Explore the Outdoors in Estero, FL

Estero is a Florida Gulf Coast haven sandwiched between Naples and Fort Myers. It’s known for its serene parks and beaches and gives visitors plenty of options for outdoor activities. The next time you want to go for a hike or hit the beach, explore these three spots around Estero.

Lovers Key State Park

Lovers Key State Park is a beautiful stretch of preserved barrier islands, beach, and mangrove forest just off the coast of Estero. Its 712 acres offer plenty of opportunities for shelling, swimming, fishing, walking, cycling, paddling, and wildlife viewing. Bring your kayak or canoe to explore 2.5 miles of mangrove-lined lagoons and canals, keeping an eye out for manatees, dolphins, osprey, and eagles,

Lovers Key is an excellent hiking destination, with 2 miles of beach and 5 miles of trails. Black Island Trail is a 2.6-mile path that wanders past a butterfly garden and a pond that’s home to alligators, turtles, and waterfowl. Eagle Trail is a 1.1-mile path along the island’s inner waterways. After a walk or a swim, enjoy lunch at one of the park’s picnic areas.

Koreshan State Park

Koreshan State Park is located along the Estero River in the heart of town. A religious group called the Koreshans founded the area in the late 1800s and worked the land for several decades. Today, the park is home to 11 well-preserved and restored settlement buildings listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Stroll around the grounds to admire the structures and learn about their history through interpretive signs.

Hike or jog the trails around Koreshan State Park’s boundaries and along the river. Or, stake out your spot on the shore to fish for bass, mullet, redfish, and snook. If you launch your kayak or canoe from the park, you can paddle 3 miles downriver to Estero Bay for more fishing and wildlife viewing. Watch for manatees, otters, and alligators on the water and gray foxes and bobcats among the pines. The park is also home to more than 100 types of birds, from belted kingfishers to bald eagles.

Estero Bay Preserve

Estero Bay is an aquatic preserve with 12 miles of walking and cycling trails through coastal marshes, flatwoods, scrubland, and salt flats. Visitors can access it from two entrance points: Winkler Point and Estero River Scrub.

The Winkler Point trails wind through salt flats and flatwoods past two pond observation decks where you can stop to look for wildlife such as turtles, snakes, and waterfowl. The Estero River Scrub entrance has a pavilion and restrooms and gives you access to four trails, including the Great Florida Birding Trail. Keep your eyes peeled for hawks, eagles, and osprey. Note that the preserve’s trails can be marshy and muddy at times, so bring appropriate shoes, plus sunscreen, water, and insect repellent. Dogs are welcome if they stay on a leash.

For a different perspective and more wildlife viewing opportunities, paddle through the preserve’s 7,000 acres of mangroves.

Immerse yourself in Estero’s native vegetation and ecosystems while exploring these three parks. While they’re all currently open, check their websites for current recommendations and social distancing rules.