When Coconut Point shopping center opened a handful of years ago at the northern edge of Bonita Springs in a town known as Estero, it introduced a new concept to the Naples area: a shopping center that is more like a village in its completeness.
Coconut Point is the very definition of one-stop shopping, with everything from franchise boutiques such as Boston Proper, Brighton, Pacsun and Sephora to upscale department store Dillard’s and big box stores the likes of Best Buy, Petsmart, Michaels and Sports Authority. There are 140 stores in all!
Lake views and blossomy landscaping add to the Coconut Point shopping experience — Photo courtesy of Chelle Koster Walton
The campus is separated into three parts by water features crossed by bridges. All of the big box stores, including a Super Target, cluster together at the northernmost end of the massive outdoor complex. At the south end, 16-screen Hollywood Theaters anchors the gathering of smaller stores, shops and restaurants.
On a peninsula in the middle, you'll find everything from a Five Guys Burgers and Fries fast food restaurant and TGI Fridays sit-down eatery to a bike shop, massage spa and Florida Blue health insurance’s central office.
Other name brand stores you can find at Coconut Point include Aeropostale; American Eagle Outfitters; AT&T; Banana Republic; Barnes & Noble; Bath & Body Works; Brookstone; Champs; Chico’s; Coach; J. Jill; Jos. A. Bank; LensCrafters; Loft; Lucky Brand; Mattress Firm; Michael Kors; Pandora; Party City; Talbots; Tommy Bahama; and Yankee Candle.
Back at the south end, shops line streets reminiscent of an old-fashioned downtown scene, except for the architecture consistently evokes a Mediterranean setting.
The theater complex and stores are all an easy walking distance to a number of franchise restaurants that specialize in Asian, fine steaks, pretzels, gelato, pizza, cookies, craft beers, ice cream and burgers. The most popular of these include Ruth’s Chris Steak House; Panera Bread; Bokampers Sports Bar & Grill; and Starbucks.
In addition to the chain restaurants, Coconut Point is home to some one-of-a-kind local restaurants such as Mereday’s Brasserie, Blue Water Bistro and South Fork Grill.
For families, Coconut Point provides a play area with Gymboree and Build-A-Bear Workshop stores nearby, as well as glow-in-the-dark mini golf.
Techies appreciate the Apple store and free wireless connections throughout the complex. There’s even a Hyatt Place hotel for serious shoppers who wish to spend the night.
Other conveniences include a parking lot shuttle and a mobile device app for helping you find your way around. (Search "Simon Malls Mobile App" for iPhone and Android devices.)