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Published: September 17, 2024
by Elly Traynor
Cape Coral, Florida, often gets overshadowed by its more famous neighbors. However, this charming city has plenty to offer. Ever wondered what makes Cape Coral special? From serene parks to unique dining spots, there are many hidden gems waiting to be discovered. Whether you're a nature lover, foodie, or history buff, Cape Coral has something for everyone. Imagine kayaking through mangrove tunnels or enjoying a meal at a waterfront restaurant. These lesser-known attractions provide a fresh perspective on a city that deserves more attention. Ready to uncover the secrets of Cape Coral? Let's dive into the best-kept secrets of this underrated destination.
Cape Coral, known for its stunning waterways and lush landscapes, offers numerous hidden gems for nature lovers. Here are some must-visit spots:
Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve A serene escape with walking trails, kayak rentals, and abundant wildlife. Perfect for birdwatching and peaceful strolls.
Rotary Park Environmental Center This park features butterfly gardens, walking trails, and a dog park. Ideal for a family outing or a quiet afternoon.
Sirenia Vista Park A great place to spot manatees and enjoy fishing. The park also has kayak launches and picnic areas.
Glover Bight Trail A boardwalk trail offering breathtaking views of the Caloosahatchee River and surrounding mangroves. Great for a leisurely walk.
Matlacha Pass Aquatic Preserve Explore this aquatic preserve by kayak or boat. The area is teeming with marine life and offers excellent fishing opportunities.
Cape Coral's rich history is reflected in its various historical sites. These locations offer a glimpse into the past:
Cape Coral Historical Museum Learn about the city's history through exhibits and artifacts. The museum also has beautiful gardens to explore.
Burroughs Home & Gardens A historic mansion in nearby Fort Myers, offering guided tours and a look into early 20th-century life.
Edison and Ford Winter Estates Visit the winter homes of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. The estates feature museums, botanical gardens, and guided tours.
Koreshan State Park Discover the history of the Koreshan Unity Settlement. The park offers historic buildings, nature trails, and camping.
Seminole Gulf Railway Take a scenic train ride and enjoy a murder mystery dinner theater. A unique way to experience the area's history.
For those who love outdoor adventures, Cape Coral has plenty to offer. Check out these exciting activities:
Sun Splash Family Waterpark A fun-filled waterpark with slides, pools, and a lazy river. Perfect for a day of family fun.
Cape Coral Yacht Club Enjoy the beach, fishing pier, and community pool. The yacht club also hosts events and offers boat rentals.
Mike Greenwell's Bat-A-Ball & Family Fun Park Mini-golf, go-karts, batting cages, and more. A great spot for family entertainment.
Cape Coral Farmers' Market Shop for fresh produce, local crafts, and delicious food . The market is open on Saturdays and offers a lively atmosphere.
Jaycee Park A beautiful park along the Caloosahatchee River. Features walking trails, picnic areas, and a playground.
Cape Coral has some unique experiences that you won't find anywhere else. These hidden gems are worth a visit:
Wicked Dolphin Rum Distillery Take a tour of this local distillery and sample some award-winning rum. Learn about the rum-making process and enjoy tastings.
Tom Allen Memorial Butterfly House Located in Rotary Park, this butterfly house offers guided tours and a chance to see various butterfly species up close.
Lovegrove Gallery & Gardens Visit the colorful gallery and gardens of artist Leoma Lovegrove. A vibrant and inspiring place to explore.
Cape Coral Art League Check out local art exhibits, take a class, or attend an event. The league supports local artists and offers a creative space.
Cultural Park Theatre Enjoy a live performance at this community theater. The theater hosts a variety of shows, including plays, musicals, and concerts.
Cape Coral's dining and nightlife scene is full of hidden gems. Here are some spots to check out:
Rumrunners A waterfront restaurant offering delicious seafood and stunning views. Perfect for a romantic dinner or a casual meal.
Fathoms Restaurant & Bar Located at Cape Harbour, this spot offers a diverse menu and live music. Enjoy a meal with a view of the marina.
The Dek Bar A laid-back bar with live music, great food, and a friendly atmosphere. A local favorite for a night out.
Point 57 Kitchen & Cocktails A trendy spot with creative dishes and craft cocktails. Ideal for a night out with friends or a special occasion.
Nevermind Awesome Bar & Eatery A quirky bar with a unique menu and eclectic decor. Known for its craft cocktails and lively atmosphere.
Cape Coral has plenty of family-friendly spots that are perfect for a day out with the kids. Here are some top picks:
Eagle Skate Park A large skate park with ramps, rails, and bowls. Great for kids and teens who love skateboarding or BMX biking.
