Unusual & Offbeat Destinations in Bonita Springs, Florida, United States
1. Mangrove Adventures
Explore the hidden mangrove tunnels on a kayak tour, encounter local wildlife and learn about the ecosystem.
- Kayaking Through Mangroves: A unique way to explore Florida's coastal wetlands
- Wildlife Spotting: Opportunity to see various local wildlife such as birds, manatees, and dolphins
- Educational Tour: Learn about the mangrove ecosystem and its importance
2. Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
Discover diverse wildlife in this 13,000-acre sanctuary, home to over 50 threatened or endangered species.
- Diverse Wildlife: Opportunity to see rare and endangered species such as the Florida Panther
- Boardwalk Trails: Easy, guided walking trails through the swamp and marsh areas
- Educational Programs: Various educational programs focusing on wildlife conservation and environmental education
3. Old Soul Brewing Co.
Visit this brewery housed in a historic fire station, offering craft beer made from locally-sourced ingredients.
- Historic Building: A unique and historic setting for enjoying local craft beers
- Locally Sourced Ingredients: Supports local farmers and the use of fresh, high-quality ingredients
- Live Music & Events: Regular live music performances and special events
4. Edison and Ford Winter Estates
Tour the winter homes of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, featuring gardens, laboratories, and museums.
- Historical Landmark: A unique piece of American history showcasing the lives of two inventive geniuses
- Museums & Exhibits: Various museums and exhibits featuring Edison's inventions, Ford's automobiles, and art collections
- Gardens & Nature Walk: Beautiful gardens and nature trails to explore on the estate
5. Bahia Honda State Park
Relax on pristine beaches, explore the old railroad trestle, and snorkel in crystal-clear waters.
- Pristine Beaches: Experience beautiful, uncrowded Florida beaches
- Historic Railroad Trestle: Explore the historic Old Seven Mile Bridge trestle
- Snorkeling & Diving: Opportunity to snorkel or dive in clear waters teeming with marine life
6. Imagine Museum Bonita Springs
Explore a world-class glass art museum featuring the works of Dale Chihuly and other contemporary artists.
- World-Class Glass Art: A unique collection of breathtaking glass sculptures
- Educational Programs: Educational programs focusing on the art and craft of glassmaking
- Artist Workshops: Opportunity to attend workshops led by renowned glass artists
7. Bonita Springs Culinary Center
Participate in cooking classes, wine tastings, and other culinary experiences.
- Cooking Classes: Opportunity to learn new recipes and techniques from professional chefs
- Wine Tastings: Taste and learn about various wines from around the world
- Culinary Events: Regular culinary events, such as farm-to-table dinners and food festivals
8. The Butterfly Estates
Walk through a magical butterfly garden with hundreds of species of butterflies, plants, and waterfalls.
- Butterfly Conservatory: A unique opportunity to interact with hundreds of species of live butterflies
- Beautiful Gardens: Gorgeous gardens filled with colorful flowers and exotic plants
- Educational Programs: Various educational programs focusing on butterfly conservation and education
9. Corkscrew Road Wildlife Drive
Drive through a scenic wildlife drive, spotting various Florida wildlife such as alligators, eagles, and bobcats.
- Wildlife Spotting: Opportunity to see diverse Florida wildlife in their natural habitat
- Scenic Drive: Beautiful, scenic drive through wetlands and forests
- Educational Signs: Informative signs about the wildlife and ecosystem found along the drive
10. Museum of North Port
Learn about the history and culture of North Port through exhibits focusing on agriculture, aviation, and sports.
- Local History & Culture: A unique look into the history and culture of North Port
- Agriculture Exhibits: Exhibits focusing on the area's agricultural heritage
- Aviation & Sports Displays: Displays about North Port's aviation history and sports figures
11. Lovers Key State Park
Enjoy pristine beaches, kayak through mangrove forests, or fish from the shore at this picturesque state park.
- Pristine Beaches: Beautiful and uncrowded Florida beaches
- Kayaking & Fishing: Opportunity to kayak through mangrove forests or fish from the shore
- Historic Site: Explore the park's history as a hidden pirate hideout and early Seminole Indian settlement
12. Gulf Coast Town Center
Visit an outdoor shopping mall with unique stores, restaurants, and a movie theater.
- Outdoor Shopping Mall: An open-air shopping experience with unique stores and restaurants
- Movie Theater: A cinema showing the latest movies
- Live Music & Events: Regular live music performances and events at the center's amphitheater
13. Bonita Farmers Market
Shop for fresh produce, artisanal goods, and local crafts at this weekly farmers market.
- Fresh Produce: Support local farmers and enjoy fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowers
- Artisanal Goods: Shop for unique artisanal goods such as soaps, candles, and handmade crafts
- Live Music & Food Trucks: Enjoy live music performances and delicious food from local food trucks
14. Bonita Springs Public Library
Browse books, attend workshops, or enjoy a quiet study session at this modern library.
- Book Browsing: A vast collection of books to browse and borrow
- Workshops & Events: Various workshops, classes, and events for all ages
- Quiet Study Spaces: Quiet study spaces for focused work or relaxation
15. Pine Island Aquatic Preserve State Park
Explore this unspoiled estuary, home to diverse wildlife and beautiful mangrove forests.
- Wildlife Spotting: Opportunity to see various Florida wildlife such as manatees, dolphins, and eagles
- Kayaking & Canoeing: Opportunity to kayak or canoe through the beautiful mangrove forests
- Nature Trails: Easy, guided walking trails through the preserve's forests and wetlands