I'm flying to Fort Myers in February to visit some family in Cape Coral. They are renting a condo for a month in the area. Any info for me about things to do, best area beaches, the atmosphere in general? Did a search of the Florida string and found nothing. Thanks for sharing.

Hi Karen - We were in Ft Myers over Chirstmas and it was beautiful. We have friends in Golf Harbor Yachct & Country Club Village. The scenery was breath taking. We found the beaches in Ft. Myers very nice. Of course, the weather was not cooperating when we were there so it was only the pool.

We did go over to Cape Coral to look at some condo's there. We are planning to buy something somewhere and we were doing a little bit of homework.

Cape Coral is nice, it is not a Ft. Myers or Marco Island or Captiva but nice. The condo's were on the river and everyone had a boat docked in front of it. In my opinion Cape Coral is a very modest homey town. The condo's and homes are moderately priced.
My husband could see where
someday it can be one of THE places to stay.

If it is quite, clean, neat town. Not much action.

Good luck, you are so close to all of the other places that a condo for a month with side trips to the other places may work for you.

We used to come to Cape Coral to visit relatives, as well.
The beaches we liked the best were over onSanibel island. Lovely!!!
Fort Myers has some nice beaches too, but Sanibel has the best.
While you're in that area, check out the Ford/Edoson museum. Very neat.
Have fun, I always did.

Karen -

Lived in the Cape for about 3 years. Let's just say that it's a very quiet town with not much to do. It's mostly retirees and young families.

I would, as the others have stated, spend most of my time on Sanibel/ Captiva Island - the causeway toll will become costly but it's definitely worth it. The beaches are beautiful. There are also lots of good restaurants there - The Bubble Room on Captiva is a really neat place to go (pricey but good food and great atmosphere).

Likewise, Ft. Myers, and Ft. Myers Beach, have more action than Cape Coral. I always preferred the Sanibel beaches to Ft. Myers, however.

Another stop to consider (especially if you'll be there for a month) is Naples -ritzy, but nice beaches and cool shopping - and Marco Island (a long drive but worth it).

Hope that helps, and here's to good weather for you!

I once lived in Cape Coral for about 4 months, but it seemed like 4 years. It is not a place to visit, just a "bedroom" community for the working class people of Ft. Myers area and for thousands and thousands of retirees. My parents lived there until after my father died. When my mother listed the house to sell, even the real estate agent just kept saying, "this is such a nice house. If only it wasn't in Cape Coral it would be worth so much more."

Karen - try www.leeislandcoast.com for more info on the Ft.Myers/ Cape Coral area... have fun