Sun Splash Family Waterpark waterpark has over 14 acres of wet and dry attractions. PHOTO BY MICHAEL PISTELLA

Consistently named one of the fastest-growing cities in America, Cape Coral has something to offer for all walks of life, ages and interests. 

A boaters paradise, this “waterfront wonderland” is home to more than 400 miles of canals and countless access points to various bodies of water all around Southwest Florida. 

Whether you’re an avid angler or just enjoy taking in a peaceful day on the Caloosahatchee River and some marine life (including manatees, dolphins and more), Cape Coral is a great launch point for a trip or excursion.

There’s also plenty to do on land in the largest municipality between Tampa and Miami.  The city has added a plethora of options in the “South Cape,” which features numerous dining establishments and places to enjoy a beverage. New construction over the past few years, with more on the way, will see the Cape offer even more high-end developments for residents and visitors to enjoy. Just about once each month, there’s an opportunity to hop on a trolley and check out countless hot spots that offer themed drinks and appetizers via the city’s downtown entertainment association. 

Cape Coral also is home to one of the longest-running community theaters in the region, as Cultural Park Theatre always has a musical or show on stage. Its annual Broadway Season is a hit, which has been running for more than six decades. 

For those that enjoy the outdoors and nature, Cape Coral is home to countless biking trails and the beautiful Four Mile Ecological Cove, where those who enjoy the scenery can find a myriad of wildlife and even kayak through its waters. 

Feeling the heat but don’t own a boat? Spend the day at Southwest Florida’s largest cool-down spot: Sun Splash Family Waterpark. 

Don’t forget the city’s 40 indoor and outdoor park facilities, many of which have seen recent improvements or are slated for upgrades. 

PLACES TO GO

Sun Splash Family Waterpark

Sun Splash Family Waterpark opened for the 2024 season for its longest ever, remaining open through Dec. 1 (select dates).

The largest water park in Southwest Florida offers various slides, pools, flumes, food, and fun for all ages. The park has seen countless upgrades and refurbishments in the past few years. 

Admission is $35.99 for guests, with a multitude of ticket deals for Cape residents and groups online.

More info: For additional information, including operating hours, visit www.sunsplashwaterpark.com.

Address: 400 W. Lake Kennedy Drive

Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve

Cape Coral is a Purple Heart City, with a rich veteran population. If you head into the Cape via the Midpoint Memorial Bridge, you’ll be welcomed by one-of-a-kind, stunning statues and dedications to the United States Military at Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve.

The 365-acre preserve is the second largest preserved green space in the city, located by Veterans Parkway.

A massive Iwo Jima Memorial catches the eye right way, as the iconic 20-foot statue depicts five Marines and a Navy hospital corpsman raising the American Flag on the highest point in Iwo Jima. The monument in Cape Coral is not a replica, but one of three originals created by sculptor Felix de Weldon.

Other memorials include an Iraq War dedication, bricks in the ground that honor Vietnam Veterans, a Merchant Marine and Navy Armed Guard memorial and a Gold Star Mothers memorial.

Flags representing each military branch fly high over these monuments that represent sacrifices made by those in times of war.

Approximately 6,600 feet of nature and walking trails await along boardwalks, taking you into shaded areas that lead to a canal where you can rent kayaks.

Mangrove roots along the trails almost give the appearance that the ground is “alive and walking.”

Wildlife sightings are also abundant, including eagles, ibis, herons, wading and migratory birds, raccoons, snakes and more.

A visitors center is on site to provide information on programs offered, wildlife and trail guides. The park is open from 8 a.m. till dusk year-round.

More info: 239-549-7395 (park office)

Address: 2500 S.E. 24th St, Cape Coral

Cape Coral Art Center

The Cape Coral Art Center has been an artist community resource in Southwest Florida since 1977. Located in Rubicond Park on Coronado Parkway in the southeast Cape, the Art Center offers classes for all skill levels in fine arts and fine crafts year-round for residents and guests of all ages.

New renovations in 2019 were made possible thanks to $100,000 in grant money from the Florida Department of State Division of Cultural Affairs, which the city matched and doubled.

The nearly 14,000-square-foot space that includes galleries, studios/classrooms and a specialty art supply store received grant money to freshen the look of the gallery and other areas encompassing the two-building layout.

