Live where Bonita Springs is happening.
The local journal for downtown living — dining we’ve actually tried, live music, beaches, and what’s rising on Old 41. Curated by the team at Bella Apartments.
The Downtown Bonita Springs Music Scene Is Having a Moment
Sugar Shack, the coming Honey Hole, a reimagined Riverside Park band shell, and a riverside rooftop food-truck venue — live music downtown keeps getting better.
Where to Get Coffee in Downtown Bonita Springs
Wolf Moon, Downtown Coffee and Wine, and the rest of the Old 41 caffeine map — where to start the morning and where to linger in the afternoon.
5 Beaches Near Downtown Bonita Springs, Ranked by Proximity
From Bonita Beach to Lovers Key — the five Gulf beaches closest to downtown, and what each one is best for.
Survey Café: The Old 41 Breakfast That Earns Its Line
A bright, locally loved café on Old 41 where the biscuits are made in-house and the cold brew is taken seriously. Our take on downtown Bonita’s best morning.
The New Retail Reshaping Downtown Bonita Springs
From Midtown at Bonita’s growing tenant list to new boutiques on Old 41, here’s the retail wave coming to downtown and the surrounding area.
Why Downtown Bonita Springs Is Built for Walking
Coffee, live music, dinner, and the riverwalk — most of downtown Bonita’s best sits within a few blocks. What makes Old 41 so walkable.
A Perfect Saturday on Old 41, Start to Finish
Coffee, the riverwalk, live music, and a sunset within walking distance of home — our hour-by-hour guide to a downtown Bonita Springs Saturday.
Latest from Bonita Springs
See the full feed →LowBrow Pizza Bonita Reveals Opening Timeline and Exciting Details for Midtown Location
LowBrow Pizza Bonita, the Naples pizza spot that's earned a loyal following for its creative pies, is getting ready to open a second location right here at Midtown at Bonita. While a firm opening date hasn't been pinned down just yet, details are starting to emerge about what residents can expect from this new neighborhood addition. For anyone living near downtown Bonita Springs, having a well-regarded local pizza spot within easy reach is worth keeping an eye on.
Bonita Springs office property sells for first time in nearly 30 years
A two-building office property here in Lee County just changed hands for the first time since it was built back in 1997, when a local family developed it nearly three decades ago. The sale to a new investor marks a notable shift in the area's commercial real estate landscape, the kind of transaction that can signal fresh interest in Bonita Springs as a place to do business. For residents, it's worth keeping an eye on how the new ownership shapes the property going forward.
Riptide Brewing Launches New Kitchen at Bonita Springs Taproom
Riptide Brewing Company, the locally owned taproom many Bella residents already know for its craft beers, has opened a full kitchen at its Bonita Springs location. The in-house food program launched in late September, meaning you can now pair a cold pint with a proper meal without having to head somewhere else afterward. It is a nice upgrade for a neighborhood spot that was already worth the walk.
Chik-Fil-A Coming to Midtown at Bonita
A Chick-fil-A location looks to be in the works at Midtown at Bonita, the busy development along Bonita Beach Road just east of I-75. That puts it just a short drive from Bella for anyone craving a quick lunch or an after-errand milkshake. It's one more reason the Midtown corridor keeps growing into a go-to spot for everyday errands and bites close to home.
Woodfield Estero Under Construction, With a National Organic Grocer Proposed
A major mixed-use development called Woodfield Estero is actively under construction just across from Coconut Point mall in Estero, bringing a mix of shops, restaurants, and residences to that stretch of US-41. The project's latest plans include a national organic grocery store, which would give residents in the greater Bonita Springs and Estero area a convenient new option for healthy grocery shopping. For those of us living downtown, it's worth keeping an eye on this one as it takes shape just a short drive up the Tamiami Trail.
