Need a sunny Southwest Florida escape with endless waterfront views? Head to Cape Coral! Known for its 400+ miles of canals, Cape Coral offers boating, fishing, nature parks, family fun, and easy access to nearby beaches. Whether you’re into kayaking, waterfront dining, or just soaking up the sun, Cape Coral is a laid-back paradise with something for everyone.
Cape Coral, FL Highlights:
- For Adventurous Travelers: Kayak through Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve – Paddle mangrove tunnels and spot eagles, herons, and manatees.
- For History Buffs: Visit the Cape Coral Historical Museum – Learn about the city’s development, canals, and early settlers.
- For Shoppers: Browse boutiques at Cape Harbour – Shop for art, gifts, and coastal fashion in a lively waterfront village.
- For Couples: Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Caloosahatchee River – Toast golden skies while sailing past palm-lined canals.
- For Families: Cool off at Sun Splash Family Waterpark – Slide, float, and splash at Southwest Florida’s largest waterpark.
Best Time to Visit Cape Coral, FL
The best time to visit Cape Coral is from November to April when the weather is dry, sunny, and ideal for outdoor activities. This season avoids the summer heat and rain while offering pleasant boating, biking, and sightseeing conditions.
How to Get to Cape Coral, FL
- If you are traveling by car: Cape Coral is easily accessible via US-41 and I-75, located just west of Fort Myers.
- By Air: The closest airport is Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), about 30 minutes away by car.
- By Boat: Cape Coral is extremely boater-friendly, with many canals leading to the Caloosahatchee River and Gulf of Mexico.
Where to Stay in Cape Coral, FL
- Recommended for Families: The Westin Cape Coral Resort at Marina Village – Spacious suites, a lagoon pool, and easy access to the marina and nature trails.
- For Couples: Hideaway Waterfront Resort & Hotel – A quiet, boutique waterfront stay with a private dock and tropical charm.
- For a Boutique Stay: Villa Emerald Coast – Rent a stylish canal-front villa with a pool for a relaxed, personalized stay.
Best Things to Do in Cape Coral, FL
⮕ Yacht Club Community Park
Relax by the beach and enjoy affordable family fun on a weekend trip.
© The Yacht Club
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What is the Yacht Club Community Park?
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When was the Yacht Club built?
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The Yacht Club was built in the 1950s and is one of Cape Coral’s original landmarks.
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Why is the Yacht Club a popular attraction?
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It is home to Cape Coral’s most popular beach zone, featuring a wide stretch of white sand where families can relax with chairs and umbrellas.
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What amenities does the Yacht Club offer?
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Visitors can enjoy a long fishing dock, a community swimming pool, and an on-site playground. There is also a pavilion, snack center, and other facilities available.
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Are there events held at the Yacht Club?
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Yes! The Yacht Club hosts a variety of events and festivals throughout the year, all of which are listed on their online calendar of events.
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Where is the Yacht Club located?
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The Yacht Club is located at 5819 Driftwood Pkwy, Cape Coral, Florida. For more information, call 239-574-0806.
⮕ Tom Allen Memorial Butterfly Garden
Walk among blooms and admire colorful sights on a peaceful spring visit.
© Courtesy of sapgreen - Fotolia.com
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What is the Tom Allen Memorial Butterfly Garden?
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The Tom Allen Memorial Butterfly Garden, located at Rotary Park, is dedicated to preserving native butterfly species and serves as a sanctuary that protects butterflies from predators.
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What happens to the butterflies at the garden?
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Once the butterflies have hatched, matured, and grown, they are released back into the wild.
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Can visitors see the butterfly life cycle?
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Yes! Visitors can witness all four life stages of the butterfly, from egg to fully grown winged adult.
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Are there tours available at the butterfly house?
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Yes! Free guided tours are available on Monday, Friday, and Saturday mornings.
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What do the guided tours cover?
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The tours educate visitors on the characteristics of specific butterfly species and inform them about the mission of the butterfly house.
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Where is the Tom Allen Memorial Butterfly Garden located?
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The butterfly garden is located at Rotary Park, 1340, 1372 Rose Garden Rd, Cape Coral, FL 33914. For more information, call 239-573-3128.
⮕ Southwest Florida Military Museum & Library
Explore military history and discover exciting exhibits on a cheap trip.
© Southwest Florida Military Museum & Library
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What is the Southwest Florida Military Museum & Library?
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What historical periods does the museum cover?
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The museum features artifacts, literature, and displays from the Revolutionary War to the current Middle Eastern Conflicts.
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Are the museum’s artifacts authentic?
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Yes! All materials displayed in the museum have been donated and are certified as authentic pieces.
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Does the museum host events?
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Yes, the museum and library host a range of events throughout the year, providing additional opportunities for education and community engagement.
