The need for a break can come anytime. Make sure your next break includes the fun, sun, sand, and water of a Florida beach vacation. Zero in on all the fun and excitement the Cape Coral area has to offer. From Gulf beaches, the canals, and many other land adventures, you’re bound to find something to keep everyone busy. If somehow you do run out of things to do in town, there are several places within a few hours’ drive that make fun and memorable day trips from Cape Coral, FL.
The Keys
The Sarasota area is only a 90-minute drive from Cape Coral, and hosts beaches that rival those found in Cape Coral. While Cape Coral has its own barrier islands, the ones that protect Sarasota Bay from the crashing waves of the Gulf of Mexico have their own vibe. Anna Maria Island, Bradenton Beach, Holmes Beach, Longboat Key, or Siesta Key offer fun and memorable activities for your day trip. Each island has its own unique flair as well as plenty of Florida fun including parasailing, boat tours, and more without the traffic of a mainland destination.
Theme Parks
A trip to the theme parks may require an overnight stay or a very early start. At just over three hours of driving away, you’ll be spending a lot of time on the road, but every kid and kid-at-heart will love a trip to the parks. There are many activities, attractions, rides, and more at each park, with an individual flair that makes each unique. Visit the Disney parks for everything Disney-related, Universal Studios, and indulge your inner Harry Potter at the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, majestic sea life at SeaWorld or SeaLife Aquarium, and the many LEGO sculptures and attractions at LEGOLAND.
Orlando
Believe it or not, Orlando is more than theme parks. The town’s International Drive hosts many other activities and attractions. Visit the Ringling, a tribute to John and Mable Ringling, of which John was one of the original Ringling brothers to found the circus of the same name. See many historic figures carved in wax at Madame Tussauds wax museum or create your own custom Crayola crayon at the Crayola Experience in the Florida Mall.
Sanibel Island
Just across the San Carlos Bay from Cape Coral is its own barrier island, Sanibel. It’s a mere 30-minute drive, and you can find plenty of fun things to do and see. Go fishing, boating, relax on the shore, or take part in one of the island’s most popular activities – shelling. The island is also home to the Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge, considered a “way station” for migratory birds as well as a home for manatees and dolphins.
Everglades National Park
Just a 90-minute drive from Cape Coral, the biodiversity you’ll find when you arrive is not to be missed. Marvel at the 1.5 million acres of tropical wetlands and forest at the southern tip of the state. The area has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and offers endless hiking, kayaking, and wildlife-spotting opportunities, and of course its famed airboat tours.
10,000 Islands
Much like Minnesota’s moniker of “Land of 10,000 lakes,” the name of this area just north of the Everglades is a bit misleading. In reality, there are ‘just a few hundred,’ so you won’t be visiting them all in one day. Unlike the islands around Cape Coral, most of these islands are uninhabited and offer a true wilderness experience to explore. Discover hidden bays and secret beaches on a kayak tour, go island-hopping, or take the adventure under the water on a snorkeling adventure throughout the island chain.
Naples
The one in Florida, that is. Just an hour from Cape Coral, the coastal town is dotted with opportunities for beachside drinking and dining at many waterfront restaurants and bars. You’ll want to explore Naples Beach for a glimpse of its impossibly white sand spanning several miles.
Miami
Add another popular vacation destination to your visit. A 2- to 3-hour drive from the Cape Coral area, it’s worth the trip. Towering buildings, massive beaches, and a myriad of activities can be found in one of the U.S.’s most famous cities. Check out its rich Latin culture – it is the “Capital of Latin America,” and feel the beat of music, taste the flavors, and enjoy the fiesta atmosphere it brings.
Fun Day Trips from Cape Coral
From a cozy studio for a small family to a spacious four-bedroom for a larger group, Cape Coral 4 Vacation has a vacation rental that’s perfect for you on your next Florida adventure. Enjoy preparing a delicious breakfast before heading out for a day trip, or any other meal, in the fully equipped kitchen. Stretch out with some popcorn and your favorite show or movie in an open living area. There are multiple private spaces like patios, balconies, and even your own bedroom.
