With its stunning beaches, elegant homes, plentiful outdoor adventures and welcoming local community, it’s easy to see why Bonita Springs has become one of Southwest Florida’s most desirable beach-side locations.
As well as the world-class restaurants, historic landmarks and murals of Downtown Bonita Bonita Springs, the impressive beaches and natural landscapes surrounding the town allow residents to enjoy a wide range of engaging activities, from fishing to golf, boat tours to scuba diving, and strolls through breathtaking natural parks.
Bonita Springs really is a slice of natural paradise. But it is far from dull. According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 41.0 square miles (106 km2), and a population of about 44,000 people. The local community knows how to have fun, making the most of Florida’s delightful tropical climate and Downtown Bonita Springs’ social culture and rich history.
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Oh yes, Bonita Springs has a Downtown. And more than this - it’s currently in the process of developing into something spectacular.
This quaint and historic area has the charm and elegance of old-fashioned Florida but with the modern vibrancy of a town on the rise. Centered around Old 41 Road, Riverside Park and the Imperial River, Downtown Bonita Springs is slated for redevelopment with significant municipal support from the City of Bonita Springs. The vision is to create a walkable urban oasis patterned after Fifth Avenue South in Naples.
City Council has pledged its commitment to creating an original Downtown in Bonita Springs, voting to concentrate its efforts on the Downtown Bonita Springs redevelopment and instructing staff to make this project a priority.
These exciting development plans will mean new restaurants, independent shops and a growing nightlife, incorporated between iconic historic buildings, looming palm trees and the Old Florida class we know and love.
Bonita Springs has long been inhabited. Archaeological discoveries place people here about 8,000 years ago and mound building was well underway by 4,000 years ago.
In the early 1920s, Barron Collier extended his Fort Myers-Southern Railroad south to include Bonita Springs. Later, roadside attractions like the Everglades Reptile Gardens and the Everglades Wonder Gardens enticed visitors to the area. In 1957, the Naples-Fort Myers Greyhound Track was also opened in the city.
So Downtown Bonita Springs is heaving with beautiful historic buildings and vintage homes, as well as some must-see historic landmarks that deserve a special mention:
Bonita might have more deliciously interesting restaurants per capita than any other area of Southwest Florida. There’s a huge variety of cuisines, ranging from all-American to Italian, Mexican and everything in between, all made more delectable by access to fresh, sea-caught fish from the local coast line:
Whatever your tastes, you’ll find culinary delights to blow your mind in Downtown Bonita Springs.
As part of Downtown Historic Bonita Springs’ extensive development, a number of stunning murals were commissioned across the city to record the towns’ past and visions for the future. Checking out Bonita’s colourful murals is a great way to spend a day - so here are a few highlights.
Every year, more than six million visitors from around the world flock to beautiful Southwest Florida seeking an escape from the ordinary.
Family owned and locally operated since 1994, Royal Shell Vacations has managed more rental properties than any other company in the region. Our experienced and professional team of rental specialists know the market better than anyone else, and they are dedicated to offering the most comprehensive and around-the-clock hassle-free service.
So if you’re looking for a property in Historic Downtown Bonita Springs, get in touch with Royal Shell Vacations today - we’ll be delighted to help you find your dream home.
Note: Bonita Springs has a 7-day to 30-day minimum stay requirement which varies by property.