Think of a winter vacation filled with warm days, vibrant nights, and an endless amount of waterfront landscape—it’s precisely the picture that comes to life in Cape Coral, FL, where you can have the winter vacation you’ve always imagined. Stunning Gulf Coast beaches are less than an hour’s drive away, and over 400 miles of canals offer an abundance of water recreation activities, along with countless ways to experience the wild landscape of Southwest Florida the area’s many ecological parks, and nature reserves. From winter holidays spent adventuring the canals to a much-needed escape from winter snow, Cape Coral is the perfect destination for all ages and walks of life, offering a sunny escape throughout the year, with moderate temperatures in the winter. If you’re ready to plan your next winter vacation, we have an amazing selection of homes that you’ll find for your Florida winter vacation in Cape Coral for the winter of 2022!
A Winter Escape to Southwest Florida
If you’ve never visited us in the winter before, you’re in for a real treat. Southwest Florida can be enchanting during the wintertime, with breezy days that make the outdoors easily accessible, from kayaking on neighborhood canals to spending winter mornings out fishing on your boat. Where in other places you might be bundled up with five layers on, in Cape Coral you can soak up the beautiful weather in your lighter clothes. Whether it’s a festive winter holiday trip, an extended three-day weekend, or a New Year’s vacation, you’ll never run out of things to do! Cape Coral can be a popular place in the winter, so it never hurts to reserve your Cape Coral vacation rental today!
Endless Outdoor Recreation at Your Fingertips
Whether it’s walking the nature trail at Rotary Park or having your own winter BBQ party, a winter vacation to Cape Coral is always a blissful time. You’ll have plenty of ways to immerse yourself in local nature, from our local Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve to the Matlacha Pass National Wildlife Aquatic Preserve—you can even kayak the preserve with some local companies. By car, you’re only an hour away from Sanibel Island, which also offers its own J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Preserve, where you can explore trails and kayak. Sanibel Island is also home to some of the top “shelling”, or seashell hunting, beaches in the country, as unique Gulf Coast currents turn up all sorts of wonderful treasures on the shore. Even better, if you stay in one of our properties with Gulf access and a private dock, you can bring your own boat, and be out to the Gulf in no time. Understandably, our properties with these types of amenities are booked quickly, so it’s a great idea to reserve the vacation rental you want for your Cape Coral winter 2022 vacation today!
The Best of Winter Dining and Shopping in Cape Coral, FL
Treat yourself and your loved ones to a fresh seafood dinner at Fish Tale Grill or dine at Rumrunners with a waterfront view. When you come to vacation in Cape Coral, rest assured there are countless fantastic local restaurants serving up everything from traditional Italian to local lobster shacks. If you’re visiting for the holidays and love a bit of last-minute shopping, visit Cape Harbour or the Shops at Surfside. On Saturday mornings, Cape Coral has a local Farmers Market downtown, where you can shop for an assortment of locally made goods—candles, jewelry, soaps, lotions, home décor, and more! You can also pick up a fresh catch or two to grill up yourself for a holiday dinner. With a lifestyle as easy as this, you can’t miss out on a winter vacation to Cape Coral! Take a look at our winter rentals online, so you can pick out your favorite and reserve it ahead of the booking rush.
Book Your Winter 2022 Getaway with Vacanza Rentals Today!
At Vacanza Rentals, we’re proud to be among the best vacation rental companies in Cape Coral, where we aim to give you personalized customer service and lend you our local expertise, for a winter vacation that will be truly unforgettable. We have a large collection of rentals with features ideal for a winter escape—homes with canal front views, handsome fireplaces, in-ground hot tubs, rooms with private lanai entrances, and views of the Caloosahatchee River and the Gulf beyond. Wake up to go fishing off your own private dock and spend the afternoon taking your boat rental out to the Gulf—these are just a few of the possibilities when you stay at one of our luxury Cape Coral rentals. With homes as amazing as these, it’s no surprise our homes are reserved quickly—so give our friendly team a call and we’ll start planning your Cape Coral winter 2022 getaway today!
