48 Hours in Bonita Springs, FL

48 hours in Bonita Springs, Florida will be a quick weekend trip, but there is so much to do to make the most of it. Bonita Springs is located on the south west Gulf Coast of Florida, south of Fort Myers and north of Naples, Florida. It is an incredibly safe community, has clean gorgeous beaches, fun festivals in the downtown area, and some great shopping.

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How to get to Bonita Springs

The closest international airport is Southwest Florida International Airport (airport code RSW). You will need to rent a car, as public transit only consists of a bus system that can take a significant chunk of the time you have. The temperature is moderate year round, but during the winter months November – May are the best times to visit, as the summer months are more rainy, and humid.

Bonita Springs had humble beginnings as a survey stop and was named Survey, until 1915 with marketing in mind they renamed the settlement Bonita Springs. It grew over the years and now is a lovely town to visit or retire to.

Day 1 Exploring Bonita Springs

Day 1: Start out with a yummy coffee and breakfast at Downtown Coffee and Wine Company, the overnight oats are always a hit! Then it is time to hit the beach, The Barefoot Beach Preserve is $8 to park for the day, but you can usually find a spot. You can try to find free parking at the Bonita Springs Public Beach, but it has very limited free parking and some metered spots available. If you are bringing your furry friend, the Bonita Beach Dog Park, is an option to take them to the beach also. Please remember you are very close to the equator, you are going to need sunscreen!

After leaving the beach you are going to want something yummy, and there is no better spot than Sweet Melissa’s Ice Cream Shoppe, you have to try the chocolate dipped key lime pie on a stick, but you really can’t go wrong with any of the yummy options.

You likely will be wanting a shower and to get ready for your next adventure. There are some great hotel options, the closer to the beach the better in my opinion. If you prefer to rent a house, you likely can find some in the downtown Bonita Springs area, which will be walking distance to some good food, but it is not a requirement.

Once you are showered and ready to go back out, The Fish House Restaurant is a nice option for waterfront dining and some fresh seafood. If you are feeling a little chain like, Coconut Point mall has some options with names you will know. If you are looking for something local and upscale, Chop’s City Grill in Bonita Springs is a great steak option.

After dinner, if it is early enough, go back to the beach and watch sunset. No two sunsets are ever the same, and you might just see the green flash! Then head over to Congo River Mini-Golf and get your putt-putt on. It is fun to feel like a kid and just be silly playing mini-golf, trust me you will thank me. If you are feeling like a little more action there is poker at the Bonita Springs Poker Room. Whatever sinks your putt!

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Day 2 Exploring Bonita Springs

Day 2: Breakfast must mean brunch, and Bonita Brunch is the place to hit, they have yummy options, lots of benedicts and you can get mimosas by the pitcher! If you have your furry friend then you must hit up the Bonita Springs Dog Park it is a great place to get outdoors and let your friend play. Afterwards hit up Tipsy Cow Homemade Ice Cream they have booze filled ice cream and ice cream flights, and doggy ice cream for your pupper.

Next stop, Coconut Point Mall this mall is all outdoors and has so many stores! You have some big name stores, like DSW, Target, an Apple Store and a Tesla Store (big and small electronics). It’s a great way to spend the afternoon. There is even a Tommy Bahama Marlin Bar & Store which is a fun new concept to have drinks and little appetizers, be warned it adds up quick, if you know what I mean?

You could eat lunch at Coconut Point, there are plenty of options or you could head out to Maria’s Restaurant. The place makes the tortillas fresh and it is as authentic as you can get. I order a tamale (if they haven’t sold out) and 3 tacos (don’t judge) every time and I almost eat it all.

Right around the corner is the Everglades Wonder Gardens, this has been a Bonita Springs attraction since 1936, they currently have a ton of animals, but the highlights are the flamingos and the albino peacock. Side note did you know a female is called a peahen? Who knew right?

If you have any more time hit up Farmer Mike’s U-Pick, there is almost always something in season to pick, February was strawberries and they were super yummy. Probably tasted even better because you have to do a little work for it, but trust me it is worth it.

If you still have time, hit the beach again for sunset, you can never go wrong and it will always be worth it.

Continuing with supporting local, Momentum Brewhouse is a great local brewery that is environmental conscious, and have live music every Saturday night.

Go home and count the days until you can come back and visit again!