This Hidden Gem in Florida Will get Practically 300 Days of Sunshine Every 12 months—and It is Good for Retirees

With practically 300 days of sunshine a 12 months, white-sand seashores, and crystalline water, Bonita Springs has all of the components for an ideal seashore trip. Add to that an abundance of parks, waterways, and trails, and you’ve got alternatives for journey, too. Right here, you will discover fishing, shelling (look ahead to uncommon, delicate angel wings), climbing, and paddling, plus loads of recent seafood to go round. It is no marvel that this charming Florida metropolis, positioned simply north of Naples and south of Fort Myers, appeals to so many retirees.

Earlier than it was renamed within the Nineteen Twenties, Bonita Springs was referred to as Survey due to its roots as a surveyors’ camp, and items of town’s outdated id stay. Trish Leonard, proprietor of TLC Advertising and marketing & Inventive Companies and a Bonita Springs resident since 1983, has additionally been dubbed the “Mayor of Survey,” an honorary function bestowed on her by the Bonita Springs Historic Society.

We tapped Leonard to seek out out what makes Bonita Springs such an undiscovered gem on Florida’s Gulf Coast. “We’ve small-town allure with an enormous, shiny future,” she stated. “There are stunning parks, greater than 20 golf programs, unbelievable music venues, one in all Florida’s final roadside points of interest, massive occasions like our annual boat parade, mom-and-pop retailers and eating places—some which were right here for many years—and we’re rising.”

Chuck Saunders, the gross sales director at Biagio Cru Wine & Spirits, advised Journey + Leisure he was a longtime customer earlier than shopping for a home in Bonita Springs through the pandemic. When requested what drew him to the vacation spot, he stated, “I really like the uncrowded seashores, the attractive golf programs designed by a few of golf’s legends, and my spouse and I acquired married on Lovers Key on Thanksgiving in 2018, so it holds a particular place for us.”

Greatest Lodges & Resorts

Trianon Bonita Bay

When Leonard and Saunders have guests on the town, Trianon Bonita Bay is their prime advice. The boutique resort is a comfortable waterfront oasis providing unimaginable views of Bonita Bay and the bustling downtown. Its 410-square-foot visitor rooms really feel spacious, and all include fashionable facilities. Loosen up by the hearth pit, seize a drink on the Lake Home Bar & Grill, or take a dip within the plunge pool or scorching tub. “It’s a stunning property owned by a husband-and-wife staff,” Leonard stated. “It’s on the river, so you’ll be able to dine inside or outdoors and have a phenomenal meal.” The on-site Olde Florida Chop Home has floor-to-ceiling home windows so you’ll be able to soak up these charming views.

Hyatt Regency Coconut Level Resort and Spa

Lengthy hailed as the last word luxurious property in Bonita Springs, the Hyatt Regency Coconut Level Resort and Spa overlooks the Gulf of Mexico. Plus, it has three waterslides, three swimming pools, a lazy river, and entry to a secluded non-public island, Coconut Level. Flooring-to-ceiling sliding glass doorways let in all of the Florida sunshine, whereas the decor’s ocean and sand shade palette matches the panorama. 5 on-site eating places, pet-friendly rooms, fireplace pits, and garden video games make this a flexible property for households, {couples}, or solo vacationers.

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Estero Bay

In keeping with actual property specialists, Lee County is likely one of the finest locations to purchase a trip house, and when you’re in search of a extra everlasting tackle within the space, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Estero Bay, checks a whole lot of packing containers. With one tower accomplished and a second beneath development, the ultra-luxe rental complicated affords panoramic bay views, spacious balconies, concierge companies, and pool cabanas. Items vary in measurement from over 2,600 to greater than 3,800 sq. toes.

Greatest Issues to Do

Surprise Gardens

Whereas Outdated Florida roadside points of interest are disappearing attributable to rampant growth and age, Surprise Gardens nonetheless stands. Opened in 1936 as The Reptile Gardens, the attraction brings in tens of hundreds of tourists every year. It is house to rescued birds and reptiles that can’t be launched again into the wild, and guests can see turtles, parakeets, golden pheasants, and alligators, amongst different creatures residing within the lush botanical backyard. Leonard says to not miss the present store, “the place you’ll be able to decide up enjoyable native souvenirs you’ll be able to’t get wherever else.”

