Captiva Rental Properties

Cape Coral, Fl Vacations

Though relatively new by most vacation town standards, Cape Coral has definitely gotten the hang of showing people a good time. It was built to serve as a haven for harried folks, and lives and breathes to ensure that stress is forgotten and anxiety is chased away. Cape Coral exists on a privileged stretch of the Gulf coast, is interwoven with roomy canals, and brims with recreation opportunities of all kinds. If you aren’t climbing the walls of your cubicle quite yet, read on for more reasons to stop by for a visit.

This is one of Florida’s fastest growing areas, meaning that there must be something attractive about living here or at least just visiting. Don’t think that this translates to teeming hordes of golfers and retirees all jammed together, however; Cape Coral is Florida’s third largest city geographically, so there’s plenty of room to spread out. Plus, a large number of the houses and condos are second homes owned by out-of-towners, so there is an ever-revolving cast of characters adding their energy to the mix.

Southwest Florida is known for its delightful weather. Sunshine is practically constant, making each day comfortably, beautifully predictable. The summers can be a bit humid and quite rainy, but winters are near-perfect, especially if you’re escaping from a colder, crueler climate. These are the months when it makes the most sense to come on down, as nothing replenishes the body, mind and soul like stealing a few rays of sun when your body least expects it.

Cape Coral boasts some of the best recreation facilities in the state, which is saying a lot considering that Florida is one giant playground. Anything you can imagine, anything you’ve been craving that involves feeling light as a feather while flitting across the water, can be engaged in while you’re here. Jet skiing, sailing, fishing, snorkeling, water tubing, and many more diversions along these lines will have you feeling like a responsibility-free kid again. When you’re packing for Cape Coral, just remember your swimsuit and flip-flops, because these will become your standard, everyday uniform for the duration of the trip.

Intersperse your gulf time with onshore activities to get the full experience of Cape Coral. Golf courses and tennis courts will allow you to burn a few calories without a sense of obligation, and this is just the beginning. Rollerblading, biking, jogging and walking around the area will all further acquaint you with this happy town while recharging your batteries in the healthiest of ways. In other words, staying fit while you’re in Florida will be pretty painless, so come to think of it, try to bring your sneakers as well as your sandals.

Spend some time walking along the shoreline if you have an interest in wildlife. At low tide, you’ll have a good chance of glimpsing manatees and in late afternoons you’ll see birds of all kinds fishing for their dinner. Kayak tours will take you through Matlacha Pass back country and a couple of museums will further enlighten you as to what kinds of flora and fauna inhabit this vibrant habitat. Save a little time for beach-combing, too, as no Florida vacation would be complete without examining a few shells and sand dollars.

Florida is also filled with shopping and dining options, and if you’re interested in day trips you won’t be too far away from Sanibel Island, Fort Myers Beach or Captiva Island. Those who have the means often are able to step out the door, head to the dock, and hop on a boat for a day of adventure. Life tends to be this easy in all respects here in Cape Coral, so prepare to adjust to a simpler way of being.

Speaking of simple, an excellent and effortless way to add immeasurable benefits to your vacation is to rent a condo or beach house. It’ll take the same amount of time and work that renting a hotel room would, but you’ll end up with something a bit more special. Lots of space, lots of amenities, and so many fabulous properties to choose from will make staking one out a fun experience in itself. Instead of just another boxy, forgettable space you’ll actually end up remembering the unique qualities of your top-notch digs, and if you start planning ahead, you can usually find a good deal, too.

If you’re ready to pack your bags and head south, go online to get things in motion. Peruse the exciting array of Cape Coral FL Vacation Rentals, clear a nice long stretch of days from your calendar, and don’t forget the sunscreen.

Now is the Time to Book Your Dates and Place for Spring Break on Sanibel

Don’t ask me why it is that spring vacation planning is often left to the last moment. Every family knows that there will be a spring break at their local school and that many of them will want to be away, preferably away some place warm.

Several weeks in March through April are spring break sessions in schools around the country.

