The City of Bonita Springs provides opportunities for individuals to enjoy the outdoors at a variety of stunning parks along the water. PHOTO COURTESY OF THE LEE COUNTY VISITOR & CONVENTION BUREAU

Bonita Springs is located between Naples and Fort Myers. It has a vibrant downtown and rich history, making it a must-visit destination on your next trip to Southwest Florida.

In the 1870s, the Army Corps of Engineers’ surveyors mapped the then remote area of Southwest Florida and set up along the upper Imperial River. After the crew left, the area became known and recorded on maps as “Survey.” The river became known as “Surveyor’s Creek.” Over the years, Survey developed from a handful of homesteaders into a village and it hasn’t stopped growing since. Eventually, the area was renamed Bonita Springs and the river was dubbed the Imperial River.

THINGS TO DO

Everglades Wonder Gardens

The first major tourist attraction to open was the Everglades Reptile Gardens in 1936. Today, it’s known as the Everglades Wonder Gardens. Initially, it was a roadside tourist attraction featuring local and exotic animals and it helped make Bonita Springs known to other parts of the U.S.

More info: https://wondergardens.org

Address: 27180 Old 41 Rd., Bonita Springs

Downtown Old. U.S. 41 Road Restaurants

There is a delicious set of restaurants located along Old U.S. 41 Road to enjoy for lunch, dinner or a night on the town. Maria’s Restaurant has some of the best Hispanic bites in Southwest Florida,

Chartreuse Craft Cocktail Lounge is known for some seriously tantalizing cocktails, and Survey Café (named after the town’s original name) has some of the best breakfast and brunch dishes around.

PLACES TO GO

CREW Flint Pen Strand Hiking Trail

Get a taste for Old Florida and explore part of the 60,000-acre Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed (CREW). The trails run through a variety of ecosystems you’ll find in the Southwest Florida region, including pine flat woods, oak hammocks and mangrove forests. If you’d like to see some Florida wildlife, the Flint Pen Strand offers chances to spot fox squirrels, white-tailed deer, bobcats, otters, swallow-tailed kites and bald eagles.

More info: https://crewtrust.org/flint-pen-strand-2

Address: 15970 Bonita Beach Rd. SE, Bonita Springs.

Riverside Park

Riverside Park is a popular gathering place for families and residents to foster community and celebrate holiday celebrations, art shows, festivals, Movies in the Park, and the Celebrate Bonita Festival. The historic Liles Hotel, built in 1926, is also located in the park and offers exhibits in the public areas of the hotel. Visitors will also enjoy checking out the recently restored fishing bungalows that now offer a beautiful selection of handmade jewelry, paintings and sculptures. The Bonita Springs Riverside Park is located on Old U.S. 41 Road in Bonita Springs and sits on the Imperial River.

More info: www.bonitaspringsparks.org/riverside_park

Address: 10450 Reynolds St., Bonita Springs