Bonita Springs, Florida — Coconut Point, Bonita Beach, and the Naples-to-Fort-Myers sweet spot.
The relaxed gateway between Naples and Fort Myers — Bonita Beach for the sunset, Coconut Point for the dining and shopping, and an easy 55-minute drive from Ave Maria.
Bonita Beach sunset followed by Coconut Point dinner.
Park at Doc's Beach House mid-afternoon, claim a sunset table or order grouper tacos to the sand. After the sun goes, drive ten minutes north to Coconut Point — patio drinks at RusTeak, then live music in the village square (in season).
Known for
Bonita Beach, Coconut Point lifestyle center, Promenade at Bonita Bay, and Riverside Park summer concerts.
Why visit
A quieter Naples alternative with one of the prettiest beaches in Southwest Florida. Pair a morning at Bonita Beach with an evening at Coconut Point and you've nailed the day.
Top attractions
Wide soft sand, easy access from Hickory Boulevard — pure Gulf-coast classic.
Walkable shopping village with 140+ stores and a Silverspot Cinema.
Upscale boutiques and Roy's Restaurant — beautifully landscaped.
Free Friday-night summer concerts on the Imperial River.
Just south of Bonita Beach — paddleboarding, manatees, and undeveloped sand.
Where locals eat
Restaurants our drivers actually recommend.
Right on Bonita Beach — grouper sandwiches, sandy floors, and a beach view.
Brunch and lunch standout tucked behind Coconut Point — locals' favorite.
Hawaiian-fusion classics at the Promenade — the misoyaki butterfish is iconic.
Wine cellar, white linen, special-occasion Italian.
Reliable seafood and the Bang Bang Shrimp every Floridian knows.
Hour-by-hour, the way we'd plan it.
- 19:30 AM
Leave Ave Maria — head west on I-75.
- 210:30 AM
Beach morning at Bonita Beach Park or Lovers Key.
- 31:00 PM
Grouper sandwich at Doc's Beach House.
- 43:00 PM
Stroll Coconut Point — Silverspot matinee or shopping.
- 56:00 PM
Sunset cocktails at the Promenade.
- 67:30 PM
Dinner at Roy's or Angelina's.
Getting here from Ave Maria
Bonita Springs rides from Ave Maria are bundled into our $90 RSW / Naples / Fort Myers / Bonita Springs flat rate. RSW is only 20 minutes away — a perfect first stop on a multi-city day.
Local Pro Tips
- Bonita Beach lot fills by 9:30 AM in winter — go early or use the metered street parking on Hickory.
- Coconut Point hosts a farmers market on select winter Saturdays — check the property calendar.
- Doc's Beach House gets a 45-minute wait at sunset; arrive 4:30 PM or order takeout to the beach.
- Lovers Key State Park is 5 minutes south — pair with Bonita Beach for an all-day water plan.
Frequently asked questions.
Is Bonita Springs worth a day trip from Ave Maria?
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Absolutely — 55 minutes door to door, with Bonita Beach, Coconut Point shopping, and Lovers Key State Park all within 10 minutes of each other.
What's the flat rate to Bonita Springs?
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$90 from Ave Maria — same bundled rate as RSW, Naples, and Fort Myers.
Best beach in Bonita Springs?
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Bonita Beach Park for the main beach, Lovers Key State Park (just south) for the wilder, undeveloped option.
Need a ride to or from Bonita Springs?
Flat-rate pricing. Local drivers. Book in seconds.