Southwest Florida Travel Articles

Cape Coral, Florida: Where All Your Worries Disappear
by Jennifer Weiss


Featuring a wide variety of recreational pursuits in addition to easy access to the gorgeous beaches of the Fort Myers area, Cape Coral, Florida is the perfect place for a sun-filled getaway. Whether you want to kick back in solitude along the Gulf or enjoy a relaxing family vacation, Cape Coral has everything you need for a memorable and enjoyable retreat.

When most individuals think of vacation destinations along the Gulf of Mexico, they usually imagine lying in the soft sand of a pristine, sparkling beach. While Cape Coral does offer access to some of the best beaches on the coast, it is more than a one attraction wonder. A well-known and highly regarded venue, the Sun Splash Waterpark is ideal for a family adventure with its two dozen wet and dry attractions scattered across 15 acres. Whether you prefer a mellow tube voyage around the park or want the white-knuckled excitement of a ride down the five story twisting tube slide, this water park will certainly put a smile on your family's faces.

A favorite attraction among nature enthusiasts, the Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve offers numerous ways for visitors to explore the wonders of the area. Casual hikers and walkers can take a stroll through the mangrove forest and make their way out towards the pier over the Caloosahatchee River while the more adventurous can rent a kayak or canoe for a day of exploration. A kayak or canoe rental allows you to get up close and personal with the wildlife of the preserve, including alligators, manatees, jumping mullet, and numerous others, so if you feel up for the heart-pounding challenge, be sure to add this to your itinerary.

With the gorgeous weather along the coast, no trip to the Cape Coral region is complete without a round on a picturesque course. The Coral Oaks Golf Course is a public beauty that features spectacular natural surroundings complete with oak-lined fairways and lush, rolling terrain to provide a challenge for every skill level. A well-rounded family outing awaits at the semi-private Cape Coral Golf & Tennis Resort, where tennis lovers can work on their backhand while duffers take on the manicured fairways and undulating greens of this par-72 wonder.

No matter what time of year you plan to visit, you are sure to find a festival that will help you appreciate the local flavor of the area. Late-March marks the arrival of the Sounds of Jazz festival, where soothing sounds waft from the riverside, while summer brings the Red, White & Boom! Festival, a jaw-dropping fireworks display on the Fourth of July, and the Red Fish Challenge held each August. Winter favorites include the Festival of Lights celebration and the annual Boat-a-Long festival, where boats decorated in bright lights cruise into the southern canals.

For those who simply cannot resist the call of the sand, an adventure out of Cape Coral is your best bet. While Cape Coral beach is small with fine sand, the brownish water from the Everglades and mangroves make it a less than desirable place for a waterbound excursion. Fortunately, the beaches of Fort Myers and Sanibel are comparable to Caribbean jewels where swimming, sunbathing, boating, windsurfing, fishing, and water skiing are all in style. Some of the area beaches to consider include: Bonita Beach Park, where an action-packed day is always readily available; Fort Myers Beach, perfect for a family-oriented day along its sprawling sands, and Lover's Key, which is a romantic and delightful hideaway that abounds with natural beauty.

With all of the excitement in and around Cape Coral at your fingertips, a vacation rental is the perfect way to experience everything you love about this stunning area. By staying in a Cape Coral vacation rental home, you can enjoy all of the amenities and comforts of home during your retreat and when you are ready to take on nature's beauty, a day of amusements and outdoor adventures is just steps away. Relax on your sun-soaked deck overlooking the Gulf of Mexico or enjoy a refreshing dip in your private pool. Whatever you can imagine during your getaway, spacious and convenient Cape Coral FL vacation rentals make it easy to experience the trip you always wanted.

About the Author

GreatRentals.com has the most comprehensive selection of vacation rental homes on the Internet. For an alternative lodging option, consider Cape Coral FL vacation rentals for your next trip to Florida's Gulf Coast.