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Photo: State of Florida, Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
Estero Bay Preserve State Park, the first aquatic nature preserve established in Florida, is a 10,000-acre (40 km2) Florida State Park located near Estero, between Fort Myers and Naples. It consists of the water, inlets, and islands along 10 miles (16 km) of Estero Bay. Activities include fishing, and boating, bicycling, canoeing, and wildlife viewing. Among the wildlife of the park are gopher tortoises, fiddler crabs, and bald eagles. The park is open from 8:00 A.M. until sundown year-round.
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The key was the capital of the Calusa realm across Southern Florida in the 16th century when Spanish colonization of Florida began. Spain's attempt at colonizing Mound Key in the mid-16th century was unsuccessful and ultimately abandoned in favor of St. Augustine, but the key can still be visited today, where the pile of discarded shells and archaeological digs mark the site of pre-Columbian civilization.
Cyrus Teed, creator of the religion of 'Koreshanity' founded his 'New Jerusalem' community here. Various structures, many over a century old, are still preserved.
A dolphin cruise with them is excellent. They have biologists on board and are laid back and fun. Free parking on site.
Friendly fishing charters.
Local hockey.