19 Things to Do in Cape Coral Florida, SWFL’s Waterfront Wonderland

by Lori Sorrentino

One look at a map and it’s easy to imagine all the incredible things to do in Cape Coral, Florida, the city of over 400 miles of watery canals located just across the bridge from nearby Fort Myers, Florida.

That’s right, over 400 miles of canals!

In its early development in the 1960s, advertising salesmen dubbed it the “Waterfont Wonderland” of southwest Florida, but all the canals make Cape Coral feel more like the love child of Venice and Paradise and not any advertising come on.

Today, Cape Coral is a boaters and anglers heaven with a wealth of water activities that rivals any place in southwest Florida.

It’s a unique community that everyone will enjoy — especially those with a boat.

Fort Myers at the mouth of the Caloosahatchee River, Estero Island, Sanibel and Captiva Islands, Pine Island and the artsy town of Matlacha, as well as the Charlotte Harbor islands are all easily accessible with a boat from Cape Coral.

Cape Coral is sometimes overlooked for the other, more beachy, vacation destinations in southwest Florida, despite the fact that there are loads of fun things to do.

With it’s abundance of natural areas to commune with nature and wildlife, a fabulous water park, amazing restaurants, and some amazing beaches of its own, Cape Coral makes a perfect multi-generational family destination and southwest Florida vacation with kids.

There really are a ton of things to do in Cape Coral, but we’ve narrowed it down to our 18 favorites.

Let us know if we’ve missed a few!

There are so many great water views like this in Cape Coral Florida

19 Exciting Things to Do in Cape Coral, Florida

1. Explore the Local Art Scene

The Cape Coral Festival of the Arts takes place on the second weekend in January when “season” is in full swing.

Featuring the works of over 300 artists it’s easy to see why this free event is attended by over 120,000 visitors annually.

Of course it wouldn’t be an art show without some competition.

The judges review painting, sculpture, fine arts, photography, jewelry, and mixed media with artists vying to be judged the best of the best in their respective category.

The festival also includes a separate marketplace with literally hundreds of vendors selling their unique creations and works of art.

2. Ride the Waves at Sunsplash Family Waterpark

Just about every list of fun things to do in Cape Coral includes Sunsplash Family Waterpark – and for good reason!

After all, what’s a more exciting way to escape the Florida summer heat?

Sunsplash Family Waterpark is the largest waterpark in southwest Florida.

Within its 14 acres, you’ll find loads of amazing rides.

You can get your adrenaline pumping on rides like Cape Fear and the 457-foot Electric Slide and Power Surf.

Or you can plummet over five stories on the Terror Tube!

If the rides sound like way too much excitement for you, don’t worry, there are calmer options too.

You can relax on the lazy river and speed down the kid-friendly Pro Racers.

SunSplash is definitely one of the most refreshing activities in Cape Coral.

3. Hit the skate park

Laying claim to being one of the largest skate parks in the area with over 26,000 square feet of dedicated skating space, the Eagle Skate Park in Cape Coral is a mecca for skaters of all skill levels.

Whether a pro or a beginner and regardless of age, all can enjoy the large bowl, ramps, half-pipes, and rails.

Admission for skaters is $5.00 USD and you can watch your kids skate for a modest $1.00 USD.

Be sure your skater has a helmet and any other necessary safety equipment.

Burrowing owls are everywhere in Cape Coral, if you know where to look

4. Look for Burrowing Owls

Visitors from around the world come to see the official bird of Cape Coral, the burrowing owl, definitely one of the most adorable attractions in Cape Coral.

Burrowing owls are unique from other owls.

Rather than living in woodlands, backyard trees, or a barn, they live in, well, burrows.

Their diminutive size makes them one of the smallest of owls. The full length of an adult burrowing owl with their long legs can be 7-10 inches.

The tiny owls look adorable and cuddly with their yellow eyes and white eyebrows on their round shaped head, so you can imagine how popular they have become with tourists.

But locals love them too and are protective of them and their shared habitats.

Naturally they’re a source of pride among Cape Coral residents.

The Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife sponsor the annual Burrowing Owl Festival in Rotary Park in Cape Coral, with lots of interesting and fun things to do for the whole family.

2022 marked the 20th year for this annual event, so plan a visit!

