Cape Coral - city in Lee County, Florida, United States

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.

Get in

By air

If you are flying you will likely either fly in by Tampa International Airport (IATA: TPA) or Southwest Florida International Airport (IATA: RSW).

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:

1. Veteran's Memorial Parkway Bridge
2. 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).
3. Pine Island Parkway/ Bayshore Dr. from North Ft. Myers which is a free alternative.
4. 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

• Cape Coral Yacht Club Park, 5819 Driftwood Pkwy, 26.5425°, -81.9509°, +1 239 574-0806, ccyachtclub@capecoral.net.

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 more canals than any other city in the world except Venice, Italy.

• Sun Splash Family Waterpark, 400 Santa Barbara Blvd, 26.6403°, -81.9799°, +1 239 574-0558, sunsplash@capecoral.net.
• Cayo Costa State Park, 26.6719°, -82.2469°. 8AM to sunset. Located on La Costa Island, which is directly south of Boca Grande, Florida, 12 miles (19 km) west of Cape Coral and just north of Sanibel and Captiva Islands. 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.

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.

• Iguana Mia's Mexican Restaurant, 1027 E Cape Coral Pkwy, +1 866 639-3287.
• Bert's Bar and Grill, 4271 Pine Island Rd (on Matlacha on your way to Pine Island), 26.6337°, -82.0672°, +1 239 282-3232. An extremely unique old Florida Bar and Restaurant. Make sure to read the story about the Bar's past on the back of their menus. They often have live music and specials. 2021-06-13
• Ariani Restaurant, 1529 SE 15th Terrace, 26.6244°, -81.9416°, +1 239 772-8000. 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.
• Masala Mantra - The Indian Bistro, 4518 Del Prado Blvd S, +1 239-540-6300. Cape Coral's first Indian restaurant, this friendly and casual dining spot offers a variety of authentic and delicious Indian cuisine. 2023-02-25

Drink

• Nice Guy's Beer and Pizza Lounge, 1404 Cape Coral Pkwy E, +1 239-549-7542. 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! 2023-02-25

Sleep

• Hampton Inn, 619 S.E. 47th Terrace (off Cape Coral Parkway, near downtown Cape Coral), +1 239-540-1050. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. 2021-06-13
• Holiday Inn, 1538 Cape Coral Parkway East, +1 239 542-2121, hiexcapecoral@gmail.com. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. $121+ per night 2021-06-13
• Hideaway Waterfront Resort, 4601 SE 5th Ave (between 47th Ter and Country Club Blvd), +1 239 542-5812, reservations@hideawayflorida.com. 2021-06-13

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