Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Bonita Springs, FL

Located between Fort Myers and Naples, Bonita Springs boasts some of the most picturesque coastal landscapes in Southwest Florida.

Along the Gulf, a series of barrier islands are adorned with exquisite beaches. Nestled between these islands and the mainland, lies the back bay, featuring mangroves and tranquil waters ideal for kayaking.

Visitors may encounter an ibis on the beach, paddle alongside a leisurely manatee, or pause on the trail to allow a gopher tortoise to pass.

In 2022, Hurricane Ian impacted this region of Southwest Florida; however, many locations discussed in this article had recovered by the time of my visit.

1. Barefoot Beach Preserve

Bonita Springs’ coastline features one of the last untouched barrier islands along Florida’s southwest coast.

Barefoot Beach Preserve encompasses over 340 acres of pristine shoreline, where the long, white sandy beach is bordered only by dunes and mangroves.

A boardwalk extends over the dunes from the parking area to the beach, offering ample space for visitors.

From May through October, portions of Barefoot Beach serve as nesting grounds for sea turtles, during which time certain areas will be cordoned off.

Moreover, wildlife is ever-present, with gopher tortoises wandering about and dolphins frolicking in the surf. I braved the mosquitoes and stayed until sunset to relish the view.

2. Bonita Beach Park

Heading west from downtown Bonita Springs, one soon arrives at this idyllic location.

Bonita Beach Park is part of an extensive stretch of beaches with minimal human interference. Instead, visitors are greeted by a continuous expanse of alluring white sand sloping gently into the Gulf of Mexico.

This location is optimal for those seeking an active beach experience. The area offers paddleboard and kayak rentals, as well as opportunities for jet skiing and parasailing.

North along Hickory Blvd, one will find a series of numbered access points. For greater seclusion, Access #10 at the less-trafficked Little Hickory Island Beach Park is suggested.

3. Riverside Park

Source: cityofbonitasprings.org

Located off Old 41, Riverside Park offers a picturesque setting alongside the delightful Imperial River. The park serves as a central hub for the downtown area’s community activities.

This venue hosts an outdoor concert series at the bandshell, movie nights in the park, a Christmas festival, and Star Spangled Bonita events.

I enjoyed attending the National Springs National Art Festivals, which occur on select weekends in January, February, and March.

Strolling through, I was impressed with the artistic quality displayed. Additionally, manatees were present in the river during that season.

Be sure to observe the Historic Lilies Hotel by the water, which dates back to 1926 and was once a museum.

4. Paddlesports

Bonita Springs is undoubtedly one of the finest locales for kayaking, canoeing, or paddleboarding in Southwest Florida.

The serene back bay environment, located on the estuaries and tidal lagoons between the mainland and the barrier islands, provides the perfect setting for exploration. Numerous local outfitters supply everything necessary to navigate these ecosystems.

The ideal starting point is Lovers Key State Park, which safeguards over 700 acres of Estero Bay.

As one glides quietly through these waters, sightings of bottlenose dolphins and manatees are common, alongside remarkable species like roseate spoonbills.

Spend a leisurely afternoon meandering through the mangroves and paddling from one island to another.

Bonita Springs forms part of the Calusa Blueway, a comprehensive network of paddling trails extending 190 miles across Lee County.

5. Bonita Wonder Gardens

Source: evergladeswondergardens.com

Established in 1936, this wildlife park originated from the vision of two brothers who created a roadside attraction for visitors.

Bonita Wonder Gardens has transformed over the years, showcasing a lush tropical environment inhabited by rescued reptiles and exotic birds.

This establishment resonates with nature enthusiasts, featuring a diverse collection of flora, including orchids and various palm species, accompanied by a rich variety of wildlife.

During my visit, I observed alligators, flamingos, peacocks, ibises, Sulcata tortoises, macaws, and Chinese golden pheasants.

This attraction also provides unique animal interaction experiences, allowing visitors to engage and feed tortoises and lorikeets.

6. Congo River Golf

Source: Congo River Golf & Exploration Co. / Facebook

Embodying an African exploration theme, Congo River Golf is a beloved family attraction located along the Highway 41 corridor.

Throughout my round, I found the commitment to the theme commendable; this 18-hole course seamlessly integrates waterfalls, caves, and tropical flora.

A unique aspect of this course is the wheel-spin challenges on a few holes, which adds an enjoyable twist to the game.

For example, I was instructed to use the handle of my club for one shot, which humorously added four strokes to my score, but my children found it amusing.

Additionally, local wildlife can be observed, and children have the opportunity to feed the resident turtles and alligators.

7. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park

Among the impressive beaches nearby, Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park has a stretch of unspoiled shoreline with minimal signs of development.

Situated south of the Cocohatchee River mouth, this park features some of the finest sandy beaches that attract visitors.

While the beach is the primary attraction and one of the best locations for shelling, there are numerous additional activities to enjoy.

