Cape Coral Vacation Rentals

Cape Coral: A City of Canals

In the late 1950s, when developers Leonard and Jack Rosen began turning their vision of the planned community into a reality, they created the canal system to make boating and other water activities more accessible to residents.

By 2010, Cape Coral amassed a population of 154,305 and in February 2017, Forbes ranked Cape Coral No. 1 on its “Fastest Growing Cities in the U.S. list.”

Waterfront Cape Coral vacation rentals are abundant. According to Medium.com, Cape Coral has more canals than any other city in the world. Imagine waking up and enjoying a fresh cup of coffee and watching the sunrise over the water. In contrast, you could also end your day with a glass of wine and a picturesque sunset view over the canals.

Imagine watching the fish jump and think about how nice it will feel to be on the water, especially if you are coming from a colder part of the country. You may even spot an an otter off in the distance and if you’re lucky, a dolphin or manatee could come up and say hello. Cape Coral is also known for its variety of birds.

Some animals you might see include:

Great blue herons
Egrets
Ibises
Wood storks
Pelicans
Anhingas
Eagles
Ospreys
Burrowing Owls

Visiting the Cape

Known to the locals as “the Cape,” this laid-back city is home to beautiful parks, stunning nature preserves and vibrant riverfront communities. The area attracts visitors looking to soak up the Florida sunshine while cruising the canals, the Caloosahatchee and the Gulf of Mexico. Cape Coral is a boater’s paradise and it’s also a mecca for unique Florida wildlife.

Cape Coral is a great place to stay on vacation. It’s also a great place to retire. There is always something to do, the weather is constantly nice and it’s a tropical paradise.

Royal Shell manages Cape Coral vacation rentals and we’re also a property management company. Some people purchase a vacation home and years later when the time is right, that home becomes their part-time or full-time retirement retreat.

Cape Coral prides itself on being a tranquil, small town community.

In 2015, the League of American Bicyclists named Cape Coral a Bicycle Friendly Community. The city has a network of eight dedicated bike routes covering more than 90 inter-connected miles. In 2016 Cape Coral earned the No. 9 spot Forbes Magazine’s “Best Places to Retire” list.

Many visitors enjoy biking around the city and taking in the sites while enjoying the tropical weather. You can bike to the up and coming downtown Cape Coral, local mom and pop shops or visit one of the city’s museums and cultural centers. There are also plenty of safe and serene neighborhoods near our Cape Coral vacation rentals to bike in.

Visitors can learn more about the unique history of Cape Coral and the region at the Cape Coral Historical Society & Museum and the Southwest Florida Military Museum and Library. Explore the city’s family fun side at SunSplash Family Waterpark or Mike Greenwell’s Bat-A-Ball & Family Fun Park. You can also check out a live musical performance or a theatrical production at the Cultural Park Theater Company.

What’s In Downtown Cape Coral?

If you take College Parkway to Cape Coral, you will cross over the Cape Coral Bridge, which turns into Cape Coral Parkway. This is what’s known as downtown Cape Coral. More restaurants are being added along this strip and you can find local favorites like Dixie Roadhouse, Nice Guys Beer & Pizza Longue, Ford’s Garage, Slate’s, La Corte Bistro and Cork Soakers.

Dixie Roadhouse

Learn how to line dance at Dixie Roadhouse and let loose for a fun night with your family and friends. It has been voted the No. 1 nightclub in Southwest Florida. The country-themed bar and nightclub is a local favorite and it stays open late.

Dixie Roadhouse also features nightly specials including quarter drink night and ladies night. There are line dance classes on Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday nights.

Nice Guys Beer & Pizza Longue

Nice Guys is located off of Cape Coral Parkway in downtown Cape Coral. It is a unique place that appeals to both locals and tourists. You can buy records and even play pinball. Nice Guys is known for its specialty pizza and variety of craft beer.

Ford’s Garage

If you’re looking for a place to enjoy a good burger with cool décor and a fun atmosphere, this family-friendly restaurant is for you. You’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time into a service station from the 1920s full of vintage Ford cars, fixtures and gas pumps.

Slate’s

Slate’s is an upscale dinner and Sunday brunch spot. It also doubles as a jazz club. If you like New Orleans cuisine, you have to try the gumbo, Etouffeé and seafood pasta. The Sidedoor Jazz Club boasts live jazz music throughout the week.

La Corte Bistro

This is an elegant lunch and dinner spot perfect for a date or a nice meal with friends. The décor is sophisticated, but the food is the star of the show.

Cork Soakers

This wine bar features weekly specials and delicious food and typically attracts a younger crowd. The restaurant’s deck is a perfect place to unwind and catch the sunset.

Great Cape Coral Dining Options for Boaters

Tarpon Point Marina features a handful of restaurants.

Marker 92

This waterfront bar and bistro features a comprehensive selection of wine, and it’s known for its seafood and steak.

The Nauti Mermaid

One interesting thing about the Nauti Mermaid is if you catch a fish, the restaurant will cook it for you. If you plan on doing some fishing while you’re here, this is a good opportunity to eat it in style.

Pincher’s Crab Shack

Pincher’s serves up fresh seafood in a fun environment.

Gather

Enjoy organic coffee, breakfast, lunch and dinner. There is also a gastro bar.

Cape Harbour Marina boasts Cape Harbour Oyster Bar & Grill, The French Press and Fathoms Restaurant & Bar.

Cape Harbour Oyster Bar & Grill

Relax and grab a bite to eat in a nautical, Gulf-themed restaurant that specializes in seafood and especially, oysters.