These weeks are undoubtedly the busiest weeks on Sanibel Island and other resorts in the sun.

Every one knows this.

Yet, each year with the arrival of February, I and other vacation property owners begin receiving inquiries for a place to stay during the week of their spring break.

Some times I have an availability, most times I don’t. Infrequently I can refer some one to another vacation rental, most times that is not possible.

One week last March was completely sold out on the Island. There was not a room, condo, house or Inn to be found with a vacancy.

I know it was very frustrating for all those moms and dads who had visions of golden beaches, palm trees swaying in the breeze and sun shining over an emerald green gulf. It was equally frustrating for me to have to keep responding in the negative about availability, not just for my own properties but in general.

So now that we are on the cusp of 2009, I am telling people in as many ways as possible that the time has come to plan your break. Despite the slacking economy, my bet is that a good portion of those families who like to be in the tropics for spring vacation are not going to forgo the experience this year. They may choose a less expensive lodging or plan on eating more meals in or even opt to drive rather than fly to Sanibel, but my bet is that they will come, when all is said and done.

So don’t disappoint your family, start your search now. You may not get a bargain on your condo pricing, but you will at least have a place to go when your holiday arrives. Avoid the heartbreak of a missed vacation.

There are many sites on the internet where you can research condos for rent and see lots of photos to give you a good idea of what is available. There are the large vacation rental listing sites such as PPBO.com, VRBO.com and Homeaway.com. There are also smaller sites like staynplay.net and islandratings.com. Googling vacation rentals sanibel will turn up lots and lots of results, and you can narrow your search even further by Googling sanibel spring condo and other similar terms. Craigslist.org also will have dozens of postings you can consider under the category vacation rentals Fort Myers, Florida.

If you prefer a more personal touch and actually want to speak directly to a person, there are vacation rental agencies on Sanibel where you can call and get a booking representative on the phone. One of the best of these is Sanibel Holiday.

Alternatively, most of the vacation rental condominiums on the Island have rental offices. If you know a complex where you would like to stay, you can call a toll free number and explore options over the phone.

Should you have a week in mind where you are finding very little availability, the Sanibel-Captiva Chamber of Commerce often keeps a running list of vacancies on the Island.

Missing a vacation may not be a world class catastrophe, but it sure does help pick up the spirits to plan for one and get a respite from your normal routine. Routine on a vacation is not considered boring: it is more often regarded as bliss. Don’t miss your bliss!

Some Tips for Picking Your Vacation Rental

When choosing your vacation rentals, you should take a few considerations into account before making your final decision on the house you are going to rent. There are many different factors ranging from location, to the way the property is maintained, that can dramatically affect the quality of your vacation experience.

There are a few standard considerations you will want to review before choosing your rental. One of the most important standards to observe is the quality and comfort the property provides. Properties that are well-maintained have clean furniture and pristine surroundings. A clean rental can be important for creating an enjoyable vacation.

Once you know the rental is well maintained, you will want to make sure the rental you choose has sufficient furnishings for your vacation needs. Some rentals have updated and pleasant furniture available. Other rentals have furniture that is very old. New furniture can make your experience far more pleasant and you will be able to immerse yourself better into the paradise like feeling this area evokes from your spirit. You will also want to make sure the rental property you choose has nice showers and extra amenities like a spa to increase the enjoyment you receive for your money.

The location of the property you choose will largely be based on individual preferences. You should remember though, that if you get a desolate location for your rental, you will have to drive for a few minutes to get into the village. This can be inconvenient to people who wish to be walking distance to the village area. If you wish to have a very convenient stay, with all the modern luxuries like fine dining available, then you will want to make sure you rental is near the village shops.

People generally resort to water activities for their daytime entertainment. If you love water sports, then you will love the kayaking available in this area. You can kayak around in the ocean to get spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. The best rentals for people who love water sports, are homes with private beaches near them. When you can step onto a sandy beach from your house, you will be able to enjoy most water sports at any time you want to. This can make an entire vacation absolutely memorable too.

