Estero sits at the crossroads of Southwest Florida—convenient to Fort Myers Beach, Bonita Springs, and Naples yet with a distinct identity all its own. This fast-growing community combines excellent shopping (Miromar Outlets and Coconut Point), professional sports (Florida Everblades hockey and Florida Gulf Coast University athletics), and surprising natural areas including the historic Koreshan State Park and pristine Estero Bay Preserve.
Here's your comprehensive guide to the best things to do in Estero for 2026.
Sports & Entertainment
Hertz Arena
Southwest Florida's premier event venue hosts Florida Everblades hockey (ECHL), major concerts, and touring shows. The 8,000+ seat arena brings national acts and professional sports to the region.
- Address: 11000 Everblades Pkwy, Estero, FL 33928
- Events: Hockey, concerts, comedy, family shows
- Everblades season: October-April
- Parking: Free at venue
- Tip: Catch an Everblades game for affordable professional hockey
Florida Everblades Hockey
The region's professional hockey team plays an action-packed ECHL schedule. Games are family-friendly with promotions, giveaways, and an energetic atmosphere.
- Season: October-April
- Tickets: $15-50 depending on seating
- Best for: Families, sports fans, affordable entertainment
- Promotions: Dollar beer nights, theme nights, giveaways
Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) Athletics
Eagle athletics compete in NCAA Division I across multiple sports. Basketball games at Alico Arena capture the energy of FGCU's 2013 Sweet Sixteen run (Dunk City!).
- Location: FGCU Campus, 10501 FGCU Blvd
- Popular sports: Basketball, baseball, soccer, beach volleyball
- Tickets: Generally affordable, often free for non-revenue sports
- Don't miss: Basketball games for Dunk City atmosphere
Shopping
Miromar Outlets
One of Florida's largest outlet malls with 140+ stores offering 30-70% off retail prices. Open-air Mediterranean design makes shopping pleasant even in warm weather.
- Address: 10801 Corkscrew Rd, Estero, FL 33928
- Hours: Monday-Saturday 10 AM - 9 PM, Sunday 11 AM - 6 PM
- Stores: Nike, Coach, Saks OFF 5TH, Kate Spade, Under Armour, 140+ more
- Best for: Serious shoppers, bargain hunters, rainy days
- Tip: Sign up for VIP Shopper Club for additional discounts
- Dining: Multiple restaurants in mall and adjacent areas
Coconut Point
Upscale open-air lifestyle center with mix of retail, restaurants, and entertainment. More curated than Miromar with fewer outlet-style deals but quality shops and excellent dining.
- Address: 23106 Fashion Dr, Estero, FL 33928
- Hours: Vary by store, generally 10 AM - 9 PM
- Highlights: Apple Store, Williams-Sonoma, Pottery Barn, numerous restaurants
- Dining: Multiple options from casual to upscale
- Best for: Casual shopping, dining, evening entertainment
Gulf Coast Town Center
Large outdoor shopping center with major retailers, movie theater, and diverse dining. Good for everyday shopping needs.
- Address: 9903 Gulf Coast Main St, Fort Myers, FL 33913
- Highlights: Target, Best Buy, BJ's Wholesale, movie theater
- Dining: Numerous chain and local restaurants
- Best for: Everyday shopping, movies, family dining
Nature & Outdoors
Koreshan State Historic Site
This fascinating park preserves the settlement of a utopian religious community from the 1890s. The Koreshan Unity believed the Earth was hollow with humanity living on the interior—their historic buildings and beautiful Estero River setting make for unusual exploration.
- Address: 3800 Corkscrew Rd, Estero, FL 33928
- Entry: $5 per vehicle
- Hours: 8 AM to sunset
- Tours: Ranger-led tours available, self-guided trail
- Best for: History buffs, kayakers, picnickers
- Don't miss: Historic buildings, kayak on Estero River, camping
- Unique: One of Florida's most unusual historic sites
Estero Bay Preserve State Park
Over 10,000 acres of coastal habitat along Estero Bay with excellent kayaking, hiking, and wildlife viewing. Multiple access points provide different experiences.
