Cape Coral is a very popular destination worldwide for serious boating and fishing enthusiasts. This is largely due to the fact that the city contains hundreds of miles of Gulf access (ocean access) canals. With over 400 miles of canals crossing the city, much of Cape Coral is directly sited on water with beautiful picturesque views in many locations. With this much waterfront land available, it means many homes have the luxury of parking a boat on their own private dock in the garden. This is a huge benefit to vacationers seeking a private home with unique leisure facilities and not available in many cities in Florida or most of the US.

In terms of geography, Cape Coral occupies a large peninsula of land bordered by the wide Caloosahatchee River on the east and Matlacha Pass on the west. The city is located about 75 miles south of Sarasota and 159 miles from Miami. The next neighboring major city is Fort Myers which is located across from Cape Coral on the eastern bank of the Caloosahatchee River. Historically the building of the city was started about 50 years ago. The development of city commenced in the Yacht Club area and then built outwards in the southeast part of the Cape. Today the city is divided into 4 main quadrants – the northeast, the northwest, the southeast and the southwest. Typically homes located in the southwest and southeast area of the city are the most popular with vacationers due to their easy access to the Gulf beaches and excellent boating access to the Gulf of Mexico. If looking for other outdoor pursuits in the city, Cape Coral is also home to 2 golf courses. If boating is your thing there are a number of local marinas where you can hire a selection of available boats by the day or by the week. The marinas also often offer chartered boat trips, kayak hire and captain-led fishing expeditions.

Commercially, Cape Coral is well served retail-wise. All the big national store names are here including JC Penny, Target, Kohl’s, and Belk to name but a few. Cape Coral also has a muli-plex cinema for entertainment for all the family, a bowling alley, Sun Splash Water Park and the ever popular Greenwell‘s Family Fun park, owned by former Boston Red Sox Player Mike Greenwell. In terms of the dining scene; Cape Coral has a healthy mix of major chains such as Carrabba’s, Outback, and Bonefish. There are also many excellent proprietor-owned dining options, including spectacular waterfront located restaurants, such as Marker 92 at Tarpon Point Marina and Rumrunners in Cape Harbour Marina.

Cape Coral is pretty much a city obsessed with all things water including boating and fishing.  If you can tear yourself away from the pool area and that fabulous water view, you may want to check out the following local attractions:

Sun Splash Water Park     400 Santa Barbara Blvd , Cape Coral (239) 574-0557

The area’s only water park.  12 Acres of fun with lots of slides, tot pool, family pool and lazy river.  Also has café offering drinks and food.  Gets very busy at the weekend at during US school holidays.

Mike Greenwell’s Bat-A-Ball Family Park   35 Ne Pine Island Rd , Cape Coral (239) 574-4386

Great place for kids.  Has 19 hold crazy golf course, 8 batting cages, 4 go-kart tracks, fish feeding dock, childrens’ playground & large game arcade.

Cape Coral Yacht Club   5819 Driftwood Pkwy, Cape Coral (239) 574-0809

If you don’t fancy crossing the bridge to the beaches for Fort Myers, the Cape has its’ very own man-made beach with large pier in the yacht club area of the city. There is also a heated outdoor community pool, public tennis club, public boat ramp & small casual restaurant.

Coral Oaks Golf Course  1800 Northwest 28th Ave, Cape Coral (239) 573 3100

18 Hole, Arthur Hills designed, public golf course.  Ratings 73.3. Tee times start at 7.00am.

Four Mile Ecological Preserve  Located at the end of SE23rd Terrace, Cape Coral   (239) 549 4606

Visitor center, nature trail, boardwalk, observation pier & kayak rental.  Phone ahead to check kayak availability.  Last kayak leaves at 2.00 pm.

Cape Coral Historical Society   544 Cultural Park Blvd , Cape Coral (239) 772-7037

Learn about the history of the city and surrounding area at this small museum complete with monthly lectures, exhibits, photographs and aerial maps.

Marquee Cinema 2301 Del Prado Blvd , Cape Coral (239) 458-2543

Cape Coral’s multi-plex cinema.  Check website link for showtimes and tickets.