Naples is one of the richest cities in the United States. Located on the Gulf of Mexico in Southwest Florida, this sophisticated and cultured city is a popular tourist destination. The city’s main landmark is the historic Naples Pier, a great fishing destination and the place where you can sometimes see playful dolphins. Naples, FL, with its mild climate and calm seas, is also known for its spectacular nature and great restaurants. Here are the best things to do in Naples, Florida.
Naples Pier
You can’t come to Naples without taking a stroll along the iconic Naples Pier. Built in 1888 to serve as a passenger and freight wharf, the Naples Pier had narrow-gauge train rails along its length that served the train that carried baggage and freight in the 1900s.
The old pier has been destroyed by fire and destroyed by several hurricanes, but has always been rebuilt as the symbol of the history and resistance of Naples. Extending from the end of 12th Avenue, the pier is a popular spot for fishing, sunset watching, dolphin watching, and enjoying views of the Gulf of Mexico. The Naples Pier is one of the main attractions in Naples. It has a covered eating area and a concession stand if you get hungry.
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Corkscrew Swamp Shrine
Your gateway to the Western Everglades, the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary consists of approximately 13,000 acres of magnificent wetlands, pine forests, a swamp and wet prairie, as well as the largest bald cypress forest in North America. Take a photo of these magnificent giants with 25 foot thick trunks towering 130 feet in the clear Florida sky.
Take a stroll along the winding 2.25-mile boardwalk and look out for some of the sanctuary’s inhabitants, such as alligators, white-tailed deer, otters, red-bellied slider turtles, many types of waders and songbirds, as well as birds of prey. You can also take one of the guided tours to learn more about this rare habitat or attend a nature photography course to improve your skills.
375 Sanctuary Road West, Naples, Florida 34120, 239-348-9151
Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
The Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens is housed in a magnificent tropical garden planted in 1919, many years before the animals came to the facility. Today, you can stroll down the paved path for nearly a mile past 70 species of rare and beautiful animals that live surrounded by exotic plants from their natural habitats. You’ll get up close to everyone’s favorite creatures, including lions, giraffes, pythons, monkeys, and bears.
You will also be able to admire some rare creatures that are not commonly seen, such as an Asian deer that feeds on meat and barks or the fossas of Madagascar. You can board a catamaran that will take you to the monkey island located in the artificial lake, where the primates live their noisy lives.
1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd, Naples, FL 34102, 239-262-5409
Lowdermilk Beach Park, Naples, FL
With 1,000 feet of incredibly fine white sand, a picturesque pond, a playground, and a volleyball court, Lowdermilk Beach Park is one of the most popular beachfront parks in Naples. Plenty of picnic tables and benches provide space for a family picnic, and you can cool off or rinse off the salt after swimming in the park’s showers.
The park even has two lovely gazebos that you can rent for special occasions and celebrations. The beach is also a popular destination for watching Florida’s famous sunsets, with many going here hoping to catch the magical “green flash.” The beach is close to Fifth Avenue South and all the great shopping in the area. If you are wondering what to do in Naples with children, this is a great place to visit.
1301 Gulf Shore Blvd N, Naples, FL 34102, 239-213-3029
The Revs Institute, Naples, FL
The Revs Institute for Automotive Research celebrates the history of American automobiles. Visitors can come and see over a hundred of the most important cars built between 1896 and 1995. The cars on display at Revs are part of the Collier Collection and are some of the most important cars ever built, sometimes only one made. small number of these cars.
The Revs Institute aims to advance the study of automotive history and, in addition to automobiles, contains more than a million exhibits such as specialized research books, images, and documents on the history of automobiles. A great team of restoration technicians keep all the cars in the collection in perfect working order, with many showing off their superior engineering at various auto races around the world.
2500 Horseshoe Dr S, Naples, FL 34104, 239-687-7387
Naples Bird Gardens
The Naples Bird Gardens is dedicated to the welfare and conservation of captive wild parrots and offers an outreach and placement program that cares for birds in a safe environment. Located in Corkscrew Swamp, Bird Gardens of Naples features a variety of beautiful vegetation and flora that create a natural environment for parrots and attract a wide variety of wildlife, bees and butterflies.
Garden tours are by appointment only and allow guests to enjoy a two-hour guided tour of the grounds and interact with more than 300 birds from around the world. Stroll through the gardens, which have miles of winding paths, and take in the beautiful surroundings in which these magnificent birds live. Bird Gardens of Naples is one of the best things to do in Naples, Florida.