Bonita Springs Historic Society

Be taught in regards to the historical past of the realm on the Bonita Springs Historic Society, which is housed within the 1926 Liles Resort. As soon as a well-liked place to remain alongside the Imperial River, the resort was renovated by the Metropolis of Bonita Springs in 2006 to function a public instructional house. The society additionally affords history-focused strolling excursions and palms out pamphlets on self-guided excursions.

Riverside Park

The sprawling inexperienced house within the middle of city is Riverside Park. Convey a picnic, try one of many space’s particular occasions, hearken to some reside music on the Bandshell, or see a movie within the park. Six on-site cottages function studios for native artists creating every little thing from pottery and work to seashell artwork. The park additionally has a vibrant butterfly backyard and affords entry to water actions. “We’re recognized for the Imperial River operating by our metropolis,” Leonard stated, noting that CGT Kayaks rents kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards within the park to guests who need to paddle up the river.

Bonita Seashore Park

Florida’s Gulf Coast is thought for its white-sand seashores and clear water, and Bonita Seashore Park undoubtedly delivers. The two.5-acre beachfront park incorporates a boardwalk and eight picnic shelters. Jet Ski, stand-up paddleboard, kayak, and sailboat leases are additionally accessible close by. And for these seeking to acquire shells, that is the place for uncommon angel wings, whelks, and sand {dollars}. If in case you have your pup with you, there is a dog-friendly seashore with off-leash entry, aptly named Canine Seashore. 

Greatest Procuring

Promenade at Bonita Bay

Saunders, who lives proper throughout the road, loves the number of retailers, eating places, bars, and leisure on the Promenade at Bonita Bay. “The structure of the outside mall is made to seem like Venice, Italy, with fountains, man-made canals, and little bridges,” he stated. The centerpiece, he added, is a gazebo that comprises The Heart Bar, which opens at 3 p.m. every day for cocktails, gentle appetizers, and reside tunes. “It’s a spot to go even when you don’t drink and simply need to hearken to some music.” 

Flamingo Island Flea Market

Simply off I-75 awaits a cornucopia of classic decor, houseplants, pottery, and different knick-knacks. Flamingo Island Flea Market has 600 indoor cubicles that includes distributors from everywhere in the world. It is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday year-round, and you may simply spend a complete day right here. In case you get hungry, seize some tacos, pizza, sub sandwiches, or pho.

Greatest Eating places

Outdated 41 Restaurant

Outdated 41 Restaurant is thought for its humble breakfast and lunch choices. Proprietor Tony Backos, a Philly transplant, pays homage to his hometown with tasty dishes just like the Philly cheesesteak omelet. Its traditional breakfast menu options favorites like Belgian waffles, creamed chipped beef, and the Southern staple, biscuits and gravy. For lunch, anticipate comforting classics like roast beef, turkey with gravy, and Philly cheesesteak. Make sure you end your meal with Outdated 41’s signature rice pudding. 

Survey Cafe 

Named after Bonita Springs’ authentic moniker, Survey Cafe was as soon as a Florida cottage with a wraparound deck owned by the present mayor’s grandparents. The reside oaks, heavy with Spanish moss and surrounded by palm timber, evoke a quintessential Southern vibe. Leonard loves bringing out-of-town visitors to this quaint French restaurant: “I really like their quiche, nevertheless it’s their scorching teas that maintain me coming again. A cup of scorching tea and the Bonita Springs rooster salad is a scrumptious lunch. And you may inform a whole lot of love goes into the croissants and French pastries.”

