This Hidden Gem in Florida Gets Nearly 300 Days of Sunshine Each Year—and It’s Perfect for Retirees

With nearly 300 days of sunshine a year, white-sand beaches, and crystalline water, Bonita Springs has all the ingredients for a perfect beach vacation. Add to that an abundance of parks, waterways, and trails, and you have opportunities for adventure, too. Here, you’ll find fishing, shelling (watch for rare, delicate angel wings), hiking, and paddling, plus plenty of fresh seafood to go around. It’s no wonder that this charming Florida city, located just north of Naples and south of Fort Myers, appeals to so many retirees.

Before it was renamed in the 1920s, Bonita Springs was known as Survey because of its roots as a surveyors’ camp, and pieces of the city’s old identity remain. Trish Leonard, owner of TLC Marketing & Creative Services and a Bonita Springs resident since 1983, has also been dubbed the “Mayor of Survey,” an honorary role bestowed on her by the Bonita Springs Historical Society.

We tapped Leonard to find out what makes Bonita Springs such an undiscovered gem on Florida’s Gulf Coast. “We have small-town charm with a big, bright future,” she said. “There are beautiful parks, more than 20 golf courses, fantastic music venues, one of Florida’s last roadside attractions, big events like our annual boat parade, mom-and-pop shops and restaurants—some that have been here for decades—and we’re growing.”

Chuck Saunders, the sales director at Biagio Cru Wine & Spirits, told Travel + Leisure he was a longtime visitor before buying a house in Bonita Springs during the pandemic. When asked what drew him to the destination, he said, “I love the uncrowded beaches, the beautiful golf courses designed by some of golf’s legends, and my wife and I got married on Lovers Key on Thanksgiving in 2018, so it holds a special place for us.”

Best Hotels & Resorts

Trianon Bonita Bay

When Leonard and Saunders have visitors in town, Trianon Bonita Bay is their top recommendation. The boutique hotel is a cozy waterfront oasis offering incredible views of Bonita Bay and the bustling downtown. Its 410-square-foot guest rooms feel spacious, and all come with modern amenities. Relax by the fire pit, grab a drink at the Lake House Bar & Grill, or take a dip in the plunge pool or hot tub. “It’s a lovely property owned by a husband-and-wife team,” Leonard said. “It’s on the river, so you can dine inside or outside and have a beautiful meal.” The on-site Olde Florida Chop House has floor-to-ceiling windows so you can take in those charming views.

Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa

Long hailed as the ultimate luxury property in Bonita Springs, the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa overlooks the Gulf of Mexico. Plus, it has three waterslides, three pools, a lazy river, and access to a secluded private island, Coconut Point. Floor-to-ceiling sliding glass doors let in all the Florida sunshine, while the decor’s ocean and sand color palette matches the landscape. Five on-site restaurants, pet-friendly rooms, fire pits, and lawn games make this a versatile property for families, couples, or solo travelers.

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Estero Bay

According to real estate experts, Lee County is one of the best places to buy a vacation home, and if you’re looking for a more permanent address in the area, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Estero Bay, checks a lot of boxes. With one tower completed and a second under construction, the ultra-luxe condo complex offers panoramic bay views, spacious balconies, concierge services, and pool cabanas. Units range in size from over 2,600 to more than 3,800 square feet.

Best Things to Do

Wonder Gardens

While Old Florida roadside attractions are disappearing due to rampant development and age, Wonder Gardens still stands. Opened in 1936 as The Reptile Gardens, the attraction brings in tens of thousands of visitors each year. It’s home to rescued birds and reptiles that cannot be released back into the wild, and visitors can see turtles, parakeets, golden pheasants, and alligators, among other creatures living in the lush botanical garden. Leonard says not to miss the gift shop, “where you can pick up fun local souvenirs you can’t get anywhere else.”

Bonita Springs Historical Society

Learn about the history of the area at the Bonita Springs Historical Society, which is housed in the 1926 Liles Hotel. Once a popular place to stay along the Imperial River, the hotel was renovated by the City of Bonita Springs in 2006 to serve as a public educational space. The society also offers history-focused walking tours and hands out pamphlets on self-guided tours.

Riverside Park

The sprawling green space in the center of town is Riverside Park. Bring a picnic, check out one of the area’s special events, listen to some live music at the Bandshell, or see a film in the park. Six on-site cottages serve as studios for local artists creating everything from pottery and paintings to seashell art. The park also has a vibrant butterfly garden and offers access to water activities. “We’re known for the Imperial River running through our city,” Leonard said, noting that CGT Kayaks rents kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddleboards in the park to visitors who want to paddle up the river.

Bonita Beach Park

Florida’s Gulf Coast is known for its white-sand beaches and clear water, and Bonita Beach Park definitely delivers. The 2.5-acre beachfront park features a boardwalk and eight picnic shelters. Jet Ski, stand-up paddleboard, kayak, and sailboat rentals are also available nearby. And for those looking to collect shells, this is the place for rare angel wings, whelks, and sand dollars. If you have your pup with you, there’s a dog-friendly beach with off-leash access, aptly named Dog Beach. 

