Overlooking the wetlands of Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve, Estero is a village on the southern edge of Fort Myers. It was founded by followers of Cyrus Teed, who believed that humans were living on the inside layer of the Earth’s outer skin, with his communal utopia referred to as Koreshan Unity.
Things to do in Estero
Keen golfers can enjoy a round on the 18-hole Stoneybrook Golf Course, which was designed by the renowned golf architect Arthur Hills. Its well-manicured fairways wind their way through a landscape of wooded wetlands and sparkling lakes, with bunkers that are designed to challenge golfers of all skill levels.
For a retail fix, head to Coconut Point, an open-air shopping mall home to more than 110 retail stores. You can browse the latest publications at Barnes & Noble or shop for fashion goods at Tommy Bahama before refuelling at El Nido Modern Mexican, Joe’s Fresh Catch or the South Fork Grille. Hollywood blockbusters are screened at the Regal Coconut Point cinema complex.
Don’t miss the Koreshan State Historic Site in Estero, which has been set aside to preserve the history of Koreshan Unity in Florida. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the site encompasses stands of Japanese bamboo, African sausage trees and Australian bunya pine that were imported by the group. You can rent kayaks to paddle the Estero River or stretch your legs along the hiking trails while keeping your eyes peeled for bobcats, river otters and gopher tortoises.
Getting around Estero
Estero is around 30 minutes’ drive from Fort Myers and 15 minutes from Southwest Florida International Airport, which has flights to destinations across North America. Buses travel to Estero while renting a car gives you greater freedom to explore the region.