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Cape Coral LGBTQ City Guide

Cape Coral is often called, “Waterfront Wonderland,” – and with good reason. Part of the greater Fort Myers area, it is known nationwide as a tourist destination, and that’s unsurprising because of its endless sunshine and stunning beauty. Even better, however, it is a city full of diverse cultures and people, a small but thriving LGBTQ community, and so much for visitors and residents alike to enjoy.

A Look at Cape Coral's History

Cape Coral was officially established in 1957. That year, two brothers from Baltimore Maryland, Jack and Leonard Rosen, flew over the area known as Redfish Point, near present-day Fort Myers. The brothers, who were real estate developers, purchased a 103-acre tract of land, and so the development of Cape Coral officially began. Since that time, the area has grown steadily both as a tourist destination, a hotspot for retirees, and a popular place for all who seek a welcoming and friendly city with plenty of sunshine and much to see and do.

A Few Fun Facts About Cape Coral

  • Cape Coral is home to more than 400 miles of canals – More than Venice, Italy!
  • Cape Coral has the largest population of Burrowing Owls in all of Florida – about 1,000 pairs, in fact.
  • If you like German food and beer and plenty of fun, you’re in luck – Cape Coral’s German-American Club hosts one of the largest Oktoberfest celebrations in the state each year.

Read more fun facts about Cape Coral here.

Cape Coral’s LGBTQ Community                                  

Cape Coral is a city that loves and supports its LGBTQ community with a variety of resources, including:

PFLAG Fort Myers

PFLAG Fort Myers is the Cape Coral area’s local chapter of the national PFLAG organization, which is the largest grassroots organization of its kind in the country. PFLAG is well-known for its mission of supporting LGBTQ people, friends, family, and allies across the country in a wide variety of ways. With 500 chapters and more than 200,000 members in the United States, PFLAG plays a critical role in providing advocacy, support, and resources to the LGBTQ community.

Visuality

Visuality Southwest Florida is an LGBTQ community center with the mission of providing a safe and welcoming space, and a variety of services for the LGBTQ community in Southwestern Florida. The group seeks to build a strong community by hosting events and providing resources and advocacy across the area and is a great way to find connection and feel a part of the LGBTQ

community living in the greater Cape Coral area.

What's the Weather Like in Cape Coral?

Those who live in Cape Coral can expect sunshine – and plenty of it. If you love warm weather, fresh sea breezes, and bright blue skies, chances are you'll love Cape Coral. The city receives 53 inches of rain on average per year, and no snow. It receives an average of 265 sunny days per year, and temperatures are fairly mild year-round. The average high temperature in July is around 92°F, while January lows typically drop to an average of 53°F.

Can’t-Miss Events in Cape Coral

PRIDE Cape Coral

PRIDE Cape Coral is the city’s annual LGBTQ pride celebration, and it’s one event that you will definitely want to be sure to put on your calendar. This popular, festive celebration includes family-friendly entertainment, parties, parades, speakers, performances, and more. It's a great way to get celebrate and get connected to the community!

Pride Southwest Florida

Pride Southwest Florida is one of the largest annual celebrations of the region’s LGBTQ community and all that it adds to the area. Whether you enjoy parties, parades, networking opportunities, family-friendly activities, or all of the above, you’ll be able to find it at the festival. It’s a great way to celebrate, get connected, and have fun.

The Best Neighborhoods in Cape Coral

Unlike some larger cities that tend to have one specific “gayborhood,” the LGBTQ community in Cape Coral is sprinkled throughout the city, and truly, anywhere in the city would make a wonderful place to call home.

The city and all of the Cape Coral-Fort Myers area is fairly welcoming, with a number of LGBT couples spread throughout the city and the larger area. There are also many clubs, bars, and small businesses owned by members of the LGBT community in the area. Art Deco, Tuscan Spanish Mission and Miami style homes are common in the area, and there are a number of more modern-style homes and townhome communities as well.

Ultimately, as all neighborhoods here are fairly welcoming, choosing the best home will be a matter of personal preference and budget – and of course guidance from an excellent realtor who knows the area well and can help you find the perfect home to meet your needs. The current median list price of homes for sale in Cape Coral is $340,000, and $199 per square foot.

Arts and Entertainment

Cultural Park Theater

Cultural Park Theater is “Where Art Meets Paradise” in Cape Coral. Guests can enjoy a diverse selection of plays and musicals here throughout the year and can even take a shot at the stage themselves, as several acting classes are offered for children and adults alike. Truly, there's something for everyone to enjoy here!

Parks and Recreation

Sun Splash Family Waterpark

Sun Splash Family Waterpark is often called, “The Coolest Place to Be” in Cape Coral – and it’s not hard to see why. This family-friendly water park is a huge aquatic recreation center, offering slides, spraygrounds, pools, rides, and more. Don’t miss your chance to cool off and have some fun here with friends or family on a sunny Cape Coral day.

Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve

This 365-acre preserve is the biggest in the area and is full of plenty of opportunities for outdoor fun. Whether you enjoy hiking, kayaking, picnicking, or simply sitting back and observing the wildlife and natural beauty all around, you can do it here.

Cape Coral Nightlife

Rascals

Rascals is a very popular LGBTQ nightspot in nearby Fort Myers. It offers great drinks, yummy food, and plenty of entertainment. Whether you enjoy lip-syncing contests, trivia nights, drag bingo, or all of the above, you're sure to find a fun time here!

Cruisers

Cruisers is one of the most popular LGBTQ bars in Cape Coral. It’s known for its lively DJs, fantastic drag shows, great drinks, welcoming crowds, and fun theme nights. It’s definitely a stop you’ll want to put on your list for a great night out on the town.

Contact a Cape Coral Gay Realtor Today

If you're ready to make a move to Cape Coral, at www.gayrealestate.com, we're here to help you take the first step toward finding an agent who knows and loves the community, and who can help you find a home and a neighborhood you'll love. We're proud to have a network of excellent realtors in Cape Coral, and we would love to help connect you with the right one. Contact a  Cape Coral gay realtor today for a free, no-obligation consultation!