26 Best & Fun Things To Do In Cape Coral (Florida)

Cape Coral is a beautiful city, the biggest metropolis between Miami and Tampa.

Founded about six decades ago, this planned city’s fast growth has made it quite an interesting vacation location.

It is often nicknamed Waterfront Waterland, primarily due to its 400 or so miles of gorgeous canals.

This makes it the city in the world with the most miles’ worth of canals, and many of them are perfectly suited for navigation, bringing you out to the Gulf of Mexico and Caloosahatchee River.

Cape Coral is jam-packed with places to go, all of which are modern and outfitted with convenient amenities.

From shopping establishments to natural spaces and from activities and recreational offerings to cultural establishments, Cape Coral has it all!

You’re spoiled for choice as far as stuff to do goes, but we’re here to help narrow it down.

Here are the 26 best and fun things to do in Cape Coral, Florida.

1. Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve

Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve is a delightful 365-acre expanse of natural space.

It’s the second biggest preserved area of its kind in Cape Coral, so it’s one of the must-see places to visit for outdoor enthusiasts.

The area comprises a river and a marshland, which you’ll weave through by either kayaking on the waters or traversing a series of linked walking trails as you make your way from the waterfront to the jungle or vice versa.

The boardwalk spans 1.2 miles and is lined with convenient benches to stop and rest at.

Keep your eyes peeled as you go sightseeing through Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve.

You’ll be able to spot all sorts of wildlife, ranging from eagles to snakes and from raccoons to herons.

This is also a stop for migratory birds, so if you’re here at the right time, you’ll be able to see them.

You might also spot dolphins as you feast your eyes on the coastal prairie!

The Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve is also home to a sobering veteran’s memorial and the Iwo Jima Monument.

Pay a trip here to learn about those who have served in the nation’s armed forces and get a little bit of a history lesson on your trip.

You can bring your own kayak to use at Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve or simply rent one at the site.

Don’t forget to also visit the visitor center.

Here, you’ll get plenty of information on local preservation efforts and will be able to see what fauna has been sighted recently.

And, of course, maps are readily available so you can get your bearings as you go on your adventure.

Address: 2500 SE 24th St, Cape Coral, FL 33990, United States

2. Yacht Club Community Park and Beach

Looking for fun vacation spots?

The Yacht Club Community Park, also called the Cape Coral Yacht Club, is a fun community center opened to the public.

Originally constructed in the 1950s, the site is situated on the Caloosahatchee River shores and is the site of the city’s hottest beach zone!

The Yacht Club Community Park beach is undoubtedly one of the most popular things to do in Cape Coral, Florida.

Enjoy stretches of white sand as you build sandcastles, sunbathe, swim, and watch the sunset in tranquility on the shore.

You can also go boating; plenty of rental sites are available to get your hands on a vessel.

If you like to fish, the Yacht Club Community Park also comes equipped with a long fishing dock upon which you can cast a line or two.

If you’re more of a swimmer but don’t like the open beach waters, there’s a community swimming pool that you can use as well.

And there’s more in terms of facilities and amenities, such as a pavilion, playground, tennis court, racquetball court, shuffleboard, and snack center!

Check the club’s calendar this weekend as you visit, as there may be one of the many hosted special festivals going on during your visit!

Address: 5819 Driftwood Pkwy, Cape Coral, FL 33904, United States

3. Tom Allen Memorial Butterfly House

The Tom Allen Memorial Butterfly House is situated in Rotary Park.

It’s easily among the top 10 most beautiful things to see in the city of Cape Coral, Florida!

Also sometimes called a butterfly garden, this institution is a preserve for native species of butterflies, serving as a sanctuary from predators.

The park is volunteer-staffed and is crucial to local butterfly populations.

You can enjoy an educational experience at the Tom Allen Memorial Butterfly House.

The site allows you to see all the four stages of a butterfly’s life cycle, from the time it’s in its egg to the time it is bright-winged.

Butterflies at the house are hatched, provided for, and allowed to grow here before being released into the wild at mature ages.

