Cape Coral, FL Summary

Cape Coral (with a population of 76,200) is in southwestern Florida on the Gulf of Mexico. It was first settled in 1958 and has the second largest area of all Florida’s cities.

Water sports, strolling along the canals, and golfing are popular recreational activities here. The area is a great base for exploring Fort Myers (just across the Caloosahatchee River), Sanibel and Captiva Islands (just outside Charlotte Harbor), and Bonita Springs (to the south).

Fort Myers offers the Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium, the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, Fort Myers Historical Museum, and the Imaginarium Hands-on Museum and Aquarium. Together with Captiva, the islands make up the Sanibel National Wildlife Preserve.

More than 200 species of birds are found here, and the J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Preserve offers a 5-mile scenic drive, as well as hiking and canoe trails. There is also good fishing here.

Dining and lodging are available to suit everyone’s budget. The Southwest Florida International Airport serves the area and trains and buses serve Fort Myers.