Looking for the best beaches near Cape Coral? Located on the Gulf of Mexico, Cape Coral is within close proximity to some of the most beautiful beaches in Florida.
Whether you’re looking for a relaxing break or an action-packed adventure, you will find some of the best beaches near Cape Coral just a short drive away from our luxury Cape Coral vacation rentals.
In this blog post, we take a look at some of the best beaches near Cape Coral to visit during your next vacation, so you know exactly where to go to soak up an unforgettable vacation moment.
Beaches near Cape Coral
1. Yacht Club Beach | Yacht Club Community Park
Driving time from Cape Coral: 7 minutes from the city center
Distance: 2.3 miles
Route: via Coronado Parkway
Located within the Yacht Club Community Park, the Yacht Club beach is the only public beach in Cape Coral.
Situated directly on the Caloosahatchee River, this man-made beach features a long stretch of white sand and some amazing views across the water.
Perfect for a fun family day out, there is also a number of outdoor activities and amenities to explore away from the beach, including sports courts, a fishing pier, and a beachfront restaurant.
Good to know – If you’re not too keen on swimming in the river, there is a heated community swimming pool just off the beach.
2. Lovers Key Beach | Lovers Key State Park
Driving time from Cape Coral: 39 minutes
Distance: 16.8 miles
Route: via Estero Blvd and FL-865/San Carlos Blvd
Lovers Key State Park is made up of 4 barrier islands, the largest of which is Lovers Key itself. Situated around 12 miles from Cape Coral, the Lovers Key Beach is one of the most remote in the area.
Located on the gulf side of the island, this secluded beach was once only accessible by boat. Today, you can reach the beach via the boardwalk, or by tram.
As it can be really quiet, Lovers Key Beach is ideal for spending a lazy day in the sun. If you prefer to be out on the water, kayaks, pedal boats, and paddleboards are all available to hire.
If you’re looking to sail further afield, there are a number of boat tours and cruises that will take you out around the island. The calm, warm waters are a haven for the local wildlife, so look out for manatees and dolphins during your trip!
Good to know – As the beach is part of Lovers Key State Park, you will have to pay an entrance admission fee, which is usually between $2 – $8 depending on your group size.
3. Sanibel Beaches | Sanibel Island
Driving time from Cape Coral: 37 minutes
Distance: 19.1 miles
Route: via County Road 867
Sanibel Island is often regarded as one of the most beautiful locations in Florida. Situated along the Gulf of Mexico, the island is home to some of the best public beaches near Cape Coral.
Popular with beachcombers, Sanibel Island is also considered to be the best shelling spot in North America. The island’s award-winning beaches have an abundance of unique shells, which wash up to shore throughout the year.
Every public beach on Sanibel Island offers a different experience. If you want to be close to amenities, Lighthouse Beach Park is your best option. With fewer crowds, Blind Pass Beach and Turner Beach are the best spots for shelling. If you have a dog, Bowman’s Beach on Sanibel Island is pet-friendly.
Good to know – Although there are some great restaurants on the island, there aren’t a lot of general amenities so it is a good idea to bring your own beach gear!
4. Captiva Beach | Captiva Island
Driving time from Cape Coral: 55 minutes
Distance: 27.9 miles
Route: via Sanibel Captiva Road
If you are looking for the best beaches near Cape Coral, Captiva Island is definitely one to visit. Although it is situated slightly further away from the city, this beautiful beach is worth going the distance for!
Due to its amazing sunsets, Captiva Island is thought to be one of the most romantic destinations in Southwest Florida.
The public beach at Captiva Island is secluded and remote – the perfect place to relax and recharge. A real taste of paradise, the soft white sand and turquoise waters are extremely reminiscent of the Caribbean Islands just across the Gulf.
If you’re hoping to take a dip, the crystal clear water here is perfect for swimming. To help encourage fish into the area, a number of man-made reefs have been built just off the Captiva coastline, ideal for snorkeling and scuba diving!
Good to know – As Captiva Island falls under Lee County Parks & Rec. regulations, dogs aren’t allowed on the beach. If you’re traveling with a pooch, be sure to check which of the beaches near Cape Coral are pet-friendly before you visit!
5. Fort Myers Beach | Fort Myers
Driving time from Cape Coral: 26 minutes
Distance: 11.4 miles
Route: via FL-865/San Carlos Blvd and FL-867 N/McGregor Blvd
If you’re looking for a more action-packed day out, Fort Myers Beach is one of the best beaches near Cape Coral to visit.
Situated on Estero Island, this 7 mile-long stretch of white sand is perfect for families. Thanks to its gentle sloping shoreline, Fort Myers is often referred to as the world’s safest beach.
Fort Myers is the most popular beach destination for visitors looking to engage in watersports. Parasailing, kayaking, jet-skiing, and paddleboarding are just some of the fun activities on offer here.
Away from the beach, the Fort Myers pier is the most visited attraction on the island. Extending 560 feet into the Gulf of Mexico, the pier offers excellent views across the water. If you’re a keen ornithologist, the pier is a great spot to do some bird watching!
Good to know – If you like fishing, Fort Myers is a must-visit. Known as a “fisherman’s paradise”, the warm waters here are home to an enormous variety of different fish. Whether you want to charter a boat or stay on the pier, the island offers a fantastic range of inshore and offshore options.
Where to stay
Cape Coral is close to some of the most beautiful beaches in Florida, so what could be better than a Cape Coral vacation?
If you’re looking for somewhere to stay in Cape Coral, we offer a huge range of vacation homes in the area. When staying in one of our waterfront homes, you will be able to enjoy a range of luxury benefits, from private boat docks and swimming pools to amazing canal views.
When you book through Top Villas, organizing a stay couldn’t be easier. All you need to do is follow our simple online booking process and you can secure your dream vacation home instantly without any phone calls or fuss.
Our website makes it easy to check availability, get a quote, and book instantly online. Alternatively, you can submit an inquiry and we’ll get straight back to you.
