With more miles of navigable waterways than any other city in the world, Cape Coral, Florida, is crosshatched with canals and channels that interconnect its seaside community. Established in the mid-20th century, the area teems with shops, markets, restaurants, and brewpubs that line Cape Coral Parkway, the city’s main thoroughfare; parks, nature preserves, and wildlife sanctuaries surround the city to the north and west along the Gulf shore.

The area is beloved by sailors, featuring several public boat launches and yacht clubs, as well as plenty of opportunities to rent motorboats and jet skis for a fast-paced adventure and kayaks and paddleboards to explore at a more leisurely pace. While there’s a plethora of tranquil green spaces to choose from in the surrounding region, Cape Coral itself offers family-friendly parks including Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve and Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve, where locals head for hiking, kayaking, and birdwatching. The city’s sole beach, palm-fringed Yacht Club Public Beach, features a community pool, a boat ramp, and a pier for sunset strolls.

Cape Coral is a great place to soak up some sun between October and May, when there’s less rainfall and temperatures are milder. During the summer months, the mercury can spike, but visitors will find more space at the beach. Visit in winter and spring to join in with some of Cape Coral’s most popular events, including the Cape Coral Festival of the Arts (January) and the Sounds of Blues and Jazz Festival (March). In April, the city hosts its famous Cardboard Boat Regatta, a whimsical festival where participants build and race water vessels made from cardboard — with varying levels of success. During the city’s 4th of July festival, Red White and Boom, Cape Coral Parkway is lined with craft, art, and food vendors, and a large fireworks show lights up the city.

Get on the water

Exploring the open waters of the cape is a must, whether it be on a large tour boat, traditional fishing vessel, or lightweight kayak. Some boat tours feature dolphin or other wildlife sightings, while others tour the canals and take visitors on a journey through the city’s history.

Cape Coral Farmers Market

A few streets back from the Cape Coral Bridge, this market gathers a range of vendors showcasing locally grown produce and wares. Spend a Saturday morning strolling around its canopied stalls, browsing everything from seasonal produce and spices to handmade jewelry and artwork.

Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve

Cape Coral is set within a unique ecosystem, surrounded by various parks and nature preserves. Four Mile Ecological Preserve on the east side of the city sits along the Caloosahatchee River, spread across 365 acres and featuring a boardwalk nature trail that winds through mangroves and allows visitors to observe its dozens of bird species.