Captiva Island vacation rentals are wonderful for fishers looking for a good place to stay too. You can get a rental right on the ocean. You can be fishing in a matter of minutes when you choose the right location for your fishing adventure.

Kayaking is another very popular activity of this area. If you get a rental here, you will surely want to kayak around to get a better view of the beautiful nature scenes provided here.

If you are more of a land lover, but you want to still have good ocean views, then you will want to make sure your rental is near the village. Then, you will easily be able to go shopping and dining in a very convenient way. By choosing the right rental for you, you will greatly improve the amount of joy you receive from the experience of living in paradise.

Sanibel May Offer New “avenues” for Doggie Visitors in March

In an earlier blog post I noted that Sanibel Island, Florida is one of the easiest vacation destinations to travel to with your pet. Accommodations are often pet friendly and beaches throughout the Island invite dogs on leashes to enjoy themselves. In addition, many residents on the Island have pets and while walking their dogs will most likely engage you in conversation (if you are amenable to same) about yours.

So there is no need to ever leave Fido or Tabby behind. You just need to assure that the property you are renting does allow pets and that you dialogue with the owner or manager about your pet and inquire as to the standard pet fee for that property. Pet fees are usually non refundable and are used to help the owner do a thorough or deep clean on your departure.

With all the amenities offered to your pooch on the Island, there is one more “goodie” that well may become a likelihood in March 2009. There will be two referenda up for vote by the Sanibel City Council in March. One will establish a dog park on the Island and the second will remove some land owned by the Sanibel Captiva Conservation Foundation (SCCF) from the “Sanibel Environmentally Sensitive Land” area. The land belonging to SCCF is needed to make the dog park large enough to serve its purpose….allowing dogs to run free within the park, no leash needed.

Should the referenda pass, and many on and off the Island are hoping for this result, both renters and Island residents will have a great alternative to walking their leashed dogs on Sanibel pathways or island beaches and it reduces the possibility of owners feeling like they have to let their dogs off the leash on the beach. Here in the park, dogs will be free to run and meet other dogs. Social interaction between owners can also take place in a friendly manner. This is especially nice for older residents on the island. The only requirement in using the park is that the park pooches must be vaccinated for rabies…. and owners will be asked for proof of vaccination. Island residents, as well as visitors, who come to the park will also need to have proof of a valid license for their dog.

The Sanibel Dog Club, essentially the organization most concerned that the referenda pass, has pointed out that the re-dedicated parcel of property will be more attractive than in its current state as the dog park will have as its model human parks where landscaping is instrumental in making the area appealing. The Dog Club will be taking full responsibility for the upkeep of the park. There will be no cost to tax payers nor any fees to park users to pay to enter.

And for Spring rentals on Sanibel, the dog park will be welcomed by those visitors who will have yet another chance to give their prized pooch the best of everything a vacation can offer. Even though the park will not be completed in March, the opportunities for further pampering may well be a reality after the March vote. As a vacation rental owner of two properties, one of which is pet friendly, I know the dog park will be considered an added value by those searching for a holiday destination where they can comfortably vacation with their treasured 4 legged companion. I am hopeful that the measures will be voted in and would wager a guess this will be a win-win-win for the town, its residents, its visitors and its vacation rental property owners. Oh, and let’s not forget the pooches. They’re gonna love it!

Fl Beach Resort Islands: The beaches of Sanibel & Captiva

The Fl Beach resort islands of  SANIBEL, CAPTIVA, GASPARILLA AND CAYO COSTA are located in Lee County, which is home to Fort Myers, Fort Myers Beach and Bonita Springs.  Lee County is the most populous county in Southwest Florida, but when you cross the bridge onto Sanibel and Captiva Islands, you are in another world. 

Captiva Island hotels include the ‘Tween Waters Inn Island Resort with its fabulous fine dining restaurant, the Old Captiva House. And, no visit to Captiva is complete without going to the Mucky Duck for sunset watching, island music and great food.  Sanibel Island resorts offer fabulous Sanibel vacations and there are numerous Sanibel Island vacation rentals to choose from.  The Mad Hatter restaurant on Sanibel is a fine dining tradition and a must visit!

