A Roadside Wonderland: Bonita Springs Wonder Gardens

Marisa DeRoma ( a.k.a The Wandering Oddball)
Jan 20, 2024
2 min read

Naples, Florida and the surrounding areas, such as Bonita Springs, are home to many stores and vacation homes, with something being built all the time. Seeing the business of Florida, many would be surprised to learn it was sometimes different, especially years ago. Naples was a quieter area in the 1930s-1970s, with a few quaint setups. If you were to ask a long-time resident what Naples was like before the 1980s, they would tell you it was covered in green or mangroves. Some roadside attractions emanate a strong Floridian vibe, some long gone, some still around. One of them still stands in what was once old Florida in Bonita Springs: the Bonita Springs Wonder Gardens.

The Wonder Gardens was established in 1936 by the Piper family. Initially, it opened as The Reptile Gardens. Over the years, the gardens expanded, and other animals besides reptiles were being showcased. This is how the name went from The Reptile Gardens to Bonita Springs Wonder Gardens. In 2013, the Piper family closed the gardens. It would be short-lived as a local photographer and conversations; John Brady would step in and reopen the Wonder Gardens. It was decided in 2015 that Bonita Springs Wonder Gardens was of cultural value, and the city purchased the land to help protect it from commercial development.

In 2021, I visited the Wonder Gardens while down here. My mom was still looking for a place to get when she wanted to escape from the frigid Ohio weather during the winter. She suggested a visit to Bonita Springs Wonder Gardens. The billboard had a very retro look of old-time Florida. We entered through the gift shop where we bought tickets. Aside from merchandise, there was also a room with some reptile taxidermy. I was looking forward to getting pictures of the alligators. Sadly, when we came that day, the gators were not out. A sign was posted explaining a seasonal thing they do; therefore, they couldn't come out. Luckily, there were plenty of photogenic birds and other reptiles I could take pictures of. Quick side note to everyone who loves photography of all animals: The best way to get photos of you is to go right with birds and reptiles. There is usually a photo-ready look for them.