Horton Park & Boat Ramp

Waterfront Escape

Tucked away at the end of Everest Parkway in Cape Coral, Horton Park & Boat Ramp spans a modest 5 acres of saltwater-kissed shoreline. This park provides direct access to the Gulf of Mexico via the Caloosahatchee River - about 10.9 miles from where the Gulf's open waters begin.

The park's main draw? The excellent views of the Caloosahatchee River that change throughout the day. Take a peaceful stroll along the walking path and find yourself a spot on one of the strategically placed benches to witness what locals consider some of the most stunning sunrises and sunsets in the area.

What You'll Find

If you're visiting with little explorers, you'll appreciate the fenced-in playground area that keeps energetic kiddos safely away from the water. The play equipment caters primarily to younger children, making it an excellent spot for toddlers and elementary-aged adventurers.

Packing a picnic? The park features two picnic shelters complete with barbecue grills that you can reserve for gatherings. Can't snag a reservation? No worries - several picnic tables are scattered throughout, offering plenty of options for impromptu outdoor meals with a waterfront backdrop.

There are clean, regularly maintained restrooms available for visitors.

Things to Do

Need to stretch your legs? The park's walking trail hugs the riverbank, meant for a morning jog or evening amble. While there are open grassy spaces ideal for throwing a frisbee or just lounging with a good book, be aware that the grass can be patchy depending on the season.

Your four-legged friends are welcome here too - Horton Park is pet-friendly, with convenient dog waste stations to help everyone keep the grounds pristine.

Fishing enthusiasts can try their luck from the shoreline, potentially reeling in trout, redfish, or mangrove snappers. And if you're looking for something more laid-back, check out the cornhole boards installed for some casual gaming fun.

For Boaters

The heart of Horton Park for many is its well-maintained double-lane boat ramp, accommodating vessels of various sizes. Just be prepared - this popular launch point can get quite busy during peak times, especially when weekend warriors hit the water.

There's a $10 daily boat trailer parking fee, payable either the old-school way (envelope/vault station to the right of the ramp) or through a mobile app for the tech-savvy. If you're a Cape Coral resident and frequent boater, consider the $50 annual parking decal available at various city locations - it'll save you both money and hassle in the long run.

While the parking lot offers ample space for vehicles with boat trailers, it can fill up quickly on those perfect Florida days. The ramp area includes a mooring dock and is generally user-friendly, although some boaters note the somewhat steep angle when launching larger vessels.