On to the beaches!  We’re featuring 6 of the 12 in this article.

Natural Florida beach sand and warm waters invite you to relax, read or

partake in a favorite beach activity – shelling. Each beach has a

personality all its own.  Families will find soft, white sand great for kids. Couples

can experience solitude and exceptional sunsets. And active types

can enjoy volleyball, picnicking, shelling, cycling and skim boarding.

• Lee County offers annual parking stickers for $60 per year.

• Sanibel Island beaches have metered parking. Property

owners and long term visitors may obtain A & B parking permits;

A/property owners/$12/year; B/ visitors/$90/year.

• On Sanibel, the police will arrange for delivery of a

handicapped wheelchair for 4 hours at no charge. Call 239-472-

3111.

Causeway Islands

Location: SR/CR 867, from mainland traveling to Sanibel, pass

through the Toll Booth, cross over “sky” bridge to first island.

Continue over “flat” bridge to second island.

Phone: 239-533-7275 Lee County Parks and Recreation

Hours: sunrise to ½ hour past sunset

Parking: free

Amenities: accessible from water, restrooms, drinking fountains,

picnic tables

Activities: fishing, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, wind surfing, kite

boarding, shelling

Pets: yes, on 6’ leashes

Lighthouse Beach Park

Location: 112 Periwinkle Way, east end of Sanibel Island

Phone: 239-472-3700 City of Sanibel

Hours: sunrise to sunset

Parking: $2/hour, 195 spaces

Amenities: restrooms, handicapped accessible, shell display,

drinking fountains, bike racks, fishing pier on bayside

Activities: sunbathing, shelling, fishing, walking

Pets: yes, on 8’ leashes

Of Special Interest: 32 acres on eastern tip of island. Strong

currents make swimming inadvisable, especially for children.

Tarpon Bay Road Park

Location: East End of Tarpon Bay Road, Sanibel Island

Phone: 239-472-3700 City of Sanibel

Hours: sunrise to sunset

Parking: $2/hour, 75 spaces (use Trost Parking Lot)

Amenities: restrooms, outside showers, handicapped accessible

Activities: swimming, sunbathing, shelling, walking, fishing

Pets: yes, on 8’ leashes

Of Special Interest: .9 acres on midsection of island

Bowman’s Beach

Location: 1700 Bowman’s Beach Road, off San-Cap Road, Sanibel

Island

Phone: 239-472-3700 City of Sanibel

Hours: sunrise to sunset

Parking: $2/hour, 214 spaces

Amenities: changing room, showers, drinking fountains, soda

machine, grills, restrooms, picnic tables, handicapped accessible

Activities: swimming, fishing, known for great shelling, walking,

sunbathing

Pets: yes, on 8’ leashes

Of Special Interest: One of the best beaches in Florida, it’s a

quarter mile walk from the parking lot to the beach (over a bridge)

through beach grasses and wetlands. Bowman’s is located on the

west end of the island and is the most remote of the beaches on

Sanibel.

Cayo Costa State Park

Location: directly south of Boca Grande and West of Pine Island,

Cayo Costa Island

Phone: 941-964-0375

Hours: 8 AM to sunset

Parking: Accessible only by passenger ferry or private boat. Ferry

departs from Pine Island; 239-283-0015. Park fees: $2/person

Amenities: bike rentals, day boat slips, cabins, campfire circles,

kayak and canoe rentals, restrooms, interpretive programs, nature

trails, pavilions, tent camping sites, picnic tables and grills, showers

Activities: biking, swimming, boating, camping, canoeing,

kayaking, fishing, walking, hiking, scuba, snorkeling, wildlife

viewing, campfire programs

Pets: Yes, on 6’ leashes. State parks do not permit pets on beaches

or playgrounds, or in bathing areas, cabins, park buildings or

concession facilities.

