Things to Do in Cape Coral

You’ll find plenty to do in Cape Coral, a popular coastal city between Fort Myers and Pine Island on Florida’s Gulf Coast. Developed on 400 miles of manmade canals with access to the beautiful Gulf of Mexico, it has plenty of family-friendly attractions. Cape Coral has many shopping centers, restaurants, a Yacht Club, marina, fishing, theaters, and beaches making it a popular community for snowbirds from Germany, Canada, and the northern part of the U.S. 

Things to Do in Cape Coral Parks

Cape Coral has 39 parks with activities and fun for all ages. The 14-acre Sunsplash Waterpark on Santa Barbara Blvd is the No. 1 attraction in Cape Coral and is open from March through September. There is also a BMX Park, a Skateboarding Park, and two bowling alleys (Coral Lanes on Mid Cape Terrace and HeadPinz on Del Prado), so there’s no excuse to be bored.

Cape Coral also has a number of eco parks and boardwalks, offering a more natural environment for enjoying the wildlife and birds that inhabit Southwest Florida, particularly in the winter months. Cape Coral Eco Park is adjacent to Midtown Bridge. A boardwalk runs through the shady mangrove forest where wigwam-like roots can clearly be seen at low tide. If you prefer to get out on the water, the park offers canoe and kayak rentals at very competitive prices.

Four Freedoms Park on Bimini Basin has a small sandy beach and playground. It frequently hosts festivals, outdoor movie nights, and family-friendly activities for Cape Coral residents. Visitors will find many more activities such as fishing classes, sports, and ranger-led walks at parks all over Cape Coral, so it’s worth logging on to the city’s Parks and Recreation online activity calendar and joining in the fun.

Boat Rentals Cape Coral

Many Cape Coral residents have their own boats for fishing or visiting nearby Sanibel and Captiva Islands. Local boat rental companies offer affordable rentals, whether you want a standup paddleboard, shady fishing boat, or a stable pontoon boat for leisurely cruising around Cape Coral canals or up the Caloosahatchee River to Fort Myers.

Art and Culture in Cape Coral

The Cape Coral Historical Museum is a growing attraction offering docent-led tours around three historic buildings and a beautiful rose garden on Cultural Park Blvd. Cape Coral history is relatively modern, as this master-planned city was only incorporated in the 1970s. However, the museum celebrates the area’s Native American history, former cattle ranching, and generations of business owners through its archives and exhibits. Visitors are sure to learn something new about Cape Coral history at this fascinating attraction.

The Cape Coral Arts Studio at Rubicond Park frequently hosts Art Shows. Along with galleries of students’ paintings, pottery, and photography, the studio also has an art supplies store and gift shop. It’s a great place to enroll in art classes for adults and children. Jewelry-makers will love the monthly bead show.

Theater lovers in Cape Coral will appreciate the choice of concerts, plays, comedy performances and shows hosted at the 184-seat Cultural Park Theater. It is the longest running community theater in Southwest Florida and offers acting classes and an art gallery.

Regular live music and entertainment can be enjoyed at the many bars in downtown Cape Coral. Throughout the winter months, Cape Coral Bike Night adds further entertainment on the second Saturday of the month.

Whether you are a resident or a visitor, you will find plenty of things to buy at the weekly Cape Coral Farmers Market on 47^th Terrace. Fresh local produce, specialty food stalls, and garden plants are complemented by handmade crafts, antiques, and even live music. It’s a great place to stroll with Cape Coral neighbors and enjoy the community atmosphere.