Cape Coral

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 to Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW IATA). Regional airports further afield include Tampa International Airport (TPA IATA) or Punta Gorda Airport (PGD IATA). === 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 == 1 Cape Coral Yacht Club Park, 5819 Driftwood Pkwy, ☏ +1 239 574-0806, ccyachtclub@capecoral.net. 2 Matlacha. This island artist's colony has lots of Caribbean charm. (updated Feb 2024) == 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. 1 Sun Splash Family Waterpark, 400 Santa Barbara Blvd, ☏ +1 239 574-0558, sunsplash@capecoral.net. 2 Cayo Costa State Park (on La Costa Island, directly south of Boca Grande, Florida, 12 mi (19 km) west, just north of Sanibel and Captiva Islands). 8AM to sunset. 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. 3 Shell Factory, 2787 N Tamiami Trail, North Fort Myers, ☏ +1 239-995-2141. 10AM-5PM. (updated Feb 2024) 4 Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve, 2500 SE 24th St, ☏ +1 239-549-4606. 7AM-8PM daily. A covered boardwalk trail along the Caloosahatchee River with excellent manatee viewing and military memorials. Free. (updated Feb 2024) 5 Yucca Pens Unit State Wildlife Management Area. This expansive tract of open space offers opportunities for hunting, fishing, trapping & frogging. (updated Feb 2024) 6 Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve. Protected channel with mangrove islands, used for kayaking, birdwatching & fishing. (updated Feb 2024) == 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. 1 Ariani Restaurant, 1529 SE 15th Terrace, ☏ +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. (updated Feb 2023) == Drink == Downtown Cape Coral has a slew of restaurants and bars on Cape Coral Parkway between Del Prado and Coronado. 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! (updated Feb 2023) 1 Wicked Dolphin Rum Distillery, 131 SW 3rd Pl, ☏ +1 239-242-5244. (updated Feb 2024) Jungle Bird Tiki, 1520 Lafayette St, ☏ +1 239-471-4111. An expansive tiki-bar with beautifully crafted tropical cocktails. (updated Feb 2024) == 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. (updated Jun 2021) Holiday Inn, 1538 Cape Coral Parkway East, ☏ +1 239 542-2121, hiexcapecoral@gmail.com. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 11AM. $121+ per night. (updated Jun 2021) Hideaway Waterfront Resort, 4601 SE 5th Ave (between 47th Ter and Country Club Blvd), ☏ +1 239 542-5812, reservations@hideawayflorida.com. (updated Jun 2021) == 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