Cape Coral Public Library A wonderful place for kids to explore books, attend storytime, and participate in educational programs.
Veterans Park A spacious park with playgrounds, sports fields, and picnic areas. Ideal for a family picnic or a game of soccer.
Lakes Park Located in nearby Fort Myers, this park offers walking trails, a playground, and a miniature train ride. Fun for the whole family.
Sunset Celebration at the Yacht Club Enjoy live music, food vendors, and a beautiful sunset. A great way to end the day with family and friends.
Cape Coral offers more than just beautiful beaches. Its hidden gems include unique parks, cozy cafes, and vibrant art scenes. Exploring places like the Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve or the Cape Coral Farmers Market can make your trip special. Don't miss out on the local eateries serving fresh seafood and the charming shops filled with handmade crafts. Each spot has its own story, adding to the city's charm. Whether you're kayaking through mangroves or enjoying a sunset at the Yacht Club Community Park, Cape Coral has something for everyone. These lesser-known spots provide a deeper connection to the area, making your visit memorable. So next time you plan a trip , consider these hidden treasures. They offer a unique experience that goes beyond the usual tourist spots. Cape Coral's hidden gems are waiting to be explored.
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Cape Coral Councilmember Tom Hayden, 66, announces he will not run for reelection in 2024.
He said he made the decision last summer and cited his age, his wife's retirement, and wanting to spend more time with his family.
"Serving a second term, had I been elected, would have been a tremendous honor, but as I've looked at my age and as I've looked at the fact that my wife retires; about the same time that my first term ends, life is precious, and as you get older, you start to look at things that you want to accomplish," Hayden said. "These are important years for us coming up to be able to accomplish all that, and I don't want to have any regrets about missing years that I'm going to treasure."
Hayden has served as the District 3 council member since 2020, and his term is set to expire in November.
He plans to spend his last month in office working on a 10-year sidewalk plan for the city, making progress on the city's transportation plan, and helping the city in collective bargaining with the unions.
"That goes to my vision of we are here to plan this city for the next 20 or 30 years, and this transportation plan will do that," Hayden said.
Recent Cape Coral news Lee County GOP will vote to condemn Cape Coral City Council's controversial stipends
For Subscribers Cape Coral man removed from meeting over Jaycee Park, now city faces 'legally shaky ground'
Hayden worked for The News-Press for more than 20 years in various roles, including sports editor, Cape Coral news editor, and opinion page editor, and has 41 years of experience as a journalist.
He moved to Cape Coral in 1996 after accepting a job with The News-Press and was struck by the more than 400 miles of canals and the potential growth that was ahead of it.
"The fact that it was mostly residential at that time, getting younger, then it was known as a bedroom community, but you knew that it probably wasn't going to stay that way, and I wanted to be a part of that," Hayden said.
When he came to the council role, he said he prioritized speaking and listening to the residents.
He said his experience as a journalist helped him learn how to talk with residents, address criticism, and deal with nonstop issues in the city.
What shocked Hayden about the role was the amount of information available to him, how caring and conscious the city staff is, and the hours it takes to prepare for a meeting.
During his term, he had to contend with COVID-19, decisions on parks and attractions such as the Yacht Club and Coral Oaks Golf Course, the aftermath of Hurricane Ian, and delivering needed infrastructure to the growing city of Cape Coral.
As a council member, Hayden said he focused on getting more sidewalks near schools, preserving and improving environmental spaces, talking to developers to get more affordable and workforce housing, and improving traffic congestion.
"I think we've been able to stay on a path of sight that we're almost finished now getting sidewalks completed within 1 mile of schools, and now we move on to get them done within 2 miles of schools," Hayden said.
He also hopes to see a 10-year sidewalk plan developed for roads still in need.
Hayden touts Coviello Park and Yellow Fever Creek as areas that have their natural state of wetland preserved while undergoing improvements.
He said he led the charge on getting the planning development and engineered study for Pine Island Road done.
"So we could fast-track getting that road widened," Hayden said. "Not only because of all the development going on that road, we know it's heavily congested now, but also as a hurricane evacuation route for Pine Island and the city."
Hayden also helped complete a master plan for the Utility Extension Project and passed the water conservation ordinance , which requires certain standards to be met when installing new irrigation systems.
"Getting that passed was huge for me because I know how important it's going to be, not immediately but 20, 30 years from now," Hayden said. "If we don't start conserving water, we're not going to be in a very good place."
Hayden also served as the Cape Coral Youth Council liaison, and he said he was proud to help guide the members.
The councilmember is not afraid of being an outlier against the majority opinion or even residents.
