Most Scenic Road Trips in Bonita Springs, Florida, United States
1. Lovers Key State Park
A scenic beach getaway with three islands connected by causeways, offering a variety of outdoor activities like biking, fishing, and picnicking.
- Beach Activities: Enjoy sunbathing, swimming, or beachcombing for seashells
- Wildlife Observation: Spot local wildlife such as dolphins, manatees, and over 145 bird species
- Camping Opportunities: Camp overnight in one of the park's 38 campsites for a memorable experience
2. Big Cypress National Preserve
An expansive wetland area teeming with diverse wildlife like the Florida panther and American alligator. Explore via a scenic drive or guided airboat tour.
- Wildlife Encounters: Observe endangered species such as the Florida panther and the West Indian manatee
- Swamp Tours: Embark on a guided airboat tour through the swamps for an unforgettable experience
- Night Sky Observation: Enjoy stargazing in one of the few remaining dark sky preserves in the United States
3. Everglades National Park
A massive wetland preserve offering a unique ecosystem teeming with wildlife like the American alligator and the Florida panther. Explore via a scenic drive or guided tour.
- Wildlife Encounters: Spot various species of birds, reptiles, and mammals
- Airboat Tours: Experience an exciting airboat ride through the everglades' grasslands and waterways
- Camping Opportunities: Spend a night camping in the park for a truly immersive experience
4. Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
A unique coastal ecosystem with mangrove forests, oyster bars, and a rookery for thousands of nesting birds. Explore via a scenic drive or guided boat tour.
- Birdwatching: Observe numerous bird species, including roseate spoonbills and pelicans
- Educational Programs: Participate in educational programs to learn about the local ecosystem
- Nature Trails: Walk along nature trails for up-close views of the mangrove forests and wildlife
5. Makarios Road
A scenic coastal drive with breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico, passing through exclusive neighborhoods and beach access points.
- Gulf Coast Views: Enjoy stunning panoramic vistas of the Gulf of Mexico
- Beach Access Points: Stop at various beach access points for a dip in the sea
- Exclusive Neighborhoods: Drive through some of Bonita Springs' most affluent neighborhoods
6. Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
A nature preserve with a variety of habitats, including a cypress forest and wet prairie. Explore via a scenic drive or guided tram tour.
- Wildlife Observation: Spot alligators, otters, and numerous bird species
- Tram Tours: Take a guided tram tour to learn about the local ecosystem
- Boardwalks: Walk along boardwalks for up-close views of wildlife and wetland habitats
7. Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge
A series of mangrove islands with diverse wildlife and beautiful scenery. Explore via a scenic boat tour.
- Wildlife Encounters: Observe dolphins, manatees, and numerous bird species
- Boat Tours: Embark on a guided boat tour through the islands' mangrove forests
- Remote Beauty: Experience the tranquil beauty of these isolated, pristine islands
8. Estero Bay Preserve State Park
A coastal preserve with a variety of habitats, including mangrove forests, wetlands, and sandy beaches. Explore via a scenic drive or guided kayak tour.
- Kayak Tours: Take a guided kayak tour through the park's mangrove forests and wetlands
- Wildlife Observation: Spot dolphins, manatees, and numerous bird species in their natural habitat
- Camping Opportunities: Spend a night camping in one of the park's six campsites for a memorable experience
9. Vanderbilt Beach
A scenic beach with soft sand and clear waters, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or picnicking.
- Swimming: Enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters
- Picnic Opportunities: Pack a picnic to enjoy on the beach or at one of the nearby picnic areas
- Sunset Views: Watch the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico from the beautiful shores
10. Bonita Beach
A picturesque beach with soft sand and calm waters, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or fishing.
- Swimming: Enjoy a refreshing swim in the shallow, calm waters
- Fishing Opportunities: Try your luck at fishing from the shore or rent a boat for offshore fishing
- Sunset Views: Watch the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico from the beautiful shores
11. Gulf Shore Boulevard
A scenic coastal drive with stunning views of the Gulf of Mexico and access to various beaches.
- Coastal Views: Enjoy breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico
- Beach Access Points: Stop at various beach access points for a dip in the sea
- Restaurants and Shops: Visit local restaurants and shops along the way
12. Barefoot Beach Preserve County Park
A serene beach with soft sand, clear waters, and a nature trail. Perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or birdwatching.
- Swimming: Enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters
- Nature Trails: Walk along nature trails to observe local wildlife and plants
- Birdwatching: Spot various bird species, including roseate spoonbills and pelicans
13. Little Hickory Island Beach Park
A peaceful beach park with soft sand, clear waters, and picnic facilities. Perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or picnicking.
- Swimming: Enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters
- Picnic Opportunities: Pack a picnic to enjoy on the beach or at one of the nearby picnic areas
- Calm Waters: Enjoy swimming in the calm, shallow waters
14. Borrow Beach Park
A beautiful beach park with soft sand, clear waters, and picnic facilities. Perfect for swimming, sunbathing, or picnicking.
- Swimming: Enjoy a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters
- Picnic Opportunities: Pack a picnic to enjoy on the beach or at one of the nearby picnic areas
- Calm Waters: Enjoy swimming in the calm, shallow waters
15. Tarpon Bay Explorers
A boat tour company offering guided tours through Estero Bay to observe wildlife such as dolphins, manatees, and various bird species.
- Wildlife Encounters: Observe numerous wildlife species in their natural habitat
- Boat Tours: Embark on a guided boat tour through Estero Bay
- Educational Programs: Learn about the local ecosystem and wildlife from experienced guides