- Main access: 700 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach (boat)
- Trail access: Via Lovers Key and adjacent areas
- Activities: Kayaking, paddleboarding, fishing, birding
- Best for: Nature lovers, paddlers, birders
- Wildlife: Manatees, dolphins, osprey, wading birds
Lovers Key State Park
Although technically in Fort Myers Beach, this state park is Estero's nearest beach access. Pristine barrier island beach, excellent kayak trails, and regular dolphin sightings.
- Address: 8700 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931
- Entry: $8 per vehicle
- Hours: 8 AM to sunset
- Best for: Beaches, kayaking, biking, wildlife
- Tip: Take the tram to beach, rent kayaks for mangrove trails
FGCU Campus Nature Trails
The university campus includes substantial natural areas with trails open to the public. Free parking on weekends makes this an accessible nature escape.
- Location: FGCU Campus, various access points
- Trails: Multiple miles of flat, easy trails
- Best for: Walking, jogging, birding
- Free: No entry fee, parking free on weekends
- Wildlife: Alligators, wading birds, occasional bobcats
Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve
Just north in Fort Myers, this boardwalk trail through cypress wetlands offers exceptional birding and wildlife viewing. The 1.2-mile loop is suitable for all ages.
- Address: 7751 Penzance Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33966
- Entry: $1 per person (honor system)
- Hours: 7 AM to 7 PM (or sunset, whichever earlier)
- Best for: Birding, photography, easy nature walk
- Don't miss: Early morning or late afternoon for best wildlife
Golf
Raptor Bay Golf Club
Public course with Audubon Sanctuary designation. Well-maintained Ray Floyd design that's accessible to all skill levels while remaining challenging.
- Address: 23001 Coconut Point Resort Dr, Estero, FL 33928
- Green fees: $50-120 depending on season
- Style: Resort course with nature preserve setting
- Best for: Visiting golfers, all skill levels
Pelican Sound Golf & River Club
Semi-private club with multiple course options. Stay-and-play packages sometimes available.
- Location: Estero
- Style: Multiple nines providing variety
- Access: Members, guests, limited public access
Estero Country Club
Private club requiring membership or guest access. High-quality course in manicured setting.
Golf Tips
- Book ahead during peak season (January-April)
- Afternoon rates offer significant savings
- Summer rates are dramatically lower
- Many courses offer "replay" rates for second rounds
Dining Districts
Coconut Point Dining
The lifestyle center features diverse dining from casual to upscale. California Pizza Kitchen, Bonefish Grill, The Melting Pot, and numerous other options make this a dining destination.
Highlights:
- Brio Tuscan Grille: Italian in upscale setting
- Bonefish Grill: Seafood-focused American
- The Melting Pot: Fondue experience
- California Pizza Kitchen: Creative pizzas and more
Miromar Outlets Dining
Multiple restaurants serve shoppers, with options ranging from fast casual to sit-down dining.
Options:
- Bloomingdale's Café: Quick service in store
- Various food court options
- Adjacent restaurants on Corkscrew Road
Corkscrew Road Corridor
This main commercial corridor features numerous chain and local restaurants convenient to shopping and residential areas.
Popular spots:
- Texas Roadhouse: Steaks and ribs
- Carrabba's Italian Grill: Italian-American
- First Watch: Breakfast and brunch
- Skillets: Local breakfast favorite
Family Activities
Golisano Children's Museum (C'mon)
Naples-based children's museum just 15 minutes south. Interactive exhibits engage children through imaginative play with Southwest Florida themes.
- Address: 15080 Livingston Rd, Naples, FL 34109
- Hours: Tuesday-Saturday 10 AM - 5 PM, Sunday 11 AM - 4 PM
- Admission: $15 per person
- Best for: Families with children 0-10
- Don't miss: Banyan tree climbing structure, water play area
Sun Splash Family Waterpark
Seasonal waterpark in Cape Coral (20 minutes north) with slides, wave pool, and lazy river. A summer essential for families.
- Address: 400 Santa Barbara Blvd, Cape Coral, FL 33991
- Hours: Seasonal, typically May-September
- Admission: Around $20-25
- Best for: Families, summer fun, birthday parties
Cinema Theaters
Multiple movie theaters serve the area with first-run films, luxury seating, and various formats.
