Located about halfway between Fort Myers and Naples, Bonita Springs is a beachfront community along the southern Gulf Coast of Florida that is perfect for dog lovers, fishing enthusiasts, and anyone looking to embrace outdoor activities.
Because it fits somewhere in between small-town community and booming tourist destination, Bonita Springs offers a unique hybrid of calm serenity and exciting amenities that ends up making it a perfect fit for many retiring boomers.
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Bonita Springs History
Bonita Springs was originally referred to as “Survey,” which is what the Army Corps of Engineers surveyors called the area while they were mapping out southern Florida back in the 1870s. Developers who made their way to town much later decided that “Bonita Springs” would be a much better name for the town.
People began visiting Bonita Springs via the Fort Myers-Southern Railroad in the 1920s, but the big boom really happened following the opening of Interstate 75. After that, the town grew right along with its population as it quickly evolved into the Bonita Springs you will find there today.
Bonita Springs Lifestyle
Heading to the beach is what life in Bonita Springs is all about, and one of the most popular places to do just that is the Bonita Springs Public Beach. Here you will find miles and miles of beautiful white sand beaches that are perfectly made for doing absolutely nothing.
If you happen to be a dog lover, you can plan on being a regular visitor to Dog Beach, which is one of just a few leash-free, dog-friendly beaches in the state. Your four-legged friends will have a blast here running through the sand and swimming in the Gulf!
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Bonita Springs Culture
The arts and culture scene in Bonita Springs doesn't compare to what you might find nearby in Fort Myers or Naples, but the beauty of living here is that you are always just a short drive away from those booming cultural centers.
One cultural attraction that many residents appreciate is the Centers for the Arts Bonita Springs. Here you will find the combination of the Center for Visual Arts and the Center for Performing Arts, which covers most of the bases for anyone looking to network with other art lovers.
Bonita Springs Shopping
Like any small beach town across the state of Florida, you will find lots of eclectic shops and boutiques throughout Bonita Springs. Most of them feature unique merchandise that is always changing, so every shopping trip here is an adventure.
One of the focal points of any Bonita Springs shopping trip should be Coconut Point Mall, where you will find all of the major stores you would expect. And if you are searching for a bargain, the Flamingo Island Flea Market is the place to be every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.
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Bonita Springs Dining
When you are ready for a great place to eat in Bonita Springs, Coconut Jack's Waterfront Grille should always be at the top of the list. This fun little spot has all of the Florida seafood that you are looking for in exactly the environment you had in mind when you decided to move to the Sunshine State.
In addition to Coconut Jack's Waterfront Grille, Bonita Springs residents also love frequenting Lapa's Costa Rican Bistro for Latin American food, The Other Side Bistro for American dishes, and either Petar's Restaurant or A Table Apart for fine dining.
Nearby Communities
Just minutes from Bonita Springs, Valencia Trails in Naples offers the best resort lifestyle with a magnificent 42,000 sq. ft. Clubhouse where every day new events, clubs, and entertainment abound. Relax by the pool, grab a bite at the restaurant, catch a show in the social hall, or take a relaxing stroll or jog along the community’s iconic trails. The options are endless!
Designed for 55+ living, the gorgeous contemporary-style single-family homes at Valencia Trails offer the ultimate in style, convenience, and luxury with spacious living areas, impressive gourmet kitchens, and screened and covered patios to make the most of Florida’s beautiful weather year-round. Come home to luxurious standard features including tile roof, brick pavers, stainless steel and gas appliances, designer tile flooring throughout main areas, rich stone exterior finishes and so much more.
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Final Thoughts
With just the right amount of amenities mixed into one of the most relaxing environments along the Gulf Coast, Bonita Springs is the perfect destination for any boomer looking to enjoy their retirement years in peace and quiet. If relaxing on the beach with the family dog is your idea of a dream retirement, then Bonita Springs is definitely the place for you!
Yes such a quaint place to live and visit, unfortunately all of Southern Florida has gotten quite expensive, sadly enough most locals can’t afford the prices , which most purchases are usually outta state visitors, nevertheless the beauty and safety in this big town small city feel are endless, great restaurants, schools , shopping and beaches ” I will truly miss the area… I especially love 💘 the season the traffic really let’s you appreciate the interest of this Town ..
NO please don’t move here. Too many people alr
eady ruining our paradise.
Lived in BS until 2014. Wish I was still there. Loved it
Love our town just to the north. While I live in North Naples, Bonita Springs is just one exit away. I frequent it often to visit friends, dine, shop and play Pickleball. Valencia is a beautiful community. I’ve played Pickleball there. Beautiful Courts and nice players/residents. You also get more bang for your buck in Bonita, although you cannot beat Naples’ picturesque beauty.
YES, this is a wonderful town. I have a good friend that moved there about 8 years ago and I love visiting him and heading to the beaches! I have to explore more, next time, and really see MORE of Bonita Springs!!