Winter and spring are both some of the best seasons to visit the Cape Coral and Fort Myers area during. While the weather is nice year-round, there’s something to be said about being able to avoid the summer humidity and the autumn storms. Winter can get a little chilly, but for the most part, you aren’t likely to need heavy winter clothing to stay warm. Even on colder nights, it’s uncommon for the temperature to drop below 45 degrees. Spring is downright beautiful, warming up just enough for every day to be the perfect beach day without having to worry about the intense summer humidity setting in.
When you’re planning your vacation to Cape Coral in spring or winter, there are plenty of things to consider, and even more to do while you’re here. You’ll be able to experience something new every day, and some seasonal offerings you simply won’t want to miss! With that in mind, here are some recommendations for activities you might want to take part in while you’re here.
Winter Visitors
Winter tends to herald the start of tourist season again. Most people tend to avoid the hurricane season, and when the weather really cools down and there’s no threat of storms coming through, everything starts getting back into full swing. The beach is open all year, and since the weather’s just warm enough, you’ll still find people out for a swim at the beach every now and then, but plenty of people will be out there on the shore. If the weather is a bit too cold for your taste, there’s still plenty to do indoors.
Cape Coral Historical Museum
If you’re curious about the history of where you’re staying, Cape Coral has the thing for you. Though Cape Coral was turned into the metropolis it is as part of a deliberate expansion effort, plenty of things happened prior to that which led up to the creation of the city as we know it today. You’ll start by learning about the original Native American settlements that were in the area and work your way through the fishing village and Civil War eras until you reach the modern era. Additional exhibits will teach you about the growth of business in the area and then some.
Trent Art Gallery
If you’re curious what the local artists of Cape Coral have been cooking up, this is a great spot to check out. There are several in house artists that produce and hang up original works for display here, and many of these works also have prints that you can purchase for a very reasonable price if you find something you just can’t live without. Be sure to check their calendar when you’re in town to see if they’ve got any special events going on that might interest you.
Solve a Murder Mystery Aboard the Train
The Murder Mystery Dinner Train is a one-of-a-kind experience that anyone with a taste for the theatrical will enjoy. While you’re there watching the show, you’ll be treated to a five-course meal with delicious cuisine and a choice of multiple entrees. All of the food is prepared fresh on the train and served in style. This ride runs for roughly three and a half hours, embarking from Fort Myers, and they run different themed mysteries to keep things fresh for any repeat customers. If you happen to be in town for the holidays, you might be able to catch the special Christmas event they put on every year. They hold multiple other holiday events, too—just have a look at their calendar if you’re curious!
Spring Visitors
As things continue picking up in spring in anticipation of the hectic peak season of summer, you’ll find a lot more people participating in outdoor activities, especially on the beach. The water’s perfect when the weather warms up a bit, and with some of the dreariness of Winter gone, the town just gets livelier and livelier. This is the best time of year to experience some of the outdoor activities like nature preserves and boat tours before everyone comes into town for summer vacation. We’ve got some recommendations on things to do before all of the crowds get into town.
Go on a Nature Walk or Tour at a Preserve
Since Florida is so biologically diverse, there are plenty of different tours and walks you can go on that will provide a unique experience while you learn about the local flora and fauna in the ecosystem.
The nearby Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve is a 365 acre preserve, making it the second largest preserved green space in Cape Coral, and is a gorgeous wetland area with several attractions in addition to the nature walk itself. They have a visitors center, veterans memorial, and seasonal kayak rentals for anyone who wants to explore the waters. Keep in mind that the kayaking is not for beginners and children under 6 cannot participate.
Just a short drive away in the Fort Myers area you’ll find the Six Mile Cypress Slough, comprising over 3,400 acres of wetland. You’ll be able to see some unique plants and animals here, some of which are endangered. It became a preserve in 1970 and has a massive boardwalk in the heart of the wetland that takes you through some incredible sights.
Take the Ferry Over to Sanibel Island
A trip to Sanibel Island makes for a great way to spend your day. This is one of the best spots to go if you don’t have a particular agenda and you’re just looking to take the day one step at a time. It’s relaxing, and the beaches are incredible, especially if you enjoy searching for shells, because Sanibel Island is renowned for its shelling.
Fishing and boating are common activities while you’re on the island as well, and you won’t need to worry about packing a lunch because there are plenty of wonderful restaurants for you to sample while you’re there for the day.
