Even though Cape Coral is one of the favorite tourist spots in Florida because of the canal system and the natural beauty this city has to offer. At the same time, this city is no short of the lesser-known tourist spots, whether you like to visit natural preserves or any museum or gallery, you will surely find what is best fit for you.
In this article, we shared the top 14 hidden gems in Cape Coral, Florida, that will surely improve your experience of visiting this city.
Table of Contents
1. Cape Coral Museum of History
Address: 544 Cultural Park Blvd, Cape Coral, FL 33990
The first tourist spot in the list of off-the-beaten tourist spots in Cape Coral is the Cape Coral Museum of History. This museum is often visited by those who have an interest in learning about the history of the city. This museum has three separate exhibit halls, and in each section, you learn something new about the city.
Rosen building (here you will see photos and documents about two brothers, Jack and Leonard Rosen, who played an important role in the development of Cape Coral). Gulf American Land Corp. Building (here, you will learn about the early days and settlement days of Cape Coral, which is filled with original documents, photographs, maps, and many more exhibits).
Kelly Building (this campus is filled with artifacts explaining the development of the city from its early days). And lastly, there are also beautiful gardens that everyone likes to visit, where you will see different plants, flowers, and butterflies.
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2. Harbour view gallery
Address: 5789 Cape Harbour Dr # 104, Cape Coral, FL 33914
If you like to visit local art galleries, you will definitely enjoy visiting the Harbor View Gallery. This off-the-beaten gallery primarily focuses on promoting the work of local Cape Coral artists.
As you enter, you will see a wide range of artworks around you. From paintings and photographs on the wall to sculptures on a pedestal and even jewelry. The variety of artwork in this gallery is really amazing.
This gallery also hosts different exhibits and events, which change every month. However, the most loved events in this gallery are the artist’s program and public reception (which is held on the first Tuesday of the new month). In addition to that, there is a shop in this gallery where you can purchase different gifts and souvenirs.
3. Veterans Memorial Area
Address: 2500 SE 24th St, Cape Coral, FL 33990
The veteran’s memorial area is more than the memorial park you’d see in other cities, which I’ll discuss at the end of this heading.
Starting at the memorial area, you will see monuments and plaques dedicated to different branches of the military. You will also see sculptures with clear descriptions of their significance and history and replica models of different parts of ships and weapons.
On the back of this memorial area is Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve, a very large area covered with greenery, which is an ideal visit for nature lovers. Visiting the memorial area is incomplete if you haven’t visited the ecological preserve.
The hiking trails in this preserve are well-maintained and are suitable for visitors of almost every age. Not only that, there is also a kayaking and fishing pier as well.
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4. Tom Allen Memorial Butterfly House
Address: Rotary Park, 1340, 1372 Rose Garden Rd, Cape Coral, FL 33914
Inside the Roatary Park lies the Tom Allen Memorial Butterfly House, which is among the most finest places to visit for everyone in Cape Coral, whether with family or alone.
It’s not a very big space, but is wonderfully decorated and preserved. As you reach this place, you will see a space filled with plants and flowers. Along the flowers, you will see different boards explaining about the butterflies.
As this isn’t a big butterfly house, so you’ll get to see around 10-15 types of butterflies, which include the Florida State Butterfly, Zebra Longwing, and others.
And if you want to explore more, on the back of this butterfly house are small ponds with trails and benches so you can walk and sit here, as greenery all around makes this place even better.
5. Lorne’s Art Gallery
Address: 5991 Silver King Blvd, Cape Coral, FL 33914
Lorne’s art gallery stands out for its local and regional art and affordability. It is a lesser-known gallery but has all the aspects you’ll find in a well-known art gallery.
As you go, you’ll see the gallery filled with different art pieces all around, which includes paintings, photography, jewelry, showpieces, and much more. As these artworks are made by local artists, almost everything here is budget-friendly. Overall, this place is for those who want to purchase some souvenirs and gifts for their loved ones.
6. Lumpkin Island
Address: St James City, FL 33956
Lumpkin Island is located near Cape Coral. It is accessible only by boat, kayak, etc., and there is no route for cars. It is not a well-known area, but you will like it if you are an adventure lover. Adventure lovers generally visit it only, especially with their friends.
And there aren’t any tourist activities either. You probably find this island abandoned most of the time, that’s why it is better if you go there with your friends or family. As you reach this island, roam around the jungle and do some fishing on the shore before coming back.
There are also different islands near this one, but they are not as close as this one, so if you are looking for a place filled with adventure, do check out this island.
7. Yucca Pens Unit State Wildlife Management Area
Address: Cape Coral, FL 33909
Another place that is specifically ideal for adventure lovers is the Yucca Pens Unit State Wildlife Management Area, which spans over 13,000 acres and offers countless activities and wildlife viewing opportunities.
As you start hiking on the trails of this area, you will see different plants and trees all around, and there will be chances for wildlife encounters as well. This area is home to various wildlife animals like white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, and even different species of birds. Not only that, you can also go hunting in this area.
Along the hike, you will also see different ponds where you can fish. Overall, this place is ideal for almost every kind of adventure, whether you like hiking, hunting, fishing, or biking.
8. Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park
Address: 3915 NW 44th Pl, Cape Coral, FL 33993
Another nature preserve that should be on your itinerary is the Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park, which is also ideal even if you are with your family.
The hiking trails here are not that difficult and will be suitable for most visitors. Along the hike, you will see different trees, plants, mangrove forests, salt marshes, and tidal creeks, which will make your hiking experience even better. Moreover, this nature preserve also expects to have over 200 species of birds, which include herons, egrets, roseate spoonbills, wood storks, and many others.
And lastly, on the other side is the park; you’ll also see the beach, which is also worth spending some time on and is also a place everyone likes to visit if they are hiking in this preserve.
9. Hunter’s Run Golf Club
Address: 1006 SE 4th Pl, Cape Coral, FL 33990
Hunter’s Run Golf Club is another place which is for those who like to engage in activities. This is a 9-hole course that is visited by both individuals and families.
There are three ponds in separate locations on this golf course, which also give this place a serene look, especially at sunset. If we talk about the course, it’s not that challenging, and even if you are a beginner, you will enjoy playing here.
Golf carts are also available, along with the shop, where you can purchase golf equipment like hats, towels, drinks, used and new balls, and other important stuff.
Hidden Gem Restaurants in Cape Coral
10. Yummy Yummy
Address: 3015 SW Pine Island Rd #108, Cape Coral, FL 33991
The first restaurant in the list of hidden gem restaurants in Cape Coral is Yummy Yummy, which is one of the finest restaurants specializing in Japanese food.
The restaurant is fairly big in size, and the ambiance is also quite aesthetic. As you enter, you’ll see the counter on the other end with seating options in between. In the seating option there are sofa and wooden chair options, so choose whatever you feel comfortable on.
After that, let’s talk about the menu, which is pretty enormous on its own. You will get almost every type of famous Japanese food, with ramen and sushi as their specialties. They also offer sashimi, rolls, fried rice, soups, bowls, and different tray options.
11. The Chocolate Cafeteria
Address: 1419 SE 47th Terrace, Cape Coral, FL 33904
The Chocolate Cafeteria is specially for the pizza lovers because of the variety of Cuban Pizza’s they have on offer. They also offer breakfast, as the cafeteria opens at 11 am.
The ambiance inside gave vibes of an authentic cafe with posters and pictures on the wall and tables and chairs in the seating area, which style is pretty common to that of different cafes in the town.
If we talk about the menu, they don’t offer a lot of food, but one thing that really stands out is the Cuban Pizza options they have, which include onions, mushrooms, tuna, sausage, pepperoni, lobster, shrimp, and many other flavors of pizzas. Along with that, they offer different spaghetti, sandwiches, and breakfast options, as well as a variety of beverage options.
12. Wow Wing House
Address: 1227 Miramar St, Cape Coral, FL 33904
As the name suggests, whenever you crave for something like wings, etc, head to the Wow Wing House, where you’ll get one of the finest wings and other food options in the city.
Upon entering, the ambiance will surely impress you which has that cozy vibes that make a restaurant’s environment great. Other than that, they have sofa and wooden chair options available for seating.
If we talk about the menu, which is fairly extensive, their specialty is wings. Along with that, they also offer sea bites, quesadillas, pizza, sandwiches, wraps, and others, which really completes the menu.
13. Gulf Coast Fudge Co
Address: 5971 Silver King Blvd #110, Cape Coral, FL 33914
If you ever crave for something sweet, just head to the Gulf Coast Fudge Co, where you’ll find various sweet and dessert options.
As you enter, you will see this shop filled with countless sweet and dessert items on display and on different tables. Even though this is not a very big shop, but there is still a small seating area, but most visitors just take it out, so it’s on you what you prefer.
If we talk about the items they offer, then I have to say that they have almost everything in sweet, whether you want ice cream. Pastry, cake, candies, or any other item. You will most probably find it here.
14. Ice Cream Club of Cape Coral
Address: 2384 Surfside Blvd APT 107, Cape Coral, FL 33991
The last food point in this article and section of hidden gem restaurants in Cape Coral is the Ice Cream Club of Cape Coral, which is also a sweet shop and is one of the most underrated spots in Cape Coral.
It is a small-sized shop, and as you enter on the left side, you’ll see the counter and display where cakes and ice creams are, and on the right is the seating area where almost 20-25 people can sit at a time. Overall, the ambiance inside is quite pleasing.
If we talk about the items, they offer a wide variety of cakes, ice creams, and waffles, which is enough considering the variety.
FAQ’s
1. What is special about Cape Coral?
Cape Coral’s 400 miles of canals and nature preserves are what makes it special.
2. What makes Cape Coral unique?
As mentioned above, the canals and the natural preservation side are the main factors that make this city one-of-a-kind.
3. Is Cape Coral expensive for tourists?
If we compare the accommodation, food, etc, in Cape Coral with other Florida cities like Miami and Naples, then it’s relatively cheaper. But your spending habits and the season you are visiting also matter.
4. What are the best months to visit Cape Coral?
November to February is considered an ideal time to visit Cape Coral.
