Bonita Springs FloridaATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Bonita Springs, Florida.
1. Barefoot Beach Preserve
PRISTINE COASTAL PARADISE
Barefoot Beach Preserve is a 342-acre natural gem offering soft white sand, gentle waves, and a peaceful atmosphere away from tourist crowds. Visitors can enjoy excellent shelling opportunities, especially in the early morning after high tide, and might spot gopher tortoises wandering through the dunes or dolphins playing in the Gulf waters. The preserve maintains its natural vibe with basic amenities like restrooms and picnic areas, but no high-rise buildings or large commercial developments.
2. Wonder Gardens
HISTORIC BOTANICAL SANCTUARY
Wonder Gardens is a vibrant botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary located in the heart of Bonita Springs on the Imperial River. This historic attraction offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves among lush tropical plants and encounter diverse Florida wildlife in a beautifully maintained setting. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy a peaceful stroll through the gardens while learning about conservation efforts and native ecosystems.
3. Lovers Key State Park
NATURE LOVER'S PARADISE
Lovers Key State Park offers a stunning natural escape with its pristine beaches, mangrove forests, and abundant wildlife just a short drive from Bonita Springs. Visitors can explore miles of trails by foot or bike, paddle through winding waterways to spot manatees and dolphins, or simply relax on the white sand beaches. The park provides a perfect blend of recreation and relaxation with amenities including kayak rentals, picnic areas, and guided eco-tours.
4. Bonita Nature Place
EDUCATIONAL OUTDOOR EXPERIENCE
Bonita Nature Place provides a serene educational outdoor experience with trails winding through natural Florida habitats. Visitors can explore interpretive exhibits, observe local wildlife, and learn about native plants and ecosystems through interactive displays. This family-friendly attraction offers a peaceful retreat for nature lovers seeking to connect with Southwest Florida's natural environment.
5. Dolphin & Manatee Boat Tours
WILDLIFE VIEWING ADVENTURES
Dolphin & Manatee Boat Tours offer visitors an unforgettable opportunity to witness Florida's beloved marine mammals in their natural habitat around Bonita Springs. Expert guides navigate through coastal waters, sharing fascinating information about local wildlife while ensuring respectful viewing practices. Passengers frequently enjoy close encounters with playful dolphins and gentle manatees while also learning about the delicate ecosystem of Southwest Florida's waterways.
6. Bonita Springs Beach
RELAXING GULF SHORE
Bonita Springs Beach offers visitors a quintessential Florida Gulf Coast experience with its soft white sand and crystal-clear waters. Beachgoers can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, and spectacular sunset views in a more relaxed setting than busier neighboring beaches. The area provides convenient amenities while maintaining the charm and natural beauty that makes Southwest Florida beaches so appealing.
7. Guided Kayak Eco Tours
MANGROVE WATERWAY EXPLORATION
Guided Kayak Eco Tours in Bonita Springs allow adventurers to paddle through scenic mangrove tunnels and coastal waterways with knowledgeable local guides. Participants frequently encounter diverse wildlife including dolphins, manatees, and numerous bird species while learning about the delicate ecosystem of Southwest Florida's coastal environment. Both clear kayaks and standard kayaks offer unique perspectives of this aquatic paradise, making it suitable for beginners and experienced paddlers alike.
8. Edison-Ford Winter Estates
HISTORIC INVENTOR RESIDENCES
The Edison-Ford Winter Estates preserve the winter homes of inventors Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, offering visitors a glimpse into the lives of these influential Americans. The 20-acre property features historic buildings, beautiful gardens with over 1,700 plants, and a museum displaying fascinating inventions and artifacts. Guided tours provide insights into the friendship between these industrial giants and their contributions to American innovation while showcasing the botanical wonders Edison cultivated during his winters in Florida.
9. Manatee Park
GENTLE GIANT SANCTUARY
Manatee Park in Fort Myers offers one of the best opportunities to observe Florida's beloved manatees in their natural habitat, especially during winter months when these gentle giants seek warm waters. Visitors can view these magnificent creatures from multiple observation platforms or get a closer perspective by renting kayaks to paddle nearby. The park also features educational exhibits, butterfly gardens, and picnic facilities, making it an ideal family-friendly destination for wildlife enthusiasts.
10. Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve
WETLAND BOARDWALK EXPERIENCE
Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve protects a pristine 3,500-acre wetland ecosystem with an elevated boardwalk allowing visitors to explore this unique natural environment without disturbing the habitat. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot alligators, otters, turtles, and numerous bird species while strolling through cypress forests, marshes, and ponds. The interpretive center provides educational exhibits about the slough's ecology and the importance of wetlands in Florida's ecosystem, making it both an entertaining and informative experience.
11. Seminole Gulf Railway's Dinner Train Theater
ROLLING ENTERTAINMENT EXPERIENCE
Seminole Gulf Railway's Dinner Train Theater offers a unique dining experience aboard vintage rail cars while passengers enjoy a murder mystery show and a multi-course meal. The 3.5-hour journey takes guests through scenic areas not visible from roadways while professional actors perform an interactive comedy murder mystery. This rolling restaurant combines nostalgia, entertainment, and culinary delights for a memorable evening unlike any traditional dinner theater.
12. Congo River Golf & Exploration
ADVENTURE MINI GOLF
Congo River Golf & Exploration offers an immersive mini-golf adventure with elaborate African-themed landscapes, cascading waterfalls, and challenging holes suitable for all ages. Beyond golf, visitors can feed live alligators, hunt for gemstones, and navigate through mysterious caves on this interactive expedition. The attraction provides a perfect family outing that combines friendly competition with tropical theming and unexpected surprises around every corner.
13. Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium
SCIENCE AND NATURE HUB
The Calusa Nature Center & Planetarium combines natural history exploration with astronomical discovery across its 105-acre site. Visitors can stroll through nature trails, meet rescued wildlife including birds of prey, reptiles, and mammals, and enjoy immersive planetarium shows about the cosmos. This educational attraction offers a perfect blend of outdoor and indoor activities for curious minds of all ages seeking to learn about Florida's ecosystems and beyond.
14. Tropic Escape Room
IMMERSIVE PUZZLE CHALLENGES
Tropic Escape Room challenges visitors to solve puzzles and unlock mysteries in themed rooms designed to test problem-solving skills and teamwork. Each elaborately decorated room transports participants into different scenarios where they must find clues, crack codes, and complete objectives before time runs out. This indoor attraction provides an exciting alternative activity for rainy days or a break from the sun while delivering an adrenaline-filled experience for friends and family.
15. Bonita Springs Disc Golf Course
SCENIC OUTDOOR COMPETITION
Bonita Springs Disc Golf Course offers an enjoyable outdoor recreational experience where players navigate through landscaped terrain while aiming discs at basket targets. The course features a variety of holes with different challenges, from open fairways to technical shots through tree-lined paths. Players of all skill levels can enjoy this affordable activity that combines elements of hiking and precision throwing in a beautiful natural setting.