1060 Purple Martin Drive, Naples, Florida 34120, 813-841-1911
Southwest Florida Conservancy
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida is an organization dedicated to preserving and protecting the unique natural environment and quality of life in Southwest Florida. Established in 1964 by a group of concerned citizens, The Conservancy focuses on protecting the land, water and wildlife that is endemic to the Southwest Florida area, and they are involved in environmental policy, science, education and wildlife rehabilitation.
The Nature Conservancy has a Nature Center that you can visit to learn more about the environment and the work The Nature Conservancy does. They offer a variety of fun activities and programs to enjoy, including electric boat tours, kayak tours and rentals, nature trails, movie days, daily educational programs, and the Dalton Discovery Center. Special events can be hosted at the Conservancy Nature Center, and a Little Explorer play area will keep the kids busy for hours.
1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples, Florida 34102, 239-262-0304
The Baker’s Museum, Naples, FL
The Baker Museum is an acclaimed fine arts museum in Southwest Florida that exhibits a wide variety of modern and contemporary art. The three-story 30,000-square-foot museum is home to 15 galleries, which house a variety of world-class exhibits, permanent collections, and traveling exhibits.
The museum also has a glass dome conservatory and an educational resource room. Designed by Albert Paley, the entrance gates to the museum are works of art in themselves, and three Dale Chihuly installations are dotted around the site. Dedicated to stewardship and scholarship, the Baker Museum offers a host of educational programs for all ages, including talks, lectures, workshops, classes, and symposiums.
5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard, Naples, Florida, 800-597-1900 / 239-597-1900
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, Naples, Florida
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is considered one of the most pristine beaches in the world. Visitors can enjoy miles of magnificent views of the Gulf of Mexico, see the flocks of shorebirds and other wildlife that call the beach home, work on their tan, snorkel near the colorful reef, walk the beach, fish, do a lively family picnic or hunt for rare seashells.
At the northern end of the beach, anglers have the best chance of landing a big catch, and boaters can launch into Turkey Bay and experience the picturesque estuaries of the Cocohatchee River. Rangers offer guided tours of the park, and charming pavilions are available to rent for special celebrations.
11135 Gulfshore Drive, Naples, FL 34108, 239-597-6196
Bird Colony Swamp
The Bird Rookery Swamp Trail is a nature trail that runs through one of CREW Land and Trust’s protected regions and offers over 12 miles of excellent walking and biking trails for visitors to explore the area. The trail consists of crushed shell paths, an 1800 foot boardwalk, and sandy/grassy berms that were once old trolley tracks and now wind through the swamps, showcasing the area beautifully.
The surrounding maple and cypress swamps are home to a myriad of wildlife, including alligators, bobcats, otters, panthers, and white-tailed deer, as well as a wide variety of incredible birds. Activities that can be enjoyed include hiking, biking, horseback riding, photography, geocaching, bird watching, and wildlife viewing.
1295 Shady Hollow Boulevard, Naples, FL 34120, 239-657-2253
Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
In the northern part of the Ten Thousand Islands on Florida’s Gulf Coast, there is a magical world of pristine, unspoiled and mysterious mangrove forests, sheltered waters and highlands. The Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve occupies 110,000 acres of one of the last mangrove estuaries in North America undisturbed by human activity.
Rookery Bay forms where streams and rivers meet the sea, creating a unique magical habitat. This estuarine wonderland surrounded by bushland and hammocks is home to some very special animals, including over 150 species of birds, many of which are threatened and endangered. These animals thrive in the estuarine environment and in the upland hammocks and thickets found within the reserve. Take a tour of Rookery Bay and learn more about the research done to protect and preserve this rare natural oasis.
300 Tower Rd, Naples, FL 34113, 239-530-5940
Clam Pass Park, Naples, Florida
Clam Pass Park, a beautiful beachfront park located in the North Naples area, features 35 acres of carefully preserved coastal habitat with a three-quarter mile boardwalk. The boardwalk leads to the sandy beach without disturbing the plants, blooming flowers and fluttering butterflies. Continue through a dense mangrove forest made up of salt-tolerant black, red, and white mangroves, which are home to eagles, shorebirds, hawks, and ospreys.
The park also has a tidal area that is a perfect breeding ground, as well as a nursery for marine life, many birds, and various species of wildlife. In addition to beachgoers using the boardwalk to access the sands, those who enjoy quiet nature enjoy using the boardwalk as a leisurely trail.
465 Seagate Dr, Naples, FL 34103, 239-252-4000
The Village on the Venetian Bay, Naples, FL
Situated right on the waterfront, The Village on Venetian Bay is a luxurious open-air mall, one of the most popular in Naples with tourists and wealthy locals alike. The mall has many unique shops selling everything from high-end clothing, jewelry, high-end art, fine wines, and home décor.
