Adjacent to the Gulf of Mexico, the breathtaking city of Cape Coral, Florida is a popular vacation destination for good reason. Spend your days swimming and sunbathing, or appreciate the vibrant nightlife and live music. Opt for a leisurely day on the beach, or get moving with a hike at one of the nearby nature preserves. An abundance of attractions are situated within minutes of many Cape Coral vacation rentals. Get ready for adventure and relaxation, and add these top 15 activities to your Cape Coral itinerary.

1. Go Fishing

Cater to the avid fishing enthusiasts in your crew with a day of shelling and fishing. West Coast Fishing Charters offers guided fishing trips and lessons. As a bonus, you only pay for what you catch when dropping your lines in the water on a guided tour.

2. Get Wet and Wild in the Water

With the Gulf of Mexico within minutes from your vacation rental, you have plenty of options for getting wet and wild in the water. Relax on an inner tube while floating in the gulf or get a workout on a kayak for the day. If you prefer to splash in a pool, head over to the Cape Coral Yacht Club to take a dip in the public pool adjacent to the beach.

3. Visit the Tom Allen Memorial Butterfly Garden

Get up close and personal with the native butterfly species when taking a guided tour of the Tom Allen Memorial Butterfly Garden. This sanctuary in Cape Coral allows you and the kids to see butterflies through the four life stages before they are released into the wild.

4. Take a Scuba Lesson

If your family is seeking underwater adventures, sign up for a scuba lesson at The Cape Coral Scuba Quest. This facility features licensed instructors who can guide you through the waters to catch a glimpse of sea creatures. No need to bring your own equipment. The Cape Coral Scuba Quest staff can outfit you with everything you need.

5. Spend the Day at Sun Splashwater Park

Soak in the fun with a day at Sun Splashwater Park, a waterpark in Cape Coral that offers attractions for all ages. Soar down the Electric Waterslide or Power Surge ride before lazily floating down the lazy river on an innertube. The facility is equipped with a snack bar, too, so you can grab a bite to eat when hunger strikes.

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6. Ride the Ramps

Break out your skateboards, helmets, and knee pads, and head to Cape Coral Park to ride the ramps. Featuring a variety of ramps for every skill level, this park features a skating area exclusively for the adventurous kids and adults in your family.

7. Get Artsy at the Cape Coral Festival of the Arts

When traveling to Cape Coral in January, stop in at the Cape Coral Festival of the Arts. This annual five-day festival features the work of local and national artists. Browse through the displays, grab a bite to eat at the food trucks on site, or take a leisurely walk through the vendor booths to pick up some artsy souvenirs. If your vacation time doesn’t mesh with the Festival of the Arts, check around for other local festivals to enjoy, including the Cape Coral Coconut Festival and Viva Cape Coral, which celebrates the area’s Caribbean heritage.

8. Take in a Play

Expand your cultural horizons when purchasing tickets for a performance at the Cultural Park Theater in Cape Coral. Featuring a variety of shows for all ages, including Disney productions and dramas, this theater company also offers acting lessons. Test your skills and talents with a half-day workshop before retreating to your Cape Coral vacation rental for the evening.

9. Opt for a Game of Golf

When your swing could use some help, sign up for a golf lesson from a PGA professional at the Coral Oaks Golf Course. Play 18 holes with the family or warm up at the driving range before heading back to the clubhouse for a scrumptious meal.

10. Hike for Miles

Satisfy your adventurous spirit with a hike through Jaycee Park. Explore the eight acres of land and navigate the hiking trails to get your fill of nature for the day. You and the kids can also learn a bit about the Cape Coral area when stopping by the information office for guides that help you explore the trails.

11. Stomp Around at Dixie Roadhouse

Dance the night away in complete formation when learning how to line dance at Dixie Roadhouse. This popular restaurant and club features live country music nightly and line dancing lessons for those seeking to get in line with the crowd. Dress the part with a cowboy hat and a pair of boots.

12. Shop Away at the Cape Coral Farmer’s Market

Supply your family with fresh fruits and vegetables from local vendors when taking a trip to the Cape Coral Farmer’s Market. This outdoor market gives you the opportunity to choose baked goods, cheeses, and homemade jellies to take back with you to your vacation rental for your next meal. Don’t leave without trying the homemade salsas and guacamole made on site.

13. Enjoy a Sunset Cruise

Don’t miss the stunning sunsets of Cape Coral. In fact, you can get a closer look when taking a sunset boat cruise on the Caloosahatchee River. Venture out to the river from your vacation rental in your own boat, or opt to rent a boat at the local Cape Coral marinas.

14. Dine at the Boathouse

You don’t have to own a boat to dine at this ocean-front tiki bar and grill. This grill-themed restaurant, specializing in seafood and cocktails, is located within the Cape Coral Yacht Club. Savor fresh food from the ocean or stop in for some live music with a stunning view of the water.

15. See Wild Animals at the Rotary Park Environmental Center

If you’re interested in seeing wild animals and sea creatures in their natural habitats, then take a trip to the Rotary Park Environmental Center in Cape Coral. The 97-acre center features ground-level rock, salt marshes, upland, and more. Let the kids play at the open park, take a leisurely walk on one of the walking trails or take in the sights on the boardwalk. If you brought your pet with you on vacation, Fido is welcome at this center that features a large dog park.


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