If you’re seeking free things to do in the city, you can opt to visit the Tom Allen Memorial Butterfly House on Monday, Friday, and Saturday mornings, when free tours are offered.

Tours, whether paid or not, teach you all about the features of many different kinds of butterflies.

Address: 5505 Rose Garden Road, Cape Coral, FL 33914, United States

4. Cape Coral Farmers Market

Are you wondering what to do in Cape Coral that’s also relevant to locals, not just tourists?

Head to the Cape Coral Farmers Market, a popular visit for people from all walks of life and one of the city’s best sources of fresh foodstuff.

Its schedule is seasonal, so check the market’s calendar to ensure it’ll be open while you’re in town.

Home to more than 120 vendors, the Cape Coral Farmers Market opened in 1993.

It’s home to a wide variety of stalls.

You can find cheese, meats, produce, canned goods, seafood, baked goods, cut flowers, honey, handcrafted trinkets, native plants, street food, food truck goodies, and souvenirs.

And, of course, the vendor list changes regularly, and different foods come in and out of season, so there’s always something new to find.

Running each Saturday from early morning to early afternoon, the market also often has musical performances to serenade you while you shop.

Address: SE 47th Terrace &, SE 10th Pl, Cape Coral, FL 33904, United States

5. Wicked Dolphin Rum Distillery

The Wicked Dolphin Rum Distillery is well-known throughout Florida among rum-lovers and tourists in general.

The popular distillery is one of the most fun Cape Coral attractions for adults, offering tours of its facility and information about its production processes.

This is an award-winning establishment that grows its own sugar cane to create artisanal drinks, and it’s been open for just about a decade.

Guided tours of the Wicked Dolphin Rum Distillery are led by experts on rum processing.

You’ll learn about the distillery’s ingredients and sourcing, how it cooks and ferments components, and what the distilling process involves.

The facility does all of these tasks within the site.

You’ll then be brought to the barrel room, where you’ll see a fascinating, one-of-a-kind process that gives rum its distinct color and flavor.

Samples are then provided of some of their different options.

Wicked Dolphin Rum Distillery has a number of great flavors, including several unique ones, that you can try.

There’s vanilla bean, banana, coconut, mango, key lime, and spiced options, alongside more common or “classic” offerings like black, gold, silver reserve, crystal, and 6-year aged.

The distillery also makes and sells limited flavors that you’ll get to nab if you’re lucky and fruity rum shines.

Address: 131 SW 3rd Pl, Cape Coral, FL 33991, United States

6. Rotary Park Environmental Center

Rotary Park Environmental Center spans 97 acres of various different ecosystems, making it one of the must-visit things to do in Cape Coral for nature enthusiasts.

Upland landscapes, ground-level rocks, salt marshes, connected via boardwalks, walking trails, kayak-suited waters, and lovely open park spaces.

There are also a number of different facilities at Rotary Park Environmental Center.

There’s a big dog park where you can take your furry friends, several events and festivals, and a number of different classes for exercising, gardening, and more.

This center is also very near to the Tom Allen Memorial Butterfly House, so you can kill two birds with one stone!

Address: 5505 Rose Garden Rd, Cape Coral, FL 33914, United States

7. Sun Splash Family Waterpark

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Florida, you can’t go wrong with Sun Splash Family Waterpark!

There are few points of interest in Cape Coral more fun than Sun Splash Family Waterpark.

After all, Florida is known for its wide variety of waterparks that take advantage of its bright, sunny seasons!

This 14-acre establishment is packed with all manner of exciting things to enjoy for people of all ages.

This is also Southwest Florida’s biggest amusement location of its kind!

You’ll find tons of different slides at Sun Splash Family Waterpark.

There’s Cape Fear, an adrenaline-pumping 30-foot drop, and Drop Slide, a free-falling scream-worthy experience.

You can also check out the most extreme onsite attraction, the X-celerator, which brings you up to speeds of 30 miles per hour and boasts a 4-foot drop!

