The Great Calusa Blueway opens up the coastal waters of Lee County as a paddling trail: its route runs from Pine Island Sound to Estero Bay and along the Caloosahatchee River and its tributaries. Waterways, wetlands and historic sites offer different perspectives on Lee. Depending on your interests, you can focus on a landscape, wildlife watching or a trace of regional history.

Wetlands and trails through nature

On Sanibel, Florida, the J.N. “Ding” Darling National Wildlife Refuge covers more than 6,470 acres. Mangrove forests, submerged seagrass meadows, cordgrass marshes and subtropical hardwood hammocks define the area. Wildlife Drive is a four-mile one-way road open to pedestrians, cyclists and cars. Another option is a 90-minute guided tram ride. If you prefer to explore on foot, the refuge has the four-mile Indigo Trail. Wildlife you may spot there includes alligators, night herons and white ibises. Check for current notices about possible closures before visiting.

Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve offers a different kind of nature experience. It encompasses more than 3,500 acres of interconnected wetland and upland ecosystems. The elevated boardwalk is 1.2 miles long and fully accessible; along the route are restrooms, an amphitheater and five observation decks. Guided walks on the boardwalk are offered weekly on Wednesdays and on the fourth Friday of each month. For specific planning, check the current events calendar; facilities may be affected temporarily by maintenance work or storms.

At Hickey Creek, the 1.8-mile trail connects riverside scenery with viewpoints and creek crossings. The trails pass through habitats of gopher tortoises and Florida scrub-jays. Alligators, otters and fish also live in the creek; manatees are occasional visitors. If you would rather paddle, canoes and kayaks can be launched near the parking area. The trails and water access offer different ways to explore the same natural area; launch conditions may vary seasonally.

At Manatee Park, the Florida manatee is part of an unfenced warm-water refuge. Its seasonal presence varies with the water temperature. On the coast of Lee County, Lovers Key has a beach that stretches 2.5 miles along the Gulf of America and offers opportunities for shelling. More than five miles of multi-use trails add to the coastal stretch, including the Black Island Trail. The beach and trails offer different experiences, from time by the water to exploring on foot.

Discover archaeology and history

History, too, can be experienced firsthand at a range of sites. Mound House is an archaeological site with nearly 2,000 years of continuous use. The grounds include a shell mound built by the Calusa. On kayak tours through the mangroves of Estero Bay, guides explain Calusa archaeological sites and the local wildlife. Since tour availability may vary, check before making plans.

The Edison and Ford Winter Estates cover more than 20 acres of historic buildings and gardens. They include the 1928 Edison Botanical Research Laboratory. The industrial area of Koreshan State Park is home to the 1929 Fairbanks-Morse engine and the original machine shop. These places offer different perspectives: Mound House combines archaeology with guided exploration, while the Estates and the industrial area focus on historic buildings, gardens and technological artifacts.

Explore more destinations

Explore more destinations: Bonita Springs, Cape Coral, Fort Myers, Lehigh Acres, Sanibel, Captiva, Estero, Fort Myers Beach, St James City, North Fort Myers, Miromar Lakes, Bokeelia, Matlacha, Boca Grande, Harlem Heights, Gateway, Whiskey Creek, Pine Island Center, Villas.

For the broader travel overview: Florida.