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Southwest Florida is a treasure trove of natural wonders. Its scenic coastal cities and barrier islands are some of Southerners’ favorite places to get away for a beach vacation, whether they’re interested in deep sea fishing, shell hunting, or spending a long day relaxing in the sand. From sunny Fort Myers and Naples to remote Sanibel and Captiva, visitors have plenty to choose from when deciding on a destination.

For nature lovers, Bonita Springs, located almost perfectly between Fort Myers and Naples, is a dream. Home to several state parks and natural preserves, not only does Bonita Springs offer beautiful beaches to explore, but it also features mystical marshlands, forests, and rivers. May through September has the best weather for boating, but temperatures are mild year-round. Visit in spring or fall for a less crowded experience. Here are our favorite ways to explore Bonita Springs.

The Great Outdoors

Plan A Beach Day

With its prime location on Florida’s southwest coast, every trip to Bonita Springs should start with a day at Bonita Beach. The 2.5-mile beach is lined with natural vegetation, giving it the appeal of a remote escape, while still offering all the modern-day conveniences of more tourist-heavy shores. At Bonita Beach Park, located on the southern tip of Bonita Beach, you’ll find restrooms, covered picnic tables and grills, and a sand volleyball court. Spend a long day birding, beachcombing, or just relaxing on Bonita Beach. For those who want to bring their furry friends along, head to Bonita Beach Dog Park, a dog-friendly, off-leash tidal flat where pups can roam freely and frolic in the shallow waters. When it’s time to pack it up for the day, you can even give your four-legged companion a quick rinse at provided doggie showers.

Explore Nearby Barrier Islands

A big part of what makes Bonita Springs such an unforgettable beach destination are its mystical mangrove forests, unusual shell mounds, and remote landscapes, all of which can be found at Mound Key Archaeological State Park and Lovers Key State Park. Start your adventure at Lovers Key, a collection of barrier islands with 2 miles of sandy beach. A popular spot for romantic getaways and even weddings, the park also includes 5 miles of multi-use trails that offer the chance to see butterflies flitting between flowers, egrets and herons wade and fish along backwaters, and even gopher tortoises munching on vegetation.

floridastateparks.org, 8700 Estero Blvd, Fort Myers Beach, FL 33931

Paddle To Mound Key Archaelogical Park

From Lovers Key, rent a kayak and make the short 2.5-mile paddle to Mound Key Archaeological Park, which is only accessible via waterways. On the way, don’t be surprised if you spot manatees, stingrays, jumping mullet, and a symphony of coastal birds. Once you make it to Mound Key, hike the one mile trail that takes you over two massive mounds and includes interpretive kiosks detailing the park’s thousands of years old history and original inhabitants, the Calusa Native Americans.

Walk On The Wild Side At Wonder Gardens

Longtime Floridians know Wonder Gardens as one of the last holdouts of Old Florida. The animal and botanical attraction opened in 1936, featuring the natural flora and fauna of Florida with help from a few international tropical species. Today, the park continues its original mission and is home to more than 300 rescued and non-releasable animals, ranging from turtles and parakeets to golden pheasants and alligators, all set in a gorgeous botanical garden.

wondergardens.org, 27180 Old 41 Road, Bonita Springs, FL

Hit The Links At A Scenic Golf Course

Unleash your competitive spirit or tag along for the golf cart ride and scenic views at one of around 20 golf courses in the area. Bonita Fairways is an 18-hole executive course is set on a beautiful nature preserve dotted with lakes that offer a challenge to seasoned golfers. The recently overhauled Saltleaf Golf Preserve is set on an 144-acre Florida uplands preserve adjacent to Estero Bay. It has an 18-hole championship course and nine-hole short course surrounded by natural wonders.

