Are you moving to or visiting beautiful, Bonita Springs, Florida? Check out all of the great things to do in Bonita Springs below.
Everglades Wonder Gardens
The Everglades Wonder Gardens was originally established in 1936 as the Reptile Gardens. Now, a non-profit run by concerned citizens, the Everglades Wonder Gardens is a beautifully kept educational center. It proudly boasts 3.5 acres of botanical gardens with exotic flowers and vegetation from all over the world. Walking the gardens you’ll see African mahogany trees, kapok trees, giant staghorn ferns, gorgeous Shaving Brush flowers, orchids, bromeliads, and fruit trees native to South Florida and able to thrive in the warm, wet climate. The relatively new Native Butterfly Garden is filled with a butterflies dream of attractive plants including milkweed and passionflower which provide an excellent habitat for the butterflies to eat, live, and lay eggs.
You’ll also encounter exotic birds including pink flamingos, wood ducks, amazon parrots, cockatoos and rainbow lorikeets. Among the birds is a well-known peacock named Priscilla who will open her feathers wide for outstanding photos.
Cross the swinging bridge to see alligators, turtles, fish frogs, snakes, lizards, and tortoises – all the wildlife Florida is famous for. Everglades Wonder Gardens is one of the great things to do in Bonita Springs!
Everglades Wonder Gardens Google Map
Riverside Park
Riverside Park is located in the lovely Olde Bonita area. Per its official website, “The park is used for holiday celebrations, art shows, festivals, Movies in the Park, and the Celebrate Bonita Festival. Also in the park is our band shell. Our amenites include sheltered picnic tables, park benches, and restrooms.On the grounds is the historic Lile’s Hotel and the historical Imperial River cottages that have been restored as part of a downtown redevelopment.” Riverside Park is one of the great things to do in Bonita Springs!
Bonita Springs Bark and Play Dog Park
The Bonita Springs Bark and Play Dog Park is a wonderful place to bring your furry friends. The park is broken up into three fenced areas, each appropriate for specific sized dogs. It has lovely shaded areas, benches, and picnic tables so that you can settle in and stay awhile. Each area has a dog hydrating stations as well as one central place to wash off your dog. The park has a nice paved path that circles the three enclosed areas and runs along a small stream if you’d like to take Fido for a peaceful walk. The Bark and Play dog park is one of the great things to do in Bonita Springs!
Bonita Springs Bark and Play Dog Park Google Map
Bonita Springs Downtown District/Old Bonita Springs
The Bonita Springs Downtown District was revitalized and revamped in the last few years becoming a wonderful stop in SWFL. Per its official website, “Downtown Bonita Springs welcomes you with charm and tradition. Dining, beautiful parks on the river, unique artist cottages and shops, a Farmer’s Market, and many special events at Riverside Park including the July 4th Star Spangled Bonita, and the Taste of Bonita. There is ample opportunity for leisure in downtown Bonita Springs. Enjoy a lazy afternoon picnic shaded by trees that create a canopy above and filter in rays of sunlight. Pass the afternoon away as the Spanish moss sways lightly in the breeze. Stop in the local shops in search of treasures or visit the historic artist cottages. Shop for farm fresh produce, rent a bicycle, rent a kayak or paddle board and enjoy the Imperial River.” Bonita Springs Downtown District is one of the great things to do in Bonita Springs!
Bonita Springs Downtown District Google Map
Bonita Disc Golf Course
The Bonita Disc Golf Course is open and free to play. Basically, you just need to know how to throw a Frisbee and the basic rules of golf. Per their official website, “Our scenic 18-hole course that wraps around our 7 acre lake provides amateur tee pads for the beginner and pro pads for the more advanced player.” Wonderful, active fun for the whole family! Bonita Disc Golf Course is one of the great things to do in Bonita Springs!
Bonita Disc Golf Course Google Map
Flamingo Island Flea Market
The Flamingo Island Flea Market is a Bonita Springs favorite. You can’t miss its pink sign as you exit 75 and head east on Bonita Beach Road. Tons of small booths with an eclectic mix of goods as well as restaurants and a farmer’s market. The flea market is only open on the weekends so check their website for hours of operation. Flamingo Island Flea Market is one of the great things to do in Bonita Springs!
Flamingo Island Flea Market Google Map
Bonita Nature Place
The Bonita Nature Place is an area for learning experiences and outdoor activities. Per their official website, “The property sits along the beautiful banks of the Imperial River, a coastal river that drains the freshwater associated with the Corkscrew Regional Watershed into the estuarine areas of Estero Bay. The location makes it a perfect gateway to the southern CREW lands, while it simultaneously offers potential links to blueways for paddlers in the region. The location features a mosaic of interconnected habitat types including oak hammocks, pine flatwoods, riverine forests, and aquatic areas.” Search for the gopher tortoises who make this area home. You’ll spot them mostly in the shady areas but you’ll also find them near the holes they dig for their homes. Also there, a bee house, bat house, and butterfly garden. The Bonita Nature Place is one of the great things to do in Bonita Springs!
The Bonita Nature Place Google Map
Have you found other great Bonita Springs things to do? Please let us know what we should add in the comments.
Check out things to do in Naples, Florida here.