The Estero center is about 2 miles west of Hertz Arena and 2 miles southwest of Florida Gulf Coast University - FGCU.
The best times to visit Estero are from March until May. You won't get the price hikes that happen during the winter, but you can enjoy the weather before it gets too hot and stuffy. The winter is a great time to visit Estero to enjoy the beautiful weather. Prices tend to be more expensive during the winter because of all the snowbirds who flock to South Florida.
During the summer, it gets sweltering and humid. You'll get affordable prices on hotels, but the heat can be overwhelming for some people. South Florida also tends to get a lot of rain during the summer, but fortunately, the rain typically comes as a downpour and is over quickly. As long as you're not at the beach when the rain comes, it shouldn't put too big of a damper on your vacation.
You'll get affordable prices on hotels during the fall also, but it's a gamble traveling to Estero during the fall because of hurricane season. Although you'll likely get a good deal on a hotel, you run the risk of being stuck inside because of the rain, or even having your trip canceled because of a hurricane threat.
If you're a member of AAA, take advantage of your discount at the Embassy Suites Fort Myers Estero hotel. This hotel is the only all-suite hotel in the area with rooms that feature separate bedrooms and living room with a mini-fridge, microwave, and coffeemaker. The hotel offers a complimentary made-to-order breakfast and a manager's reception in the evening with complimentary drinks and snacks. On the grounds, you will find an atrium with a waterfall, a swimming pool, and a whirlpool to enjoy during your stay.
If you qualify for a senior discount or a military discount, consider a stay at the Townplace Suites by Marriott Fort Myers Estero. This hotel puts you close to Coconut Point Mall, Raptor Bay Golf Club, and Koreshan State Historic Site. Each room has a refrigerator, stove top, and microwave. Enjoy the complimentary buffet breakfast. Take a dip in the outdoor swimming pool or get your heart rate pumping in the fitness center. Free internet is also included in your stay.
To get the most out of your money, consider a stay at the Hampton Inn & Suites Fort Myers-Estero/FGCU. Each of the rooms provides a refrigerator and microwave. Free internet is available throughout the hotel. Enjoy browsing the internet while eating your complimentary hot/cold breakfast. You can also enjoy relaxing by the pool or working out in the fitness center.
Another great value is the Hyatt Place Coconut Point within walking distance to Coconut Point Mall. Every room has refrigerators, desks, and a separate sitting area. Enjoy surfing the free internet or watching the free cable television. The hotel also offers an outdoor pool and a fitness center for you to use during your stay at the Hyatt Place.
Estero Bay separates the beaches in Estero from the other beaches in the area. Although Estero Beaches are good for the convenience and location, other beaches in the area offer smoother sand and more amenities for you to enjoy. You have a huge variety of beaches within a 30-minute drive from your hotel. Picking with all the options might be difficult.
An excellent place to start is Bonita Beach Park. Only a 15-minute drive from Estero, the beach offers restroom facilities, sand volleyball courts, picnic shelters, and parking. Bowditch Beach Park is another option. The first handicap-accessible beach, Bowditch Beach Park covers 17 acres of Estero Island. Take advantage of the hiking trails, or spend your day out on the water renting kayaks, paddle boards, or Jet Skis.
Head to Naples to visit Clam Pass Park. About 20 minutes away from Estero, this beach has a beautiful boardwalk, food stands, and water sports rentals. There are also restroom facilities at Clam Pass Park. Also in Naples, you could try Naples Municipal Beach. This iconic beach sits at the historic Naples Pier. The beach includes restroom facilities, showers, and food concessions.
For a slightly different experience, try out the beaches at Miromar Lakes. Miromar Lakes is comprised of 700 acres of freshwater lakes. The lakes have 3 miles of private beaches. Consider booking a hotel that offers beachfront access to enjoy the pristine waters at Miromar Lakes.
If you're bringing your furry friend on your vacation, head to Lee County Dog Beach. Located on Estero Boulevard in Fort Myers, this beach has been sectioned off specifically for your pup to enjoy. Dog owners can bring up to two dogs to let off leash to run through the sands or get in the water. The beach has a pet washing station, restrooms, and free parking.
Beaches aren't the only thing to do near Estero. Consider checking out Mound Key Archeological State Park, which is only accessible by boat. Walk through the trails and use the interpretive displays to learn more about the history of the island. The park does not have any facilities.
Many people get to the Mound Key Archeological State Park by launching at Koreshan State Park. This park is also worth spending some time to visit one of the 11 buildings left over from the Koreshan era. These structures offer an inside look at how the people lived and provide more understanding into their interesting beliefs.
Estero, Florida, is nestled between some of the best Florida cities for beaches and vacation. This city offers a prime location to visit stunning beaches, but also holds its own for things to do for a fun and educational experience into the history of Florida and settlement of this area.
Below are reviews of the city of Estero, FL from an actual visitor's perspective.
Lots of restaurants!
Pro Bass Shop, we stopped at a little street market and that was very nice. All in all Estero is a wonderful area with a huge mall that we did not have time to see.
Was in town for WISCONSIN Day at Parrot Key!
The beaches, shopping, restaurants and the hotel's beautiful pools and accessories!
Great staff, room, cocktail hour!
Nice!
I know the town of Estero. Only have good things to say about it.
Shopping at a nearby mall with plenty of restaurants.
It was pretty. Enjoyed our stay in the area.
Great location by outlet mall and Hertz Arena.
I've been coming here for 16 years and have owned several properties on Fort Myers Beach!
The shopping!
Good shopping and restaurants. Friendly people.
In the center of everything
Beautiful!
Beautiful!