5 Things to Do while visiting Bonita Springs, Florida

Considered one of the best places to live in Florida, Bonita Springs is a destination for retirees and vacationers who wish for tropical beauty in a slow-paced environment.  Home to Lovers Key State Park, aptly named because it was so secluded only lovers would go through the trouble of seeking its isolation.  While Bonita Springs is laid back and off the beaten path, make no mistake, it has a variety of activities to do to while away your days and nights on your vacation.

Art Cottages

Located next to Riverside Park, a must-see destination in Bonita Springs is the collection of art cottages.  The art cottages are small structures that house painters, sculptors, and designers.  Once old fishing cottages, the renovated cottages are now home to various artists who need an art studio.  Some of the artists even offer classes to visitors and residents.  Grab a cool drink and walk the quaint row of cottages and discover the treasures of art waiting for you!

Wonder Gardens

The Wonder Gardens of Bonita Springs is one of the ways you can experience the culture of Old Florida.  What began as a roadside alligator attraction, the Gardens is now an 85-year-old tropical haven for Florida alligators who have been rescued and rehabilitated but are considered non-releasable for a variety of reasons.  Flamingos and beautiful macaws, pythons, turtles, tortoises, and Chinese Golden Pheasants.  All of this is surrounded by beautiful tropical flowers and plants.  The Wonder Gardens also educates its visitors about Old Florida as well as being one of the last original sites of the epic history of the state.

Thrift Shops of Bonita Springs

Did someone say shopping?  Thrift shopping is an adventure in and of itself and truly epitomizes the old adage, “One man’s trash is another man’s treasure”.  From clothing and jewelry to furniture and antiques, the shops hold treasures waiting to be discovered.  There is a multitude of thrift shops to explore such as St Matthew’s House Thrift Store, Habitat For Humanity ReStore Bonita Springs, Bonita Springs Lions Club,  and Once Upon A Child to name a few.  Grab a friend and a great cup of coffee and get to shopping!

Bonita Beach

Bonita Beach gives the feel of being more on a private tropical island than the congested feel of many public beaches.  Surrounded by a lush vegetation, a scattering of a few condominiums and modern beachfront homes, Bonita Beach is more like a tropical, upscale community.  Bonita Beach is a primary location for finding seashells.  There are many shell piles and there are some hidden gems along the beach. This beach is a paradise for those who love the beach but want a secluded feel.  

Ice Cream

What is a trip to the beach without an evening trip, well for that matter morning and noon as well,  to get ice cream?  Bonita Springs is a meca for ice cream lovers.  No matter where you are in Bonita Springs, there is an ice cream shop ready to make your taste buds tingle.  Visit the Tipsy Udder, where you can add liquor to your creamy treat, for adults only of course.  Try Sweet Melissa’s Ice Cream Shoppe for huge servings for even the small order.  Talk about big bang for your buck!  These are just a few shops that will help you relax and unwind with dessert that is made for the beach!

Bonita Springs continues to be a choice destination for laid back beach vacations.  With art and animal sanctuaries to pristine beaches and fabulous ice crean, this vacation is sure to help you relax and unwind and reconnect with the ones you love.