18 Best Things to Do in Bonita Springs, FL

By VI Staff on April 14, 2019

Bonita Springs is located just south of Fort Myers on the coast. This charming place is a great destination to visit for families, couples seeking a romantic getaway, and individuals looking to spend some relaxing time on the beach. Its proximity to Fort Myers makes getting to and from Bonita Springs easy. Miles of beaches and state parks in the area create plenty of recreational opportunities.

1.Barefoot Beach Preserve

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.Seaside Kayaking

Seaside Kayaking is primarily a kayak renting facility that offers additional services to guests. Renting equipment is common in Southwest Florida, but Seaside Kayaking is one of the premier facilities in Bonita, Florida. The business is run by Florida natives who are extremely familiar with the surrounding area and can give not only expert recommendations on rentals, but additional information on desired routes and sites to see. They provide a mobile kayak service, meaning they will bring the kayak to you at the best launching spots and pick the kayaks up from you when you are done.

4375 Pine Lake Rd, Bonita Springs, FL 34134, Phone: 239-687-9498

3.Everglades Wonder Gardens

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

4.Bonita Springs Riverside Park

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

5.Naples Fort Myers Greyhound Track

At the Naples Fort Myers Greyhound Track the doors open daily at 9:45am, with races and betting happening everyday of the year. This facility is a long time landmark, and has been a recreation staple for the area since it originally opened in the 1970s. The track isn’t just home to betting, however, as it also provides charitable and special events, social amenities, and more community based programs. A greyhound track is a timeless activity, and the Naples Fort Myers Greyhound Track is one of the more unique facilities in Florida, and the United States in general.

10601 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs, FL 34135, Phone: 239-992-2411

6.Congo River Golf

Congo River Golf, a local award-winning miniature golf course, considers itself to be more than just a game. Instead, it considers itself to be an adventure packed with fun memories for the entire family. Each hole is specifically designed to reflect natural environmental attractions, and the course as a whole takes players through a diverse collection of challenges. There are tranquil waterfalls, caves filled with mystery, and even tropical rainforests for players to explore alongside the course’s avatars, Stanley and Livingstone. For information on special event packages, birthdays, and hours of operation contact Congo River Golf by phone or online.

24270 S. Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs, FL 34134, Phone: 239-948-9099

7.Manatee Guides

Manatee Guides, in Bonita Springs, typically launch their tours from New Pass Bridge in Estero Bay. Guests will travel by canoe or kayak at their leisure while being directed and guided by a specially trained Manatee Guides representative who knows the all the secret spots in the area for seeing wildlife. Guests do not need to have any previous experience operating kayaks or canoes, as they will never traverse difficult waters, but instead will partake in a leisurely paddle while asking all the questions that come to mind. On many tours guests have reported seeing not only manatees but also dolphins, rare birds, and more.

Bonita Springs, FL 34135, Phone: 239-247-4955

8.Farmer Mike’s U Pick

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

9.Dog Beach

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.

10.Flamingo Island Flea Market

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

11.Rodes Fresh & Fancy Farmers Market

Originally established in 1984, the Rodes Fresh Farmers Market & Fancy Restaurant has since teamed up with the Bonita Springs Lions Club to bring a fresh, weekly farmers market to Bonita Springs. Guests to the market can find everything from fresh produce to Rodes Key Lime Pie, arts and crafts, and even an assortment of beach related items for purchase. There is also an onsite indoor Seafood Market that sells fish dips, crab, locally caught fish, and shellfish. The market takes place every Saturday, October throughout April, and is only 3/4ths of a mile from Bonita Beach.

3756 Bonita Beach Road SW, Bonita Springs, FL 34134

12.Bonita Springs Farmers Market

Every Saturday from 8am through noon, October through April, guests are invited to shop, eat, and partake in the Bonita Springs Farmers Market. The market itself is situated in the Bonita Bay community, very near to The Promenade Shopping Center. There are a large number of stalls, and the merchandise available ranges from fresh fruits and vegetables to cut flowers, take home plants, baked goods, seafood, locally sourced honey, and more. There are vendors selling freshly prepared food for breakfast and lunch, vendors selling prepared drinks, and even a small collection of artists and crafters showcasing their merchandise.