The Art Center features a main gallery and side galleries usually featuring local artists.

Inside of the Cape Coral Arts Studio there are all new floors, ceilings and lighting — which Art Studio supervisor Julie Gerhard said is so crucial to students perfecting their craft.

More info: Visit “http://www.capecoral.net”>www.capecoral.net, select the Parks & Recreation Department and find the studio under “Recreation Facilities.”

Address: 4533 Coronado Parkway, Cape Coral

Cape Coral Art League

The Cape Coral Art League was chartered in 1965 as a not-for-profit 501(c)3 and 501(a)2 charity organization that promotes the advancement of art throughout Southwest Florida.

CCAL was incorporated in 1966 to promote the advancement of art in Cape Coral and other local areas. The current studio location on Cultural Park Boulevard was built and opened in the fall of 1984 with a beautiful gallery addition joining the fold in April 1991. With the help of a state grant, a second art room studio was built in 2002 that provides more space for art classes, workshops and a multitude of art events.

The Cape Coral Art League offers year-round classes for adults, youth and children; features eight major art exhibits each year in their gallery; other art shows, including our annual art fair and workshops with world-renowned artists.

More info: www.capecoralartleague.com

Address: 516 Cultural Park Boulevard, Cape Coral

Cultural Park Theater

The 184-seat community theater is the largest in Southwest Florida, and puts on a dozen productions each season. Along with original shows, Cultural Park hosts second stage productions from local acts and performers. Its Broadway season, which begins each September and lasts until June, brings classic and contemporary musicals and plays to life. Shows usually run Thursday through Sunday, with tickets being $26 for adults, $22 for seniors, $16 for students and $12 for children under 10.

More info: culturalparktheater.org

Address: 528 Cultural Park Boulevard, Cape Coral

Cape Coral Museum of History

Since its inception in 1987, the Cape Coral Museum of History has sought to discover, preserve, and share the history of Cape Coral through its archives, museum exhibits and public programs. The museum is the official repository for the history of Cape Coral and serves as a public resource for all sectors of the local community, as well as international and U.S. tourists. Operated by the Cape Coral Historical Society, the museum exhibits artifacts, documents, and photographs pertaining to the history of Cape Coral and Southwest Florida.

The museum features a picture display of the history of Cape Coral, as well as a large mural of the former Cape Coral Gardens — or Rose Gardens — a Native American Room, a Military Exhibit, prehistoric fossils, an authentic Cracker House and more. Hours are from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday-Friday, and 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays. Admission is $10 for adults over 18, $5 for seniors 62 and older, $5 for military, $3 for students, and free for children 5 and younger. Tours are available, as well as a gift shop.

More info: www.capecoralhistoricalmuseum.org

Address: 544 Cultural Park Boulevard, Cape Coral

Brotherhood of Heroes Resource Center & Museum

The Brotherhood of Heroes is a not-for-profit museum and resource center founded in 2020, “to educate the community as well as honor First Responders and Military Service Personnel through our exhibits that capture the dramatic events that shaped our nation,” offering a variety of exhibits and events as well as resources.

Hours are 10 a.m. – 6 p.m., Tuesdays through Friday; 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturdays; closed Sunday and Monday.

More info: www.thebrotherhoodofheroes.com

Address: 4522 Del Prado Boulevard South, Cape Coral

THINGS TO DO

Burrowing owls — the city of Cape Coral’s official bird

Cape Coral is home to unique species of owl that the city has made its own: the burrowing owl.

Burrowing owls are the only one of 171 owl species that live underground, making them more susceptible to predators and enhancing the risk of having their burrows destroyed.

The owls dig these burrows for protection and, of course, nesting.

Burrows can be spotted in usually dry areas, circular in shape, usually 3-6 inches in width, with debris decorating the entrance during breeding season (February-July).

Burrowing owls may use abandoned gopher tortoise or armadillo burrows, as well as man-made structures.

Other than vacant lots, you may see burrowing owls in dry prairies, pastures, agricultural fields, airports, parks and golf courses.

The Florida burrowing owl is no stranger to Cape residents, with more than 2,500 burrows scattered around the city they call home.

