This small southwestern Florida waterfront community is characterized by sun-kissed beaches, brick streets, and palm-lined canals. Bonita Springs and its pristine beaches make for an excellent jumping-off point to explore natural attractions of the surrounding areas. Lying on the banks of the Gulf of Mexico and Estero Bay, the city has easy access to ocean activities like kayaking, swimming, and parasailing.

Because Bonita Springs lies in one of South Florida’s more rural areas, several nature parks, preserves, and sanctuaries feature unique swamplands, mangrove and cypress forests, and everglade ecosystems that are synonymous with the region. And Fort Myers, with its broad range of cultural attractions, lies only 30 minutes away.

The Gulf waters bring a level of stability to Bonita Springs’ humid, subtropical climate with warm temperatures throughout the year and moderate increases in rainfall during the summer months. From May to September, the area experiences its warmest — and wettest — months. The rain tends to coincide with the annual hurricane season that reaches its peak in late summer. The colder months are only marginally so, and many still consider the winter to be suitable for swimming and outdoor recreation.

Spring is an ideal time to look for vacation rentals in Bonita Springs as the temperatures are warm and the inclement weather and rain of mid-to late summer have yet to hit. Several of the area’s festivals and events take place between winter and spring, such as an art festival which hosts over 200 artists from around the world over several weekends from January through March.

Lovers Key State Park

Lovers Key State Park is a collection of barrier islands just off the coast of Bonita Springs. Once an isolated strip of white-sand beaches reachable only by boat, today the state park is a bit more accessible thanks to the network of bridges and roadways connecting the islands to the mainland. Picnicking, swimming, kayaking, and sunbathing are popular activities at this rarely occupied two-mile stretch of beach and mangrove forests.

Conservancy of Southwest Florida Nature Center

This 21-acre nature preserve in the neighboring town of Naples highlights the unique flora and fauna ecologies of southern Florida’s wetlands and marshes. Over 150 native and invasive species are located within the center, with learning opportunities led by the onsite staff. Boat rides and kayak excursions through the reserves of the Gordon River are immersive ways to encounter some of the area’s wildlife, including dolphins, manatees, and several species of bird.

Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge

The state’s largest expanse of land dedicated to protecting the rare predatory cats native to the area, the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge provides exceptional opportunities to hike amongst the lush tropical vegetation and cypress forests. While visitors are unlikely to see a panther, the park’s protected lands are home to a variety of easier-to-spot wildlife like the wood stork, sandhill crane, black bear, bobcats, and marsh rabbits.