Blake Walsh

21 Best Things to Do in Bonita Springs, FL (2023)

  • Published 2023/01/09

Bonita Springs is a city in Lee County, Florida, which belongs to the Cape Coral and Fort Myers area.

It is a beach area that is popular among tourists.

Other than the beaches, there are many outdoor activities that you can do in Bonita Springs.

Interested to know more about this stunning city?

Here are the 21 best things to do in Bonita Springs, Florida:

Enjoy Nature at Barefoot Beach Preserve

Welcome sign of Barefoot Beach Preserve

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Barefoot Beach Preserve is an excellent destination if you want to enjoy nature at its best.

It is one of the undeveloped places in Florida, located just 20 feet off Bonita Beach Road.

The beach preserve is spread over 342 acres on a barrier island.

The natural beach is open to tourists daily from 8 am until sunset.

Excavator at Barefoot Beach Preserve

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You can visit the learning center and explore the exhibits displayed.

There is a one-mile walking loop trail to explore the preserve by walk.

You will find wildlife in the preserve.

You can also have a picnic at the pavilions created on the beach.

It is a great destination to visit in Bonita Springs.

Have Fun at Riverside Park

Riverside Park is located along the Imperial River.

The park is open throughout the year and is a great place to spend a holiday.

The ‘Celebrate Bonita’ Festival is an event held here that attracts many visitors.

Apart from the main event, there are many other shows, including live music and movie screenings in the park.

There are several outdoor recreation activities that you can enjoy while visiting the park.

Shop at Farmer Mike’s U Pick

If you are bored with the usual holiday activities, there is something different to try at Farmer Mike’s farm.

You can visit the farm on all days of the week from 9 am to 5 pm.

Visitors can see the beautiful farm and pick the produce of their choice.

Varieties of squash, broccoli, red bell pepper, yellow beans, Swiss chard, green cabbage, purple eggplant, strawberries, cantaloupe, papaya, and many other fruits and vegetables are available.

You can also pick various types of flowers.

Play Golf at Bonita Fairways Golf Course

If you love golfing, there are plenty of golf courses in Bonita Springs.

Bonita Fairways Golf Course is one of the main attractions you must not miss visiting.

It is an 18-hole golf course, making it the perfect location to play golf and have fun.

The park is open throughout the year and welcomes people of all ages to play here.

Whatever your skill level, you can enjoy your golf game here.

Experience the City’s Fun with Adventures Kayaking

Kayaking in Bonita Springs

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If you are interested in kayaking, don’t miss a visit to Adventures Kayaking.

They are an eco-friendly company that has operated since 2007.

Founded by Glenn and Jo Novotny, they offer guided tours for adults and family groups with children.

You can avail of their guided tour to explore the river by kayak with their guide.

You can also rent an independent kayak and enjoy the experience.

The sessions usually last for around 2 to 3 hours.

A guided tour will allow you to understand more about flora and fauna of the area.

Go Jet Skiing with Bonita Jet Ski and Parasail

If the usual activities bore you and you want adventure, you can expect a thrilling session at the Bonita Jet Ski and parasail center.

The center has been active since 1988, and you can expect an enjoyable and safe session.

You can opt for jet skiing to enjoy a thrilling ride on the waters.

If your need for adventure is related to aerial, you can choose to parasail.

You can also sit on the beach and relax while sipping a drink.

There are many other activities offered, including dolphin spotting tours, sail boating, and paddle boating.

The dolphin tour is the most popular attraction, and you can spot dolphins, manatees, and rays.

They are open on all days of the week from 9 am to 6 pm.

Corporate events can also be conducted on their property on the beachfront.

Experience Nature’s Beauty at Everglades Wonder Gardens

Daytime view of Everglades Wonder Gardens

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The Everglades Wonder Gardens is a reptile garden that started in 1936.

Two brothers, Lester and Bill Piper, established this garden.

The ownership of the garden changed in 2004, but the garden continues to thrive.