Of Special Interest: The island is 7 miles long and has 9.5 miles of

pristine beach on the Gulf. Its 256 acres look much like they did 500

years ago, when the first Europeans arrived here.

Gasparilla Island State Park

Location: a barrier island on Florida’s southwest coast, access is

via Boca Grande Causeway at C.R. 775 and Placida

Phone: 941-964-0375

Hours: 8 AM to sunset

Parking: $3/vehicle

Amenities: 2 miles of beach, hiking/nature trails, restrooms,

interpretive exhibits, picnic areas, showers, visitors center

Activities: swimming, snorkeling, canoeing, kayaking, shelling,

biking, fishing, wildlife viewing

Pets: Yes, on 6’ leashes. State parks do not permit pets on

beaches or playgrounds, or in bathing areas, cabins, park

buildings or concession facilities.

Of Special Interest: The beaches are the Park’s greatest asset.

They end at Boca Grande Pass, famous for its deep waters and

tarpon fishing. The circa-1890 lighthouse once marked the pass

for mariners. It is now a museum that explores the island’s

fishing and railroad heritage.

There are some full fledged resorts on the islands, but generally speaking you feel that the entire island, whether it’s Sanibel or Captiva, is your FL beach resort! 

Sanibel Island Vacations

Southwest Florida, Florida in general, actually, is overflowing with attractive beaches worthy of turning your head from your duties for a few days of rest and rejuvenation. Picking a place as the scene of your vacation is like deciding between amazing, spectacular, and lovely, so take a word of advice and consider Sanibel Island. Simple, straightforward, and stunningly beautiful, this destination rarely disappoints.

First and foremost, Sanibel is known for being one of the top shelling locations. Its rare orientation as an east-west barrier island gives it the superb distinction of receiving more shells than most beaches; in fact Sanibel and neighboring Captiva are essentially made out of conchs, whelks, and scallops. This makes for visitors who find themselves constantly bent over and searching for that perfect natural souvenir, so be prepared to stoop a lot during your stay here.

In addition to being preoccupied with all things shell-related, Sanibel is also perfect for a number of outdoor activities that you probably aren’t accustomed to engaging in wherever you’re coming from. That’s the whole point of vacation, right? From biking to boating, golfing to snorkeling, no one will be at a loss for a way to spend their sunny afternoons.

The subtropical climate brings out an interesting array of wildlife, which can be explored and embraced by visiting J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. This park is part of the largest undeveloped mangrove ecosystems in the country, and is one of the most popular refuges around. Over 200 species of birds can be seen here at one time or another, so if you’ve a passion for feathered friends, don’t forget your binoculars. In particular, take note of snowy egrets, roseate spoonbills, and other long-legged fishers who tend to put on a show at feeding time.

Several bike trails make for great ways to see the island up close and personal. Rabbit Road Trail, Wildlife Drive, and Dixie Beach Road are all peaceful and family-friendly stretches that will get you moving without posing too much of a challenge. Another way to stay active is to play golf or tennis at some of the beautiful facilities nearby, and between the fine weather and charming backdrop of ocean and sand, you’ll hardly notice that you’re working off the calories in those beach cocktails you had last night.

Speaking of calories, there are plenty of delicious dining choices on Sanibel Island. All types of cuisine, and fresh seafood of course, will satisfy this ever important category of vacationing. Being well-fed is what its all about, and eating in view of the ocean, perhaps as the sun goes down, will make everything taste even better.

Finally, to round out the top getaway considerations, be aware that shopping on Sanibel Island is another compelling activity that will certainly strike your fancy. Shell shops abound, but the scene is far from shallow. Antiques, arts and crafts, jewelry, beachwear, furniture, and much more will tempt you away from the more natural pursuits, but don’t feel bad about picking up a few mementos of a fabulous trip.

As far as accommodations, Sanibel has plenty to choose from. Yes, a number of hotels line the beach, but be brave this time around and reserve a vacation rental that will add some distinction to this trip. Avoid the kinds of pitfalls that sometimes arise by picking out a condo that you’ve seen online with your own eyes, complete with kitchen, patio, hot tub, and master bedroom.

