Family-Friendly Road Trip Itinerary in Cape Coral, Florida

Day 1: Explore Cape Coral

Cape Coral, Florida

8:00AM

Breakfast at Gather

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Gather, known for its fresh and locally sourced ingredients.
Gather is located in the heart of Cape Coral, easily accessible by car from most accommodations.
$$, 1 hour

10:00AM

Sun Splash Family Waterpark

Visit Sun Splash Family Waterpark for a day of fun in the sun with waterslides, pools, and attractions suitable for all ages.
Sun Splash Family Waterpark is a short drive from Gather, providing entertainment for the whole family.
$$, 4 hours

3:00PM

Cape Coral Historical Museum

Explore the Cape Coral Historical Museum to learn about the area's past through exhibits and artifacts.
The museum is a quick drive from Sun Splash Family Waterpark, offering insight into the city's history.
$, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Marker 92 Waterfront Bar & Bistro

Enjoy a scenic dinner at Marker 92 Waterfront Bar & Bistro overlooking the water for a relaxing end to the day.
Marker 92 Waterfront Bar & Bistro is a short drive from the museum, providing a picturesque dining experience.
$$$, 2 hours
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Day 2: Fort Myers Fun

Fort Myers, Florida

8:00AM

Breakfast at Heavenly Biscuit

Indulge in a hearty breakfast at Heavenly Biscuit, known for its delicious homemade biscuits and southern fare.
Heavenly Biscuit is located in Fort Myers and can be reached by car from Cape Coral.
$, 1 hour

10:00AM

Edison and Ford Winter Estates

Spend the morning exploring the historic Edison and Ford Winter Estates, showcasing the homes and gardens of these famous inventors.
The estates are a short drive from Heavenly Biscuit, offering a glimpse into the past.
$$, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Veranda

Enjoy a leisurely lunch at The Veranda, a charming restaurant offering classic American cuisine in a historic setting.
The Veranda is located near the estates, providing a convenient dining option.
$$, 1 hour

3:00PM

Imaginarium Science Center

Visit the Imaginarium Science Center for interactive exhibits and hands-on learning experiences for the whole family.
The science center is a short drive from The Veranda, offering educational entertainment.
$$, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Firestone

Dine at The Firestone, a unique restaurant housed in a renovated tire warehouse, known for its diverse menu and vibrant atmosphere.
The Firestone is located in downtown Fort Myers, providing a trendy dining experience.
$$$, 2 hours
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Day 3: Beach Bliss in Sanibel Island

Sanibel Island, Florida

8:00AM

Breakfast at Over Easy Cafe

Start your day with a delicious breakfast at Over Easy Cafe, offering a variety of breakfast and brunch options to suit every taste.
Over Easy Cafe is located on Sanibel Island and can be reached by car from Fort Myers.
$$, 1 hour

10:00AM

Bowman's Beach

Spend the morning at Bowman's Beach, known for its pristine shores and opportunities for shelling and relaxation.
Bowman's Beach is a short drive from Over Easy Cafe, offering a serene beach experience.
$, 3 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Island Cow

Enjoy a casual lunch at The Island Cow, a family-friendly restaurant with a diverse menu and laid-back atmosphere.
The Island Cow is located near Bowman's Beach, providing a convenient dining option.
$$, 1 hour

3:00PM

J.N. 'Ding' Darling National Wildlife Refuge

Explore the J.N. 'Ding' Darling National Wildlife Refuge for a chance to see native wildlife and experience the beauty of the region.
The refuge is a short drive from The Island Cow, offering nature and conservation activities.
$, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille

Dine at Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille, a waterfront restaurant known for its seafood dishes and tropical drinks.
Doc Ford's Rum Bar & Grille is located on Sanibel Island, providing a relaxed dining experience by the water.
$$$, 2 hours
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Day 4: More Sanibel Island Delights

Sanibel Island, Florida

8:00AM

Breakfast at Lighthouse Cafe

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Lighthouse Cafe, a popular spot known for its generous portions and beachside location.
Lighthouse Cafe is located on Sanibel Island and offers a quintessential breakfast experience.
$$, 1 hour

10:00AM

Sanibel Lighthouse

Visit the iconic Sanibel Lighthouse for stunning views of the coast and a glimpse into the island's maritime history.
The lighthouse is a short drive from Lighthouse Cafe, offering a picturesque setting for exploration.
$, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Clam Shack