26795 S Bay Dr, Bonita Springs, FL 34134

13.Adventures Kayaking

Adventures Kayaking was originally founded by Jo and Glenn Novotny, and the company focuses on eco-friendly guided tours for children and adults alike. The company has been providing kayak tours since 2007, and typically offer sessions that range between 2-3 hours or go for the whole day. They offer both kayaks for independent rent as well as guided tours, depending on the needs and desires of the client. The guides are knowledgeable on all the local flora and fauna and are more than happy to cater the expedition to fit the expectations of the guests.

Big Hickory Island, Bonita Springs Water Tower, FL 34134, Phone: 239-601-6974

14.Bonita Jet Ski and Parasail

Fun for the whole family, Bonita Jet Ski and Parasail provides a unique and quintessential Florida experience on the water. The company has been in operation since 1988 and has long since worked out the best practice to make their customers as happy as possible. They are located near to Doc’s Beach House Restaurant and provide water sports fun for adults and children alike. Although they specialize in jet ski rentals and parasail expeditions, they also offer guided tours, dolphin sighting trips, and more. Customers who prefer to take things into their own hands may enjoy renting a paddle board, kayak, paddle boat, or even a Hobie Cat sailboat to explore on their own.

27908 Hickory Blvd, Bonita Springs, FL 34135, Phone: 239-825-7559

15.C Level Bistro & Wine Bar

Wine connoisseurs will definitely want to plan a stop at C Level Bistro & Wine Bar when visiting Bonita Springs, as it features an extensive menu and even more extensive wine list. They have a variety of internationally influenced dishes, from classic French to contemporary American. All of their food is made using locally sourced ingredients when possible, and their onsite wine specialists are always happy to recommend the perfect wine pairing with any ordered meal. Florida is definitely all about beaches and water sports, but a night relaxing at C Level Bistro & Wine Bar is a great way to recharge the batteries before another day of sunbathing.

4450 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs FL 34134, Phone: 239-221-7046

16.Petar's Restaurant

Petar’s Restaurant is the perfect getaway for anyone looking for a night of elegance, delicious food, and high class dining. All of the ingredients used at Petar’s are carefully selected to deliver the most sublime pallette experience possible. Everything is made in-house, from the main course dishes to the sauces and sides, and Petar’s servers are always happy to help pair the perfect wine for any meal. Petar’s is only open for dinner, typically from 5pm through 9:30pm, and it is always recommended that guests call ahead to ensure they will have a table upon arrival.

3300 Bonita Beach Rd SW #120, Bonita Springs, FL 34134, Phone: 239-494-1343

17.The Other Side Bistro

The Other Side Bistro is open daily for lunch, dinner, and once a week for a special sunday brunch. Chef Brian, who is head chef at The Other Side Bistro, takes great pride in creating a fresh menu and using the best ingredients in all his dishes. The food is what guests have come to expect and love from Florida cuisine, plenty of seafood centric dishes with international influence when appropriate. The Other Side Bistro takes reservations by telephone, and they showcase their menu on their website if guests want to peruse it before arriving.

24630 US-41, Bonita Springs, FL 34134, Phone: 239-992-7433

18.Angelina's Ristorante

Angelina’s Ristorante has different seasonal hours depending on the time of year, so it is always recommended to call ahead to ensure they will be open and have table space available. This restaurant is located just one mile south of the Coconut Point Mall, making it an easy stop after a long day of shopping. They have featured world-class dining options since their opening in April 2008, and has frequently been voted as one of the best restaurants in Southwest Florida. Angelina’s Ristorante believed passionately in pairing the right wine with food, which is clearly showcased by their 30 foot wine tower contained within the restaurant.

24041 S Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs, FL 34134, Phone: 239-390-3187