The French Press

Stop by the French Press for a cup of coffee, espresso drink, pastry, crepes, gelato or fresh sandwich.

Fathoms Restaurant & Bar

Fathoms is a great place to go for lunch or dinner. The menu has a lot options and if you sit outside, you can see and hear the live music. The outside bar and outside eating area is spacious and the restaurant is always packed.

Cape Coral Boat House Tiki Bar & Grill

Visit the Cape Coral Boat House Tiki Bar & Grill and enjoy the sunset over the Caloosahatchee River. The tropical aesthetic will make you feel like you’re truly on vacation. There are also daily drink specials.

If you rent a boat, you can stop by the Boat House and grab something to go. You can also fill up on fuel.

Fun Facts About Cape Coral

Cape Coral has come a long way since its early days when it was known as “The other side of the river.” Redfish Point was developed in 1957 and that changed everything. The 103-square-mile section of land was developed and in November of that year, the ground was officially known as Cape Coral.

In 1958, “Miracle Mile” was developed. Now it’s known as Cape Coral Parkway. That same year, the city welcomed its first residents.

The Cape Coral Bridge was officially opened to traffic in 1964. That created an even bigger influx of residents to the new Southwest Florida town. Cape Coral was incorporated in 1970, when it became the third largest city in Florida, regarding land mass.

Southwest Florida Nature

Then get in touch with nature at Sirenia Vista Park to catch a glimpse of the manatees. Or observe wildlife as you walk the trails at the Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve.

Avid bird watchers flock to Cape Coral to see burrowing owls, some of the city’s most popular residents. Cape Coral has one of the largest populations of the Florida species of burrowing owls. The tiny birds are on the state’s list of Threatened Species and an annual local festival is dedicated to protecting them.

There is plenty to see and do in Cape Coral, from the waterways and eco-tourism activities to entertainment and cultural happenings. Let your time in Southwest Florida start with a stay in a Cape Coral vacation home rental that will put you close to everywhere you want to visit.

According to Cape Coral Friends of Wildlife, the city also lays claim to the largest population of burrowing owls in the state. The website says there is an estimated 2,500 burrows in Cape Coral, and photographers and birders come from all over the world to see them.

The best time to catch a glimpse is between the months of January and June. If you’re thinking about trying to see the chicks, the best time of the year to see them is late April, May and June.

Day Trips

Matlacha

This small funky island sits between Cape Coral and Pine Island. It’s known for its tropical, laidback and artistic vibe. You’ll pass island-inspired décor and colorful buildings. It’s also a great place to go if you like fishing.

Blockade runners used Matlacha Pass during the Civil War to transport turpentine and cotton. The island was settled by squatters in the late 1920s and early ‘30s. Eventually, it was deeded to them and the village of Matlacha became official.

Randell Research Center

Take a trip to the Randell Research Center in Bokeelia and immerse yourself in the area’s archaeology, history and the ecology. Did you know the Calusa Indians used to call the area home? Some of their massive shell mounds are still here and you can see them on the Calusa Heritage Trail.

Featured Cape Coral Vacation Rentals

If you’re considering a vacation property rental in Cape Coral, let us know. It’s easy to book through Royal Shell, and we’ll take care of you every step of the way. Our Cape Coral vacation rentals come in all shapes and sizes. If you want to be on the water, we have a variety of Cape Coral vacation rentals to choose from. Let us know what you’re looking for and we will do our best to make sure you are completely satisfied.

If you are considering relocating to our tropical paradise, Cape Coral is a great place to raise a family and create your forever home. The school systems are second to none and Cape Coral is located near two top-rated colleges. Florida Southwestern State College is just over the Cape Coral Bridge, so it’s not far away. It is a fast-growing public college that offers students two and four-year degrees. Florida Gulf Coast University is about a 30-minute drive away, and it’s a four-year university with strong roots in sustainability.

If this gets your wheels turning and you can’t stop picturing what it would be like to live here, any of our agents would love to show you some of our Cape Coral vacation rentals and Cape Coral homes, so you can really see what living here year-round or part-time could be like.

You can also offset the cost of owning your own Cape Coral vacation home rental by letting us place it in our vacation rental program. We recently opened a new office in Cape Coral. This means we’re not only accessible online and over the phone. If you have any questions while you’re staying with us, we’re just a short drive away; or we can come out and see you. Let us know if you are considering a vacation rental management company, and we’ll answers any questions you may have.

Royal Shell has its own state-of-the-art laundry facility, vacation planning center, maintenance, housekeeping, IT, guest service and photography departments. We work hard to make sure every client receives the treatment they expect and the treatment they deserve..

Royal Shell has been in business for over two decades and we are the largest real estate and rental company in southwest Florida. Let us know what you’re looking for. We have a variety of Cape Coral vacation condos and homes waiting for you in all shapes, sizes and colors. Plus, we live here, too. So, we should be able to answers all of your questions about the area.

Helping guests find the perfect Cape Coral home is what we do best. Come see us today. We hope you end up staying for a lifetime and fall in love with southwest Florida just as much as we have.

Cape Coral Vacation Rentals

Popular Searches

Search By Bedroom

Search By # Of Guests

Search By Home Type

Additional Filters

Get Area Information

Learn About The Area

Cape Coral: A City of Canals

Visiting the Cape

What’s In Downtown Cape Coral?

Fun Facts About Cape Coral

Southwest Florida Nature

Featured Cape Coral Vacation Rentals

our blog

Where Should I Go for a Southwest Florida Girls Trip?

How to Create a Virtual Classroom Learning Place

Booking a Vacation Rental: What You Need to Know