Looking for sun, shells, and Southwest Florida charm? Head to Bonita Springs! Tucked between Naples and Fort Myers, Bonita Springs is a Gulf Coast gem filled with white-sand beaches, warm waters, and tropical adventures. Whether you’re kayaking mangrove tunnels, lounging at Lovers Key, or savoring fresh seafood, Bonita offers laid-back luxury and natural beauty.
Bonita Springs, FL Highlights:
- For Beachgoers: Relax at Bonita Beach Park – Enjoy sandy shores, gentle waves, and picturesque sunsets on the Gulf of Mexico.
- For Wildlife Enthusiasts: Explore Lovers Key State Park – Spot dolphins, manatees, and birds while kayaking or hiking the scenic trails.
- For Families: Visit Everglades Wonder Gardens – A classic roadside attraction featuring rescued animals, botanical gardens, and reptiles.
- For Shoppers: Stroll Promenade at Bonita Bay – Browse upscale boutiques, galleries, and waterfront restaurants in an open-air setting.
- For Water Lovers: Paddle the Imperial River – Kayak or paddleboard through mangroves and calm backwaters teeming with wildlife.
Best Time to Visit Bonita Springs, FL
The best time to visit Bonita Springs is from November to April, during the dry season. Expect warm, sunny days ideal for beach outings, wildlife viewing, and boating. Summer is hot and humid, with afternoon thunderstorms and lighter crowds.
How to Get to Bonita Springs, FL
- By Car: Bonita Springs is located off I-75 between Naples and Fort Myers, about 2 hours from Tampa and 2.5 hours from Miami.
- By Air: The nearest airport is Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), about 25–30 minutes away by car.
- By Bus: LeeTran provides limited local bus service; rental cars or rideshares are best for exploring the area.
Where to Stay in Bonita Springs, FL
- Recommended for Families: Trianon Bonita Bay – Comfortable rooms with a lakeside pool and easy access to shopping and restaurants.
- For Couples: Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort – A luxury resort with a private island beach, lazy river, and tranquil spa.
- For Beach Access: Bonita Beach Resort Motel – Affordable, no-frills lodging steps from the sand and surf.
Best Things to Do in Bonita Springs, FL
1. Barefoot Beach Preserve
Walk along sandy shores and admire natural beauty on a peaceful Bonita Springs spring outing.
With over 342 acres of natural lands accessible to visitors, Collier County’s Barefoot Beach Preserve is one of the few remaining undeveloped barrier islands located along Florida’s southwest coastline. The preserve is open for sunbathers, swimmers, joggers, and more, and has a few access points through which guests can enter. There are facilities at a nearby beach, including restrooms, showers, concession stands, and additional parking. The Barefoot Beach Preserve is home to numerous animal species, so guests are encouraged to treat any wildlife they encounter with respect by not feeding them and keeping their distance.
505 Barefoot Beach Boulevard, Naples, FL, 34134, Phone: 239-252-4000
2. Everglades Wonder Gardens
See rescued animals and explore unusual tropical gardens on a family trip.
The Everglades Wonder Gardens originally opened in 1936, a dream project between Bill and Lester Piper, brothers, who wanted to establish a Reptile Garden for tourists visiting the area. This small project eventually grew and grew, as it was the perfect pitstop for people passing through on the Tamiami Trail. Eventually the wildlife in the gardens, as well as the botanical exhibits, continued to grow and grow under the same family for three generations. In 2014 the gardens passed ownership and have continued to thrive, providing guests with a chance to experience diverse Floridian plants, animals, and more.
27180 Old 41 Rd. Bonita Springs, Florida 34135, Phone: 239-992-2591
3. Bonita Springs Riverside Park
Enjoy live events and relax by the water during a weekend visit.
The Bonita Springs Riverside Park offers the perfect getaway without ever leaving Bonita Springs. It is located on the old US 41 Road, in Olde Bonita, and rests along the banks of the Imperial River. The park is perfect to visit any time of year, and it is also used for special holiday celebrations, various art shows, different festivals, and more. Occasionally there are Movies in the Park, live music, and even the Celebrate Bonita Festival takes place in the park. For information on special events it is best to contact the park directly by telephone or by viewing their calendar online.