5. Take a Boat Tour

With over 400 miles of canals, the best way to see Cape Coral is definitely from the water!

Although chartering your own private boat can be expensive, there are a number of public boat tours available that won’t break the bank.

There are so many different boating companies in Cape Coral that it’s a good idea to shop around to get the best deal before you book.

Most companies offer a large range of tours, so you can choose an experience to suit your budget.

Depending on how far you go out, dolphin cruises generally start at around $30 per person.

6. Have a Beach Day at Yacht Club Community Park (Closed for Renovations)

Many of the fun things to do in southwest Florida revolve around the beach, and Cape Coral is no exception to this rule.

Yacht Club Community Park is home to one of the best beaches in town. While there, you can enjoy all of your usual beach activities, including swimming, suntanning, shelling, and sandcastle building.

But if you’d like to change things up, you can also fish, play pickleball, have a picnic, or test your tennis skills.

Spending the day at the beach in Cape Coral is one of the best things to do

7. Spot manatees at Sirenia Vista Park

The West Indian manatee calls the warm Florida waters home during the colder winter months.

If you are fortunate enough to be visiting someone with their home on a canal, manatees often make an appearance in Cape Coral’s canals.

If you’re vacationing in Cape Coral, the best place to spot manatees is at Sirenia Vista Park.

With a paved walking trail through this 8-acre park, it’s possible to observe a variety of wildlife especially bird species.

Manatees frequent shallow water to feed, congregate, or sometimes just to rest.

There are boat rentals that will take you on a tour of the park, but we think the easiest way to take your time and spot them is from the designated manatee viewing area.

Manatees in Cape Coral’s Sirenia Vista Park

8. Take in a Show

The Cultural Park Theatre is Cape Coral’s community theater, and produces a dozen Broadway-style performances, musicals, and live music concerts each year in the 184-seat theater.

It also offers a creative outlet for locals who are interested in honing their own stagecraft including acting, directing, and backstage assistance.

Watching a production here will make you feel like you’ve found a true hidden gem in Cape Coral.

Take in a performance on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, or matinees on Saturday and Sunday.

Located at Cultural Park along with the Cape Coral Historical Society and Museum, the Cape Coral Art League, and a lovely rose garden, it’s a great place to explore the cultural side of Cape Coral.

9. Watch the Cardboard Boat Regatta

The Cardboard Boat Regatta is undoubtedly one of the most unusual, yet fun things to do in Cape Coral.

Each year, the Rotary Club of Cape Coral puts on this wild and wacky event.

Dozens of groups create boats made of out cardboard and take them out on the water!

And since cardboard and water don’t really mix, this regatta offers the Titanic Award, an award for the most spectacular sinking.

That said, you’ll be surprised to see how long many of these cardboard boats last.

As an added bonus, the Rotary Club of Cape Coral donates the profits from the Cardboard Boat Regatta to a variety of local charities.

Cardboard boat races are so much fun for kids

10. Kayak at Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve

If your idea of fun is to get out into nature, head to the Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve.

This preserve is essentially a growing mangrove forest on the banks of the Caloosahatchee River.

In other words, it’s a fantastic kayaking spot – and you can even rent kayaks there, depending on the season!

Thanks to how the mangrove trees have grown, there are many natural waterways running through the trees.

Some of the paths are so narrow that it’ll feel like quite an adventure.

And don’t forget to keep an eye out for wildlife!

It’s not uncommon to catch a glimpse of a dolphin or a manatee every now and then.

It is important to note that sections of Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve can be difficult to navigate by kayak, so it’s not for beginners.

Even if you are confident in your kayaking skills, be sure to bring a map along with you on your adventure.

If kayaking isn’t the outdoorsy activity for you, you can also hike, boat, fish, and birdwatch at the Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve.

11. Tour the Wicked Dolphin Rum Distillery

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Cape Coral for adults in particular, touring the Wicked Dolphin Rum Distillery definitely tops the list.

During your tour of the Wicked Dolphin Artisan Rum Distillery, you’ll be able to learn everything you’ve ever wanted to know about rum, including how this drink is made.

You’ll even get to try some samples, including a few limited-edition options that are not yet sold to the public.

Tours are free, but reservations are required to take a tour at Wicked Dolphin Artisan Rum Distillery, and these tours are only offered on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

One of our favorite things to do in Cape Coral — drink rum!