Hayden had voted against the budget during 2021 and 2022 as he didn't agree with going with the rollback rate, which is the tax rate that would produce the same amount of property tax revenue as the prior year, and wanted a budget that would invest more in hiring, programs, and maintenance.
"My vision for the city was you can't have a flat, no gross budget in a growing city," Hayden said. "There are certain things that have to be done, people have to be hired, programs need to be put in place, facilities need to be maintained or built, and you can't you can't do that on a flat budget."
He also pointed to the planned improvement of Jaycee Park as another example.
"We've heard a lot that we weren't listening to residents," Hayden said. "I told them during one meeting, 'I'm listening to you; I just don't agree with you.' I liked the changes to what is one of our few waterfront parks and what we're going to do there."
Though, he did change his mind in a few areas.
He initially was against any privatization of Cape Coral's city-owned Coral Oaks Golf Course but came around as he noticed the course deteriorate.
"I realized that we probably weren't the ones to be managing and running that golf course," Hayden said.
Hayden also stood as a dissenting voice against the demolition of the main building of the Cape Coral Yacht Club as he said it carried so much history for the city.
"It was important in some way to preserve that history and that memory and what that meant to the community," Hayden said.
The Cape Coral Yacht Club, which includes the yacht basin, tennis courts, a swimming pool, a ballroom, and a riverside beach, is the city's premier waterfront attraction and has served as a popular attraction and staple for the city since the 1960s.
Hurricane Ian, a Category 5 storm, devastated the city on Sept. 28, leading to the Yacht Club's closure.
The demolition of the yacht club's existing building has been contentious as residents and officials are mixed on the council's decision to take a "clean slate" approach in January to renovate the area and its facilities after Ian paused the initial renovation plans.
The majority opinion won out, and Hayden changed his strategy to preserve parts of the main building.
Hayden also disagreed with getting rid of volunteer committees such as the Community Redevelopment Agency.
"As soon as we started to eliminate them, we continued to separate government from the people, and I never wanted to do that, I wanted them to be a part of it," Hayden said.
More recently, Hayden and other council members came under fire after approving a monthly stipend.
The council approved monthly stipends for each member, doubling their annual salaries, on Dec. 14 despite heavy residential backlash.
It was a voting item listed on the consent agenda and approved without discussion in a 5-1 vote, with each council member receiving a monthly $3,333 and the mayor receiving a monthly $5,000.
Hayden said he understands that the stipends are controversial, but stands by his support of them.
He maintains that his family kept falling further into debt as the city's salary was not enough and he had to get a second job.
"This makes things easier financially for me," Hayden said. "It also now allows me to spend my last year in office, dedicating even more time to council, and getting things accomplished that I want to get accomplished this last year, or at least get the ball rolling on some projects that won't be finished this year."
Hayden plans to spend the rest of his life in the city and says whoever wins the District 3 seat next must be someone who can look far ahead.
"I've said many times that I really believe a significant part of what we do is that future plan for our city, not only how we implemented a strategic plan, but how we move forward with other issues in the city," Hayden said.
He also encourages the next council member to be open to residents and the media.
"So I think whoever takes a seat has to know they have to be dedicated to their community, this job first," Hayden said.
Luis Zambrano is a Watchdog/Cape Coral reporter for The News-Press and the Naples Daily News. You can reach Luis at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @Lz2official.
Live webcams, #myfortmyers moments, plan your trip, digital visitor guide, yacht club beach.
Located on the Caloosahatchee River in Cape Coral, the Yacht Club Community Park Beach is now open with limited amenities. The Boathouse Restaurant sits right next to the beach and is open. The pier and Yacht Club facilities remain closed due to damage from Hurricane Ian.
Note: Pardon the dust. Demolition of the main ballroom building, the Tony Rotino Center, tennis courts, pool, and Harbormaster's building...
Note: Pardon the dust. Demolition of the main ballroom building, the Tony Rotino Center, tennis courts, pool, and Harbormaster's building is underway.
(386 Google Reviews)
5819 Driftwood Pkwy Cape Coral , FL 33904 United States
ADA Accessible
Pet Friendly
Portable toilet, picnic areas, sheltered pavilion, paddlecraft launch/landing, charcoal grills, sand volleyball court, hiking trails, food/concessions, ada-accessible amenities.
Designated disability parking; ADA-accessible restrooms
Hours of operation.
Dawn to dusk
Our newly renovated hotel is one block from Downtown Cape Coral where over 35 resaurants,bars and clubs have lots of fun...
Executive Class Vacation Homes and Condo's. Offering superior quality properties that are professionally maintained. Let...
The Holiday Inn Express Cape Coral Fort Myers is located in downtown Cape Coral. The hotel features include interior...