Each property is a little different so spend some time choosing one of the Sanibel vacation home rentals that matches the needs of you and your companions. Following your heart to Sanibel Island will be the perfect way to liven up this vacation season, so get started today.

Take a Trip to Cape Coral

It’s certainly not the oldest town around, but Cape Coral’s newness doesn’t mean it’s unable to act as a good host to vacationers. It was actually created as a place for people to escape cold weather, stress, and all the other pitfalls of modern life, so if you’ve found yourself overburdened then take this Florida sweet spot up on its offer to soothe you.

Sitting serenely on the Gulf coast and filled with canals that connect happy vacationers to the wide open seascape, Cape Coral has been expanding geographically and in terms of population by leaps and bounds over the last several years. The often lovely weather and the easy-on-the-eyes scenery make it a land developers dream come true as well as a vacationer’s ideal. Take one look around at this sprawling, busy-yet-peaceful destination and you’ll realize why things have progressed with such ease.

Summers in this part of Florida can be a little humid and sometimes rainy, but winters are divine. It doesn’t take a neurosurgeon to see why this is a popular pick for building a home in order to actually enjoy a month like February, which isn’t such a pretty sight in other parts of the country. Thus there is an assortment of travelers here that come and go as they please, leading to a vibrant atmosphere but one that is not uncomfortably crowded. Cape Coral has plenty of space for us all thanks to those forward-thinking planners, so don’t be afraid of feeling claustrophobic.

Even Sunshine State never-beens know that Florida in general is big on fun time, so it’s pretty impressive to note that Cape Coral has some of the best examples of sun-soaked leisure offerings on the whole peninsula. Anything you can think of that requires a swimsuit and a pair of shades is available here, including jet skiing, deep-sea fishing, kayaking, snorkeling (leave the sunglasses at home for this one) and whatever else you need to do in order to get your fill of the ocean and forget about all work responsibilities.

Burn off all the tension in your body by playing tennis or golf before the prettiest backdrop ever, and a collection of paths and trails will lead you around the town if you’d care to jog, bike or rollerblade while you sightsee as well. Stick to the shore if you want a glimpse of the exotic marine life that also finds Cape Coral to be a happenin’ place to be. Low tide will reveal everything from manatees to long-legged birds, so bring your binoculars for an impromptu lesson in marshland dynamics or join an eco-tour that will fill you in on all the details.

Shopping is practically a sport of its own here, so if you’re adept at wielding a credit card you’ll be adequately challenged. Outlet malls, designer stores and mom-and-pop antique shops will present a vast array of souvenir-gathering options, and when it’s time to stop for a break there are plenty of coffee shops and restaurants to rejuvenate you. As you stroll around be sure to appreciate the fresh air and sun-dappled sidewalks, and stop to take note of the fact that everyone seems friendly and relaxed, too. There’s something about Cape Coral.

Day trips to Sanibel Island, Captiva Island, and several other of Florida’s shining stars can be made easily possible by chartering a boat, but you may be perfectly content to stake out a place on the beaches of Cape Coral and never stray more than a mile or two away. This is perfectly fine, in fact it’s encouraged by renting a vacation property that will supply everything you need within a cute and stylish atmosphere located right on the beach. From the kitchen to the patio, you’ll feel that you’re one of those lucky people with two homes. After booking a few days in the villa or condo of your choice, you may be inspired to come back again, so you really won’t be all that different from those privileged people.

Come down to Cape Coral whenever the mood strikes, but do plan ahead in order to find the best deals and give yourself plenty of time to tell everyone that you’ll be heading south for a relaxing respite. Don’t rub it in too much because then you’ll lose a few friends, but don’t be afraid to give yourself the credit you deserve for taking control of you life and doing something that will be good for your mind, body and soul.

The listings of Cape Coral Vacation Rentals will get you pumped, so go online and start planning your trip today. There’s just no reason to put off a fabulous vacation.