Bonita Bay residents live in complete comfort and harmony with nature
Marybeth Brooks
Seagulls and bald eagles soar overhead in Bonita Bay, a stylish community developed around connecting with nature. Among the quiet streets, live oak trees draped with Spanish moss are steps from swaying palms and soft sand.
“Bonita Bay is an active lifestyle community designed to embrace the unspoiled natural beauty of southwest Florida,” said local real estate expert Marybeth Brooks. For home seekers looking for a place surrounded by greenery, Bonita Bay is a rare find.
The original master developer of Bonita Bay took an organic approach to preserving the unspoiled areas of land when possible. The vision was to keep one-of-a-kind natural features intact, such as mature trees, marshes and mangroves. Still today, it remains a gorgeous setting where residents live in harmony with nature.
You may start your day with a walk or bike ride through some 12 miles of nature trails, or wander through green spaces which are part of the Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary Program.
There are also rolling golf courses and community parks for soaking up the fresh air and year-round sunshine. However, Southwest Florida offers a welcome change from high taxes, cold weather and congested cities in other parts of the country for some new residents.
At the heart of the vibrant community, the Bonita Bay Marina on the Imperial River is a safe haven for your boat — and a launching point to exploring surrounding nooks, such as Mound Key Archaeological State Park in Estero Bay. On the island, fascinating ancient Native American shell mounds are rising more than 30 feet high.
Getting bored of Bonita Bay living is difficult when you may spot a white-tail deer, nine-banded armadillo or gopher tortoise if you head out for a nature walk. Or, you may just enjoy watching butterflies flutter around your garden.
“The Bonita Bay Beach Club has some enviable sunsets on the sandy shore,” said Brooks. “And, Backwater Jacks is Bonita Bay’s beloved waterfront restaurant and bar, which is accessible by land or boat.”