You can’t vacation to Southwest Florida without a fun-filled day at the beach! One of the best things about the area is that each Southwest Florida beach is unique. Some have hiking trails. Some are a little off the beaten path. And they all offer fishing, sunsets, rolling waves and all of the things that set beaches in Southwest Florida a part. Start your day at Bonita Beach Park on your way to Lovers Key State Park or Fort Myers Beach and end the day on Barefoot Beach Preserve’s Saylor Trail. Southwest Florida is known for its beach destinations, and these two area treasures are no exception.
It’s also a good idea to be aware of turtle nesting season each year from May 1 to October 31. This is when sea turtles come ashore to lay their eggs. If you’re visiting Bonita Springs during this time period, please look out for barriers around their nests. There will be signs on the beach. Dimmed lights also help the sea turtles better navigate the beach at night and dimmed lights make it easier for hatchlings to get to the water.
Bonita Beach Park
Located on Hickory Island, Bonita Beach Park is a short drive west on Bonita Beach Road. You can take a refreshing tip in the swimming area or check out the scenery from the boardwalk. There are eight picnic shelters. You can enjoy a romantic picnic with your loved one or enjoy a meal on the beach with the entire family. The dunes and coastal vegetation surround the eight picnic shelters and gazebo, which only add to the ambience. Spend the whole day here or just come for a few hours. Or come back every day. The choice is yours!
Barefoot Beach Preserve
What’s unique about things to do in Bonita Springs is that you can combine history and hiking. Koreshan State Park is located in the town of Estero, which is only about a five-to-10-minute drive from Bonita Springs. The Koreshans settled in modern-day Estero in the 1800s. They believed they would be immortal after they died and they also believed the Earth was hollow. Their buildings are still standing and they are in great condition. You can take a guided tour or you can walk around the settlement by yourself. There are also hiking trails to explore. And the best part is that the weather is ideal for hiking or walking around the State Park all year long.
If you’re looking for more hiking options and things to do in Bonita Springs, we also recommend the Imperial Loop Trail, Cullum’s Trail Park or the Estero Bay State Preserve Park. The Imperial River Loop Trail is 1.2 miles and you can also go fishing. If you bring your dog, they must be kept on a leash. Cullum’s Trail is a bit more rustic. The shell-lined path is a short and easy trail that’s just south of the Bonita Springs Nature Place.
Whether you decide to start your day with a morning hike or end it as the sun is setting, there is no better way to appreciate the area’s natural beauty. Estero Bay Preserve State Park is also an option. Located in Estero, it has two trail systems and four marked trails that together make up a combined 10 miles. They’ll take you through salt flats, marshes, mangroves and pine flatwoods. There are also two observation decks, so you can take in all the beauty of the area
Fishing is a popular pastime loved by locals and visitor alike. Whether you prefer fishing from a small boat, canoe or kayak in one of the areas bays or canals, or you’d rather cruise out into the open water of the Gulf of Mexico, this area is known for great catches and delicious seafood.
There are a variety of fishing excursions to choose from near Bonita Springs vacation rentals, whether you want to spend a few hours fishing or an entire day. Ask about Royal Shell’s vacation rental properties close to a marina or look for a home with a boat dock. Whether you want to go fishing at your leisure while staying in a Bonita Springs rental home, or explore the Gulf, the possibilities are endless.
Besides visiting the beach, another quintessential Southwest Florida thing to do is participating in water sports and activities. There are plenty of places to go jet skiing, parasailing, canoeing, kayaking or paddleboarding.
There are so many things to do in Bonita Springs, from hiking, boating, golf courses, and shopping to lounging on the beach and enjoying a great meal at one of the fantastic area restaurants. The Royal Shell team can help find the right property to match all of the activities and things to do in Bonita Springs you’d like to do during your time here. From downtown historic Bonita Springs near Riverside Park and the Everglades Wonder Gardens to homes with breathtaking beach views, Royal Shell has plenty of options to choose from.
Bonita Springs vacation rentals include:
Check out Royal Shell’s expansive inventory of Bonita Springs vacation rental homes. Each home has a list of amenities, so you can check out the home’s perks before you visit. If you’re looking for a home with a boat dock, a high-rise condo with a view, or a home or condo with a pool, Royal Shell can help you see what’s available during your trip.
Royal Shell and luxury accommodations go hand-in-hand. We handle bookings, payments, maintenance and everything else in-house so all you need to do is sit back and enjoy your vacation.
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Note: Bonita Springs has a 7-day to 30-day minimum stay requirement which varies by property.
