Hidden gems - Nature preserves in Fort Myers, United States not to miss (Updated March, 2024)

Hidden gems: Nature preserves in Fort Myers

Discover the city's hidden treasures—remarkable spots that are relatively undiscovered but offer exceptional experiences. Our selection criteria? A rating of 4.5 or higher with fewer than 150 reviews. Explore these lesser-known yet outstanding places that promise a delightful visit in Fort Myers. This list contains 29 places from Nature preserve category.

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Within Fort Myers

Bob Janes Preserve

Nature preserve

Nature preserve & walking area with trails through picturesque scenery.

4.90 (7 reviews) (~22.64 km from centre)

CREW Marsh Trails

Hiking area

👍👍 Had such a lovely time exploring these trails. The educational signs and components were very high quality, and we saw lots of wildlife! (Mostly birds). I recommend going early in the morning and packing plenty of water.

4.80 (149 reviews) (~37.46 km from centre)

Conservation Foundation Gulf Coast

Charity

4.80 (121 reviews) (~87.8 km from centre)

Archbold Biological Station

Nature preserve

👍👍 I grew up at Archbold, My Grandfather Dr. James N Layne was the first director My Father is Opperations manager. It has been a pleasure being a part of various research projects and support staff.

4.80 (91 reviews) (~79.35 km from centre)

CREW Cypress Dome Trails

Hiking area

👍👍 Very cool hike! Happened upon one of the largest alligators we’ve seen in the wild, sunning on the side of a canal. She patiently let us photograph her before we walked away. We made it about 3/4’s of the trail before the

4.70 (126 reviews) (~37.01 km from centre)

Pepper Ranch Preserve

Nature preserve

👍👍 This place was so neat and definitely worth the visit. I would bring shoes you don't mind getting dirty if you are hiking. Also this isn't the place for you if you are scared of cows, it could feel intimidating. Otherwise definitely go!

4.70 (115 reviews) (~44.26 km from centre)

Bailey Homestead Preserve, Sanibel-Captiva Conservation Foundation

Nature preserve

👍👍 Beautiful nursery with a large selection of native plants. The staff is very helpful and kind, and they care about what they do. Even if you visit just to walk around, you will see lots of wildlife. You can also walk down the trail behind the nursery which is really nice. You can't go inside the hou...

4.70 (54 reviews) (~27.94 km from centre)

Caracara Prairie Preserve

Nature preserve

👍👍 I got there early morning, the GPS took me to a gate that was not the right one. ...a poster hanging on the gate, put me on the road again for 1/4 more mile, straight to the parking lot at Crew Cypress Dome Trailhead.... Trails are designed by colors, ... Yellow, Green, White and red, all connected...

4.70 (47 reviews) (~38.25 km from centre)

Lake Wales Ridge Wildlife and Environmental Area - Royce

Wildlife park

👍👍 A wonderful, isolated, slice of wild Florida. The trails are well maintained and you can drive right to the trail head. We especially enjoyed our walk through the ancient sand dune scrub (a part of the Lake Wales Ridge). Bring plenty of water since there are stretches of trail with no shade and d...

4.70 (15 reviews) (~97.13 km from centre)

Jim Neville Marine Preserve

Nature preserve

👍👍 Stop by on the way down to the area at Siesta Sports Rental and rent a kayak. Launch off across from Turtle Beach and kayak around the Nevulle Preserve area. $40 for 4 hours, great way to spend an afternoon.

4.70 (11 reviews) (~89.53 km from centre)

Bearadise Ranch Bear Preserve

Wildlife and safari park

😠 The owner, Monica toured her little bear show to my city’s fair this week. I stumbled upon it and started watching. The poor bear could hardly keep its head up as she was forced to preform tricks and kept in a trailer for 8 days (not counting the days it’s takes to travel). After her little show was...

4.60 (95 reviews) (~95.7 km from centre)

Cape Haze Aquatic Preserve

Nature preserve

Small, tranquil group of protected mangrove islands for kayaking, birding & fishing.

4.60 (87 reviews) (~36.52 km from centre)

Pop Ash Creek Preserve

Nature preserve

👍👍 Awesome trail! Easy free parking right onsite. So many different water views made this such an enjoyable hike for me! I saw an alligator, rabbit, deer, birds, and a funny bird that hopped away! Will definitely be back!

4.60 (87 reviews) (~14.53 km from centre)

Captain Steve's Swamp Buggy Adventures

Tour operator

👍👍 We had a fantastic tour! Everything was well organised and you could tell that our guide Adam grew up in and loves the Everglades. He not only drove us around, telling us lots of interesting facts about the plants and animals, he also took us on little hikes to see and experience even more of the be...

4.60 (48 reviews) (~94.78 km from centre)

Dr. Willard "Bill" Coy Preserve on Buck Creek

Nature preserve

4.60 (44 reviews) (~51.72 km from centre)

Shell Creek Preserve

Nature preserve

4.60 (17 reviews) (~36.03 km from centre)

Prairie Creek Preserve

Nature preserve

4.60 (14 reviews) (~42.08 km from centre)

Thornton Key Preserve

Nature preserve

🫤 Most reviewed are for rum bay not the preserve

4.60 (13 reviews) (~52.82 km from centre)

Crowley Museum & Nature Center

Cultural center

😐 This is a small local museum that features a Florida “cracker” farm and houses. The museum has a collection of antiques including farm equipment, loom and furniture. There are Longhorn Watusi, goats, chickens, wild hogs and a pair of Marshtakie cracker horses. If you enjoy cracker history you’ll en...

4.50 (117 reviews) (~83.37 km from centre)

Charlotte Harbor Preserve State Park North Cape Flats Trail

Nature preserve

👍 Beautiful florida park. Nice little hike with water front hike. Go during low tide!

4.50 (110 reviews) (~21.56 km from centre)

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Hidden gems: Nature preserves in Fort Myers, United States