Other rides with intimidating names for thrill-seekers are the Thunder Bump and Terror Tube.

If you’d rather seek more relaxing options, you can use Sun Splash Family Waterpark’s lazy river, where you can go tubing and lounge.

There’s also an ecological boardwalk where you can look out over the lovely Lake Kennedy.

Additional facilities at this location include toddler areas, racing slides, a family pool, splash pads, and volleyball courts.

Address: 400 Santa Barbara Blvd, Cape Coral, FL 33991, United States

8. Sirenia Vista Park

Sirenia Vista Park is an ecological park set on eight acres of verdant land.

Despite its small size, this is among the best places to go for a relaxing outing in Cape Coral.

Walking paths wind through to provide plenty of space to explore, and there are all sorts of modern amenities for your comfort.

There’s also a fishing area that you can use if you’re an aspiring angler!

Sirenia Vista Park is home to a wide range of friendly mammals, but its highlight is definitely the visiting manatees, and the park has special viewing areas just so you can spot these cute creatures.

They’re warm and love people, often swimming up to boats to say hello.

Florida’s waters are warm enough in colder months for these delightful mammals!

Want even more options for things you can do at Sirenia Vista Park?

Rent a kayak to explore clear waters, grab some binoculars to spot birds like ospreys, and eat a few snacks purchased from onsite vendors.

Address: 3916 Ceitus Pkwy, Cape Coral, FL 33991, United States

9. Southwest Florida Military Museum & Library

The Southwest Florida Military Museum & Library is an establishment focused on honoring and preserving military history.

It uses interpretive information and a wide range of memorabilia from the military to dedicate its mission to the American military from the Revolutionary War up to today.

There’s no fee to enter the Southwest Florida Military Museum & Library, making it one of Cape Coral’s most interesting free things to do.

Within its 34,000-square-foot expanse, you’ll find literature, displays, artifacts, and more, with occasional seasonal events to add variety to the experience.

You’ll also get to see 60 mannequins fully dressed in military garb and special films in a theater.

While most of the displays at the museum are dedicated to the World War II era, you’ll still be able to learn about different periods of time in national military history.

The museum is also family-friendly, so it’s suitable for children despite its heavy subjects.

This is undoubtedly one of the must-do Cape Coral attractions for history buffs!

Address: 4125 Cleveland Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33901, United States

10. Cardboard Boat Regatta

The Cardboard Boat Regatta is one of the most unique tourist attractions in Cape Coral, and it’s one of the top experiences you’ll have in this part of Florida.

It’s held every April and has been an ongoing local feature since the 1990s.

Organized and carried out by the Rotary Club of Cape Coral, this wacky and exciting event involves racing boats out on the water, but there’s a catch – the boats must be made of cardboard!

Teams participating in the Cardboard Boat Regatta have to put their heads together to do all that they can to create a resilient boat while still following the regatta’s rules.

Those that fail to properly protect their vessels aren’t out of luck, though, as the competition also offers a reward for the most dramatic and spectacular sinking, aptly named the Titanic Award!

It’s actually quite impressive to see how well boats made of cardboard can stay afloat.

All sorts of people participate, drawing hundreds of contestants from all walks of life.

There are businesses, school students, nonprofit organizations, and even just groups of family and friends that all join this enticing event.

Address: Seahawk Park, 1030 NW 28th St, Cape Coral, FL 33993, United States

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11. Harbour View Gallery

If you’re looking for artsy places to visit, you can’t go wrong with Harbour View Gallery.

Since it opened in 2007, this unique co-op, owned by artists, has been a key feature of local culture.

The gallery showcases tons of local art and offers featured artists of the month, exhibits, and framing services.

Artists whose work is shown at Harbour View Gallery use all sorts of media, and these pieces can even be purchased if you’re seeking a new work for your collection.

There are accessories, paintings, 3D art, and more on display, and souvenirs are available for purchase, too.

The creators behind each piece are usually at the Harbour View Gallery, too, so you’ll be able to chat directly with them about their process, ask questions, and express admiration as you wish!

