Overview
Cape Coral is a city in Southwest Florida. Visitors are drawn by its beaches, nature trails and sea kayaking opportunities on Black Island in Lovers Key State Park.
2 sights · 6 things to do · 3 places to eat · 3 bars & cafés · 3 places to stay
Updated from Wikivoyage on 1 October 2026 · Something wrong or missing? Improve it on Wikivoyage
Best things about Cape Coral
Cayo Costa State Park
The park is accessible only by charter boat, private boat or ferry. Among the wildlife that can be seen at the park are manatees, dolphins, and an assortment of birds. Amenities include boat slips, beaches, hiking trails…
Cape Coral Yacht Club Park
Matlacha
This island artist's colony has lots of Caribbean charm.
Sun Splash Family Waterpark
Shell Factory
Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve
A covered boardwalk trail along the Caloosahatchee River with excellent manatee viewing and military memorials.
Plan your trip
Best time to visit & weather
Most comfortable: Oct–Apr. Summer highs reach about 92°F; winter lows dip to about 54°F. Very hot (May, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep) — plan outdoor time for mornings. Wettest: Aug and Jun. (climate data from nearby Fort Myers)
Blue bars: average daily high and low (°F). Purple columns: average monthly rain and melted snow (inches).
Getting there
- From you: to see whether to drive or fly, and how long it takes.
- RSW Southwest Florida International Airport, Fort Myers — 12 mi away (major hub). Directions
- PGD Punta Gorda Airport, Punta Gorda — 25 mi away. Directions
If you are flying you will likely either fly to Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW). Regional airports further afield include Tampa International Airport (TPA) or Punta Gorda Airport (PGD).
Full “Get in” guide ↓Budget & where to stay
No prices are listed for this place yet. See the Sleep guide ↓ for options.
Sample 2-day itinerary
Day 1
- Morning Cape Coral Yacht Club Park, Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve, Sun Splash Family Waterpark
- Lunch Ariani Restaurant
- Afternoon Shell Factory, Yucca Pens Unit State Wildlife Management Area
- Dinner Iguana Mia's Mexican Restaurant
- Evening Wicked Dolphin Rum Distillery
Day 2
- Morning Matlacha, Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve
- Lunch Masala Mantra - The Indian Bistro
- Afternoon Cayo Costa State Park
- Evening Nice Guy's Beer and Pizza Lounge
Stops are grouped by area so each day needs little backtracking. Check opening hours before you go.
Food for you
A number of small restaurants may be found anywhere in the Cape. Although chains are also popping up around Cape Coral including Ruby Tuesdays and Jason's Deli off Santa Barbara and Houlihans on Cape Coral Parkway, try to stick to the local hang-outs. Many more dining options can be found along Cleveland Avenue, which is a short drive (15 min) away in Fort Myers.
Cuisine (tap to filter)
What to ask about, for your diet
Diet labels come from each listing's description and cuisine; “likely” means the cuisine usually has good choices, not a promise. Check with the restaurant. Open the food finder
Photos
Map
Every listing with a location. Tap a pin for its Google Maps link.
Get in
By air
If you are flying you will likely either fly to Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW). Regional airports further afield include Tampa International Airport (TPA) or Punta Gorda Airport (PGD).
By car
Cape Coral is directly west of Ft. Myers, in Lee County Florida. Since it is a "cape" two points of entry are by bridge. There are four points of entry into Cape Coral Florida:
- Veteran's Memorial Parkway Bridge
- Cape Coral Parkway Bridge (both bridges have a toll, the toll is reduced by 50% if you have a LeeWay transponder and are enrolled in the discount program. In fact, with the discount, the toll is as little as 25 cents during off-peak times).
- Pine Island Parkway/ Bayshore Dr. from North Ft. Myers which is a free alternative.
- Get into the NW Cape via Burnt Store Rd., from Punta Gorda, in Charlotte County.
