Bonita Beach Dog Park — Attraction in Bonita Springs

A true dog heaven. Tennis balls and frisbees flying in every which direction, all kinds of dogs running around playing, and owners socializing and bonding over watching their dogs play. The beach can be a hit or miss depending on the tide and how many people are there. This was my favorite weekend activity but sadly I will no longer take my (at the time) 6-month Labrador retriever ever since he was attacked by a 11-month pit bull whose owner wasn't paying attention. Although we couldn't get the pit to release its lock jaw, luckily it's owner heard screaming and came over after about 4minutes. The owner pulled his pit's legs up and the pit released his grip from my lab. It was strange that the pit's owner knew exactly what to do to get him to stop. Causing me to wonder if this wasn't the pit's first aggressive attack. My lab had to go to the hospital and get his ear and neck stitched up; while the pit and his owner continued to enjoy their day at the dog beach. I got stuck with a $500 hospital bill and the owner of the pit didn't even say sorry or take his dog home. About 85% of the people at the beach that day immediately took their dogs and went home in fear that their dogs too would be attacked by this pit whose owner who told me 'boys will be boys'. I will add that I'm thankful for the support of the witnesses who called authorities for help and helped me to try to pry the pit's jaw off my lab's throat. I've tried taking my dog back to the beach and adopting the attitude of there's no such thing as an aggressive breed, just aggressive dogs. But I've learned that its all about the owner and sadly in Florida the shelters are overpopulated with pit bulls. Anyone who can scrap up $30 can adopt this animal without putting too much financial consideration into their investment. Maybe they couldn't afford dog training lessons? Regardless, my lab is petrified of all pit bulls and I don't know how to kindly warn a pit bull owner to please keep their distance without coming off as prejudice. I know there are good pit bull owners out there but based on my experience and the history of pit bull on dog attacks, the community of Bonita springs should consider a breed band at the beach or have some kind of patrol officer present for when a situation arises. I could have lost my best friend on the...

Awesome public, free facility to bring your 4-legged best friend for a day in the sun & water. Bring your water shoes or flip-flops. You'll have to walk thru some tidal water to access the beach area. It's 2-3 hundred yards long, backed by a tangle of mangroves. The area is very clean because people do a decent job of picking up after their animals and themselves. Dogs must be on a leash between the parking lot and the beach, but then it's a dogs world to run and play. There are a few rules (besides the obvious clean-up of your dog's poo). No dogs under 4 months old, no dogs in heat, no aggressive dogs, no children under 5yrs old. Bring your buddies' favorite toy(s) but expect to lose it (maybe) because sharing and stealing toys seems to be the dogs way. Don't forget to bring food & water for yourself and your dog as there are only basic amenities here. In the parking area, you'll find portapottys, waste receptacles, free dog waste bags, and a fresh water shower area for your animals and yourself. I personally love this beach. It's just big enough that it's never crowded. As a sheltered bathing area, it's very shallow, clear, sandy, and safe for anyone. Keep in mind, this is a DOG BEACH ! There will be many pooches running around, swimming, shaking off, posturing, and having dog fun. Expect the very occasional male to male dog disagreement. Owners and dogs are quick to break up skirmishes, and both parties usually end up being buddies. There will be nonstop, sniff, sniff, lick, licking among the pooches. No one seems to mind. In my 4 trips to D.B. I've met many super nice, interesting people. I'll be back many more times. AAA+++ (My...

Im really happy to see all the negative reviews. Stay away. I love this beach. So for all the nay sayers…if you don’t want to walk the trail during high tide, knee to thigh high water, don’t come. Don’t bring a wagon. Wear water shoes. The path isn’t for those that can’t walk steadily in muck at the front of the trail. If you want to keep your dog on a leash, don’t come. This is an OFF LEASH dog park. Do some homework on dog ‘packs’. You will find that leashed and unleashed dogs don’t mix. I have been coming to this park, weekly, for 5 years with 2 large dogs. The only ‘aggressive’ dogs are those that can’t run with the rest of them. The only trash I’ve seen is what disrespectful people leave behind. And if you lay a blanket or leave your bag on the ground, expect it to get pee’d on. This is a dog beach. If you want to lay out in the sun or let your kids play in the sand, find another beach. Dogs do poop n pee anywhere they want. Most people do pick up the big stuff. But in my opinion, it’s not a swimming or sunbathing spot…it’s a one of a kind beach for DOGS to run and play. And the size of the beach hinges on the tide. High tide, small beach. Low tide, big beach. It’s gotten pretty busy lately with those that don’t have dogs. And quite frankly, I think a dog should be required to enter this park. If you don’t have a dog, go find another beach. And if you have a pocket dog that can’t stand its ground, go early or risk run-ups by larger curious or hyper dogs that just want to sniff. Yelling at all of the other owners to grab their dogs doesn’t work. Find another beach. This happens to be my favorite spot for walking...