Live webcams, #myfortmyers moments, plan your trip, digital visitor guide, yacht club beach.
Located on the Caloosahatchee River in Cape Coral, the Yacht Club Community Park Beach is now open with limited amenities. The Boathouse Restaurant sits right next to the beach and is open. The pier and Yacht Club facilities remain closed due to damage from Hurricane Ian.
Note: Pardon the dust. Demolition of the main ballroom building, the Tony Rotino Center, tennis courts, pool, and Harbormaster's building...
Note: Pardon the dust. Demolition of the main ballroom building, the Tony Rotino Center, tennis courts, pool, and Harbormaster's building is underway.
(386 Google Reviews)
5819 Driftwood Pkwy Cape Coral , FL 33904 United States
ADA Accessible
Pet Friendly
Portable toilet, picnic areas, sheltered pavilion, paddlecraft launch/landing, charcoal grills, sand volleyball court, hiking trails, food/concessions, ada-accessible amenities.
Designated disability parking; ADA-accessible restrooms
Hours of operation.
Dawn to dusk
Enjoy year-round fine arts and fine craft classes for all ages and skill levels at the Cape Coral Art Center. Also...
The Cape Coral Arts Festival & Marketplace is one of Lee County’s largest special event bringing over 140,000 attendees...
The Holiday Inn Express Cape Coral Fort Myers is located in downtown Cape Coral. The hotel features include interior...
IMAGES
COMMENTS
1:26. Cape Coral officially reopens the Yacht Club Community Park beach on Saturday, more than a year after Hurricane Ian shuttered the park, and residents are already taking advantage of it ...
Yacht Club Public Beach. Sep 2019. For being located in Southwest Florida you would think this would be a great beach with beautiful clear water. However it's located off of the Calooshatchee River, and with the discharge from Lake Okeechobee the water is a stained tea color. WIth the exception of the water, the beach is great.
Cape Coral's Yacht Club Community Park and beach remain closed post-Hurricane Ian in 2022 as the city awaits U.S. Army Corp of Engineers permits before moving forward with renovations and ...
The beach is open to the public and provides free access year-round, making it an ideal spot for locals and tourists alike. UPDATE October 2023: Yacht Club Beach - The public beach is expected to reopen sometime around November 10, 2023. ... Visit Yacht Club Beach today and experience all the wonders this beachfront paradise has to offer ...
Located on the Caloosahatchee River in Cape Coral, the Yacht Club Community Park Beach is now open with limited amenities. The Boathouse Restaurant sits right next to the beach and is open. The pier and Yacht Club facilities remain closed due to damage from Hurricane Ian. Note: Pardon the dust. Demolition of the main ballroom building, the Tony Rotino Center, tennis courts, pool, and ...
The Cape Coral Yacht Club beach will re-open next Friday. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have provided the city of Cape Coral with the regulatory permits required to reopen the Yacht Club Beach on Nov. 10, the city announced Tuesday. Original post:
Cape Coral's solution. Ilczyszyn said the city will leave up the fence around the Yacht Club's facilities and have the contractors staged behind them and away from the beach and its parking.
The Cape Coral Yacht Club Community Park was hit hard when Hurricane Ian, a Category 5 storm, made landfall on Sept. 28. In addition, The Boathouse restaurant's building incurred massive damage ...
The fences are down, new sand laid, and after 400-plus days, the Cape Coral Yacht Club Beach is open. City officials on Thursday afternoon gathered to officially declare the popular spot open to the public after Hurricane Ian just about destroyed the area a little over a year ago. "This is a great day for […]
The Cape Coral Yacht Club beach will re-open next Friday. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have provided the city of Cape Coral with the regulatory permits required to reopen the Yacht Club Beach on Nov. 10, the city announced today.
Cape Coral City Council approved design plans for the Yacht Club and its pier during the July 17, 2024 Council Meeting. The elected board passed a pair of resolutions: • Resolution 194-24 to authorize the preparation of the final design and construction documents for the Yacht Club Community Center at a not to exceed the amount of $7,316,186. ...
Check out our list of open beaches below. Please note that all parking fees are now through a mobile payment system. ... Cape Coral. Yacht Club Beach (Cape Coral) Boca Grande & Outer Islands. Gasparilla Island State Park-$3/vehicle, $2/pedestrian or cyclist; Boca Grande Beach Accesses; Cayo Costa State Park (only accessible by private boat ...
Unfortunately, the beloved Cape Coral Yacht Club Beach had to temporarily close due to the aftermath of Hurricane Ian. It's a place known for its scenic beauty, waterfront dining and a variety of beach activities, and its absence has been deeply felt. On November 11 th, 2023, the Cape Coral Yacht Club Beach reopened, allowing both locals and ...