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Is there an admission fee?
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No, admission is free for all visitors.
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Where is the Southwest Florida Military Museum & Library located?
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The museum is located at 4820 Leonard St, Cape Coral, Florida. For more information, call 239-541-8704.
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
⮕ Cape Coral Farmers' Market
Shop local goods and savor fresh flavors during a quick weekend outing.
© Courtesy of markobe - Fotolia.com
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What is the Cape Coral Farmers' Market?
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The Cape Coral Farmers' Market is a popular destination for both locals and visitors, offering a variety of fresh produce, artisanal goods, and delicious food.
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Does the market operate year-round?
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The market follows a seasonal schedule and may close during off times, so visitors should check in advance before planning their trip.
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What can visitors find at the market?
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Shoppers can browse stalls featuring locally grown produce, meats, cheeses, baked goods, canned goods, and cut flowers.
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Are handcrafted goods available?
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Yes! The market also offers a selection of handcrafted goods for those looking for unique, locally made items.
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Are there food vendors at the market?
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Absolutely! The market includes a variety of food truck vendors selling unique street food from their parked locations just outside the market grounds.
SE 47th Terrace & SE 10th Pl, Cape Coral, FL 33904, Phone: 239-549-6900
⮕ Rotary Park Environmental Center
Spot wildlife and explore nature trails on a fun kids adventure.
© Courtesy of Joe Benning - Fotolia.com
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What is the Rotary Park Environmental Center?
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What types of landscapes are found at the park?
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The park features salt marshes, upland areas, and ground-level rock formations, providing a rich natural environment for visitors to explore.
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How can visitors explore the park?
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Guests can enjoy the natural beauty through a variety of walking trails, boardwalks, and open park areas.
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Does the park have a dog-friendly area?
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Yes! The park includes a large dog park where visitors can bring their pets to run and play.
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What activities and programs are offered at the environmental center?
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The enclosed on-site environmental center hosts nature and gardening classes, exercise classes, kids' summer camps, and various festivals and events throughout the year.
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What other attractions are located at Rotary Park?
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Is Rotary Park a good place to visit with kids?
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Absolutely! If you're wondering what to do in Cape Coral, Florida with kids, this park provides a great mix of nature, education, and outdoor activities.
5505 Rose Garden Rd, Cape Coral, Florida, Phone: 239-549-4606
Activities and Attractions for Couples and Singles:
⮕ Wicked Dolphin Rum Distillery
Tour the distillery and savor bold flavors on a romantic afternoon.
© Wicked Dolphin Rum Distillery
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What is the Wicked Dolphin Rum Distillery?
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Does the distillery offer tours?
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Yes! Visitors can participate in guided tours of the distillery, where they get an in-depth look at the rum-making process.
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What does the tour include?
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The tour takes visitors through the distillery plant, where a rum expert explains the ingredients, sourcing, cooking, fermentation, and distilling process, all of which happens on-site.
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What can visitors see in the barrel room?
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In the barrel room, visitors witness the unique aging process that gives the rum its distinct taste and color.
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Where is Wicked Dolphin Rum Distillery located?
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The distillery is located at 131 SW 3rd Pl, Cape Coral, Florida. For more information, call 239-242-5244.
⮕ Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve
Kayak through mangroves and enjoy unusual sights on a fall nature trip.
© Courtesy of Erni - Fotolia.com
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What is the Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve?
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What type of landscape does the preserve feature?
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The preserve consists of a marshland and river system, providing a diverse habitat for wildlife and plant species.
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How can visitors explore the preserve?
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Visitors can access the area via a network of walking trails or explore the waterways by kayaking.
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Are kayak rentals available?
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Yes! Visitors can either bring their own kayaks or rent them directly from the preserve.
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What amenities does the visitor center offer?
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The on-site visitor center provides information on the region, details about preservation efforts, maps, and updates on recent wildlife sightings.
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What wildlife can be seen at the preserve?
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The preserve is home to eagles, herons, raccoons, snakes, and a variety of wading and migratory birds.
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Is there a memorial area at the preserve?
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Yes! The preserve features a veteran’s memorial area, which honors and celebrates the lives of those who have served in the armed forces.
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Where is Four Mile Cove Ecological Preserve located?
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The preserve is located at 2500 SE 24th St, Cape Coral, FL 33990. For more information, call 239-549-4606.
⮕ The Boathouse
Savor waterfront dining and relax with exciting sunset views.
© The Boathouse
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What is The Boathouse?
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The Boathouse is a tiki bar and grill-themed restaurant located at the Cape Coral Yacht Club. It offers a fun and festive atmosphere with seafood, cocktails, and live entertainment on the beach.
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What are The Boathouse’s hours of operation?