It is a three-and-a-half-acre botanical garden with an extensive collection of flora and fauna.

You can see colorful flamingos in these gardens and feed them.

There are various species of birds and reptiles in the park.

Play at Congo River Golf

Congo River Golf features a miniature golf course.

You can enjoy an adventure while playing golf here.

It is an excellent place for families to visit and have fun.

There are a number of challenges here that you need to complete as a part of the activities.

You can explore caves with waterfalls and tropical rainforests in this very interesting place.

It is a place you must include in your itinerary.

Apart from Bonita Springs, this river golf adventure park is available in many other locations in Florida.

Shop at Flamingo Island Flea Market

The Flamingo Island flea market is a treat for those who love shopping.

This flea market has more than 500 vendors.

You can find items of various kinds, including clothing, jewelry, books, sports equipment, and much more.

There are so many items available on sale that you will definitely find something of your choice.

The flea market offers many special events.

You can expect to find some special items at these events.

Near the flea market are many other retail stores where you can shop for any other items you want.

There are also eateries in the area to enjoy an excellent repast.

Grab Some Beers at C Level Bistro and Wine Bar

If you are a fan of wines, then you will want to visit C Level Bistro and Wine Bar in Bonita Springs.

Wine connoisseurs will find a range of wines available in the bar.

Their extensive wine list is their main attraction, so visitors flock to this wine bar.

The bistro offers a wide selection of delicious dishes.

From international dishes to local cuisine, you can get it all at C Level.

The food at the bistro is made from organic ingredients sourced from local vendors.

After a busy day of sightseeing, you can relax over a glass of wine and a delicious dinner at the C Level bistro on Bonito Beach Road.

Dine at Angelina’s Ristorante

If you are looking for an excellent restaurant to enjoy your meals, drop by Angelina’s Ristorante.

The restaurant is located a mile south of Coconut Point Mall.

The timings of the ristorante vary depending on the season.

So, check out the timings and make a reservation before dropping in so you don’t end up disappointed.

The restaurant has been voted as one of the best restaurants in Florida many times, helping the restaurant gain in popularity.

The 30-foot wine tower is a major attraction at the restaurant.

The Italian restaurant features Eggplant Rolatini, Fried Calamari & Snapper, Anitpasti Misto, Veal Agnolotti, Shrimp Orecchiete, Fra Diavolor Risotto, etc.

Have Fun at Dog Beach Park

The waters of Dog Beach Park

Donna Milner / Shutterstock.com

Dog Beach Park is a unique park, the likes of which you will not find anywhere.

On this beach, you will find dogs of various kinds running, playing, and having fun.

There is a hose available for you to rinse your dogs after playing in the mud.

Doggie bags are also available.

Sit back on the beach, relax, and watch your dog swim, play, and have fun.

A dog swimming at Dog Beach Park

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Throw Axes or Accomplish the Escape Room at Brainiaxe and Escapes

Searching for a unique and thrilling activity in Southwest Florida?

Brainiaxe and Escapes is a distinctive and exciting pastime for friends, family, and colleagues.

Play one of the challenging escape rooms and use your brainpower to look for hidden items, decipher clues, and resolve puzzles.

Customers will be given a mission and backstory and an hour to accomplish it in their attempt to win and leave.

Moreover, one of their four axe-throwing alleys is an excellent place to try and channel your inner Warrior.

Host a Golf Party at Golf Safari Mini Golf

Countless explorers have loved playing golf at Safari Mini Golf for nearly 40 years.

Amid life-size jungle creatures, tropical landscapes, beach huts, and cascading waterfalls, Golf Safari presents putters with thrilling mini-golf!

The birthday boy or girl will truly enjoy their birthday party at Golf Safari!

Each party guest receives free additional mini-golf games.

Gather your friends, family, or guest and rush to Golf Safari, available daily from 10 am to 10 pm.

Unwind and Watch an Upscale Movie at Prado Stadium 12

Prado Stadium 12 is the sole modern, upscale movie theater in Bonita Springs.