Enjoy a seafood lunch at The Clam Shack, a local favorite known for its fresh seafood and casual beachside vibe.
The Clam Shack is located near the lighthouse, providing a convenient dining option.
$$, 1 hour

2:00PM

Shelling at Blind Pass Beach

Spend the afternoon shelling at Blind Pass Beach, a popular spot for finding unique seashells and enjoying the natural beauty of the area.
Blind Pass Beach is a short drive from The Clam Shack, offering a peaceful beachcombing experience.
$, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Traditions on the Beach

Enjoy dinner at Traditions on the Beach, a waterfront restaurant with live music and a diverse menu featuring Italian and seafood dishes.
Traditions on the Beach is located on Sanibel Island, providing a lively dining experience by the ocean.
$$$, 2 hours
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Day 5: Naples Exploration

Naples, Florida

9:00AM

Breakfast at Skillets

Start your day with breakfast at Skillets, known for its delicious breakfast options and cozy atmosphere.
Skillets is located in Naples and can be reached by car from Sanibel Island.
$$, 1 hour

11:00AM

Naples Botanical Garden

Explore the Naples Botanical Garden, featuring beautiful gardens, diverse plant species, and interactive exhibits for all ages.
The botanical garden is a short drive from Skillets, offering a serene natural escape.
$$, 2 hours

1:00PM

Lunch at The Dock at Crayton Cove

Enjoy a waterfront lunch at The Dock at Crayton Cove, a popular restaurant with fresh seafood and scenic views of the marina.
The Dock at Crayton Cove is located near the botanical garden, providing a picturesque dining setting.
$$, 1 hour

3:00PM

Naples Pier

Stroll along Naples Pier for panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico, a great spot for fishing, dolphin watching, and enjoying the sunset.
Naples Pier is a short drive from The Dock at Crayton Cove, offering a quintessential Naples experience.
$, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at The Turtle Club

Indulge in dinner at The Turtle Club, a beachfront restaurant known for its upscale seafood dishes and romantic ambiance.
The Turtle Club is located near Naples Pier, providing a luxurious dining experience by the water.
$$$, 2 hours
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Day 6: Return to Cape Coral

Cape Coral, Florida

9:00AM

Breakfast at House of Omelets

Start your day with a satisfying breakfast at House of Omelets, a popular spot known for its extensive omelet selection and generous portions.
House of Omelets is located in Cape Coral, offering a hearty breakfast to kick off your day.
$$, 1 hour

11:00AM

Cape Coral Sun Splash Festival

Attend the Cape Coral Sun Splash Festival, a family-friendly event featuring live music, food vendors, and activities for all ages.
The festival is a local event in Cape Coral, providing entertainment and community fun.
Free, 3 hours

2:00PM

Cape Coral Eco Park

Explore the Cape Coral Eco Park to discover native wildlife, walking trails, and eco-friendly exhibits highlighting the region's ecology.
The Eco Park is a short drive from the festival grounds, offering a nature-filled experience.
$, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Rumrunners

Enjoy dinner at Rumrunners, a waterfront restaurant known for its seafood dishes and tropical drinks, offering a relaxing end to the day.
Rumrunners is located in Cape Coral, providing a scenic dining experience by the water.
$$$, 2 hours
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Day 7: Relaxing Day in Cape Coral

Cape Coral, Florida

9:00AM

Morning Kayaking at Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve

Start your day with morning kayaking at Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve, a scenic spot to paddle through mangroves and spot wildlife.
Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve is in Cape Coral, offering a peaceful kayaking experience.
$, 2 hours

12:00PM

Lunch at The Boathouse Tiki Bar & Grill

Enjoy a casual lunch at The Boathouse Tiki Bar & Grill, a laid-back waterfront eatery with seafood and pub fare.
The Boathouse Tiki Bar & Grill is located near the Ecological Preserve, providing a convenient dining option.
$$, 1 hour

2:00PM

Cape Coral Yacht Club Beach

Spend the afternoon relaxing at Cape Coral Yacht Club Beach, a popular spot for swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying the coastal scenery.
The beach is a short drive from The Boathouse Tiki Bar & Grill, offering a leisurely beach day.
$, 3 hours

6:00PM

Farewell Dinner at Fathoms Restaurant & Bar

End your trip with a farewell dinner at Fathoms Restaurant & Bar, a waterfront restaurant with a diverse menu and stylish ambiance.
Fathoms Restaurant & Bar is located in Cape Coral, offering a memorable dining experience to conclude your road trip.
$$$, 2 hours
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