Things to Do During All Seasons
Because the weather is generally so relaxed, there are very few, if any, things in this area that you won’t be able to do during your vacation. There are plenty of mainstays throughout the area that you owe it to yourself to experience regardless of when you’ve booked your vacation.
See All of the Beaches
This one may seem obvious, but it can’t go without being mentioned. You have access to those one-of-a-kind Florida beaches while you’re in town, and if you have a means of transportation while you’re in the area, you can pretty easily get to all of them without much trouble. Between Cape Coral, Fort Myers, and the aforementioned Sanibel Island, you’ve got no shortage of choices, so you may as well enjoy seeing what brings so many people out this way every year. It’s easy to spend a day at the beach, because many of them even have restaurants just up against the sand with incredible views.
Edison and Ford Winter Estates
With a mix of outdoor and indoor attractions, this is a great historical sight to visit. The works and family history of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford are on display here, and some of the exhibits give you great background information on these innovators. Some can’t miss parts of this museum are the Edison Botanical Research Lab, the only National Historic Chemical Landmark in Florida, and the towering gardens on the estate. If you’re there during the winter, you can also see the garden completely lit up for the season, and it’s quite the sight.
Wicked Dolphin Rum Distillery
Wicked Dolphin makes some of the highest quality craft rum in the state of Florida, and they also run distillery tours and have their own gift shop right in town. If you’re curious about the technical side, they’ll take you through their whole process and give you some samples along the way. If you find something you just can’t go without, their gift shop has all of their different bottled offerings for purchase, and you can even have them shipped home if it isn’t possible for you to transport them on your own.
Visit the Local Farmers Markets
Cape Coral and Fort Myers both have their own farmers markets that have been running for a few years now, and with each year they grow to include new vendors. If you’re planning on cooking your own meals every now and then while you’re in town, you can use fine local produce to make a truly unique meal. As they’ve continued to expand, you can now also find premade foods ready and waiting for your sampling. Don’t forget to pick up some of the delicious jams and preserves they have to bring home with you.
Places to Eat While You’re Visiting
Since there’s no shortage of delicious food in the area, especially seafood, you’ll definitely enjoy getting out there and treating yourself to a nice meal or two. Come for the fine dining and stay for the gorgeous views of the coast.
Jungle Bird Authentic Tiki Bar
Touted as Cape Coral’s first authentic tiki bar, Jungle Bird has the cocktails and food to back it up. You’ll find some of the best tiki drinks in town when you stop in, but don’t let that distract you from the food, either. With delicious offerings, many of which are heavily inspired by Polynesian cuisine you’re sure to enjoy the experience. With the sheer size of their menu, you could easily make multiple return visits and have something new every time.
Twisted Lobster
If you’re in town you’ve absolutely got to have the seafood experience, and Twisted Lobster is a good choice for both lunch and dinner. Their menu is sizable, obviously with a heavy focus on seafood, and they run lunch specials and daily dinner specials for you to enjoy at a great price.
Cork Soakers Deck and Wine Bar
With a unique menu and live music every Friday, Cork Soakers is a great spot for lunch, brunch (on Sundays), and dinner. Enjoy classic American fare with a few twists while you have a few good drinks from the bar, and don’t miss out on the Friday night shows. If you’re travelling with your dog, they do have a pet friendly seating area as well!
10 Twenty Five
Featuring two locations, one in Cape Coral and the other just a short hop away in Fort Myers, 10 Twenty Five offers gourmet meals with great ambience. You can expect to find many of your mainstays, some with tasty twists and others that stick to the classics, and their expansive beer, wine, and spirits list has something to please just about everybody. They’re open for lunch and dinner, with a limited brunch menu on Saturdays and Sundays.
Coste Island Cuisine
A gorgeous beachfront restaurant with a great view of the coast, Coste Island Cuisine offers a wonderfully relaxed atmosphere that will get you into the coastal mood. They’re located inside of the Diamondhead Beach Resort on Fort Myers Beach, and their expansive menu features all kinds of savory seafood dishes for the discerning palate. Their full dinner menu is restricted to a smaller portion of their hours, but their lounge stays open much later, and has a limited menu for you to enjoy while you have a few drinks and take in the view.