There are also plenty of restaurants and outdoor cafes serving everything from hot dogs to cutting-edge international cuisine. Enjoy happy hour cocktails by the water, visit the Sunday green market, attend a fashion show or take part in one of the many special events, sales, wine tastings and celebrations.
4200 Gulf Shore Blvd N, Naples, FL 34103, 239-261-6100
Golisano Museum for Children of Naples
The Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples (C’mon) is a fun-filled place where children can play, learn and experience new things together. A variety of hands-on, interactive exhibits encourage kids to learn through play, and they can take a trip through the Everglades swamps, climb a giant banyan tree, go through a maze, or experiment with the water play station.
Kids of all ages can become anything from firefighters, farmers, cooks, and artists to architects, builders, veterinarians, or doctors, exploring the wonders of the sea, sun, land, and sky. through fantastic exhibits. The museum also offers a variety of workshops and educational programs for all ages, such as the Eagle Scout Project, Little Learners, school field trips, and vehicle adventures.
15080 Livingston Rd Naples FL 34109, 239-514-0084
Tin City, Naples, FL
Tin City offers a distinctive shopping experience, allowing visitors to shop at more than 40 eclectic stores, dine in style at casual or fine establishments, take a trip back in time at the Waterfront Marketplace, and stroll along the picturesque boardwalks that line found by the water.
With tin-roofed buildings, quaint sidewalks, and casual bayfront shops and restaurants, Tin City has something for everyone. At the heart of Tin City is the Waterfront Marketplace, once a 1920’s oyster and clamshell processing plant that now echoes Naples’ nautical past with an enchanting maritime setting.
Waterfront Marketplace is home to several creative boutiques and excellent restaurants and offers the perfect place to unwind with coffee after a day of shopping. Tin City also serves as a base for several charter and tour boats for those who want to explore the waterways of Naples. Tin City is air-conditioned and open Monday through Saturday throughout the year.
Naples Warehouse Museum
Housed in Naples’ restored Seaboard Air Line Railway passenger station, the Naples Depot Museum takes visitors on a journey back in time to the rail boom days of the 1920s and explores the use of technology and transportation by Southwest Floridians to conquer the “impenetrable” frontier.
Conveniently located in downtown Naples and listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the Naples Depot Museum features a variety of interactive displays and exhibits, including restored wagons, vintage swamp buggies, Seminole canoes, and an old mule cart. Informative plaques explain the history of commerce in Naples and its transformation into a resplendent Gulf Coast resort. The Naples Depot Museum is also home to the privately run Naples Train Museum, which features an interactive model and offers a train ride for kids.
1051 5th Ave S, Naples, Fl. 34102, 239-262-6525
Historic Palm Cottage from the Naples Historical Society
Resting on the corner of 12th Avenue South and Gulfshore Boulevard is Historic Palm Cottage™, one of the oldest homes in Naples and a magnificent example of authentic Naples charm.
Built in 1895 and preserved by the Naples Historical Society, the Historic Palm Cottage houses a museum where visitors can explore the rustic, artisan beauty and rich heritage of Old Naples on docent-led tours. This two-story home/museum features 3,500 square feet of original and donated artwork, antique furnishings, and exquisite handcrafts dating back a century, offering guests insight into the history of this local architectural gem and the surrounding city. and the colorful stories. and related facts.
137 12th Avenue South, Naples, FL 34102, 239-261-8164
Collier County Museum, Naples, FL
Surrounded by five acres of beautiful native Florida vegetation at the County Government Center, the Collier County Museum explores the history of the region and the lives of the early settlers and their families who resided here more than 100 years ago.
This flagship museum features excellent displays and exhibits that capture the full picture of local history, from prehistoric mastodons and the Calusa Indian civilization to the heroic journey of the Seminole people and traditional arts and crafts.
Explore the native gardens surrounding the museum, admire restored Naples cabins, or admire and learn about a traditional Seminole village or Calusa Indian camp as it was centuries ago. The museum has a shaded courtyard that is great for a quiet picnic and downtime, and a small gift shop for keepsakes and souvenirs.
3331 Tamiami Tr E, Naples, Fl 34112, 239-252-8476
Crayton Cove
Crayton Cove is home to the first boat landing where supplies arrived in the fledgling city of Naples. The small seaside suburb is also home to the Naples City Dock, which still reflects the bustling atmosphere and pioneering spirit of seafaring life that has defined the seaside city for centuries.