East Terry Street Construction Is Underway: Here’s What’s Changing in Bonita Springs
Work has officially begun along East Terry Street, and this project is shaping up to be more than a simple repaving job. Drivers and residents near that corridor should expect ongoing activity as crews get to work on what sounds like significant infrastructure changes. It's worth keeping an eye on alternate routes and giving yourself a little extra time if East Terry Street is part of your regular commute.
Work underway at Lee project that includes 600 apartments, 190-room hotel
Construction has kicked off on a large mixed-use project just across from Coconut Point mall, which will bring 600 apartments and a 190-room hotel to the area. The first phase focuses on residential units alongside ground-floor retail space, adding a new neighborhood-style hub to that corridor. For residents already living in Bonita Springs, it's a sign of how quickly the area between here and Estero is filling in with places to live, shop, and stay.
A resounding thank you to Bonita Springs voters | Opinion
Bonita Springs voters have given the green light to move the Bonita Estero Rail Trail from a long-discussed idea toward reality. Environmental review and track removal still come first, with visible work more than two years out, but the plan is to create a connected path through our community, giving residents a dedicated space to walk, run, and bike without sharing the road with traffic. For anyone living downtown, this kind of infrastructure investment means more ways to get around and enjoy the outdoors right from your doorstep.
Shangri-La Springs Celebrates 100 Years in Bonita Springs
Shangri-La Springs, the beloved historic property tucked in the heart of Bonita Springs, is marking its 100th anniversary in 2026 — a remarkable run that spans generations of local history. The venue has long been a gathering place for wellness, events, and community connection, making it one of the few spots in town that truly bridges the past and present. If you have not yet explored the gardens or stopped in for one of their events, this centennial year is a great reason to finally make the visit.
Lee County reminds beach-goers to plan ahead for parking after Labor Day
Repairs to restrooms and boardwalks at Bonita Beach are moving forward as part of a broader Lee County effort to restore hurricane-damaged beach facilities, with federal funding covering the costs so local residents won't see extra charges on their tax bills. As construction continues, parking and access at Bonita Beach may be more limited than usual, so it's worth calling ahead or checking Lee County's website before you make the trip down Bonita Beach Road. The good news is that the work being done now means the beach experience will be noticeably better once everything is back in shape.
New store at Miromar Outlets; Estero Chamber names Leadership class
Fourteen local professionals from fields like healthcare, hospitality, education, and local government have been chosen for the Greater Estero Chamber of Commerce's newest Leadership Estero class. It's a good reminder that the communities just north of us — Estero in particular — are investing in building stronger civic and business connections, which tends to benefit the broader Southwest Florida area we all share.
State of the Region speakers announced
SWFL Inc. has lined up a roster of business, civic, and security leaders from both Collier and Lee counties to speak at its State of the Region 2026 event this coming September. The morning gathering runs from 8 to 10:30 a.m. on September 16 at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point, just a short drive from Bonita Springs. If you want a clearer picture of where our regional economy is headed, this is the kind of event worth putting on your calendar now.
Best Bars in Bonita Springs & Estero
From craft beer at local breweries to carefully mixed cocktails and curated wine lists, the bar scene around Bonita Springs and Estero has something for just about every taste. Whether you feel like a casual pint close to home or a more polished evening out, you have real options without driving far. It is a good reminder that this corner of Southwest Florida has quietly built a nightlife worth exploring.
Best Restaurants in Bonita Springs & Estero
Bonita Springs and Estero have quietly built a dining scene worth bragging about, with restaurants drawing attention for serious wine programs, locally sourced ingredients, and chefs with real credentials. Whether you're in the mood for something globally inspired or closer to home-grown Florida flavors, there are spots nearby worth making a reservation for. It's a good reminder that a great night out doesn't require a drive up to Naples.
Things to Do in Bonita Springs & Estero
The Bonita Springs and Estero area has no shortage of ways to spend a free afternoon, whether you prefer a quiet walk through a nature preserve or something more active with the kids. From local parks and waterways to family-friendly attractions, there are solid options close to home no matter what kind of outing you are in the mood for. It is a good reminder that you do not have to travel far to find something worth doing right here in your own backyard.