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The restaurant is open from early morning through the evening, making it a great spot for both breakfast and dinner.
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How can guests arrive at The Boathouse?
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Visitors can arrive by car and park in the lot, or they can arrive by boat and dock at the restaurant’s lower level slips.
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What is the restaurant's setting like?
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The Boathouse features a vacation-like setting with a large wooden deck that wraps around the building and connects to a private sandy beach.
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Where can guests sit while dining?
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Guests can choose to sit under the tiki awning, relax beneath the large patio umbrellas, or lounge in beach chairs overlooking the water.
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Where is The Boathouse located?
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The restaurant is located at 5819 Driftwood Pkwy, Cape Coral, Florida. For more information, call 239-945-2628.
⮕ Sun Splash Family Waterpark
Slide into fun and enjoy thrilling summer stuff with the whole family.
© Courtesy of aigarsr - Fotolia.com
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What is Sun Splash Family Waterpark?
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What types of slides are at the waterpark?
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The park features several thrilling slides, including:
- Cape Fear – a 30-foot drop for an adrenaline rush.
- Fun-L-Tunnel – a wild enclosed ride with twists and turns.
- Drop Slide – a free-falling experience into the water.
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Does the waterpark offer attractions besides slides?
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Yes! Guests can enjoy:
- A lazy river for tubing and relaxation.
- An ecological boardwalk with views of Lake Kennedy.
- A family pool for all ages.
- Racing slides for competitive fun.
- Splash pads and an area for toddlers.
- Volleyball courts and more outdoor activities.
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What is the most extreme attraction at the park?
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The most extreme ride is the X-celerator, a 48-inch tall drop where guests race down at 30 mph, covering nearly 40 feet per second.
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Where is Sun Splash Family Waterpark located?
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The park is located at 400 Santa Barbara Blvd, Cape Coral, Florida. For more information, call 239-574-0558.
Where to Eat in Cape Coral, FL
- Recommended for Families: Ford’s Garage – Vintage car-themed American eatery known for burgers, milkshakes, and fun décor.
- For Seafood Lovers: Fish Tale Grill by Merrick Seafood – Fresh-caught fish, oysters, and wine in an upscale yet casual setting.
If you are interested in local events:
- For Music Fans: Sounds of Jazz & Blues Festival (March) – Celebrate with food trucks and smooth tunes at the waterfront park.
- For Families: Red, White & Boom! (July 4th) – One of Southwest Florida’s largest Independence Day celebrations with fireworks, live music, and family fun.
- For Art Lovers: Cape Coral Festival of the Arts (January) – Hundreds of artists line the streets for one of the top juried art festivals in Florida.
Day Trip Itineraries Within 30 Minutes of Cape Coral, Florida:
- For Beach Days: Fort Myers Beach (25–30 min) – White sand beaches, lively piers, and great sunsets on Estero Island.
- For Wildlife: J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge (30 min) – Explore mangroves and spot birds and gators on nearby Sanibel Island.
- For History Buffs: Edison & Ford Winter Estates (20–25 min) – Tour the homes and labs of two of America’s greatest inventors in Fort Myers.
- For Shelling: Sanibel Island (30 min) – World-famous for beachcombing, nature trails, and laid-back coastal charm.
- For Nature Walks: Rotary Park Environmental Center (10–15 min) – Trails, butterfly gardens, and birdwatching in a quiet park setting.
- For Culture: Downtown Fort Myers (20–25 min) – The River District offers murals, galleries, cafés, and vintage Florida architecture.
- For Fishing: Matlacha (20–25 min) – Colorful island town with bait shops, seafood joints, and bridge fishing over the bay.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Where is Cape Coral located?
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Cape Coral is located near Fort Myers on the Gulf of Mexico, offering stunning waterfront views and numerous recreational activities.
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What natural attractions can be found in Cape Coral?
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The city is home to beautiful nature preserves, beaches, and picturesque canals, making it a great destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
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What recreational activities are available?
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Visitors can enjoy a variety of water sports, play a round of golf at scenic golf courses, or unwind at the Yacht Club.
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Where can visitors shop in Cape Coral?
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One of the best places to shop is the farmers' market, where you can find fresh produce, handmade goods, and unique local items.
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Are there any historical or cultural sites to visit?
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Yes! Visitors can explore the Southwest Florida Military Museum, which offers a look into military history and artifacts.
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What are some great outdoor spots to explore?
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Outdoor lovers can visit the Rotary Park Environmental Center for a walk through nature trails or stop by the Tom Allen Memorial Butterfly Garden to admire beautiful butterflies.
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What are the best things to do on a weekend trip to Cape Coral?
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Whether you're planning a day trip or a weekend getaway, Cape Coral offers a mix of relaxation, adventure, and cultural exploration.
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