Discover the Best Things to Do in Estero, FL

Things to do in Estero, FL

Let me tell you a story. I used to be a die-hard knitter. On any given day, you might find me curled up on the couch knitting a sweater or even a beer koozie. Then something unexpected happened. I moved to Florida, and I haven’t picked up my knitting needles since.

Why? Because I no longer have time to knit. There’s just too many fun things to do here in Estero, FL. Trust me when I say, one of the best parts of moving to Southwest Florida is getting to enjoy the active lifestyle. With so many months of sunshine and bright blue skies, I find myself constantly outside.

When I’m not going playing pickleball, I’m enjoying al fresco dining, swimming in the pool, visiting all the unique shops, or exploring all the natural beauty around me.

Average monthly temperature for Estero, FL
date courtesy of weather.gov

This active lifestyle is yours for the taking. Make sure to bookmark this page for tips, itineraries, and adventures galore. The only downside is you might find yourself skipping out of the office early or neglecting your household chores. I can’t remember the last time I swept my house. In fact, I’ve gotten so busy that I had to buy a Roomba to do the cleaning for me. Oh well.

Shop Estero

Michael Kors storefront at Coconut Point Mall in Estero, Florida

What Estero lacks in beaches, it makes up for in malls. People from all over Southwest Florida flock to Coconut Point and Miromar Outlets for the elevated shopping experiences — and great deals they can snag. That’s right, even those high rollers in Naples make the trip. Gasp!

Before you grab your purse (or wallet), take a sneak peak at each mall so you know what to expect. These sprawling behemoths require some strategy just to get into the parking lot. Consider yourself a minimalist? No problem. You’ll even find reasons to hit the mall when you have nothing on your shopping list.

Attractions in Estero, FL

Father and son walk on green at Stoneybrook Golf Course in Estero Florida

One of the great things about living in a gated community is that you have everything you could want right at your fingertips. Between the pool and pickleball courts, why ever leave your neighborhood?

But the truth is, you should leave your community. There’s so many great attractions in Estero, FL. You’ll find championship golf courses, concerts, museums (have you heard Estero was founded by a cult?), and malls that offer so much more than shopping. You’ll even find great activities for kids.

Make sure to bookmark this page so you can keep an eye on new attractions popping up in Estero. As Estero’s population grows, the list of things to do will grow, as well.

Remember, you live in one of the best places on earth. It’s time to enjoy it.

Nature & Parks in Estero

Pine and fan palms on a clear day at Estero Bay Preserve State Park

Estero gets its namesake from the Spanish word for “estuary.” The first community to settle in Estero (it was a cult; ask me about it later) built their settlement along the Estero River that fed into Estero bay. Thanks to the village’s state parks and protected natural preserves, Estero still boasts much of the natural beauty of “old Florida” — even 130 years later.

Sure you’ll find tons of gated communities and championship golf courses, but you’ll also find hiking trails, paddling trails, and some of the best bird watching in Florida. Trust me, the older you get, the more you find yourself wondering “what is that pink bird with the spoon-shaped bill?”

*For even more fun things to do in Southwest Florida, check out these ultimate bucket list ideas.