Buffalo Chips 

The partitions of Buffalo Chips are coated in pictures signed by celebrities, city memorabilia, loads of nods to the Buffalo Payments, and “Buffy,” the buffalo mascot hanging over the entrance entrance. Proprietor Chip Greenwood grew up in Buffalo, New York, the birthplace of Buffalo wings, and he nonetheless makes them the identical means his dad did. Leonard, who goes on Monday nights, says “they’ve one of the best wings and chilly drinks.”

Rooftop at Riverside Meals Truck Park

Rooftop at Riverside, which opened in 2024, includes a number of meals vehicles and a two-story cocktail lounge overlooking Riverside Park. Order a gourmand grilled cheese from Butcher’s Blvd or some OCN seafood and take a look at the bands that rotate by the park’s amphitheater. 

Doc’s Seashore Home 

Doc’s Seashore Home has served Bonita Springs since 1987. “The gentleman who began it’s from Chicago, they usually serve one of the best Chicago-style pizza, Italian-style beef sandwiches, and chilly beer proper on the seashore,” stated Leonard. “In addition they hire kayaks, Jet Skis, and paddleboards proper out again.” 

Greatest Time to Go to

The most effective time to go to Bonita Springs is throughout its shoulder seasons—spring and fall—when you’re in search of milder climate coupled with fewer crowds. Leonard says April is especially particular due to the annual Rejoice Bonita Pageant, held at Riverside Park. Yearly, you’ll be able to anticipate meals, enjoyable, and a few main musical headliners.

Or, for a extra Christmassy vibe, go to in December and attend Vacation within the Park, when the charming downtown performs host to a tree lighting ceremony, Santa Claus appearances, and a bevy of performances—you will additionally discover scorching cocoa and a sprinkling of synthetic snow. Simply after that, in January, the Bonita Springs Nationwide Artwork Pageant involves city. One of many prime superb artwork festivals within the U.S., it options juried occasions, greater than a dozen classes of artwork showcased, and work from greater than 200 nationwide and worldwide artists, with all proceeds supporting group artwork actions. 

Tips on how to Get There

Southwest Florida Worldwide Airport (RSW) is the closest to Bonita Springs, about 20 minutes away by automobile. Town is positioned alongside Outdated Freeway 41, the Southeast’s model of Route 66, full with roadside points of interest like Surprise Gardens, talked about above.

Flights can be found to RSW by way of American Airways, Alaska Airways, Delta Air Strains, JetBlue, Southwest Airways, Air Canada, and United Airways, amongst others, providing connections from everywhere in the U.S. and Canada.

You’ll be able to hire a automobile from the airport or go for a car-sharing service known as Turo that permits you to hire autos from individuals, not firms. Or, when you desire to skip the rental automobile altogether, you’ll be able to at all times seize a taxi, Uber, or Lyft for the brief drive to Bonita Springs.

Islands to Go to

Lovers Key

In 2022, Hurricane Ian devastated a lot of the shoreline alongside Bonita Springs, together with Lovers Key State Park, nevertheless it has since reopened. It has a two-mile stretch of pristine seashore, plus climbing and biking trails the place you’ll be able to spot bald eagles, gopher tortoises, and manatees. As its identify suggests, it’s a really perfect spot for a romantic getaway, as Saunders realized when he deliberate his wedding ceremony there in 2018.

Mound Key Archaeological State Park

Solely accessible by waterway, Mound Key Archaeological State Park is a 1.5-mile paddle from Lovers Key, and also you’ll most likely spot stingrays, mullets, and a cacophony of shorebirds alongside the way in which. When you attain the seashore, there’s a one-mile path that guides you to 2 shell mounds. Interpretive kiosks train in regards to the park’s lengthy historical past as a ceremonial middle relationship again to the 1500s, and its authentic inhabitants, the Calusa Native Individuals.

Tips on how to Get Round

In case you’re not renting a automobile, LeeTran operates 22 bus and trolley routes serving Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Fort Myers Seashore, Bonita Springs, and the realm’s seashores. Examine the journey planner on its web site for step-by-step directions on how one can attain your vacation spot by bus or trolley. You may additionally hire a motorcycle from Seashore Bum Bike Leases or Bonita Bike Rental, full with a helmet and basket.