12. Drink Beer and Kava

Rum isn’t the only hair o’ the dog that bit ya on the Cape.

Several breweries have popped up in recent years, making Cape Coral the perfect place for your very own self-guided beer tour.

For a unique brew, the Botanical Brewing Company (839 Miramar St, Cape Coral) is a taproom brewing not beer but stress-reducing, plant-infused kava brews guaranteed to enrich your life.

These innovative fermentations are a tasty alternative to alcohol and therefore something that everyone can enjoy.

Stop in and try a pint!

13. Cycle the city

A great way to explore Cape Coral is by bike. With over 90 miles of bike trails, Cape Coral is a designated Bicycle Friendly Community.

It’s easy to get around and you really can’t get lost.

The bike routes will take you across the city with points of interest and nature reserves scattered along your chosen route.

On vacation and don’t have your bike with you? No worries.

Cape Coral has plenty of bike rental companies with a variety of bikes to choose from.

Many will also provide the required helmet and child seat if needed for free.

Before you rent, shop around. Rentals start at around $10 – and many companies will throw in a child seat for free!

14. Spend Some Time at Cape Harbour

If you love shopping or eating, you’ll definitely consider a visit to Cape Harbour one of the most fun things to do in Cape Coral.

Cape Harbour is the main food and shopping hub in town.

And to make things even better, many of these shops and restaurants are located on the water!

A couple of the best waterfront restaurants in Cape Harbor include Fathoms Restaurant & Bar and The French Press.

As for the best shops in the area, you won’t regret stopping by Tropics & Paradise and the Harbour View Gallery.

Cape Harbour is a must-see in Cape Coral

15. Visit the Tom Allen Memorial Butterfly Garden

Butterflies are some of the coolest creatures around.

First of all, they have gorgeous wings.

Second of all, they’re one of the few animals in the world that undergo complete metamorphosis.

Basically, anytime I get to see a bunch of butterflies, I consider it a special treat.

Luckily, Cape Coral has its own little butterfly spot: The Tom Allen Memorial Butterfly Garden.

While at this hidden gem, you can take a tour, learn about the life cycle of a butterfly, and find out about many different butterfly species.

Unlike most butterfly gardens, the Tom Allen Memorial Butterfly Garden only keeps the butterflies around for a few weeks after their metamorphoses.

After that, they set them free in the wild.

16. Wander Around Cape Coral Farmers Market

The Cape Coral Farmers Market takes place at the gorgeous waterfront Cape Harbour, which is already a plus.

But it’s the local products that really make the Cape Coral Farmers Market worthy of being on this list of fun things to do in Cape Coral.

While at the Cape Coral Farmers Market, you can stock up on so many local treats – from locally grown fruits and veggies to blooming bouquets of flowers.

You might even find a handmade souvenir to take home with you!

17. Go fishing

Whether fishing in the 295 miles of freshwater, or heading out to the Gulf of Mexico to target seasonal saltwater species, Cape Coral has something to suit most any angler’s fancy.

Great fishing opportunities can be had on the canals running through the city.

There are almost always a variety of species in the canals, and there are many places to take advantage of this like marinas, docks, or piers along the Caloosahatchee River.

Best of all, you can wet a line at many of these places for free.

If you don’t have your gear with you, there are a good number of bait shops that offer equipment rentals.

18. Hit the Links and Go Golfing

One of the most popular activities to do in Florida is golf, and Cape Coral is no exception to this rule.

But while many of Florida’s golf courses are not open to the public, Cape Coral’s Coral Oaks Golf Course actually is!

Created by the world-renowned golf course designer, Arthur Hills, this 18-hole golf course is an amazing place to play.

With eight lakes and 37 bunkers to see along the way, there are loads of sights to keep an eye out for.

And last but certainly not least, the course also employs PGA professionals to help you improve your golf skills even more!

19. Take in the Perfect Sunset

Whether you’ve spent the perfect day on the canals or on the links, it’s time to find the perfect sunset to match the day, and in Cape Coral, there are several great spots to find one.

But one of our absolute favorite places is the Boathouse Tiki Bar and Grill (Temporarily Closed as of October 2025) at the Cape Coral Yacht Club.

If you’re searching for that ultimate fun tropical tiki bar, this just might be it!