
Best Backpacking Destinations in Bonita Springs, Florida, United States
1. Lovers Key State Park
Enjoy pristine beaches, explore mangrove forests, and spot wildlife in this beautiful island park.
- Beach Access: Offers easy access to multiple beaches for relaxing or beachcombing
- Wildlife Viewing: Abundant birdwatching and marine life opportunities in the park's waters
- Historical Sites: Features remnants of a Calusa Indian shell mound and World War II military fortifications
2. Everglades National Park
Experience the untamed wilderness of the Everglades with its unique ecosystem and diverse wildlife.
- Diverse Wildlife: Home to alligators, panthers, and over 300 bird species
- Guided Tours: Offers ranger-led programs, boat tours, and canoeing adventures
- Camping Opportunities: Features multiple campgrounds for overnight stays in the wilderness
3. Big Cypress National Preserve
Explore a vast expanse of marshlands and swamps teeming with wildlife in this unique ecosystem.
- Wildlife Photography: Ideal location for capturing stunning images of alligators, bears, and birds
- Airboat Tours: Access the preserve via airboat tours, offering a unique perspective on the marshlands
- Hiking Trails: Features numerous trails for hikers of all skill levels
4. Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
Discover the beauty and diversity of a cypress forest with boardwalk trails and wildlife viewing opportunities.
- Boardwalk Trails: Easy-to-navigate boardwalks provide access to the swamp's unique ecosystem
- Birdwatching: Home to over 200 bird species, including Roseate Spoonbills and Great Blue Herons
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs and exhibits about the local flora and fauna
5. Wildlife Drive at Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve
Drive through a vast cypress swamp teeming with wildlife on this scenic roadway.
- Scenic Drive: 15-mile drive offers stunning views of the swamp and its inhabitants
- Wildlife Viewing: Opportunities to spot black bears, panthers, and a variety of birds and alligators
- Guided Tours: Offers guided tram tours during the dry season (November-May)
6. Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge
Explore a maze of islands and waterways teeming with wildlife in this pristine wilderness.
- Boat Tours: Accessible via boat tours, offering up-close encounters with wildlife
- Wildlife Viewing: Home to manatees, dolphins, and a variety of birds and alligators
- Remote Locations: Remote islands provide opportunities for solitude and off-the-beaten-path exploration
7. Big Hickory Island Preserve State Park
Explore a pristine barrier island with beautiful beaches and abundant wildlife.
- Beach Access: Offers easy access to a secluded beach for relaxing or sunbathing
- Wildlife Viewing: Home to a variety of birds, sea turtles, and other marine life
- Natural Habitat Preservation: Helps preserve the natural habitat for future generations to enjoy
8. Bahia Honda State Park
Relax on pristine beaches or snorkel in crystal-clear waters at this beautiful state park.
- Beach Relaxation: Beautiful beaches perfect for lounging, sunbathing, and swimming
- Snorkeling: Clear waters offer excellent opportunities for snorkeling and exploring marine life
- Historical Site: Features a historic railway bridge and offers tours of the area's history
9. Marco Island Beach State Park
Enjoy pristine beaches, mangrove forests, and wildlife viewing opportunities at this beautiful state park.
- Beach Access: Offers easy access to a secluded beach for relaxing or sunbathing
- Wildlife Viewing: Home to a variety of birds, sea turtles, and other marine life
- Mangrove Forests: Features mangrove forests ideal for exploring and birdwatching
10. Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
Explore a vast estuary teeming with wildlife and learn about the local ecosystem at this research reserve.
- Educational Programs: Offers educational programs and exhibits about the local ecosystem
- Wildlife Viewing: Home to a variety of birds, manatees, and other wildlife
- Boat Tours: Accessible via boat tours for up-close encounters with wildlife
11. Naples Municipal Beach and Fishing Pier
Relax on a beautiful beach or fish from the pier at this popular waterfront destination.
- Beach Relaxation: Beautiful beach perfect for lounging, sunbathing, and swimming
- Fishing Pier: Long fishing pier ideal for catching a variety of fish species
- Convenient Location: Centrally located in Naples, making it easy to access other attractions
12. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
Relax on pristine beaches or explore mangrove forests at this beautiful state park.
- Beach Access: Offers easy access to a secluded beach for relaxing or sunbathing
- Mangrove Forests: Features mangrove forests ideal for exploring and birdwatching
- Natural Habitat Preservation: Helps preserve the natural habitat for future generations to enjoy
13. Vanderbilt Beach
Relax on a beautiful beach with crystal-clear waters and abundant wildlife.
- Beach Relaxation: Beautiful beach perfect for lounging, sunbathing, and swimming
- Wildlife Viewing: Home to a variety of birds, sea turtles, and other marine life
- Water Sports: Ideal for various water sports such as paddleboarding, kayaking, and snorkeling
14. Keewaydin Island
Enjoy pristine beaches, clear waters, and a serene atmosphere on this beautiful island.
- Beach Access: Offers easy access to secluded beaches for relaxing or sunbathing
- Clear Waters: Ideal for swimming, snorkeling, and exploring marine life
- Serene Atmosphere: A peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life
15. Clam Pass Park
Relax on a beautiful beach or explore mangrove forests at this peaceful park.
- Beach Access: Offers easy access to secluded beaches for relaxing or sunbathing
- Mangrove Forests: Features mangrove forests ideal for exploring and birdwatching
- Natural Habitat Preservation: Helps preserve the natural habitat for future generations to enjoy