The Cape Coral Yacht Club beach is set to reopen after being closed for more than a year following Hurricane Ian. The City of Cape Coral received regulatory permits from the Florida Department of ...
Located on the southern end of the Cape along the Caloosahatchee River, this public beach is part of Cape Coral's Yacht Club Community Park. The Hastings have been coming here for the past 18 years, and both vow never to miss a day at the park as long as the weather is good. ... The park has a heated Junior Olympic-size pool and kiddy pool ...
Cape Coral Spokesperson Melissa Mickey said the Yacht Club beach is to reopen in mid-November. A city news release announced a news conference on Nov. 9, for the opening Nov. 10. "We know there's ...
Located on the Caloosahatchee River in Cape Coral, the Yacht Club Community Park Beach is now open with limited amenities. The Boathouse Restaurant sits right next to the beach is also open. The pier, and Yacht Club facilities remain closed due to damage from Hurricane Ian.
Cape Coral Yacht Club - Come enjoy the beachfront center for Cape Coral recreation, relaxation, ... Yacht Club Beach will close for major renovations for 2 years starting in April 2022. UPDATE September 2022: Due to Hurricane Ian damage the Yacht Club is closed indefinitely. ... Today, the Yacht Club continues to provide these services and a ...
The Only Beach in Cape Coral. The Yacht Club is home to the only beach in Cape Coral, 634 feet of beach to be exact. They measured it. When there's only so much of it in an entire city of 150K+ people, it's kind of a big deal. Residents of the Yacht Club enjoy access to this beach, along with: Fishing Pier. Playground.
Yacht Club Beach in Cape Coral, is on the Caloosahatchee River and it is a nice little family beach with a playground, fishing pier, and tikis for picnics.. A ballroom is available for parties and the monthly Sunset Celebration craft shows.. The beach's restaurant, The Boathouse, has good food and sometimes features live music. Also part of The Yacht Club complex are a pool, tennis and racquet ...
For general information about Cape Coral Parks and Recreation, call (239) 573-3128. Or, if you encounter an issue in a Cape Coral park, please contact the Cape Coral Police Department's non-emergency line at (239) 574-3223. <Back to top of page>. Welcome to Cape Coral, FL.
Cape Coral Yacht Club Enjoy the beach, fishing pier, and community pool. The yacht club also hosts events and offers boat rentals. Mike Greenwell's Bat-A-Ball & Family Fun Park Mini-golf, go-karts, batting cages, and more. A great spot for family entertainment. Cape Coral Farmers' Market Shop for fresh produce, local crafts, and delicious food ...
Find Property Information for 5354 Colonade Court, Cape Coral, FL 33904. MLS# 224075572. View Photos, Pricing, Listing Status & More.
The Cape Coral Yacht Club, which includes the yacht basin, tennis courts, a swimming pool, a ballroom, and a riverside beach, is the city's premier waterfront attraction and has served as a ...
Take a virtual tour and see price history for 5354 Colonade Court, Cape Coral, FL, 33904, Residential, Single Family Residence, 3 bed, 2 bath, $500,000, MLS 224075572.
2502 Del Prado Blvd S, Cape Coral, FL 33909 is a single-family home listed for rent at $2,800 /mo. The 1,767 Square Feet home is a 3 beds, 2 baths single-family home. ... Direct sailboat access Open and bright floor-plan Stainless steel appliances. LOCATION Preferred Yacht Club area. Very quiet, southern, residential end of Del Prado.
Located on the Caloosahatchee River in Cape Coral, the Yacht Club Community Park Beach is now open with limited amenities. The Boathouse Restaurant sits right next to the beach is open. The pier, and Yacht Club facilities remain closed due to damage from Hurricane Ian. Note: Pardon the dust. Demolition of the main ballroom building, the Tony Rotino Center, tennis courts, pool, and Harbormaster ...
Take a virtual tour and see price history for 4807 Triton Court W, Cape Coral, FL, 33904, Rental, Single Family Residence, 3 bed, 2 bath, $2,495/month, MLS 224076580.
Located on the Caloosahatchee River in Cape Coral, the Yacht Club Community Park Beach is now open with limited amenities. The Boathouse Restaurant sits right next to the beach and is open. The pier and Yacht Club facilities remain closed due to damage from Hurricane Ian. Note: Pardon the dust. Demolition of the main ballroom building, the Tony Rotino Center, tennis courts, pool, and ...
Find Property Information for 101 SW 15th Terrace, Cape Coral, FL 33991. MLS# 224076136. View Photos, Pricing, Listing Status & More.