10451 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs, FL 34135, Phone: 239-992-2556
Attractions for Couples
4. Farmer Mike’s U Pick
Pick fresh produce and savor seasonal fun on an affordable outing with kids.
Depending on the time of year, guests who visit Farmer Mike’s U Pick can expect anything from fresh strawberries to fresh corn, tomatoes, bell peppers, and more. A visit to this farm typically entails wandering the rows of fresh produce and fruit while carrying a basket to fill at the guests leisure with whatever catches their eye. There is nothing fresher than right off the plant, and guests can find that, and more, from Farmer Mike’s U Pick. At various times of the year there are special events, like a giant corn maze, pumpkin patch, and even a fall festival filled with tasty treats and activities.
26031 Morton Ave. Bonita Springs, FL 34135, Phone: 239-498-4576
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
5. Dog Beach
Let pups run free and enjoy a playful stop on a summer trip.
The Bonita Springs Dog Beach is run by volunteers, open from dawn to dusk, and welcomes dogs of every breed, size, and play capacity. This beach is considered to be one of the only pet permitted public beaches in Bonita Springs, and serves a double purpose as an off leash dog area for dog owners to let their four legged friends run free and play. It is located on Bonita Beach Road, just north of New Pass Bridge, and is only a few miles away from Fort Myers Beach. Beach size varies heavily with tide and water levels, so plan trips accordingly.
6. Flamingo Island Flea Market
Browse unique finds and explore cheap treasures in this exciting local hotspot.
Flamingo Island Flea Market is one of Bonita Springs premier weekend shopping destinations. Featuring over 600 booths, from clothing to hand crafted arts, jewelry, food, and more, customers at Flamingo Island Flea Market can almost always find what they are looking for. Walking the aisles is a great way to spend the morning before grabbing food at nearby cafes and restaurants. The Flamingo Island Flea Market has plenty of special events throughout the year so be sure to check out their calendar before scheduling a visit.
11902 Bonita Beach Rd SE, Bonita Springs, FL 34135, Phone: 239-948-7799
Where to Eat in Bonita Springs, FL
- Recommended for Families: Buffalo Chips Restaurant – Laid-back, family-friendly spot with wings, burgers, and classic comfort food.
- For Fine Dining: Roy’s Restaurant – Upscale Pacific Rim cuisine and seafood in an elegant setting near the Promenade.
- For a Casual Meal: The Fish House – Relaxed dockside dining with fresh catches and tiki drinks on the water.
If you are interested in local events:
- For Art & Culture: Bonita Springs National Art Festival (January & February) – Juried fine art festival featuring artists from across the country.
- For Music Lovers: Celebrate Bonita Festival (May) – Live music, food trucks, kids’ activities, and local vendors at Riverside Park.
- For Holiday Fun: Holiday in the Park (December) – Tree lighting, music, snow play, and festive family fun in downtown Bonita.
Day Trip Itineraries Within 30–90 Minutes of Bonita Springs, FL:
- For Nature Lovers: Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary (30–40 min) – Walk a boardwalk through cypress forests, marshes, and bird habitats.
- For Culture: Naples (25–30 min) – Shop Fifth Avenue, visit the Naples Botanical Garden, or tour The Baker Museum.
- For History Buffs: Edison & Ford Winter Estates (45 min) – Discover the homes and inventions of two American icons in Fort Myers.
- For Island Life: Sanibel & Captiva Islands (60–75 min) – Collect seashells, bike scenic paths, or watch dolphins from the shore.
- For Fishing & Boating: Estero Bay Preserve State Park (20 min) – Explore coastal waters and mangroves on a paddle or fishing trip.
Frequently Asked Questions:
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Where is Bonita Springs located?
- Bonita Springs is located just south of Fort Myers on the coast of Florida.
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What makes Bonita Springs a great travel destination?
- This charming location is perfect for families, couples seeking a romantic getaway, and individuals looking for a relaxing beach experience.
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Is Bonita Springs easily accessible?
- Its proximity to Fort Myers makes traveling to and from Bonita Springs convenient.
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What recreational opportunities are available in Bonita Springs?
- Miles of beaches and state parks in the area offer plenty of recreational opportunities, including outdoor activities and nature exploration.
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