Wondering what to do in Cape Coral, Florida? Known for its 400 miles of canals, laid-back outdoor lifestyle, and thriving marine life, this Gulf Coast gem is packed with hidden surprises.
Cape Coral is located in southwest Florida, along the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. With easy boating access, fresh seafood, and endless sunshine, it’s a great spot for both adventure seekers and relaxation lovers alike.
It’s also home to one of the largest burrowing owl populations in the state, and its warm waters attract plenty of manatees throughout the year.
While the town is still rebuilding from recent hurricane damage, Cape Coral still has its charm and appeal. Whether you’re here for a vacation or scouting out your next tropical home, there’s plenty to explore!
So let’s get into what makes Cape Coral special.
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Get Out on the Water – Rent a Boat or Take a Tour
With 400 miles of canals, Cape Coral is a boating paradise. If you have boating experience, then we highly suggest renting a boat for the day, to explore the canals, or head out onto the Caloosahatchee River. The waterway is a bit shallow in places, so you will need some navigation experience.
Or if you just want to sit back and relax, consider booking a guided tour.
My group decided to go on a fun sunset dolphin cruise. Nothing beats cruising through the waterways, spotting dolphins, and watching the sunset over the Gulf. Plus the tour was BYOB, (just not red wine or hard liquor).
Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve
For a little slice of nature, head to Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve. Spanning 365 acres, this is Cape Coral’s second-largest green space, featuring a peaceful 1.2-mile boardwalk through lush wetlands. You’ll stroll past mangroves, spot local wildlife, and if you take the short detour, you’ll get a stunning view of the Caloosahatchee River. This is a brackish water wetland, so you’ll witness the incredible biodiversity that thrives here! Plus it’s free to visit.
While this once used to be a great place to kayak through the beautiful mangrove tunnels and enjoy some solitude, it seems it has been neglected and is no longer accessible. But check back to see if they once again will offer kayak rentals, or check with a local kayak tour company.
Cape Coral Farmers Market
If your visit falls on a Saturday, don’t miss the Cape Coral Farmers Market. And be sure to come with an empty stomach, because they have tons of great local vendors serving up some tasty food.
The bacon stand selling 12-inch, extra-thick bacon is an absolute must. And when you get whiffs of the deluxe smell it will be hard to resist.
There are also a handful of great farm stands offering an array of fresh fruits and veggies, and many local artists and boutiques. This farmers market runs every Saturday from 8am to 1pm.
Go Searching For Manatees
Manatees are a cherished presence in the Cape Coral Area. These gentle giants roam the Cape Coral canals in summer and seek out warmer waters in winter—so where you’ll find them depends on the season.
Manatees are closely related to the elephant but they can hold their breath for up to 20 minutes. You’ll often only see their nose come up for air unless they get really close to the shores. But, one of the best ways to get up close and personal with the manatees is by kayaking. And this is certainly a regret of mine, not getting into the water to get a closer look.
There are many different parks to find these gentle giants.
The closest park to Cape Coral where people often see manatees is Sirenia Vista Park. But most of the walkways are blocked by vegetation, so the only spot to view them here is on the viewing deck, or setting out on a kayak.
We also visited Manatee Park in Fort Myers, where some lucky visitors saw 30+ manatees just a few days before our visit—but we only caught a glimpse of a few in the distance. This area is a non-captive warm water refuge for the manatees.
There is a nice paved path along the waterway, with a few great viewing decks to get a closer look. There is a Parking fee of $2 per hour or $5 per day.
You can also rent kayaks and head down the Orange River to get a closer look at the manatees.
My best suggestion if you want guaranteed sightings, is to book a guided manatee tour where the experts take you to all the best spots.
Yacht Club Community Park
The Yacht Club community park is the closest beach area to Cape Coral. And while it once was an awesome waterfront hub for the locals and tourists alike, recent hurricanes and a fire to the Boathouse restaurant have changed this area quite a bit.
This area was once thriving with a pool, tennis courts, an excellent restaurant, and so much more, but now it’s really just a place you can hang on the beach. From my research online, it seems like there are plans to rebuild this area, but from overhearing some locals, I’m not totally sure it will come to fruition.
Nonetheless, this area is still worth visiting if you’re in the area, but I wouldn’t say you need to go out of your way if you’re not close by. You may want to consider visiting one of the nearby beaches instead.
Oh, and keep an eye out for burrowing owls—one little guy was always hanging out near the power lines, saying hello every time I walked by!
Wicked Dolphin Rum Distillery
Something very unique to Cape Coral is the Wicked Dolphin Distillery. This small-batch distillery uses locally sourced Florida sugarcane to create some seriously smooth rums.
The best part is that they offer free tours! Where you’ll learn how they craft their rum—from cooking and fermenting to distilling.
After they walk you through their distillery, then we get to the fun part. They bring you into their tasting room, where you get to taste a wide variety of different rum flavors.
If you want to join, be sure to book online in advance.
And if you want to stick around afterwards and try some fun cocktails, head over to their tiki bar. They often have live music and a food truck, so it’s the perfect place to relax and enjoy your vacation.
