Bonita Springs is a town with a rich history that has evolved over generations to become a charming destination that offers something for everyone. Once a plantation that harvested pineapples, bananas, and coconuts, it now boasts friendly accommodations, great shopping, beaches, parks, and family attractions.
The town gets its name from a medicinal spring on the Shangri-La property, which is now a famous tourist spot. The natural wonders of the area are brought to the forefront through attractions such as the Everglades Wonder Gardens and the Koreshan State Historic Site. Bonita Beach on Hickory Island, once known as Fiddlerville for its fiddler crabs, offers visitors an opportunity to enjoy boating on the waterways and indulge in the amenities at Bonita Beach Park.
Further north, Estero offers both outlet and high-end shopping experiences, cultural attractions, and stunning natural vistas. Incorporated in 1904 by the Koreshans, a religious sect that once numbered near 10,000 in Estero, the remains of their “New Jerusalem” can be seen at the settlement at Koreshan State Historic Site. Nearby, the Mound Key provides visitors with a glimpse of the village of the indigenous Calusa Indians and is reachable only by boat or kayak. The area also features great dining options, Germain Arena for live events, and shopping emporiums such as The Promenade, Miromar Outlets, Coconut Point Mall, and Gulf Coast Town Center.