Estero is Southwest Florida’s hidden gem. In its 25 square miles, there’s an endless amount of adventure and fun to be had, especially if you’re a nature lover. Here are five reasons why.
It runs along a river
The Village of Estero runs along the Estero River – hence the name! The Estero River is just over six miles long and empties into Estero Bay, an inlet to the Gulf of Mexico. Whatever kind of nature lover you are, the Estero River has something to offer. The brackish water makes for great fishing and bird watching. In the warmer months, curious manatees may come and say hello while you’re paddle boarding or kayaking. If you’re looking for a relaxing day on the water, keep heading west until you hit the Gulf of Mexico. Regardless, the mangroves and endless Florida sunshine will set the tone for a beautiful day on the Estero River.
It’s a short drive from the beach
Prefer a more laid-back experience? Perhaps a day on the sugar sand beaches of the Gulf of Mexico are more your forte. Estero is a short 20-minute drive from a number of the area’s most popular beaches such as Bonita Beach, Lover’s Key and Fort Myers Beach. A beachy nature lover will truly enjoy a day on the beach watching the pelicans dive for fish or the sandpipers scurry away from the gentle waves. A walk on the beach can be enhanced by the wide variety of shells you’ll find along the way. If you’re lucky, some dolphins may be out to play. A day at the beach would not be complete without a famed Gulf of Mexico sunset.
There’s lots of parks
If you’re just looking to spend a day enjoying the Southwest Florida sunshine, Estero has plenty of parks where you can spend your day. The Estero Community Park and Koreshan State Park are located in the Village of Estero. The 55-acre Estero Community Park is the epitome of outdoor fun with two bocce ball courts, 12 horseshoe pits, three sand volleyball courts, picnic pavilion and children’s play area. It also has four lakes, a 5K cross country course and outdoor amphitheater. The Koreshan State Park is rich in its history with additional offerings including camping, hiking, picnic area, play area, kayak and canoe rentals, boat launch to the Estero River, guided historic tours and Sunday Farmer’s Market.
Proximity to local botanical gardens
Located just five miles away in Bonita Springs is the Everglades Wonder Gardens. This not-for-profit organization is known for its wildlife rehabilitation programs, butterfly garden, botanical beauty and famed flock of bright pink flamingos. Not only is this location breathtaking but it affords residents and visitors of Southwest Florida the opportunity to experience the area’s most beautiful features under one roof. Nature lovers will love the unique events the garden hosts like yoga with the flamingos and live alligator feedings!
The weather
Because Estero is in the heart of Southwest Florida, it’s no stranger to its beautiful tropical climate. Truly, no matter where you go, tropical life is blooming all around you from the Anole lizards you may see on your lanai screens to the flowers in your garden. Estero is a tropical oasis that nature lovers will never want leave.
If you’re looking for a condominium that will put you in the ideal spot to experience all Estero has to offer, look no further than Genova. Located in the heart of Estero, this new construction condominium community consists of just 205 luxury residences. Priced from the mid $300s to $700s, Genova is pet-friendly and offers open-concept floor plans, gourmet island kitchens, private master and guest suites and spacious outdoor living, all of which was inspired by the Italian Riviera. Plus, there’s no equity fees, club fees or CDD tax. Ever. For more information, visit Genova-Florida.com, call (239) 948-2929 or email sales@genova-florida.com.