Cape Coral is home to the largest known population of the Florida burrowing owl, which is a threatened species. These pint-sized birds burrow underground where they nest from early

February through mid-July.

In November 2016, these small birds were given the status of threatened by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission. Their eggs, their young and active nests are protected under the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act. Thousands of residents from across Southwest Florida attend the Burrowing Owl Festival each year to enjoy nature-themed activities such as bus tours to observe the burrowing owl habitats, interactive butterfly exhibit, nature hikes at Rotary Park, guest speakers and more.

Cape Coral even has a play on Groundhogs Day – Burrowing Owl Day, where “Owliver” and “Owlivia” come out of their burrow to see their shadow, signifying six more weeks of “winter” in sunny Southwest Florida.

NEW! Lake Kennedy Racquet Center 

Cape Coral’s new state-of-the-art pickleball and tennis facility opened to the public in August of 2024.

The Lake Kennedy Racquet Center features 32 pickleball courts, 12 tennis courts, and offers a range of amenities for racquet sports enthusiasts of all levels.

Located in the heart of Cape Coral, officials say the Lake Kennedy Racquet Center is “redefining excellence in racquet sports, both in Florida and across the nation.”

To celebrate the opening, Lake Kennedy Racquet Center has offered a limited-time discount of 50% off all annual memberships for the first year. (The deadline has been extended once; check for availability.) After this initial registration period, the fees will revert to normal rates. Veterans and first responders who are residents of Cape Coral see a 20% discount on any membership in perpetuity (discounts cannot be combined).

Membership options (prices listed are full price, not including any discounts):

• Annual Memberships: Individual at $250, Household Couple at $350, Household Family at $500, and Junior at $100

• Semi-Annual Memberships: Individual at $125, Household Couple at $175, Household Family at $250

• Monthly Memberships: Individual at $25, Household Couple at $35, Household Family at $50

New registrations for memberships are available at www.playlakekennedy.com or alternatively in person at the Lake Kennedy Racquet Center.

The center will offer a variety of lessons, clinics, and camps for all ability levels, as well as paddle and racquet rentals. In addition, the facility will feature a fully stocked pro shop with playing equipment and apparel, making it a one-stop venue for all Tennis and Pickleball enthusiasts and players.

More info: www.playlakekennedy.com

Address: 420 SW 2nd Avenue

Coral Oaks Golf Course 

In addition to the par 72 course, Coral Oaks has one of the most extensive practice facilities in the area, featuring a driving range with grass and artificial turf, a chipping area, and putting green. There is also a well-stocked pro shop on-site with all the latest golf gear and a full-service restaurant and bar, Knickers Pub, to enjoy after your round.

For those who are new to the game of golf or would like to brush up on their skills, Coral Oaks has PGA professionals on staff to teach golf schools, clinics, and private lessons.

Built within a century-old oak hammock, Coral Oaks Golf Course’s rich natural surroundings, including eight lakes and 37 bunkers, make it challenging and enjoyable for golfers of all ages and skill levels.

More info: To learn more and book a tee time, visit www.coraloaksgolf.com.

Address: 1800 Northwest 28th Avenue 

Visit a city park

Cape Coral is home to nearly 40 different parks scattered throughout the city, offering different adventures and activities.

Popular parks include:

• William “Bill” Austen Youth Center & Eagle Skate Park; 315 SW 2nd Ave.

• Jaycee Park; 4215 SE 20th Place.

• Four Freedoms Park; 4818 Tarpon Court.

• Rotary Park Environmental Center; 5505 Rose Garden Road.

• Jim Jeffers Park; 2817 SW 3rd Lane.

• Sirenia Vista Park; Corner of Ceitus Parkway & Old Burnt Store Road.

• Seahawk Park; 1030 Northwest 28th Street 

• Giuffrida Park; 1044 Northeast 4th Street

• Joe Stonis Park; 3444 Ceitus Parkway

• Paul Sunburn Park; 2310 Southeast 3rd Street 

• Joe Coviello Park; 3514 Oasis Woods Lane

• Sands Park; 2718 Southwest 43rd Terrace

• Bernice Braden Park; 2051 Cape Coral Parkway East

More info: www.capecoral.gov/department/parks_and_recreationhom