Page 14 - Tropical Sands Online Directory 2025-2026

AREA POINTS OF INTEREST

The Estero Island area offers miles of beautiful white sandy beaches, boating, fishing, and plenty of Old Florida
Charm. Listed below are just a few of the numerous activities and attractions the area has to offer. While you’re
here don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy the most fabulous sunsets you’ve ever seen, right from your front door!

SHELLING
Estero Island beaches have long been famous for shelling, especially the
Southern tip just North of Big Carlos Pass, where the island shoreline curves out
and then back in as it nears the pass, making it one of the best shelling areas
in Florida. All it takes to find that perfect Florida souvenir is a good eye, a little
luck and the right timing. Just make sure your shells do not have any occupants
living inside them, removal of live shells from the Gulf is illegal, and boiling of live shells in your unit is
prohibited.

LOVER’S KEY STATE PARK
239-463-4588 • Located on County Road 865 between Fort Myers Beach and Bonita Beach
www.floridastateparks.org/LoversKey
Lovers Key is one of four barrier islands that make up this state park. A haven
for wildlife, the islands and their waters are home to West Indian manatees,
bottlenose dolphins, roseate spoonbills, marsh rabbits, and bald eagles. The
two mile long beach is accessible by boardwalk or tram and is popular for
shelling, swimming, picnicking, and sunbathing. The park has over five miles
of multiuse trails for hiking and bicycling. Anglers and boaters can launch
their vessels from the park’s boat ramp. Canoes and kayaks are available at
the park for rental.

IMAG HISTORY & SCIENCE CENTER
239-243-0043 • 2000 Cranford Avenue • Ft. Myers • www.theimag.org
A Family-Friendly destination in Southwest Florida featuring aquariums, animal exhibits, interactive displays,
exhibits, activities, presentations, and innovative programs, all to spark imagination for all ages. The museum
merges history and science, features attractions like Science on a Sphere, Google Earth Wall, Engineering Lab,
Science in Motion, Nano Lab, USS Mohawk Aquarium, Lionfish Aquarium, Fisheye Lagoon, and Water Works.
Open Mon.-Sat. 10AM to 5PM. Sunday Noon to 5PM. Closed on Tuesdays, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve
and Christmas Day.

EDISON & FORD WINTER ESTATES
888-377-9475 • 2350 McGregor Blvd., Ft. Myers • www.efwefla.org
Explore 20 acres of botanical landscaping, the Edison and Ford historic homes and guest cottages, Edison’s
laboratory, a museum housing his famous inventions and exhibits, a museum store, Historic Cottage Shop,
Garden Shop and an outdoor garden cafe. Open from 9:00AM to 5:30PM daily.

THE MOUND HOUSE: A CULTURAL & ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING CENTER
239-765-0865 • 289 Connecticut St., Ft. Myers Beach • www.moundhouse.org
An archaeological site located atop a Calusa Indian mound. The Calusa Indians ruled the Southwest Florida
coastline for thousands of years until the arrival of Juan Ponce de Leon. Open from 10AM to 2PM.

CORKSCREW SWAMP SANCTUARY
239-348-9151 • 375 Sanctuary West Rd., Naples • www.corkscrew.audubon.org
A 2.25-mile raised boardwalk takes visitors through four distinct environments: a pine upland, a wet prairie, a
cypress forest, and a marsh. Interpretive signs along the boardwalk and a field guide are available to allow each
visitor to take the self-guided tour. Benches and rain shelters are along the trail. For those who do not wish to
walk the full 2.25 miles, an optional trail shortens the walk to one mile. Volunteer naturalists are usually on the
boardwalk to answer questions. Birds, reptiles, mammals, insects, and a variety of native plants including wild
orchids may be seen from the boardwalk. Open every day of the year, Oct. 1-April 10: 7 AM to 5:30 PM, April
11-Sept. 30: 7 AM to 7:30 PM.