Address: 5789 Cape Harbour Dr # 104, Cape Coral, FL 33914, United States

12. Go On A Fishing Charter

As far as things to do in Cape Coral go, one of the best activities you can enjoy is fishing!

After all, the waters of Cape Coral are known for their wealth of all manner of marine life, which is why fresh seafood is easily abundant in the city.

If you’d like to catch your own, you can avail of an experience just like this from the touring companies in the area.

There are numerous fishing charters available in the city, most of which will allow you to catch snook, barracuda, giant tarpon, snappers, redfish, porgies, trout, and much more.

Some charters will even take you shark or goliath grouper fishing!

They’re also staffed and crewed by knowledgeable professionals who know exactly where to take you so you can get the most opportune catches.

Some popular charters in the region are Captain George Howell Fishing Charters and Salty Fishing Charters.

The former is known for its thrilling big game fishing experiences, while the latter specializes in deep-sea fishing.

Address: Cape Coral, FL, United States

13. Fellowship Park

Fellowship Park was created in 2014 and is a great family-friendly recreational site.

Overall, its ambiance is notably relaxing, with 5 acres of ground to its name.

A tranquil ambiance mixed with a few nice things to see and several simple activities makes this a go-to for locals and guests to Cape Coral.

Fellowship Park boasts playgrounds, basketball courts, a 50-jet splash pad, a bubbling fountain, a coffee shop, and a courtyard.

The splash pads are especially popular in the hot summers.

The park’s speakers also add some nice background music to your time here, as they play music throughout the day.

Address: 2110 Chiquita Blvd S, Cape Coral, FL 33991, United States

14. Cape Coral Museum of History

The Cape Coral Museum of History was opened in 1987 and is a surprisingly detailed and expansive glimpse into the city’s history, including that of Southwest Florida.

History lovers wondering what to do will find this to be one of the top local options.

In fact, the Rosen Building within the museum’s campus was originally the Cape Coral Country Club’s pro shop.

Today, that building is the museum’s shop and front desk.

There are a total of three different buildings at the Cape Coral Museum of History.

Each one contains documents, artifacts, photos, and all manner of memorabilia related to the region’s yesteryears.

Some of these items are donated by members of the city’s community, which adds insightful context to the growth of this planned community.

Tours are available, but exploring on your own is just as much fun.

The museum also has three garden areas to stroll through.

Address: 544 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral, FL 33990, United States

15. Cultural Park Theatre

Cultural Park Theatre is the resident community theater of Cape Coral, Florida.

It produces an impressive dozen or so different musicals, concerts, and fun live performances every year in an intimate 184-seat venue.

It is situated in Cultural Park, near numerous other local cultural sites such as the local art league and the Cape Coral Museum of History.

For the most part, performers at Cultural Park Theatre are locals who are passionate about stagecraft, but that doesn’t make the experience less professional in feel.

After all, this establishment has had plenty of practice, dating back to the 1960s.

Today, you’ll be wowed by the different shows and the talent that performs them in this hidden gem among Cape Coral attractions.

After your show, you can head to the theatre’s art gallery to peruse a rotating artwork selection that changes with each show.

Address: 528 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral, FL 33990, United States

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16. Coral Oaks Golf Course

One of the best things to do in Florida is to play a game of golf.

Coral Oaks Golf Course provides exactly that opportunity!

Its well-manicured green invites golfers from all skill levels to play at its 18-hole, par 72 championship course.

The beautiful locale is tucked neatly into an oak hammock, with a verdant environment that allows for a relaxing golfing experience.

Coral Oaks Golf Course has a total of 37 bunkers and eight lakes, offering a decent challenge for more experienced players and a good test of accuracy.

The course also has a driving range in a big practice area that has its own putting green and chipping area, too.

The onsite pro-shop stocks every imaginable item you may need for your golf game.

If you need extra help, lessons are available!

