Bonita Springs & Beyond
A local owner’s guide to the very best of Southwest Florida — handpicked, no sponsored placements.
The Sweet Spot of Southwest Florida
Bonita Springs sits perfectly between Naples to the south and Fort Myers to the north — close enough to enjoy both, far enough to feel quieter. Our condo is 8 minutes from Bonita Beach, 15 minutes from downtown Naples, 25 minutes from Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), and an easy day trip from Sanibel, Marco Island, and the Everglades.
Whether you want to spend a week on the beach, a season golfing, or just slow down with a book and a glass of wine on the lanai — The Nest puts you right in the middle of it all.
Best Beaches Within 30 Minutes
Bonita Beach (8 min)
Powder-soft white sand and shallow Gulf water. Free public access at Little Hickory Beach Park; metered parking lots fill early in season — go before 9am or after 3pm.
Lovers Key State Park (15 min)
2.5 miles of pristine beach inside a barrier island state park. Tram service from the lot, kayak rentals, and one of the best places in Florida for shelling at low tide.
Barefoot Beach (12 min)
A quieter, more upscale beach in north Naples. Limited parking keeps it uncrowded. Bring lunch from Doc’s Beach House on the way.
Vanderbilt Beach (18 min)
Home to The Ritz-Carlton and the famous Turtle Club restaurant. Long, wide beach perfect for sunset walks. Pay-by-app parking on the streets.
Sanibel Island (45 min)
The shelling capital of America. Plan a full day: lighthouse, J.N. Ding Darling wildlife refuge, lunch at Doc Ford’s, and sunset on Bowman’s Beach.
Marco Island (40 min)
Crescent Beach, Tigertail Lagoon, and a more developed beach scene. Great for a half-day trip with kids — paddleboard the lagoon for calm water.
Where the Locals Eat
Survey Café — Bonita Springs
Breakfast · 5 min — Best biscuits and gravy in town. Get there before 9am on weekends or expect a wait. Cash-friendly.
Doc’s Beach House — Bonita Beach
Casual · 8 min — Beachside burgers and grouper sandwiches with sand-in-your-shoes vibes. Order from the upstairs deck for the view.
The Turtle Club — Naples
Beachfront dining · 18 min — Tables literally on the sand at Vanderbilt Beach. Reserve sunset dinner months in advance. Worth it for the chowder alone.
Roy’s — Bonita Springs
Hawaiian fusion · 4 min — Our go-to date-night spot. The misoyaki butterfish is a religious experience. Happy hour 4–6pm has the best deals.
Sails — Naples
Special occasion · 18 min — White-tablecloth seafood on Fifth Avenue South. The crudo, the lobster, the wine list — all extraordinary. Reserve weeks ahead in season.
Riverside Bar & Grill — Bonita Springs
Live music · 6 min — On the Imperial River with boat-up dock service. Live music on weekends, killer fish tacos, and pet-friendly outdoor seating.
Things to Do Nearby
🛍️ Coconut Point Mall
Open-air shopping village 5 min away. Anchor stores, 30+ restaurants, and a movie theater. Free parking, easy walking.
🌳 Naples Botanical Garden
170 acres of preserved gardens with rotating exhibits. Beautiful on a quieter morning. Café onsite for lunch.
🐊 Everglades Day Trip
Big Cypress Swamp and Everglades National Park are 45 minutes east. Airboat tours, alligator spotting, and Skunk Ape Headquarters.
🛶 Estero Bay Kayaking
Calm protected bay perfect for paddling among mangroves and dolphins. Rentals at Lovers Key or guided tours from Estero.
🎨 Old Naples & Fifth Ave
Art galleries, boutiques, and outdoor cafés along historic Fifth Avenue South. The Naples Pier at sunset is a must-see.
⚾ Spring Training
Twins and Red Sox train in nearby Fort Myers (Feb–Mar). Tickets are easy to get and the stadium experience is unbeatable.
Getting Here
By Air
RSW (Fort Myers) — 25 min, 18 mi. Direct flights from 60+ U.S. cities. Recommended.
APF (Naples) — 20 min, private jets only.
MIA (Miami) — 2 hrs, more flight options.
By Car
Take I-75 to Exit 116 (Bonita Beach Rd). Head west, then turn into Pelican Landing. Stop at the gatehouse — your name will be on the access list once your stay is confirmed.