- Regal Coconut Point: Stadium seating, IMAX
- CMX Cinemas: Luxury experience
- Gulf Coast Town Center: Regal cinema on site
Skating
While Florida lacks natural ice, synthetic skating experiences appear seasonally, and roller skating remains an option for family fun.
Day Trips from Estero
Fort Myers Beach
Just 15 minutes west, Fort Myers Beach offers Seven miles of sandy beach, the Times Square entertainment district, and water sports galore.
- Distance: 15 minutes
- Must do: Beach time, Times Square, Nervous Nellie's for sunset
- Best for: Beach day, casual dining, water sports
Naples
Twenty-five minutes south, Naples offers world-class shopping, dining, and the famous Naples Pier.
- Distance: 25 minutes
- Must do: Fifth Avenue, Naples Pier, Botanical Garden
- Best for: Shopping, fine dining, culture
Sanibel Island
Forty minutes northwest, Sanibel provides world-class shelling and Ding Darling Wildlife Refuge.
- Distance: 40 minutes
- Must do: Shelling, Ding Darling, lighthouse
- Best for: Nature lovers, shell collectors
Downtown Fort Myers
Thirty minutes north, the River District offers galleries, craft breweries, and riverfront dining.
- Distance: 30 minutes
- Must do: River District, Edison & Ford Estates
- Best for: History, nightlife, arts
Seasonal Considerations
Peak Season (January-April)
Best weather, most activities, and highest prices. Golf courses and restaurants are busiest. Book dining reservations and tee times in advance.
Shoulder Season (November-December)
Pleasant weather with fewer crowds. Holiday shopping at Miromar draws visitors. Everblades hockey season begins.
Summer (May-October)
Hot and humid but dramatic savings on accommodations. Afternoon thunderstorms are common. Great time for indoor activities like shopping and movies.
Special Events
- Everblades Opening Night (October): Hockey season kickoff
- Black Friday Weekend: Massive shopping events at Miromar
- Holiday Events: Various celebrations at shopping centers
Practical Tips
Getting Around
A car is essential in Estero. The community is spread out along US 41 and I-75 corridors with limited public transportation.
- I-75: Access via Corkscrew Road (Exit 123) or Estero Parkway (Exit 128)
- US 41: Main north-south commercial corridor
- Parking: Free at most venues
Location Advantage
Estero's central location makes it an excellent base for exploring:
- Fort Myers Beach: 15 minutes
- Downtown Fort Myers: 30 minutes
- Naples: 25 minutes
- Sanibel Island: 40 minutes
- Marco Island: 45 minutes
Accommodations
Hotels cluster near Coconut Point and I-75 interchange. Options range from mid-range chains to the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point.
- Hyatt Regency Coconut Point: Resort with golf, spa, water park
- Chain hotels: Marriott, Hilton properties near shopping areas
- Value options: Numerous choices along US 41 corridor
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Estero known for?
Estero is known for Miromar Outlets (one of Florida's largest outlet malls), Hertz Arena and Florida Everblades hockey, FGCU athletics, and convenient location between Fort Myers and Naples. The historic Koreshan State Park adds unique cultural interest.
Is Estero a good place to stay in Southwest Florida?
Yes—Estero offers excellent value, central location, and easy access to beaches in both directions. It's ideal for visitors who want shopping, golf, and entertainment with beach access nearby.
How far is Estero from the beach?
Lovers Key State Park is about 15 minutes west. Fort Myers Beach is similar. Naples beaches are 25-30 minutes south. The location provides flexibility to visit different beaches.
Is there good shopping in Estero?
Excellent shopping. Miromar Outlets offers 140+ stores at outlet prices. Coconut Point provides upscale lifestyle shopping. Gulf Coast Town Center adds everyday retail options.
What is the Koreshan State Park?
Koreshan State Historic Site preserves a 19th-century utopian community that believed in a hollow Earth theory. Historic buildings, beautiful grounds, and Estero River kayaking make it one of Florida's most unusual state parks.
