Advanced Search



 

 

















Bookmark and Share

Bonita Springs & Estero

Slideshow
Shopping at Coconut Point
Bonita Beach
Miromar Outlets, Estero
Shelling on Bonita Beach

Modern Bonita Springs, named for a medicinal spring on the Shangri La Hotel property on U.S. 41, began life as the town of Survey. Next, the outpost was transformed first into a pineapple, banana and coconut plantation, then into a hunting and fishing destination. The arrival of developer Barron Collier’s Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41) and railroad brought a new wave of prosperity to the town, which incorporated for the first time in 1925, and again in the late 1990s.

Attractions such as Everglades Wonder Gardens and The Shell Factory & Nature Park (moved to North Fort Myers after a 1940s fire) brought the wonders of the natural world to the forefront. Nearby Bonita Beach on Hickory Island was called Fiddlerville because of the vast number of fiddler crabs on its shell-strewn shores. Visitors today enjoy boating the waterways and the amenities at Bonita Beach Park.

Further north, Estero was incorporated in 1904 by the Koreshans, a religious sect that at one time numbered near 10,000. The remains of their “New Jerusalem" on the banks of the Estero River can be seen at the settlement at Koreshan State Historic Site, which also encompasses Mound Key, a large, former Calusa Indian village and sacred site.

More recent attractions include great dining options, Germain Arena for live events and shopping emporia such as The Promenade, Miromar Outlets, Gulf Coast Town Center and mega shopping mall Coconut Point.

► Read Full Article

Javascript is required to view this map.

Bonita Springs & Estero Experiences

Beach Picnics
All you really need is a big blanket, PB&J sandwiches and some cold drinks, and you’ve got yourself a Gulf-front picnic. The beach provides a soft, sandy surface, the world’s best view, water for cleaning up and sunshine for snoozing.
more »
3.25
8 ratings
3,207 views
Shopping & Spa Escape
A relaxing getaway doesn’t always require sand, surf and sun. Sometimes the best way to unwind involves some shopping with the girls and a dose of spa pampering.
more »
4.333335
6 ratings
4,020 views
Summer Sanctuary
Super summer deals make it the perfect time to visit, book now!
more »
4.666665
15 ratings
6,102 views
Parks Primer: Nature, Wildlife & Recreation Hotspots
On The Beaches of Fort Myers & Sanibel, parks aren’t just for picnicking anymore. Here you can find live manatees, a cross-country bike track, major league baseball action, a beach for dogs and a mini-railroad ride – all within local city, county and state parks. Here’s a handy guide to what...
more »
4.285715
7 ratings
7,874 views
Outlet Shopping Insider
Who can resist the rush of discovering irresistible deals? The Fort Myers Sanibel area offers great opportunities for those with a savvy sense for savings. Bargains can turn up all over town, but these outlet shopping hotspots are a shoe-in: Miromar Outlets, Estero
more »
4.666665
3 ratings
5,301 views
10 Island Experiences
There’s an island where seashells blanket the beach and another where adventure soars from a parasailing chute. Ancient Indian shell mounds rise from several islands you can reach only by boat, while modern resorts share sand on others. A dozen major islands and uncountable activities and...
more »
3.82353
17 ratings
19,192 views
Best Bets for Beaches
Does a day at the beach mean flat-out sun-worshipping to you? Or do you prefer yours with a side of sunset, shells galore or a little recreation? It’s hard to narrow down the choices with so many beaches, so we’ve listed some favorites organized by what they’re best known for. ROMANCE: Lovers Key...
more »
4.578945
19 ratings
19,655 views
Golf Best Bets
The Fort Myers Sanibel area is located in the epicenter of Florida’s Golf Coast (bad pun 100 percent intended). Here are some of the best bets from tee to green. Golf at its Most Natural
more »
5
2 ratings
2,458 views
Top Stops Along the Blueway
The Great Calusa Blueway Paddling Trail is a 190-mile marked canoe and kayak trail that meanders through the coastal waters and inland tributaries of Lee County. Find great parks and attractions along all three phases of the trail by reading the tips below, or go directly to www.calusablueway.com...
more »
2.666665
3 ratings
2,710 views
Bonita Springs & Estero Quick Trips
Follow Ancient Trails: Paddle your way from one end of the county to the other along the Great Calusa Blueway (239-461-7400), a marked and GPS-plotted waterway trail named for a native tribe that covers 190 miles. Captain Your Own Destiny: Or at least your own salty, exciting day riding the waves:...
more »
0
0 ratings
818 views