With its incredible Dolby Surround Sound System and Sony 4K displays, it is more than just a cutting-edge movie theater.

It is the perfect place for relaxing, enjoying yourself, and hanging out with loved ones.

Prado Stadium 12 offers upmarket movie-going amenities like electronic recliners and reserved seats.

In addition to a restaurant serving delicious meals, including flatbread pizzas and specialty cheese platters, they feature a complete liquor bar with over 50 beer labels.

Book a Weekend Getaway at Trianon Bonita Bay

Explore the boutique-style Trianon Bonita Bay boasting a fantastic site on the lakefront in the wealthy neighborhood of Bonita Bay, Florida.

Trianon Bonita Bay Hotel in the Naples region also has several luxurious facilities to ensure you feel at ease throughout your stay.

Personal views of Bonita Bay or the Promenade are featured in these nice accommodations.

The 410-square feet Trianon Bonita Bay Hotel offers a king bed or two double beds, a complete bathroom, a large work desk, a fridge, a Keurig coffee machine, a flat-screen Television, and more.

You’ll find everything you need for a luxurious resort vacation, from the on-site food options to the stylish suites.

Try Customer Favorite Dishes at Skillets

Since 1995, Skillets has served delectable fare and welcoming service in a sparkling setting with wooden touches.

The professional cooks at Skillets make all their food from scratch, including their famous scones, pancakes, and homemade sourdough bread.

Only top-quality ingredients, including AA big eggs, smokehouse bacon, and quality deli meats, are used.

The hash made from the four-hour roasted, corned beef is a customer favorite!

Seasonal berries, varied fruits, and freshly squeezed orange juice emphasize their devotion to good nutrition.

Other Things to Do Nearby

See the Sea Turtle Display at the Conservancy of South West Florida Center

Conservancy of South West Florida Center is a 21-acre center home to exotic wildlife.

Located in Naples, the center features attractions, like a live sea turtle display, a touch tank, and many other wildlife exhibits.

It is a place that children would definitely enjoy visiting.

There are a number of programs conducted at the center.

Kids can have fun and also learn a lot about nature and wildlife.

The center also has boat rides across the Gordon river.

Wander around Mound Key State Park

Mound Key State Park is an archeological state park near the mouth of the Estero River.

The state park is spread over an area of 125 acres.

In 1970, the site was included in the US National Register of Historic Places.

The park is open from sunrise to sunset, and there is no fee required to visit the park.

There are guided tours available that help you explore the park and understand its history.

A hiking trail is available that takes you over the shell mounds created by the Calusa natives.

See the Butterflies at Tom Allen Memorial Butterfly Garden

If you visit Bonita Springs with kids, you will definitely want to take them to this butterfly garden.

Your kids will enjoy the time spent at the garden.

They will truly be mesmerized seeing the hundreds of butterflies of different colors and shapes.

Here, you can see the Zebra Longwing, the state butterfly of Florida.

It is a memorable experience that both kids and adults would enjoy for sure.

There are also free guided tours offered on Mondays, Fridays, and Saturdays.

These tours will help you understand the lifecycle of butterflies and their migrations.

Go Wine Tasting at Wicked Dolphin Rum Distillery

You can explore Wicked Dolphin Rum Distillery and get to taste its best products.

Once you decide on the spirits you like, you can buy them.

Moreover, this distillery offers tours for visitors on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 12 pm to 4 pm.

It is advised to make a reservation in advance before visiting.

You can also visit the distillery’s retail outlet from 9 am to 5 pm from Monday to Friday.

On Saturdays, it is open from 11 am to 5 pm.

Final Thoughts

Bonita Springs features wonderful attractions and entertainment options other than just the beach.

Discovering worthwhile activities won’t be difficult thanks to the selection of parks and social, artistic, and ancient buildings.

Families, couples searching for a romantic trip, and anyone hoping to unwind on the beach should consider this delightful location.

With so many things to visit and things to do, you won’t get bored when traveling alone, with friends, family, or significant other.

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