Bonita Springs, Fla.
Situated in Lee County on the Florida Gulf Coast between Naples and Fort Myers, the town of Bonita Springs covers about 33 square miles. Interstate 75 runs north to Fort Myers and to the Southwest Florida International Airport about 20 minutes away. I-75 also runs south to Naples, where it turns east towards the Everglades and the Miami area beyond.
Snook and trout abound along the quiet Imperial river as it flows through the mangroves. A great place to go kayaking or paddle a canoe while enjoying the sounds of nature. Local fishing captains offer both deep-sea and nearby fishing expeditions around Estero Bay.
The Barefoot Beach Preserve Park is an undeveloped barrier island covering over three hundred acres, a great place to get away from it all. Little Hickory Island Beach Park is another popular place.
Bonita Beach Park covers two and a half acres, with a boardwalk plus picnic shelters and a gazebo surrounded by sand dunes and coastal plants. On the north end of town is Lover’s Key State Park, made up of 4 barrier islands offering nature trails through coastal vegetation. Bicycling and hiking plus canoe and kayak rentals are available along with miles of unspoiled beaches and plenty of wildlife.
The Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa, plus the Hyatt Coconut Plantation, are among highly recommended hotels in the Bonita area. There are several golf resorts and communities within Bonita Springs, and the Naples-Fort Myers Greyhound track is also in town.
The Arts Center of Bonita Springs sponsors an art walk on the last Thursday of every month along the Promenade in downtown Bonita. Shops, restaurants and art galleries stay open late for this event.
The main coastal artery in all of Lee County is U.S. Highway 41, which is called South Tamiami Trail as it passes through Bonita Springs. Most businesses are located along US41. Public transportation is provided by Lee County Transit, aka LeeTran. Routes connect Bonita Springs with the downtown Fort Myers bus depot, where all LeeTran and Greyhound Bus Lines stop.