Cape Coral Beach (Yacht Club Beach)

Cape Coral Beach — officially part of Yacht Club Community Park — has always been the city’s “classic” in-town beach. Located right on the Caloosahatchee River, it’s long been a favorite for families, sunset seekers, and locals who wanted a convenient waterfront escape without driving to Sanibel or Fort Myers Beach.

With easy parking, calm swimming areas, a beloved fishing pier, and the famous Boathouse Tiki Bar & Grill, Cape Coral Beach was a vibrant community hub. But recent years brought major changes: Hurricane Ian in 2022 destroyed the historic pier, and a fire in 2024 consumed The Boathouse.

The good news? A major rebuild is now underway. Here’s your complete guide to the past, present, and future of Cape Coral Beach.

Cape Coral Beach Fast Facts

Location: Yacht Club Community Park, Driftwood Pkwy, Cape Coral, FL

Pier status: Destroyed by Hurricane Ian on Sept. 28, 2022; city plans for a new, elevated pier are approved.

Boathouse status: Burned on Oct. 17, 2024 (cause undetermined; no injuries). Owners have said they intend to rebuild.

Rebuild timeline: Final city permitting secured in May 2025. Construction will include an expanded beach, new marina facilities, modernized clubhouse, resort-style pool, and a rebuilt pier.

A Short History of Yacht Club Beach

  • 1960s beginnings: Opened shortly after Cape Coral’s founding, Yacht Club Beach quickly became the community’s backyard — weekend cookouts, sunset walks on the pier, and family swims in the river.
  • September 28, 2022: Hurricane Ian (Category 4) made landfall near Cayo Costa. Storm surge and winds destroyed the pier and heavily damaged park facilities.
  • October 17, 2024: After reopening post-Ian, The Boathouse Tiki Bar & Grill caught fire at ~9:40 p.m. Fire officials ruled the cause undetermined (electrical not ruled out). The structure was a total loss, but owners expressed intent to rebuild.

Cape Coral Beach has always bounced back, and today it stands on the edge of its biggest transformation yet.

What Cape Coral Beach Is Like

The Setting

  • Water: Calm Caloosahatchee River waves — safe for kids, great for casual swims.
  • Sand & Atmosphere: Smaller and more social than Gulf beaches, but perfect for sunsets and family outings.
  • Access: Traditionally easy parking and direct neighborhood access (construction phases may affect availability; check official updates).

The Rebuild Vision

The City of Cape Coral’s Yacht Club project includes:

  • A new, higher pier with improved design and accessibility.
  • Expanded beach area and modern marina elements.
  • Resort-style pool and a refreshed clubhouse for community events.
  • Phased construction, with permits finalized in May 2025 and activity ramping up through summer 2025.

Key Dates You Should Know

  • Pier destruction: September 28, 2022 (Hurricane Ian).
  • Boathouse fire: October 17, 2024 (evening, ~9:40 p.m.).
  • Rebuild permits approved: May 2025 (green-light for construction).

Visiting Cape Coral Beach Now

If you’re planning a visit this year, here’s what to expect:

  1. Check City Updates – Access may be limited depending on construction. The official Cape Coral Yacht Club project page posts updates.
  2. Sunsets Are Still Magical – Bring a chair and enjoy golden hour by the water. Even without the pier, the Caloosahatchee offers gorgeous views.
  3. Water Play – Family-friendly, calm swimming area. Pack reef-safe sunscreen and hats (shade may be limited).
  4. Fishing Options – Until the new pier is finished, look for nearby public piers or book a Cape Coral fishing charter.
  5. Dining – With The Boathouse currently gone, plan meals elsewhere in Cape Coral. The rebuild is expected to eventually restore on-site dining.

Alternatives Nearby

While Cape Coral Beach is under redevelopment, you may want to explore:

  • Jaycee Park (Cape Coral): Riverfront park, great for walking and picnics.
  • Sanibel & Captiva Islands: World-famous shelling beaches; check latest recovery updates.
  • Fort Myers Beach: Rebuilding steadily, lively downtown and beachfront bars.

FAQs – Cape Coral Beach & Yacht Club

Is Cape Coral Beach open?
Access varies by construction phase. Always check the City of Cape Coral’s Yacht Club page before heading out.

Will the pier come back?
Yes. A new, elevated pier is part of the approved Yacht Club rebuild, with permits finalized in May 2025.

What happened to The Boathouse?
It burned down on Oct. 17, 2024. The cause was listed as undetermined. Owners intend to rebuild.

Cape Coral Beach — also known as Yacht Club Beach — is more than just a shoreline. It’s a piece of Cape Coral’s history and identity.

  • The pier was lost to Hurricane Ian (Sept. 28, 2022), but a new pier is officially planned.
  • The Boathouse burned in Oct. 2024, with rebuilding intentions announced.
  • As of May 2025, all permits are in place for a full transformation of Yacht Club Community Park.

If you’re visiting Cape Coral soon, stay updated on construction phases, plan alternatives for dining and fishing, and don’t miss those iconic sunsets.