When you stay at one of our captivating Bonita Bay, Florida rentals, you have the beach, the downtown shopping, and the many neighborhood attractions at your disposal. But if you ever want to take a quick afternoon trip over to Fort Myers, a whole world of opportunity opens up to you. Science centers, historical museums, and some of the best beaches along the gulf coast are yours to explore. We take a look at what makes Fort Myers such a special place to visit on your next stay in a Bonita Springs pet-friendly vacation rentals.
IMAG History and Science Center
IMAG collects the greatest and most fascinating stories of scientific history. From the age of dinosaurs to the far reaches of interstellar travel and technology, IMAG creates a dense and layered scientific narrative for you to explore through and interact with. The science center provides visitors with a slew of hands-on exhibits exploring nanotechnology, living under the sea, the power of weather, and more. Visitors can explore through 60 interactive exhibits, as well as the Animal Encounter “Sea-to-See” touch tank. Kids will get a kick out of the stingray feeding area.
General admission is $15 for adults and $12 for children and students. Parking is free on-site. The center is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and Sunday noon to 5 p.m.
Edison and Ford’s Winter Estates
Edison and Ford (yes, that Edison and Ford) were quite good friends, and would often spend weeks together in Naples. Thomas Edison was enthralled by the region and set up a shop and a laboratory down on his 21-acre estate. He also welcomed many leading professionals, most notably Henry Ford. Ford enjoyed his visits so much that he eventually bought the home and acreage adjacent to the Edison estate.
Now, you can tour the grounds for a direct lens into their lives. You can see the spectacular Edison study room as well as the guest home which housed Harvey Firestone, President-elect Herbert Hoover, and many others. The gardens, curated and crafted by Edison’s wife, are a delightful treat. We highly recommend the Moonlight Garden, originally designed by master landscape designer Ellen Biddle.
It is all open daily from 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Calusa Nature Center and Planetarium
Nature enthusiasts will adore the Calusa Center. Both a natural history museum and a planetarium, the center explores the “magic” of astronomy and ecology. Highlights for your visit include the Rescue Animal area and the natural History Living Museum, both offering opportunities to interact and see local protected wildlife.
There’s also the Raptor Aviary and the Butterfly Aviary. While you won’t find any reptilian dinosaur raptors, you will find some incredible birds of prey, including hawks, vultures, bald eagles, and owls.
It is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $5 for children ages 3-12.
Outdoor Activities
There are plenty of exciting outdoor activities for you to add to your vacation bucket list.
Be sure to take a stopover at Zoomers Amusement Park, most well-known for its fast-paced and rambunctious bumper boats. It also features a huge hippo slide, a cobra coaster, and family-friendly mini-golf. It is located at 17455 Summerlin Rd and is a splendid option for Bonita Springs day trips.
Fort Myers Beach is the defining beach in southwest Florida and a must-see stop for beach lovers. There are at least thee major public access beach points, most notably on the northern end at the fishing pier in Fort Myers Beach. Due to the location of Fort Myers Beach, it is a renowned place for shelling. Find rare and whole pieces of shells snug in the sands.
Dolphin tours are extremely popular. Spot dolphin bouncing atop the water in groups and even following your boat. Select a sunset cruise for an extra level of romance.
Places to Stay
Stay in Bonita Springs for your next trip to the beach. This quiet city is ideal for nature lovers and anyone who simply wants to take it easy on their getaway. Review our available Bonita Bay vacation rentals today.
