When you’re in Florida, you will probably want to soak up the sun and experience all the beauty of the state’s nature. Bonita Springs is the perfect place to get up close and personal with the magnificent sights. Whether you’re an avid hiker or are looking for a more casual stroll, there are tons of nature walks near Bonita Springs that will appeal to every skill level. Here are three of the best places to encounter the wonders of Florida’s nature.
Delnor-Wiggins Boardwalk Trail
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park in Naples has a shorter boardwalk trail that’s ideal for bird watching and taking a more casual approach. The Observation Tower is a 0.3-mile journey through the mangroves, which gives visitors a chance to see all the incredible plant and animal life. At the end of the trail, you’ll find the beach. The currents are too strong for swimming, but you may be able to find a unique seashell!
After passing the beach, you will return to the start of the trail for a total hike of 0.8 miles. While this is one of the easier trails, it still presents some unforgettable views that will satisfy any hikers. Leashed dogs are also allowed on this trail. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is open daily from 8 a.m. until sundown. Admission is $2 for pedestrians or cyclists or $6 per car.
Estero Bay Preserve Park
Just a 15-minute drive from Bonita Springs is the sister city of Estero, where you will find the Estero Bay Preserve Park. This park is an ideal place to see a wide range of native plants and animals that call Florida home. Estero access to the preserve is found at the westernmost point of Broadway West. Four trails are available for you to explore, where you can witness animals like birds, tortoises, reptiles, and more. You’ll also view other important elements of the various ecosystems, like salt flats and mesic flatwoods.
While the trails can be a bit rugged in places, there are benches all throughout the paths to give you a place to rest. Additionally, there is a pavilion with restrooms at the beginning of the trail. If you’re vacationing with your pet, this park is dog-friendly as long as they are leashed and picked up after. Estero Bay Preserve Park operates daily from sunrise until sunset and charges a $1 fee for pedestrians and cyclists or a $2 fee for cars.
Black Island Trail in Lovers Key State Park
For some of the most diverse Bonita Springs nature, try the 2.7-mile Black Island Trail in Lovers Key State Park. Bring your loved one or your furry friend to see everything from alligators to manatees to countless species of birds. This trail is the perfect length for hikers both experienced and new, and you can relax on the shores of Lovers Key once you’re back to the start of the trail.
Lovers Key State Park is a quick day trip from Bonita Springs, just half an hour away in Fort Myers Beach. This picturesque location is perfect for spending the day picnicking, sunbathing, and, of course, hiking! Lovers Key is open daily from 8 a.m. until sundown and charges $2 per pedestrian or cyclist and $8 per car.
These are just a few of the numerous Bonita Springs hiking experiences available to you. After a long day outdoors, unwind in your luxurious rental, where you can snuggle up in front of the TV in your spacious living area or enjoy a glass of wine watching the sun go down from your balcony. Our properties are designed with you in mind, so you can get the most out of your getaway. For more information about our properties in Bonita Springs and the best nature walks in the area, contact us today!
