Golf and gated communities in Bonita Springs range from bundled golf neighborhoods, where membership comes with the home, to private clubs you join separately, so the club structure matters as much as the address. This guide compares Bonita Bay and Pelican Landing (both ZIP 34134) with Spanish Wells and Bonita National (both ZIP 34135), explains how memberships work, and lists what to confirm before you make an offer. Florida Listing Experts helps buyers compare communities across Collier and southern Lee counties.
Key takeaways
- Membership models differ: bundled, optional, or resident-only. Ask for the current fee schedule in writing.
- Bonita Bay and Pelican Landing sit in 34134. Spanish Wells and Bonita National sit in 34135.
- Drive each community during high season, since traffic and beach access feel different from summer.
- Rental rules, assessments and golf transfer terms vary by neighborhood and building.
How golf membership works in Bonita Springs
Bonita Springs golf communities use three common setups. In bundled communities, golf is included with homeownership. In optional communities, you buy the home first and decide on a golf or social membership separately. In resident-only private clubs, membership is limited to people who own in the community. The same street name can fall under different models, so confirm which one applies to the exact property. Our Southwest Florida communities guide shows which nearby neighborhoods are bundled.
Bonita Bay (34134): five courses and two membership tracks
Bonita Bay is a large gated community of about 2,400 acres with 56 neighborhoods, from high-rises and villas to estate homes. Bonita Bay Club runs five golf courses: three inside the gates and two Fazio courses in North Naples. Club membership comes in a Golf option and a Sports option, and residency in the community is required for either. See the club overview from Links Magazine for details, and confirm current fees directly with the club.
Pelican Landing and The Colony (34134): clubs, a bay club and a beach park
Pelican Landing is a gated community of roughly 2,365 acres. The Colony Golf & Country Club has an 18-hole course, and The Nest Golf Club has two Fazio-designed 18-hole courses. The Bay Club is a residents-only dining facility on Estero Bay, and a private beach park on Big Hickory Island is reached by boat. Each club has its own membership process, so ask what is available for the specific home and whether a membership transfers with it.
Spanish Wells (34135): 27 holes with optional memberships
Spanish Wells is a gated, monitored community with 27 holes of golf that play as three 18-hole combinations. Social and golf memberships are optional, which keeps the entry cost flexible for buyers who want the home first. Housing includes single-family homes, condos and townhomes, and the Gulf is only a few miles away.
Bonita National and other golf neighborhoods
Bonita National Golf & Country Club (34135) is another established choice, and Vasari is a bundled golf community covered in our community guide. Buyers 55 and older also look at gated active-adult options such as Valencia Bonita. For Naples-side comparisons, see our list of gated communities in Naples and gated communities in Southwest Florida.
Quick comparison
| Community | ZIP | Golf setup | Also notable |
| Bonita Bay | 34134 | 5 courses, Golf or Sports membership, residency required | About 2,400 acres, 56 neighborhoods |
| Pelican Landing / The Colony | 34134 | The Colony (18 holes) and The Nest (36 holes), separate memberships | Bay Club dining, Big Hickory Island beach park |
| Spanish Wells | 34135 | 27 holes, optional social and golf memberships | Gated and monitored, mixed home types |
What to confirm before you buy
- Golf and social membership cost, transfer rules and any waitlist, in writing.
- HOA dues and any special assessments. Our amenities guide lists the questions to ask.
- Rental and seasonal-use rules, especially if you plan to rent. See our investor page.
- Flood zone and insurance quotes for the exact address.
- Drive time to the Gulf, I-75 and the airport during peak season.
Current Bonita Springs market snapshot
Insert current MLS count of Bonita Springs homes for sale and rentals, with the pull date and source. Do not reuse the old 1,349 / 656 figures. For wider trends, read our SWFL real estate market update or request a home valuation if you are selling.
Frequently asked questions
Are all golf communities in Bonita Springs gated?
Many are, including Bonita Bay, Pelican Landing and Spanish Wells, but gating and security vary by neighborhood. Confirm access rules for the specific address.
Is golf membership included with the home?
It depends on the community. Some are bundled, while others, such as Spanish Wells, offer optional social and golf memberships.
Do I have to live in Bonita Bay to join Bonita Bay Club?
Yes. Residency in the community is required for the Golf and Sports memberships.
Which ZIP codes cover these communities?
Bonita Bay and Pelican Landing use 34134. Spanish Wells and Bonita National use 34135.
Can I rent my home in a gated golf community?
Rental rules are set by each association and can limit minimum lease length or frequency. Ask for the current documents before you buy.
Talk with a Bonita Springs real estate broker
Not sure which community fits your budget and lifestyle? Call Florida Listing Experts at (239) 919-0933 or request a tour. Our office is at 2260 Randall Blvd., Naples, FL 34119 (by appointment).