Shopping And Culture

Visit The Artists At Riverside Park

At the center of town lies Riverside Park, a sprawling green space that’s popular for picnics, gatherings, and special events year-round. It’s also a hub for arts and culture. The Bandshell hosts regular live music performances. Six Artist Cottages serve as studios for members of Bonita Springs’s art community. They create everything from seashell art to ceramics and paintings. There’s also a butterfly garden, fountain, and veteran’s memorial to check out.

bonitaspringspark.org, 10450 Reynolds St., Bonita Springs, FL 34135

Search For Treasure At The Flea Market

You could spend an entire day perusing the 600-plus booths at Flamingo Island Flea Market and still not have time to see it all. The massive indoor flea market hosts vendors from all over the world who sell everything from vintage décor and apparel to houseplants and handmade pottery. In between hours of treasure hunting, you can stop for a bite to eat at one of two onsite restaurants: Freddie’s Pizza & Subs or Corona Cantina. From November to April, there’s live music, and special events happen throughout the year.

flamingoisland.com, 11902 Bonita Beach Road SE, Bonita Springs, FL 34135

Take A Stroll On The Promenade

The Promenade isn’t just any open-air shopping center. Ornate ironwork, bridges, waterfalls, a snaking river, and lush landscaping make this an enjoyable spot to stroll and relax. You’ll find high-end boutiques, a gourmet market, and bars and restaurants, as well as frequent live entertainment.

promenadeshops.com, 26811 South Bay Dr., Bonita Springs, Fl 34134

Food And Drink

Order A Big Breakfast

Down-home breakfast and lunch are best at Old 41. Try the giant Belgian waffles or a Philly cheesesteak omelet, which pays homage to the owner’s hometown.

old41.com, 25091 Bernwood Dr. #1, Bonita Springs, FL, 34135

Enjoy Fresh Seafood On The Waterfront

Fish House Restaurant has been Bonita Springs’s go-to spot for fresh seafood since 1994. Beginning at 11 a.m., the waterfront restaurant’s outdoor patio and boat dock are humming with activity as boaters pull up for a bite to eat and beachgoers find some shade and a meal between hours of catching rays and waves. The massive menu offers just about anything you can dream up, but for a true taste of the area, order fresh Gulf grouper—deep-fried in a basket, broiled and stuffed with crab meat, or tucked into a taco.

thefishhouserestaurants.com, 4685 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs, FL 34134

Say Yes To Pie

For more nostalgic eats, head to Dolly’s Produce Patch & Eatery, where you should definitely order whatever’s on the daily special board and always finish with a slice of the restaurant’s legendary pie. The fillings are seemingly endless and every flavor’s better than the last.

facebook.com, 9930 Bonita Beach Road SE, Bonita Springs, FL 34135

Plan A Date Night At Angelina’s

Reserve a table at Angelina’s Ristorante for fine Italian dining. Housemade pastas, a huge wine list, live piano music, and a specialty Sea Salt Baked Snapper for Two are all ready to make your night.

angelinasofbonitasprings.com, 24041 S. Tamiami Trail, Bonita Springs, FL 34134

Go Global At Local Restaurants

Chef Jarrod Davis synthesized his experiences cooking at fine restaurants in Asia and America at A Table Apart Global Cuisine. The menu’s regional American and Pan Asian dishes use locally sourced produce, fresh-caught seafood, and free-range meat.

atableapart.com, 4295 Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Springs, FL 34134

The similarly chef-driven kitchen at The Bohemian produces sharable selections with global influences. Their Florida hardwood oak grill also uses locally sourced ingredients, while herbs come right from their organic rooftop garden.

thebohemianbonita.com, 27975 Old 41 Road Suite 104, Bonita Springs, FL 34135

Places To Stay

Splurge On A Full-Service Resort

Kick back and relax at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa, an award-winning tropical resort that’s ideal for both family trips and romantic getaways. Water is a main attraction at most Florida destinations, and with five waterslides, four pools, a lazy river, and access to a secluded private island, Coconut Point more than has that covered. Contemporary coastal-inspired rooms feature floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors to let in the famous Florida sunshine and provide sweeping views of Estero Bay and the Gulf coastline.

hyatt.com , 5001 Coconut Road, Bonita Springs, FL 34134

Stay At A Boutique Hotel

Historic Shangri-La Springs has been around in various iterations since 1921. The organic gardens and restaurant and full-service spa make it a destination for relaxation and healing. Depending on the day, yoga classes, art workshops, and garden tours are available. There are two guest suites in the main building and six flanking the lush tropical courtyard.

shangrilasprings.com, 27750 Old 41 Rd, Bonita Springs, FL 34135