Today, the quaint, pueblo-style destination draws visitors from far and wide to experience this vibe, with historic buildings and hotels, venerable restaurants, and a variety of eclectic and trendy shops, boutiques, and galleries. Stroll through Naples City Dock and Naples Bay, dine at the award-winning Dock Restaurant, located directly on the waterfront and offering beautiful views of the bay, or explore the many galleries showcasing the work of local artists drawn to this creative haven by the sea. . .
Sun-N-Fun Lagoon
Sun-N-Fun Lagoon is a water park that offers a variety of fun-filled water activities, adventures and attractions for visitors of all ages. The park features four temperature-controlled pools, a meandering river, and an interactive playground.
The park also has five thrilling slides and water rides and a variety of amenities. Locker rooms with showers and changing rooms are spacious and clean, and several refreshment stalls and cafes offer snacks and drinks. A 38-foot tower overlooks the park and is the starting point for five exhilarating water slides, while the 10-foot-wide Sunny’s River offers a slower pace where guests can tube down the river. Turtle Cove, Tadpole Pool, and Dolphin Dive are fantastic pools that cater to all ages and levels of swimmers.
15000 Livingston Road, Naples, Florida 34109, 239-252-4021
The von Liebig Art Center – Naples Art Association
Located behind 5th Avenue South in downtown, the von Liebig Art Center is a local treasure and community resource for all forms of art. Established and managed by the Naples Art Association with the goal of providing cultural enrichment for the local community, the art center offers a wide variety of attractions for residents and tourists, ranging from ongoing exhibitions and renowned art festivals to art classes and workshops for children and adults
Promoting strong arts education is the central goal of the center, which offers ARTScool summer education programs, internship programs, special studio art classes, and scholarships for everyone from high school and college students to children and youth.
585 Park Street, Naples, Florida 34102, 239-262-6517
The Players of Naples at the Sugden Community Theater
Established in 1953, the Naples Players (TNP) is a nationally recognized community theater performing at the Sugden Community Theater. Hailed as the “Best Live Theater” in Southwest Florida, The Naples Players present a full season of over 240 per year including seven main stage and four studio productions, as well as five KidzAct productions.
KidzAct is a year-round educational theater program for youth, and was established to enhance the development and production skills of children between the ages of four and eighteen. The Sugden Community Theater space includes two main performance spaces, two rehearsal rooms, a library and special music room, and stage and costume shops.
701 5th Ave S, Naples FL 34102, 239-263-7990
Naples Beach Brewery
Naples Beach Brewery is Southwest Florida’s first microbrewery, and they’re working hard to promote Naples’ superior craft beer culture. Using only the highest quality ingredients, Naples Beach Brewery brews its craft beers in a steam-heated, 15-barrel, three-pot brewing machine built by CraftWerk Brewing Systems in Michigan.
The brewery and its adjacent tasting room are located south of Golden Gate Parkway in the commercial area. If you come to visit, you will not only be able to see the process required to make some very good beers, but you will also be able to taste 19 of their best quality and buy some for later.
4110 Enterprise Ave., Suite 217, Naples, FL 34104, 239-304-8795
Naples Winter Wine Festival
The Naples Winter Wine Festival is a charity wine festival established in 2001 that combines gourmet dinners prepared by celebrity chefs with an auction. The three-day event is held every year in Naples, Florida. The festival was founded by the Children and Education Foundation of Naples. The foundation uses proceeds from the festival for various projects that benefit at-risk and disadvantaged children in Collier County. The festival is popular with the well-to-do crowd from all over the world. Tickets to festival events are highly coveted and sell out well before the festival starts. The festival features 30 world-famous wineries and 18 celebrity chefs, who cook their favorite dishes in private family homes around Naples. Phone: 239-514-2239
Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge
Established in 1996 and encompassing 35,000 acres in Collier County on Florida’s southwest coast, the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) is an important refuge for the rich diversity of native wildlife and threatened mangrove habitats that are found in this region. Comprising nearly two-thirds of the largest tract of mangrove swamp in North America, the refuge is also home to small coastal pockets of tropical hardwoods such as gumbo-limbo, cabbage palms, and live oaks.
Threatened and endangered wildlife species call the refuge home, including the West Indian manatee, Atlantic loggerhead sea turtle, peregrine falcon, and Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles, along with more than 189 species of birds. Refuge visitors can enjoy various outdoor activities including boating, fishing, monitored duck hunting, and photography.
12085 State Road 29 South, Immokalee, FL 34142, 239-657-8001