Welcome to Iona, Florida

Iona is a beautiful town located in Lee County, Florida. Its picturesque surroundings and lovely weather conditions make it a popular tourist destination. Here are some of the top places to visit and places to avoid in Iona:

Places to Visit

Edison and Ford Winter Estates

The Edison and Ford Winter Estates is a must-visit while in Iona. It is a fascinating museum that showcases the winter homes and botanical gardens of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford. The guided tours are informative and interesting, and you get to learn a lot about the two inventors and their legacies.

Lovers Key State Park

Lovers Key State Park is a beautiful natural park located on a barrier island. It boasts of beautiful beaches and abundant wildlife, including manatees, dolphins, and more. Visitors can engage in various activities, such as kayaking, hiking, swimming, and fishing.

Matanzas Pass Preserve

The Matanzas Pass Preserve is a great place to enjoy a peaceful and relaxing walk. It is a protected wildlife habitat that features various trails and boardwalks that lead you through mangroves, marshes, and more. You can spot sea birds, butterflies, and other fauna and flora species along the way.

Gulfshore Opera

If you are looking for a cultural experience, Gulfshore Opera is the place to be. It is a nationally acclaimed opera company that produces high-quality performances of classic operas. They also have concerts, shows, and educational programs throughout the year.

Bunche Beach Preserve

The Bunche Beach Preserve is a beautiful and secluded beach that offers visitors a serene and tranquil atmosphere. It is a great place to go for a picnic, watch the beautiful sunset, or take a relaxing walk on the beach. The beach is also home to various bird species, such as sandpipers and pelicans.

Zoomers Amusement Park

If you are traveling with kids, Zoomers Amusement Park is a great place to take them. It is an amusement park that features various rides, including go-karts, roller coasters, and more. There are also arcade games, a mini-golf course, and other attractions for the whole family to enjoy.

Mound Key Archaeological State Park

The Mound Key Archaeological State Park is a unique historical site that offers visitors a glimpse into the Calusa people’s culture and lifestyle. It is a small island located in Estero Bay and features various trails that lead you through the mounds, canals, and other structures built by the Calusa people.

Sanibel Island Beaches

The beaches on Sanibel Island are a great place to enjoy the sun, sand, and sea. They are known for their excellent shelling opportunities and offer visitors a chance to collect various seashells, including sand dollars, conchs, and more. There is also abundant wildlife on the island, including manatees, dolphins, and various bird species.

Imaginarium Science Center

The Imaginarium Science Center is a great place to visit with kids. It is a science museum that features various interactive exhibits, such as a hurricane simulator, a giant bubble machine, and more. There are also live science shows, animal encounters, and various educational programs for children.

Pine Island

Pine Island is a quiet and peaceful island located off the coast of mainland Florida. It is known for its beautiful sunsets, great fishing opportunities, and abundant wildlife. Visitors can engage in various activities, such as kayaking, sailing, and fishing, or simply relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery.

Places to Avoid

Colonial Boulevard

Although Colonial Boulevard is a major road, it is not known for its pedestrian friendliness. It can be challenging to navigate on foot, and there are not many attractions along the way.

US 41

US 41 is a busy highway that connects Iona to other parts of Florida. It can be congested, and traffic can be slow-moving during peak hours. It is best to avoid this route if possible.

Edison Mall

The Edison Mall is a typical suburban shopping mall that does not offer anything unique or exciting. It can be crowded on weekends, and parking can be challenging.

Bell Tower Shops

Although the Bell Tower Shops offer a variety of shopping and dining options, it is not a must-visit attraction. It can be crowded, and parking can be a challenge during peak hours.

Lee County Tax Collector

The Lee County Tax Collector’s office is not a place you would want to visit while on vacation. It is a government office that handles vehicle registrations, driver’s licenses, and other paperwork. It is not a tourist attraction, and you can complete most of the paperwork online.

Overview of Iona, Florida