Cape Coral vacation rentals offer unique access to a full suite of family-friendly fun—from popular waterparks to nature preserves, farmers’ markets,  beaches, and public or accessible golf courses. There’s just no shortage of opportunities for sun and fun!

The beaches here are great but what we love most about staying in Cape Coral is there are plenty of options if you need a break from the beach. There are lots of things to do like splash parks, boat tours, fishing, museums, breweries/distilleries and outdoor adventures. Whether you are planning a family vacation, couples trip or an outing with friends, this area has it all, even an extensive network of waterways most other areas in Florida simply don’t have—that’s one reason it’s been nicknamed “Venice of America”. 

Don’t know where to start? We did the work for you and picked some of our favorite attractions and activities in Cape Coral. Pack your bags and start booking, take our word for it!

Top Attractions in Cape Coral, Florida

Gator Mike’s Family Fun Park

This theme park offers tons to do! They have everything from rock climbing to zip lining to go karts, mini golf and more. There is even an arcade for all those brave parents out there! Need a snack? They have that too! The park can also accommodate groups, parties and special events.

Pro tip: Just a heads up that it’s a good idea to check the park’s schedule before you go. In our experience, there can be wait times. So, take our word for it and aim for the morning or early afternoon, particularly during the fall and winter when it’s more comfortable for outdoor activities.

Cape Coral Boat Rentals 

This family-run business offers unique outdoor experiences in Cape Coral. You will have the opportunity to explore canals, scenic islands and beaches with these rentals. There is nothing more incredible than experiencing nature and all its beauty firsthand. Along with detailed instructions you will also get maps to help navigate the waters. The booking is easy and the service is top notch.

Gulf Coast Kayaks 

Gulf Coast Kayaks will guide you through discovering all the natural beauty of Cape Coral. They offer kayak rentals/tours, kayak fishing, ecotours and paddle board rentals. Explore the mangroves and local aquatic preserves – there is simply nothing better! So get ready to unplug and set out on your next water adventure.

Eight-Foot Brewing

Love a local craft beer? This must be on your list when you’re visiting the area. A local brewing company offering uniquely funky, sour, and experimental style beers is a beer-lover’s dream. They strive to be extraordinary not only by providing a great product but also by  educating on the art of brewing.

Banana Bay Tour Company 

We love nature! If you do too, then the Banana Bay Tour Company is a fantastic, must-do experience. It offers high quality ecological tours. The Dolphin Nature Cruise and sunset cruise are popular tours and for good reason there is nothing better than learning about creatures in their natural habitat.

We simply cannot say enough good things about the knowledgeable and friendly crew. The guides are experienced and interesting – they definitely keep you engaged! Make sure to check their website for all their offerings!

Florida Rentals Property 8547
Florida Rentals Property #8547

Cape Coral Museum of History

History buffs unite! The Cape Coral Museum of History offers a unique look into the history of the area. They do this in an engaging way through museum exhibits, programs and archives. There are three buildings and three beautiful gardens to explore so be sure to make requisite time.

We loved this museum and it’s just such a delightful experience because it’s like a mini-journey into the region’s rich history. The museum’s exhibits show the area’s development from its early pioneer days to its transformation into the vibrant city and area it is today. There are super engaging displays of artifacts and interactive activities that make learning the local history accessible and, dare we say it, fun for most/all ages.

Pro tip: the best time to visit the Cape Coral Museum of History is the cooler months from November through April. Obviously, like most museums, visiting on the weekdays or non-peak hours means fewer people. This is a great day trip!

Wicked Dolphin

Wicked Dolphin is great for anyone interested in craft spirits and local craftsmanship/businesses. This is a cool local distillery that makes delicious small batch spirits. Their rum wins awards and is made from Florida’s own sugarcane. It’s those little details that make this place unique—a great choice in our opinion. 

They offer tours that take you through the whole distilling process. And as we can attest, no tour is complete without a tasting! You should sample the goods and then stroll through their gift shop at the end.

Beach Buddy Tours – Fishing Buddy Charters 

Fishing is an art and what better place to perfect it than on vacation in the Sunshine State? This awesome local company offers all kinds of fun activities on the water and sand including sightseeing boat tours, shelling tours, dolphin tours and various types of fishing excursions. Nature is the best vacation buddy that’s for sure!

Sun Splash Family Waterpark

Sun Splash Waterpark is fun for everyone! Cool off in their giant lazy river or check out the thrilling water slides. They also offer cabana rentals if you want to beat the heat. There are also some good casual options for food and drinks. This park is a must-visit for families! You will end up spending all day here and no one will be bored!

We love these things about Cape Coral but…

…there’s always more! That’s our list of some of the most fun things to do when you visit Cape Coral. Don’t get us wrong, there are other attractions that didn’t make our list, including more beaches and parks.

Another bit of caution about planning a trip to this area: from our experience and knowledge of all the places to stay in Florida, this area has very limited supply so prices can be on the above average side.

Our advice on that? Check out our favorite Cape Coral vacation rentals by owner. You can see which are listed by local owners and managers directly on the property pages on our site.

Enjoy your trip to Cape Coral!

Author

Hi, I'm Jen and I love to travel, go to the beach and write about all the places I have visited. I also have a bucket list of places I can't wait to try! I've visited Cape Cod every summer since I was a kid and now enjoy traveling to all great beach destinations, including Florida! I have worked in the travel industry for all of my career. I love sharing my experiences of different restaurants and places and helping travelers find the best fit for them!

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