Cape Coral and Fort Myers Are Waiting
No matter what season you’re planning on having your vacation in, you’ll need a good vacation home to round out the experience. We understand that having a great spot to return to after your day full of activities is important, and we’ve put together a portfolio of rentals in all shapes and sizes to meet your needs. Whether you’re planning a small, private getaway, or you’re bringing the whole party with you, Vacanza Rentals has something for you. Get in touch with one of our agents and they’ll be sure to pair you with the vacation home of your dreams!
For anyone looking to escape the intense winter cold, or people who just want some extra time at the beach before the year is over, there’s no better destination than Cape Coral. Temperatures stay beautiful all year here, and even on most winter days you’ll be able to comfortably go for a swim in the gulf if the mood strikes you.
On top of all of that, you’ll still have an easy time getting in the holiday spirit without the snowfall, because the town loves to get in the holiday spirit. Between the different Christmas themed events, shopping, and decorations, you’ll still be able to feel like the holiday is right around the corner. While you’re visiting, there are definitely a few Cape Coral Christmas events and activities you should check out.
The Santa Sail in and Boat Parade
A week before Christmas Day, you’ll have the chance to catch a parade of boats that herald Santa’s arrival with a ton of other entertainment to accompany him. Though it starts before the sun goes down, the parade lasts through sundown into night, and you’ll get a clear view of all of the lit-up boats in their holiday best as they gather in Bimini Basin and head through the canals of South Cape Coral. You’ll hear live renditions of all of your favorite Christmas songs accompanied by a dance troupe. This is a charity event that raises money for veterans and sick children, so if you’re feeling the generosity of the holiday spirit, you’ll have the opportunity to do something good while you’re having a good time.
4th Annual Fort Myers Christmas Bar Crawl
Just a short ride away over in Fort Myers, you’ll have the chance to participate in a holiday bar crawl in scenic downtown. Plenty of the participants will be dressed up in holiday appropriate costumes, and you’re encourage to bring your own along as well to join in on the fun. Your ticket will get you access to a couple free drinks, specials that are exclusive to bar crawl participants, and no cover charge at participating venues. At the end of the event, you’ll be able to go to the after party to cap off the night. Ticket prices were reduced this year, but you’re required to bring a toy donation in exchange, which will go directly to Toys For Tots in celebration of the holiday spirit.
Christmas Light Displays at Edison and Ford Winter Estates
Take the opportunity to visit the former Winter vacation homes of two famous businessmen. While also a historic and informative museum, the gardens of Edison and Ford Winter Estates are well maintained all year, and when the Christmas season rolls around, they decorate them up with a scenic lighting display. Walking portions of the event are free, but it’s still required that you register as group sizes are limited, and confirmation is required for entry. If you want to see the museum after your tour of the Christmas lights, entry fee to the museum will be the usual price.
Don’t Forget to Visit the Beach
While you’re in the area you can’t miss out on the chance to hit the beach, especially since you’ll have more space than normal because you’re in town before peak season hits. There are quite a few beaches within a short drive of the town proper, many of which have wonderful restaurants within walking distance of the waves that you can stop at for a nice meal with the backdrop of the gulf completing the atmosphere. Get your fill of that gorgeous ocean breeze while you’re here, and you might even catch some holiday celebrations while you’re in the area.
Enjoy Christmas Dinner in Your Private Rental
Regardless of whatever your holiday plans are, one of the holiday mainstays is having a peaceful dinner with friends on family. Regardless of the rental you’re staying at, the kitchen will be equipped with all of the appliances you’ll need to put together your very own Christmas feast. Our modern appliances and spacious countertops will make preparing the Christmas turkey or ham a breeze, and you’ll have all the space you need for any side dishes you and the family plan to enjoy.
If you’re looking for a traditional meal around the dining room table, our rentals also have the space for you to gather around and make the most of the company. When you’ve finished up with your holiday dinners, use the extra space in your vacation home to gather round and trade presents.
Your Coastal Vacation Awaits
You’ll enjoy your holiday escape to Cape Coral when you book a home with Vacanza Rentals. Our portfolio of vacation rentals has homes of all shapes and sizes, so if you’re looking for a more private and remote getaway, or you’re looking to bring the whole party along with you, you’ll be in the perfect spot. Our agents have firsthand knowledge of our properties and are dedicated to matching you with the one that best meets your needs. Come stay with us and enjoy the holidays by the beach!