Get around
Santa Barbara Boulevard divides the city into east and west, while Hancock Bridge Parkway (east of Santa Barbara) and Embers Parkway (west of Santa Barbara) divide the city into north and south. Thoroughfares going east to west are: Pine Island Parkway, Veterans Memorial Parkway, Cape Coral Parkway, and El Dorado Dr (listed from northernmost to southernmost). The North and South are Del Prado, Santa Barbara, and Chiquita (taken from easternmost to westernmost). The Cape is large and flat, areas are laid out far from one another; driving is a must. Cape Coral is the 2nd largest city in Florida by square mileage, so expect things to be spread out. The southernmost tip has the largest concentration of businesses and homes. A bike lane is provided and can be a handy way to navigate the SE and SW portions if you're inclined to be in those residential only areas.
If travelling by bus, regional operator Leetran provides an acceptable service with departures at least every hour. Fares are $1.50 with day and week passes available.
See
Do
Multiple beach accesses are one of this community's strong points. This includes typical beach/tourist activities on Ft. Myers Beach, nature trails and sea kayaking opportunities on Black Island in Lovers Key State park, and sunsets from Captiva's uniquely west-facing beach (a tourist must).
Go boating: Cape Coral has many canals. Neighboring Pine Island has excellent fishing.
Do Cayo Costa State Park
The park is accessible only by charter boat, private boat or ferry. Among the wildlife that can be seen at the park are manatees, dolphins, and an assortment of birds. Amenities include boat slips, beaches, hiking trails, picnic pavilions, 12 primitive camping cabins and bath house/restrooms. The park offers a small nature center/gift shop with nature exhibits as well as items for sale. The park has the following available for purchase: ice, sun lotion, bug spray, t-shirts, hats, bird keys, shell keys, and postcards. Cayo Costa has bikes available for half-day and full-day rentals.
Do Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve
Protected channel with mangrove islands, used for kayaking, birdwatching & fishing.
Buy
Shopping opportunities abound in nearby Fort Myers including the Tangers Outlet Mall. For unique opportunities there are multiple quirky and bohemian opportunities on Sanibel and Captiva which have boutiques and shops. For an enjoyable shopping experience spend time on Sanibel's Perriwinkle Way or for a mall experience go to the Edison Mall (SW Florida's largest) in Fort Myers.
Eat
A number of small restaurants may be found anywhere in the Cape. Although chains are also popping up around Cape Coral including Ruby Tuesdays and Jason's Deli off Santa Barbara and Houlihans on Cape Coral Parkway, try to stick to the local hang-outs. Many more dining options can be found along Cleveland Avenue, which is a short drive (15 min) away in Fort Myers.
Eat Iguana Mia's Mexican Restaurant
Eat Ariani Restaurant
For authentic Northern Italian cuisine a top restaurant in Southwest Florida. Chef Dario Zuljani actively visits with guests and the ambience is very open and friendly. Great selection of wines.
Eat Masala Mantra - The Indian Bistro
Cape Coral's first Indian restaurant, this friendly and casual dining spot offers a variety of authentic and delicious Indian cuisine.
Drink
Downtown Cape Coral has a slew of restaurants and bars on Cape Coral Parkway between Del Prado and Coronado.
Drink Nice Guy's Beer and Pizza Lounge
Live music, craft beer, and interesting cocktails. The vibe is decidedly alternative/indie. They also serve pub food and, as you might have guessed, tasty pizza!
Drink Wicked Dolphin Rum Distillery
Drink Jungle Bird Tiki
An expansive tiki-bar with beautifully crafted tropical cocktails.
Sleep
Go next
- Sanibel Island
- Captiva Island
- Fort Myers Beach
- Lovers Key - Lovers Key State Park
- Pine Island
- Cabbage Key (short boat ride required)
- Bonita Springs Beach
Nearby
Fort Myers
City / town · 63 listings · 7 mi away
Pine Island
Rural area · 24 listings · 10 mi away
Sanibel Island
City / town · 14 listings · 12 mi away
Captiva Island
City / town · 7 listings · 16 mi away
Boca Grande
City / town · 7 listings · 23 mi away
Punta Gorda
City / town · 13 listings · 25 mi away
Little Gasparilla Island
City / town · 1 listings · 28 mi away
Naples
City / town · 36 listings · 31 mi away
My experience
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