Things to Do in Estero & Southwest Florida
Beaches, nature, dining, shopping, pro sports and culture, all within a short drive of Estero. Here is where locals actually go.
Quiet beaches, kayaking and some of the best shelling and dolphin spotting in the area. A favorite with Estero locals.
📍 Fort Myers Beach / BonitaEasy-access Gulf beach with sunsets that draw a crowd. Grab a bite at the beachfront spots nearby after.
📍 Bonita SpringsA protected stretch of natural beach with a nature trail, gopher tortoises and soft white sand.
📍 Bonita SpringsA state park beach with shaded picnic areas, great snorkeling at the pass and an observation tower.
📍 NaplesClassic Naples sunset beach next to restaurants and resorts. Walkable to shops along Vanderbilt Beach Rd.
📍 NaplesThe iconic pier at the end of 12th Ave South. Come for dolphins, pelicans and the sunset.
📍 NaplesWorld-famous shelling, the Sanibel Lighthouse, biking paths and the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge.
📍 SanibelHistoric settlement grounds right in Estero, with trails, camping and canoe and kayak trips down the Estero River.
📍 EsteroAudubon’s famous boardwalk through old-growth bald cypress. A must for birders and photographers.
📍 Naples (Immokalee Rd)A shaded boardwalk through wetlands with wading birds, alligators and turtles. Free and family friendly.
📍 Fort MyersKayak, paddleboard or fish the mangroves of Estero Bay, and visit Mound Key, a historic shell mound island reached by boat.
📍 Estero BayGardens from around the world, a butterfly garden and seasonal events. Beautiful any time of year.
📍 NaplesA tropical zoo with a primate cruise, giraffe feeding and shows. Great for kids and grandkids.
📍 NaplesThe winter homes, labs and gardens of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford on the Caloosahatchee River.
📍 Fort MyersHistoric downtown with restaurants, rooftop bars, galleries and monthly art walks.
📍 Fort MyersHome of the Naples Philharmonic and The Baker Museum, with concerts, Broadway shows and art all season.
📍 NaplesA lush historic garden with birds, reptiles and boardwalks along the Imperial River.
📍 Bonita SpringsShells from around the world, live aquariums and touch tanks. Perfect rainy-day stop.
📍 SanibelOpen-air shopping, dining and a movie theater right on US-41 in Estero.
📍 EsteroBig-name outlet shopping off I-75 at Corkscrew Rd, with restaurants and summer events.
📍 EsteroShopping, dining and entertainment near the airport and Florida Gulf Coast University.
📍 Fort MyersNaples’ famous dining and boutique streets. Al fresco dinners, galleries and people-watching.
📍 NaplesUpscale shopping, restaurants and nightlife in North Naples.
📍 NaplesPro hockey right in Estero. Fun, loud and one of the best nights out in town during the season.
📍 EsteroThe Boston Red Sox spring home, a replica of Fenway Park, every February and March.
📍 Fort MyersThe Minnesota Twins spring home at the Lee Health Sports Complex.
📍 Fort MyersCollege basketball and volleyball at Florida Gulf Coast University, minutes from Estero.
📍 Fort MyersSouthwest Florida has more golf courses than almost anywhere. Ask John about communities with golf included.
📍 Southwest FloridaWant to live close to your favorites?
Tell John what you love to do, beach days, golf, boating, shopping or quiet trails, and he will match you with communities that put it minutes away.
Things to do questions
What is there to do in Estero, FL?
Estero has Coconut Point and Miromar Outlets for shopping and dining, Koreshan State Park for trails and kayaking, Florida Everblades hockey at Hertz Arena, and Gulf beaches like Lovers Key and Bonita Beach a short drive away.
What is the closest beach to Estero?
Lovers Key State Park and Bonita Beach Park are the closest Gulf beaches to most of Estero, usually a 15 to 25 minute drive.
Where is spring training near Estero?
The Boston Red Sox train at JetBlue Park and the Minnesota Twins at Hammond Stadium, both in Fort Myers.