Exploring the coastal forest trails or embarking on a kayaking adventure in the sheltered Turkey Bay is highly recommended. Manatees are commonly spotted in the winter months, while various wading birds such as plovers and sandpipers frequent the area during spring and summer.

8. Bonita Jet Ski and Parasail

Source: Bonita Jetski & Parasail / Facebook

Situated at Bonita Beach Park, this watersports company enables you to fully appreciate the splendid local coastline.

One of the packages offered is a guided jet ski tour through Estero Bay, allowing participants to journey from one mangrove island to another while encountering dolphins and manatees.

The shorter parasailing flight offers equally memorable experiences, showcasing breathtaking views of Naples, Estero Bay, Barefoot Beach, Bonita Springs, and Lover’s Key.

A variety of other services are also available, including kayaking, paddleboarding, and bicycle rentals for those seeking a more tranquil experience.

9. Farmer Mike’s U-Pick

A prominent presence at farmers’ markets from Naples to Fort Myers, this local fruit and vegetable farm was established over 20 years ago by a father-and-son duo.

The farm yields more than 100 varieties of fruits and vegetables, all cultivated through sustainable practices, including integrated pest management and crop rotation.

From late summer to spring, visitors can stop at the farm stand to purchase items ranging from Habanero chiles to butternut squash. In spring, U-Pick strawberries, tomatoes, and flowers are available, and my children thoroughly enjoyed participating.

During the onset of the season, a fall festival features hayrides, bounce houses, and opportunities to pick sunflowers and pumpkins.

10. Culum’s Bonita Trail

For those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience, a short yet stunning walk along the Imperial River awaits.

The trailhead is accessible upriver from downtown, at the Bonita Nature Place, a charming passive park designed for exploration of nature. Prior to embarking on the trail, take a moment to appreciate the gopher tortoises, bee habitats, and butterfly gardens.

The natural trail guides visitors through mature native woodlands, with large oak and cypress trees lining the path.

My sole recommendation is to apply insect repellent, which will ensure a delightful walk in nature. The Imperial River is additionally part of the Great Calusa Blueway, featuring nearly 200 miles of paddling trails throughout Lee County.

11. Mound Key Archaeological State Park

Source: Ron Alexander‎ / Facebook

Besides captivating natural beauty, this area presents intriguing archaeology within the mangroves of Estero Bay. Mound Key is believed to have served as a ceremonial hub for the prehistoric Calusa Native Americans.

This hunter-gatherer culture thrived in the region for approximately 2,000 years, utilizing the abundant marine resources.

They were present when the first Spanish explorers arrived in the early 16th century but had abandoned Mound Key by 1569.

What remains of their civilization includes middens, large mounds comprised of discarded shells and pottery fragments. I visited this site during a kayaking excursion around Lovers Key, allowing me to explore the ascending mounds and ridges, some reaching heights of 30 feet.

Unfortunately, Mound Key experienced significant damage during Hurricane Ian but was undergoing restoration during my visit.

12. Bonita Fairways Golf Course

Source: Bonita Fairways Golf Club / Facebook

While numerous exclusive golf courses line the coast, Bonita Fairways Golf Course presents an affordable option.

This par-61 executive course features an assortment of par 3s and par 4s, nestled within a nature preserve adorned with lush tropical vegetation.

The lakes within the preserve influence every hole, making for an engaging challenge targeting your iron play, approaches, and short game.

13. Bonita Springs Farmers’ Market

From October to July, an exceptional farmers’ market operates in Bonita Springs. Situated at the Promenade at Bonita Bay, this market serves as a gathering place for a vibrant community of growers.

Visitors will find an impressive assortment of fruits and vegetables, live plants, and cut flowers, complemented by artisanal cheeses, salsas, pickles, guacamole, local honey, seafood, jams, dog treats, and a diverse range of baked goods.

For those keen on prepared foods, I recommend sampling homemade lobster bisque, tamales, mini donuts, or bagels available at the market.

14. Dog Beach Park

For those who find the Southwest Florida climate warm, it’s essential to consider the comfort of our canine companions. Though dog-friendly beaches are limited, a notable option exists in Bonita Springs.

A Lee County facility, Dog Beach is situated in a calm back bay adjacent to Lovers Key State Park. The gentle, shallow waters here provide an ideal setting for energetic dogs to frolic off-leash and socialize.

A short walk through the mangroves from the parking area may allow for wildlife sightings, including manatees, dolphins, and wading birds like herons, ibises, and spoonbills.

15. Flamingo Island Flea Market

Source: Flamingo Island Flea Market / Facebook

Located off I-75 on the east side of the town, the Flamingo Island Flea Market boasts around 600 vendor booths. Open Friday through Sunday, this venue provides bargains across a vast array of products.

Each visit can reveal unexpected treasures, including jewelry, sunglasses, CBD products, tools, vintage clothing, toys, electric bikes, records, books, and more.

Additionally, a farmers’ market operates here, along with live music, a selection of eateries, and a lively tiki bar.