Address: 1800 Northwest 28th Ave, Cape Coral, FL 33993, United States

17. Cape Harbour

Cape Harbour is Cape Coral’s primary shopping area, a bustling hub in town where you can visit many points of interest and have fun drifting in and out of different stores.

This trendy neighborhood is more than just a tourist destination!

Cape Harbour also has plenty of great restaurants and eateries to sit down at when you get hungry.

Many of these are waterfront establishments that let you gaze out over the blue Florida waters.

Check out the likes of The French Press and Fathoms Restaurant for some highly rated eats!

Annual seasonal events in the city are often held at Cape Coral, such as fishing tournaments, Oktoberfest, and a wide array of charity-run festivals.

When there aren’t any events, the area is quite leisurely and is great for walking around, despite its otherwise busy nature.

Address: Cape Harbour Dr, Cape Coral, FL 33914, United States

18. The Boathouse Tiki Bar & Grill

The Boathouse Tiki Bar & Grill is one of the top places to go for delicious meals and fantastic drinks with a side of entertainment in this part of Florida.

The well-renowned location is famous for its relaxed atmosphere and open-air structure and is situated within the expanse of the Cape Coral Yacht Club.

Whether you crave cocktails or seafood, The Boathouse Tiki Bar & Grill feels like the quintessential sun-kissed vacation eatery.

It’s wrapped by a big wooden deck and even has its own little private strip of sandy beach.

You can lounge on beach chairs, sit under umbrellas on the patio, or stand beneath the tiki-themed awning to really get in the mood for some sun.

Live music is a common feature of an experience at The Boathouse Tiki Bar & Grill, so you’ll be serenaded as you eat and drink.

If you’re not a fan of seafood, you can try their famous Boathouse Burger or have a simple Cuban sandwich.

Address: 5819 Driftwood Pkwy, Cape Coral, FL 33904, United States

19. Burrowing Owl Festival

Cape Coral’s official bird is the burrowing owl, an adorable bird that is one of the world’s smallest owl species.

These birds are unique because they live in burrows, as their name suggests, and they have amusing long legs that can measure up to 10 inches in length.

One of the best places to see these delightful creatures is at Florida’s annual Burrowing Owl Festival, which draws guests from across the planet.

The festival is about two decades in the running, focusing on celebrating the nesting season for the species.

All sorts of special events, informational diagrams, and educational programs are held around this period.

With white eyebrows on a round yet and big yellow eyes that only add to their cuteness, it’s no wonder that these birds have become so deeply loved.

Locals passionately protect these owls, and they’re immensely popular with tourists!

Address: 5505 Rose Garden Rd, Cape Coral, FL 33914, United States

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20. HeadPinz Entertainment Center

If you’re looking for some fun activities that aren’t typical tourist attractions, why not play a spot of bowling?

HeadPinz Entertainment Center is the place to be in this Florida city for a nice bowling experience this weekend.

The modern center shows a variety of screened forms of entertainment while you bowl and offers state-of-the-art facilities.

Of course, there’s more than just bowling at HeadPinz Entertainment Center.

There are more than 40 games in the Game Zone, a thrilling Laser Tag course called Laser Frenzy, and a good eatery.

Address: 1899 Del Prado Blvd S, Cape Coral, FL 33990, United States

21. Eagle Skate Park

Eagle Skate Park is one of the cool places to visit in Cape Coral for skaters of all skill levels and ages.

Spanning 26,000 square feet, this is one of the biggest skate parks you’ll find in this part of the region.

It’s outfitted with half-pipes, ramps, rails, and a large bowl.

You’re welcome to use skates, bikes, rollerblades, and scooters, and the place is fairly welcoming to beginners.

A modest fee is required to enter Eagle Skate Park, but it’s very reasonable and makes the skate park one of the cheap things to do in Cape Coral this weekend.

There’s a Skate Park building near the huge bowl where you can buy drinks and snacks to keep you fuelled throughout this intense physical activity.

Address: 315 SW 2nd Ave, Cape Coral, FL 33991, United States

22. Tropical Breeze Fun Park

There are many things to do in Cape Coral, Florida that are great for the whole family, and Tropical Breeze Fun Park is on that list.

