Neighborhood Spotlight: Bonita Springs
Natural attractions and wellness experiences make Bonita Springs a perfect place to recharge and rejuvenate. Immerse yourself in the outdoors, relax at a café or stroll through shops and boutiques.
The history of the area is closely intertwined with nature. In Bonita Springs, the natural mineral spring for which the city was later named was found by Ponce de León in his search for eternal youth. In the early 20th century, a hotel was built around the springs, including a pool fed by its mineral waters believed to have healing powers. Today this historic boutique hotel is known as Shangri-La Springs — and it continues its healing tradition through its organic spa and farm-to-table restaurant, Harvest & Wisdom.
From roadside reptile garden to modern-day animal sanctuary, Bonita Springs’ beloved Wonder Gardens holds more than 300 rescued and non-releasable birds and reptiles. Bonita Beach Park is perfect for a day in the sun or as a launching point for water sports. For those looking to enjoy the sand and surf with their furry pals, Dog Beach Park offers shallow back bay waters and plenty of space for dogs to run off leash.
Doc’s Beach House is a beachfront restaurant just steps from Bonita Beach Park, where locals and visitors rub elbows at the bar, enjoy burgers and pizza, and can rent equipment for various water sports that launch straight from its beach. For a Southern take on a Parisian menu, visit Survey Cafe, where you can dine on crepes, biscuits and gravy, baguette sandwiches, and grits. Head to local favorite Coconut Jack’s for views of the Back Bay (you might even catch sight of dolphins!) as you dine on fresh, local seafood with a tropical flair.
Enjoy handcrafted cocktails at the Chartreuse Craft Cocktail Lounge, where mixologists create complex flavor combinations that will delight your palate. At Downtown Coffee and Wine Company, you can sip a locally roasted espresso or glass of wine on their beautiful patio.
If shopping is on your itinerary, you’re in luck. Bonita Springs is home to Coconut Point Mall, an open-air shopping area with over 140 stores and dining options for everyone. You can also visit the Promenade at Bonita Bay for unique boutiques, high-end salons and delectable restaurants.
The combination of pristine nature and modern conveniences is what makes Bonita Spring a special place to do as much — or as little — as you desire.