Tom Allen Memorial Butterfly Garden
This a local gem totally surprised me. Open on Monday, Friday, and Saturday mornings, this small sanctuary is home to butterflies, caterpillars, and even a resident tortoise. The friendly volunteers are full of fun facts about these beautiful creatures, you can get up real close to enjoy the colors and even watch them munch on some local fruits.
You can also see some iguanas and lizards in the enclosures across from the sanctuary. Or head into the visitor center to see many more reptiles in terrariums and aquariums.
Grab Local Seafood
No trip to a coastal town is complete without getting some local seafood. And Fish Tale Grill by Merrick Seafood, is a great spot to grab lunch or dinner. Since they opened in 2013, they are consistently voted the best seafood restaurant in town. Plus they are known for being the best fish and seafood market around. So whether you want a chef to cook you a delicious meal, or you want to cook for yourself, it’s easily the best place to get some fresh local fish.
If you’re traveling with a group that loves seafood, consider getting the seafood platter. Their variety plate has a little bit of everything.
We started off with some cocktails, which were all Divine! And then got a couple of different sandwiches and wraps to indulge in. And they definitely don’t skimp on the seafood. We were pleasantly surprised by everything on our plates. But one thing I will say is we wish there was a little more sauce on some of the sandwiches, so maybe ask for extra sauce!
Take a Day Trip to a Nearby Beach
Cape Coral may not have its own pristine beaches, but luckily, some of Southwest Florida’s best shorelines are just a short drive away.
We opted for Bowman’s Beach on Sanibel Island, a secluded spot known for its soft white sand, excellent shelling, and calm Gulf waters. The scenic drive to Sanibel alone is worth the trip, with lush coastal views and charming island vibes. There is also a great bike path that runs along the island.
If you’re looking for more options, Sanibel and Captiva Island offer several stunning beaches to explore, while Fort Myers Beach on Estero Island provides a livelier atmosphere with waterfront restaurants. No matter which direction you choose, a perfect beach day awaits!
Botanical Brewing Co
This brewery is actually exclusively non-alcoholic. They brew their drinks with plants, like Kava, Kratom, and hemp.
Kava, is a root native to the South Pacific islands. Traditionally, kava has been used to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety. Unlike alcohol, kava can induce a state of calm and relaxation without impairing cognitive function.
Kratom is a plant leaf from Southeast Asia, and there are several different strains. You can choose white which offers more energy and focus. Green, which is great for mood and joy, and red, which is great for relaxing and relieving muscle tension.
Hemp is a plant cherished for it’s naturally occurring compounds like CBD. Their Delta-9 seltzer delivers a balanced mind and body buzz, offering a relaxing experience that may help ease stress.
And don’t worry if this all sounds a bit overwhelming and confusing. As soon as we walked in the door, the bartender was extremely welcoming and informative. We were offered a Bula Basic Shell on the house, which is the traditional Kava root. On its own, it has kinda a muddy flavor and will numb your tongue. But they offer tons of tasty flavored drinks that pair well with the flavor.
We each got a different flavored drink, each offering a unique flavor. My personal favorite was the Nutella bomb which had hazelnut, chocolate, and almond cream.
Then, just sit back and relax in their cozy atmosphere to let the effects of the plants calm your mind and soul.
Watch Our Top 10 Things To Do In Cape Coral Florida Video
Honorable Mention:
A few additional fun things we did in town that are worth mentioning are:
- Perk & Brew: a local coffee shop with an inviting vibe that offers tasty coffees, teas, and a wide selection of pastries, plus breakfast and lunch items.
- Ford’s Garage: is a restaurant that offers a unique experience for some pub food and is known for their burgers, beer, and bathrooms. Well and their old Ford cars hanging from the ceilings. It is a chain, so you will find these located throughout the state of Florida, and some other locations throughout the U.S.
- Matlacha Fishing Village: This area was hit pretty badly by the recent hurricanes and still hasn’t fully recovered. But this area is known for it’s colorful and vibrant art scene. On the way in, we stopped at Miceli’s Restaurant. It’s along the water, has a great outdoor patio, and a vibe with live music.
Where To Stay In Cape Coral, Florida
Cape Coral offers a variety of accommodations, from waterfront vacation rentals to cozy hotels. If you’re looking for a home-away-from-home experience, consider booking a vacation rental along the canals—many come with private docks, pools, and stunning sunset views.
We stayed at this villa, which had a heated pool, private dock, plus free kayaks, bikes, and beach chairs.
For those who prefer hotel amenities, options like The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village offer luxury stays with marina access, waterfront dining, and a relaxing spa. If you’re traveling on a budget, you’ll find plenty of mid-range hotels and inns in the area, including familiar chains and locally owned stays (see map below).
Or if you want to stay closer to the beach? Fort Myers and Sanibel Island are just a short drive away and offer beachfront resorts for those craving soft sand and ocean views. No matter your style, there’s a perfect place to stay in and around Cape Coral!
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