The outdoor location is home to a beautifully-landscaped mini golf course with a tropical theme.

The course is home to one of the longest mini-golf holes on the planet and features a number of enticing spots, like adventure holes and waterfalls.

Tropical Breeze Fun Park also has some other activities to make the most of your trip to the park.

There’s a laser tag enclosure where you can spend sessions of either 30 or 60 minutes in an extreme, realistic-feeling experience where you’ll complete missions that get your heart racing!

Ultimately, this location is a great spot for a family day out.

Address: 234 Santa Barbara Blvd, Cape Coral, FL 33991, United States

23. Cape Coral Art Festival

The Cape Coral Art Festival is hosted every January and draws guests from throughout Florida and beyond.

You can be one of the annual 120,000 visitors and be treated to a glimpse into the local cultural scene.

If you’re here at the right time, this is one of the city’s best things to see!

More than 300 artists are featured during the festival; some wares are just for display while others are available for purchase.

A competition is also held, featuring mixed media, fine art, sculpture, photography, and even jewelry works divided into different categories.

If you plan to bring children with you to the Cape Coral Art Festival, don’t worry about them getting bored!

Not only are there student art showcases, but there are also play areas, a wall for rock climbing, and even an activity center.

The whole family can also sample various foods served by food vendors at the festival.

Address: Cape Coral, FL, United States

24. Wild About Popcorn

Admittedly, being a popcorn-lover is a bit of a niche, but you won’t be lacking a choice for what to do in lovely Cape Coral, Florida!

Wild About Popcorn is a fun and unique store serving virtually every popcorn type you can envision.

There’s almost every imaginable flavor under the sun, in all sorts of vibrant hues, across the store’s 60 varieties.

There are classics like buttered and salted, sweet options like Green Apple or blue raspberry, and unlikely hits like Caramelized Roast Garlic.

Whether you’re more of a Loaded Baked Potato person or a strawberry person, Wild About Popcorn has you covered.

You can even try not-quite-branded options like Sour Patch Kids and Flaming Not-Cheetos.

If you’ve never thought about popcorn as “gourmet” before, your perspective will be shifted after a trip here!

Address: 1311 Del Prado Blvd S D, Cape Coral, FL 33990, United States

25. Tarpon Point Marina

Tarpon Point Marina is just around 3 miles away from the gorgeous Gulf of Mexico and is widely considered the greatest marina in Southwestern Florida.

It’s primarily a boating community, and there are 216 boat slips here.

It’s no wonder that the marina offers boat rentals, fishing charters, and relaxing sunset cruises at night.

But, at the same time, it’s one of the more versatile Cape Coral attractions, offering a wide range of different facilities and selling points.

Tarpon Point Marina is home to an amphitheater, a day spa, retail shopping outlets, and many waterfront dining options.

It’s a treat to go sightseeing here, especially against the stunning backdrop of the water.

Palm trees flank the paths, creating both a romantic and tropical atmosphere.

Address: 6179 Black Marlin Lane, Cape Coral, FL 33914, United States

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26. Escape the Cape Escape Rooms

Escape the Cape Escape Rooms is one of the most fun things to do in Cape Coral, Florida with family.

Activities like these are a great chance to test your cognitive skills and problem-solving ability and provide a unique thrill.

At Escape the Cape Escape Rooms, you’ll be locked for an hour inside a specially-themed room with its own stories.

Game Masters provide exposition and offer help along the way as you work as hard as you can to crack codes, solve puzzles, and break free within the time frame allotted to you.

Each room has a different difficulty rating, from the easy Haunted Toy Store to the highly challenging Blast from the Past.

Address: 728 Pine Island Rd #16, Cape Coral, FL 33991, United States

Start Planning Your Trip To Cape Coral

Cape Coral is filled with all sorts of places to go, from recreational destinations to contemplative natural spots.

Hopefully, this guide has helped you decide where to go for the best time in Cape Coral.

Happy travels.