Best Shopping

Promenade at Bonita Bay

Saunders, who lives right across the street, loves the variety of shops, restaurants, bars, and entertainment at the Promenade at Bonita Bay. “The architecture of the outdoor mall is made to look like Venice, Italy, with fountains, man-made canals, and little bridges,” he said. The centerpiece, he added, is a gazebo that contains The Center Bar, which opens at 3 p.m. daily for cocktails, light appetizers, and live tunes. “It’s a place to go even if you don’t drink and just want to listen to some music.” 

Flamingo Island Flea Market

Just off I-75 awaits a cornucopia of vintage decor, houseplants, pottery, and other knick-knacks. Flamingo Island Flea Market has 600 indoor booths featuring vendors from all over the world. It’s open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday year-round, and you can easily spend an entire day here. If you get hungry, grab some tacos, pizza, sub sandwiches, or pho.

Best Restaurants

Old 41 Restaurant

Old 41 Restaurant is known for its humble breakfast and lunch options. Owner Tony Backos, a Philly transplant, pays homage to his hometown with tasty dishes like the Philly cheesesteak omelet. Its classic breakfast menu features favorites like Belgian waffles, creamed chipped beef, and the Southern staple, biscuits and gravy. For lunch, expect comforting classics like roast beef, turkey with gravy, and Philly cheesesteak. Be sure to finish your meal with Old 41’s signature rice pudding. 

Survey Cafe 

Named after Bonita Springs’ original moniker, Survey Cafe was once a Florida cottage with a wraparound deck owned by the current mayor’s grandparents. The live oaks, heavy with Spanish moss and surrounded by palm trees, evoke a quintessential Southern vibe. Leonard loves bringing out-of-town guests to this quaint French restaurant: “I love their quiche, but it’s their hot teas that keep me coming back. A cup of hot tea and the Bonita Springs chicken salad is a delicious lunch. And you can tell a lot of love goes into the croissants and French pastries.”

Buffalo Chips 

The walls of Buffalo Chips are covered in photographs signed by celebrities, town memorabilia, plenty of nods to the Buffalo Bills, and “Buffy,” the buffalo mascot hanging over the front entrance. Owner Chip Greenwood grew up in Buffalo, New York, the birthplace of Buffalo wings, and he still makes them the same way his dad did. Leonard, who goes on Monday nights, says “they have the best wings and cold beverages.”

Rooftop at Riverside Food Truck Park

Rooftop at Riverside, which opened in 2024, comprises several food trucks and a two-story cocktail lounge overlooking Riverside Park. Order a gourmet grilled cheese from Butcher’s Blvd or some OCN seafood and check out the bands that rotate through the park’s amphitheater. 

Doc’s Beach House 

Doc’s Beach House has served Bonita Springs since 1987. “The gentleman who started it is from Chicago, and they serve the best Chicago-style pizza, Italian-style beef sandwiches, and cold beer right on the beach,” said Leonard. “They also rent kayaks, Jet Skis, and paddleboards right out back.” 

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Bonita Springs is during its shoulder seasons—spring and fall—if you’re looking for milder weather coupled with fewer crowds. Leonard says April is particularly special because of the annual Celebrate Bonita Festival, held at Riverside Park. Every year, you can expect food, fun, and some major musical headliners.

Or, for a more Christmassy vibe, visit in December and attend Holiday in the Park, when the charming downtown plays host to a tree lighting ceremony, Santa Claus appearances, and a bevy of performances—you’ll also find hot cocoa and a sprinkling of artificial snow. Just after that, in January, the Bonita Springs National Art Festival comes to town. One of the top fine art festivals in the U.S., it features juried events, more than a dozen categories of art showcased, and work from more than 200 national and international artists, with all proceeds supporting community art activities. 

How to Get There

Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is the closest to Bonita Springs, about 20 minutes away by car. The city is located along Old Highway 41, the Southeast’s version of Route 66, complete with roadside attractions like Wonder Gardens, mentioned above.

Flights are available to RSW via American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Delta Air Lines, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, Air Canada, and United Airlines, among others, offering connections from all over the U.S. and Canada.

You can rent a car from the airport or opt for a car-sharing service called Turo that allows you to rent vehicles from people, not companies. Or, if you prefer to skip the rental car altogether, you can always grab a taxi, Uber, or Lyft for the short drive to Bonita Springs.

Islands to Visit

Lovers Key

In 2022, Hurricane Ian devastated much of the coastline along Bonita Springs, including Lovers Key State Park, but it has since reopened. It has a two-mile stretch of pristine beach, plus hiking and biking trails where you can spot bald eagles, gopher tortoises, and manatees. As its name suggests, it’s an ideal spot for a romantic getaway, as Saunders realized when he planned his wedding there in 2018.

Mound Key Archaeological State Park

Only accessible by waterway, Mound Key Archaeological State Park is a 1.5-mile paddle from Lovers Key, and you’ll probably spot stingrays, mullets, and a cacophony of shorebirds along the way. Once you reach the beach, there’s a one-mile trail that guides you to two shell mounds. Interpretive kiosks teach about the park’s long history as a ceremonial center dating back to the 1500s, and its original inhabitants, the Calusa Native Americans.

How to Get Around

If you’re not renting a car, LeeTran operates 22 bus and trolley routes serving Fort Myers, Cape Coral, Fort Myers Beach, Bonita Springs, and the area’s beaches. Check the trip planner on its website for step-by-step instructions on how to reach your destination by bus or trolley. You could also rent a bike from Beach Bum Bike Rentals or Bonita Bike Rental, complete with a helmet and basket.