Home › Florida › Fort Myers Beach › Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve
Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 551 Google reviews · Running trail in Fort Myers Beach, Florida · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Natural surface
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Not reported
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
Opened in 1966, Florida's first aquatic preserve offers miles of hiking trails, wildlife & kayaking.
What runners say about Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve
“This is a beautiful area we accessed by boat, but it should be accessible by land through Lovers Key or Pelican Island.”
“Sea shells are all over, water is so blue, its quiet and peaceful.”
A phenomenal way to experience the true natural beauty of the Southern Florida experience! In an amazing 9 mile round trip to the Bay. We saw a Bald eagle, a six foot alligator, a four foot sand shark, a manette, an amazing assortment of tropical birds, huge crabs, and some of the most beautiful foliage including an…
Hot trails. Scrub trails. Very quiet. Yellow , red , blue trails . It was a little muddy when we visited. I suggest long pants if your walking. Grass is knee to waist high in spots.
Trail conditions & character
“This is a beautiful area we accessed by boat, but it should be accessible by land through Lovers Key or Pelican Island.”
“Sea shells are all over, water is so blue, its quiet and peaceful.”
“This is a beautiful area we accessed by boat, but it should be accessible by land through Lovers Key or Pelican Island.”
Plan your run at Estero Bay Aquatic Preserve
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- SurfaceNatural surface — easiest on the joints and the most fun, but expect roots, rocks and mud after rain
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeNot reported. Assume some of it is exposed and carry water in summer.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
- Stroller / wheelchairReported as smooth and step-free enough for a running stroller or a chair.
- Websitefloridadep.gov
- Phone+1 239-530-1001
- Social Instagram · Facebook
Running trails near Fort Myers Beach
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Lovers Key State Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 7,495 reviews
Once secluded beach now accessible by boardwalk & tram is home to manatees, dolphins & bald eagles.
Blue Trail
3.9 ★★★★☆ 8 reviews
Estero Bay Preserve State Park
4.2 ★★★★☆ 45 reviews
Estero River Scrub - Estero Bay Preserve State Park
4.1 ★★★★☆ 112 reviews
Relaxed reserve of Florida’s scrubland, featuring walking trails and varied wildlife like turtles and crabs.
Koreshan State Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 2,693 reviews
Vast state park with picnic & camping facilities, historic buildings, trails & canoe streams.
Bonita Beach Park
4.7 ★★★★★ 4,194 reviews
A volleyball court, playground & picnic shelters highlight this park adjacent to a popular beach.