twenty Five - pub food
  • Cork Soakers Deck And Wine Bar
  • Blue Dog Bar & Grill
  • Fish Tale Grill By Merrick Seafood
  • The Greek Spot

Are There Bars or Clubs in Cape Coral?

  • The Dive - cheap and cheerful
  • Skybar - open-air, great for sunset, rooftop bar
  • Paddywagon Irish Pub - dive bar vibe
  • The Upper Deck Pool Bar - a pool bar with a fantastic view of the Gulf Of Mexico
  • Space 39 Art Bar & Martini Lounge - cool art that changes monthly
  • Nevermind Awesome Bar And Eatery - casual & locally owned with good food Where to find vacation rentals on Amelia Island, FL
  • You're in luck! You can find vacation rentals right here on Florida Rental By Owner (FLARBO)! Our rental listings are 100% managed by the property owner or manager. Ditch the pesky third-party fees and interference - no middle man (Or woman) here!
  • Hustlers - pool tables

Where to find vacation rentals in Cape Coral, FL

You're in luck! You can find vacation rentals right here on Florida Rental By Owner (FLARBO)! Our rental listings are 100% managed by the property owner or manager. Ditch the pesky third-party fees and interference - no middle man (Or woman) here!


Do you have questions about Cape Coral Florida, or need help planning your trip? Join our Cape Coral Travel Facebook group here



Transportation for Cape Coral

Traveling To And Around Cape Coral

Flying To Cape Coral, FL


Southwest Florida International Airport - (RSW)

Southwest Florida International Airport is the closest airport to Cape Coral, just 15 miles (25 km) from the city. Travel time is approximately 30 minutes. This airport is serviced by eleven major carriers, including American Airlines, Air Canada, United, WestJet, SouthWest, JetBlue, and EuroWings. Non-stop flights from this airport are available from across the United States and more non-stop flights are available from Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, and Dusseldorf for those outside the US. 


Miami International Airport - (MIA)

Miami International Airport is the largest airport that is closest to Cape Coral. It is  150 miles (240 km) away from Cape Coral. Depending on if you use toll roads, it will usually take around 2 and a half to 3 hours to get to Cape Coral. MIA services over 50 national and international carriers, with direct flights available across the world. For those looking to travel directly to Florida, particularly if you live internationally, MIA is your best bet. 


Getting Around Cape Coral

  • A car is the best way to get around to see and do  everything in Cape Coral
  • LeeTran operates bus and trolley routes in Lee County including Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach, Bonita Springs, and its beaches, Lehigh Acres, and North Fort Myers. It provides service to Southwest Florida International Airport and many parks and public attractions
  • Uber
  • Lyft
  • Taxis


Bike and Boat Rentals

For a different way to get around Cape Coral, how about renting bikes? It's an affordable way to explore and get to know Cape Coral and is sure to make for a unique and interesting day. Some bike rentals that come highly recommended are Hollywood Bike Center and Billy's Rentals.

Of course, you'll also want to explore the 400 miles of canals in Cape Coral, right? What better way to do that with a boat rental? Cruise around the canals for hours, or head out to the open sea and fish. A couple of highly recommended boat rental companies are Cape Coral Boat Rentals and Paradise Boat Rentals.


Statistics about Cape Coral

30+ Properties for rent

Prices range from $125/night




Weather for Cape Coral

What Is The Weather Like In Cape Coral?

Cape Coral FL's hot season is from mid-May to the beginning of October

Summer is muggy and it briefly rains most days

The "cool season" in Cape Coral FL runs December-February

Temperatures in the cool season are normally very comfortable during the day with a light sweater/jacket needed in the evenings

The best times to visit Cape Coral FL are January-May and October-December with its warm temperatures and drier conditions

Fortunately this is when most travelers prefer to get away to Cape Coral FL




FAQs about Cape Coral

Answers to the most frequently asked questions.

Of course! Cape Coral accommodations include condos and private homes that offer unique amenities and the perfect space. House rentals are often great for family vacations, larger groups, or those who prefer having an entire house and outdoor property to themselves. Cape Coral condo rentals are perfect for smaller families and couples.
Florida Rental By Owners is full of a wide variety of vacation rentals in Cape Coral, Florida including condos and private homes. We recommend selecting a property based on your needs such as proximity to beach areas, waterfront docks, parking, wheelchair accessible, nearby attractions, and whether or not the property is pet-friendly or boat-friendly
Cape Coral is the perfect place to bring your boat or rent one from a local vendor! FLARBO.com (Florida Rental By Owners) has many boat-friendly rentals in Cape Coral. Use our filters to narrow down Cape Coral rental properties to show rentals that are boat-friendly.
Yes! We love our pets and we are sure you do too! FLARBO.com has several pet-friendly rentals in Cape Coral. You can use our search filters to narrow down our Cape Coral rental properties to show those that are pet-friendly.
Yes, there are several rentals with monthly stays in Cape Coral that would be perfect for snowbirds and longer-stay guests. Use our search filters to look for snowbird rental properties.
You're in luck! You can find vacation rentals by owner right here on Florida Rental By Owner (FLARBO)! Our rental listings are 100% managed by the property owner. Ditch the pesky third-party fees and interference - no middle man (Or woman) here!
Yes! We have several subscription levels to advertise your vacation rental, something to suit any budget. Our Book Direct, No Commission subscription model suits the majority of short-term vacation rental owners. You can view the details located on our List Your Property page here.

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