Located on Estero Island, Matanzas Pass Preserve is one of the few natural habitats left on the island that is also home to Fort Myers Beach. Not only is it free to the public but also home to 1.25 miles of trails that wind through mangroves, and an oak hammock along the Estero Bay. This 60-acre unspoiled sanctuary offers the perfect escape from the area's well-populated tourist scene. Take time to hike and explore, and be on the lookout for diverse wildlife, including raccoons, rabbits, hawks, owls and turtles. This park is a sanctuary for native plants and a designated site on Great Florida Birding Trail. There is free parking but it is limited.
Recommended for Parks because: Walk through trails of mangroves and an oak hammock while observing Southwest Florida's wildlife and native vegetation.
Gina's expert tip: Bring bug spray.
The Cypress Slough Reserve offers visitors a chance to explore Southwest Florida's unique ecosystem from the relative safety of a raised boardwalk. There is no telling which native Floridians (reptiles, and other wildlife) you'll encounter along this mile-long trail, but you can rest assured that they'll have their eyes on you! This is an outdoor park where indoor voices are encouraged so the creatures who live here won't scurry away. Even so, guided walks are available and nature programs are offered. Picnics are allowed in designated areas. It's hard to miss the native butterfly garden as it's in the center of the parking lot.
Recommended for Parks because: If you are a nature lover, this is the place for you to discover a truly unique Southwest Florida ecosystem.
Gina's expert tip: Parking lots fill up fast during the winter months, consider riding your bicycle
You don't need to go to a zoo or an aquarium to get an up-close look at manatees. You can see them for free at Lee County Manatee Park! Between the months of November and March, manatees swim into the canal of this 17-acre park to escape the cooler Gulf of Mexico temperatures. Over the years, the mammals have been drawn to the warm-water discharge from a former, nearby power plant. The shallow water makes viewing the creatures in their entirety, perfect. On site there is a visitor center and gift shop and a playground for kids. Rent a kayak or canoe for a reasonable price and you can explore the waters on your own.
Recommended for Parks because: Made popular for it's population of manatees, this park has kayak and canoe rentals to give you an even better view of the gentle giants.
Gina's expert tip: No dogs allowed in this park
A winding drive through a residential neighborhood in Cape Coral leads you to this waterside park with a public beach and boat ramp. If dipping your toes into the Caloosahatchee River is not up your alley, this park has a public pool too. It's not the Gulf of Mexico but the river still offers picture worthy views of the sunset. In fact, there is a Sunset Celebration the first Wednesday of every month, from October through April. You'll find dozens of vendors, entertainment and food at this monthly party. The rest of the year you'll be able to BBQ, picnic and play tennis or racquetball at the outdoor courts. There is a playground for the younger kids and shuffleboard for everyone.
Recommended for Parks because: One of the most versatile public parks in Cape Coral, this one has a beach, a pool, tennis, shuffleboard and a playground.
Gina's expert tip: It's one of the only public beaches in Cape Coral so pack a swimsuit
This is the last possible stretch of beach on Estero Island, sitting on the Northern tip of Fort Myers Beach. It's a great place to watch all kinds of watercraft, make their way into the Gulf of Mexico. The park includes walking trails, guided walks and is a designated site on the Great Florida Birding Trail. The beach is narrow at high tide but is beautifully decorated by Mother Nature with lots of driftwood and mangroves. There are restroom facilities and a concession stand if your cooler gets low. The park also offers kayak and paddleboard rentals when you're ready to move your body.
Recommended for Parks because: A walking trail with a water view, wildlife, birding and beach access are just some of the things that make this beach park appealing.
Gina's expert tip: Take great sunset photos in and amongst the driftwood on the typically calm shore
The Three Oaks Community is an inviting, family friendly area with wide streets, lots of sidewalks and an expansive community park for the public to enjoy. Here you'll find baseball and soccer fields, as well as tennis, racquetball and basketball courts. If you are looking for someone to play a game with, there is a good chance you will find them here. The sand volleyball courts, like most of the other sporting areas are well lit for evening play. The playground is colorful and popular for all ages and there are picnic shelters if you've packed a meal or want some shade. A one-mile, winding walking trail offers a safe way to burn some calories and get moving.
Recommended for Parks because: This park is great for the active family or individual, with all kinds of courts and fields for sports, and a fun playground for kids.
Gina's expert tip: If you need to stretch your legs after a long flight in, this park is close to the airport
Lover's Key is made up of four barrier islands between Fort Myers and Bonita Beaches. For years it was only accessible by boat so "lovers" would travel there for solitude. These days, trams and boardwalks help you to navigate the two miles of white sand. Even with so many visitors, the land is mostly unspoiled, with an abundance of wildlife not to mention great shelling. Black Island has hiking and biking trails or you can explore the well-known Calusa Indian site of Mound Key by kayak. There are playgrounds, sports rentals, picnic areas and more. This beach has something for everyone. And if you are hungry or sandy, find concessions and showers for comfort.
Recommended for Parks because: A park on the beach is paradise for many and this one is beautiful, with an abundance of space for activities as well as relaxation.
Gina's expert tip: The perfect address for a wedding or anniversary party; there is an event planner on site to help make dreams come true.
With a recreation center, picnic shelters and pavilions, this park is well suited for larger parties. The playground is full of well maintained structures for climbing and bouncing, and is surrounded by two multipurpose fields for pick up games and all kinds of fun. One of the most appealing parts of this space, for animal lovers, is the dog park and shelter so your four legged family member doesn't have to wait in the car or hotel room. Not only are there volleyball courts but also 12 horseshoe courts and 4 bocci ball courts. If you are looking to try a new activity with the family, check out the 18 hole Disc Golf Course
Recommended for Parks because: This expansive park not only has pavilions and multipurpose fields, but also bocci ball, Frisbee golf and a dog park.
Gina's expert tip: The park is well lit if you go with your family in the early evening hours
Centennial Park could be considered two parks in one. Most visitors to downtown Fort Myers see the 8-acre stretch along the Caloosahatche River. The park meanders for blocks and under the US41 bridge before opening to a large lawn and pavilion perfectly suited for concerts and events. Also under the bridge is a popular farmers market on Thursdays. With it's fishing pier, winding sidewalks and lush trees, the centerpiece is a fountain and the Uncommon Friends Fountain featuring famous winter residents Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and Harvey Firestone. The charming riverfront park hosts a variety of community events and festivals that often close Edwards Drive, the road bordering most of the park. Other highlights include boat access, picnic shelters, a playground and beach volleyball courts.
Recommended for Parks because: This famous downtown park is home to art shows, music festivals, a farmers market, fishing pier, fountains and historic charm.
Gina's expert tip: Order food "to go" from one of the dozens of great downtown restaurants for a gourmet picnic in the park
Walking the 2.5 miles of paved and unpaved paths at Lakes Park is free but if you have a few extra dollars there are boat and bike rentals too. Workout stations with waterfront views are perfect for burning a few calories. The small water park is open for kids to cool off and concessions are available if you didn't pack a lunch. Check out the Miniature Railroad with a 15 minute ride past a small scale village. Also, look for exotic vegetation and the occasional alligator in the 158 acres of freshwater quarry lakes; fishing is allowed. On your walk or ride, keep eyes open for exotic birds, enjoy the fragrance garden, and rest in the gazebo or the many covered picnic areas. The park is also home to numerous cultural and music festivals, with a seasonal Farmers Market.
Recommended for Parks because: Not your average park, this one has a train, bike and boat rentals and miles of trails to explore native plants and wildlife.
Gina's expert tip: There is a second entrance from Summerlin Road, for foot and bike traffic only