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Naples is a gem of a city perched on the shores of the picturesque Gulf of Mexico. Although it’s perfectly positioned for day trips to Florida’s many fabulous areas of interest, there’s plenty to do in Naples itself, too. If you’re wondering how to spend your time during your next visit, here are the 15 best things to do in Naples, Florida.
1. Shop & Dine on Fifth Avenue South
5th Avenue South stretches from the Tamiami Trail in the east to the Gulf of Mexico in the west and is Naples’ unofficial main street. Whether you’re in the mood to shop, dine, or be entertained, this is the best place to go in the city. Designer stores and quirky boutiques offer everything from children’s clothing to jewelry, and dining options include casual fast food options and authentic Italian fare through to elegant cafes and extravagant fine dining.
Art lovers shouldn’t miss the many galleries on 5th Avenue South, including Native Visions Gallery and Sugden Community Theater, where you can enjoy world-class performances by The Naples Players. Head to Cambier Park at the end of a busy day of sightseeing to unwind among 12 acres of greenery — there’s a playground for the kids here, too.
2. Visit the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples
Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples (CMON) is the best children’s museum in Collier County and is a fun day out for all the family. 18 interactive exhibits will keep youngsters entertained for hours on end. Visitors can hop aboard the dinosaur train, climb the banyan tree, and even become a weather forecaster.
Best of all, CMON is fully accessible to all children regardless of their physical or learning abilities and is completely free to enter.
3. Explore Ten Thousand Islands
The Ten Thousand Islands lie off Florida’s southwest coast, with the winding channels and cast stretches of mangroves making for an exciting expedition. Some of the best things to do here are as follows:
- Paddle to Sandfly Island – hire a kayak and tackle the five-mile loop. Stop off to enjoy a picnic and relax on Sandfly Island itself. Kayak rentals are available at the park concession and elsewhere in Everglades City.
- Ride to Indian Key – this more demanding journey is 15 miles in total and takes you out into the Gulf of Mexico. Be sure to time the tides just right so you don’t have to struggle against the currents.
- Camp overnight – Tiger Key and Picnic Key are both great options for overnight adventures but must be booked at the visitor center no more than 24 hours beforehand. Dodge the restrictions by camping at Panther Key which is located outside the Everglades National Park in the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge.
- Take a boat tour – the easiest and most educational way to explore the islands is via a narrated boat tour. During a 90-minute ride, you’ll learn about the islands’ environment and all the creatures that call it home.
4. Take a Free Nature Walk
Clam Pass Park is one of the most popular areas of natural beauty in Naples, and a free eco tour conducted by the nonprofit Conservancy of Southwest Florida is the perfect way to explore.Â
The walk takes visitors along a three-quarter-mile boardwalk that winds through a lush mangrove forest, or there’s a free tram. A knowledgeable guide will explain this unique habitat during the 1-1.5 hour tour, pointing out birds, creatures, and other interesting features.
5. Shop ‘til You Drop at Venetian Bay
The Village On Venetian Bay is home to more than 45 luxury shops and restaurants and boasts a spectacular waterfront location. You’ll find everything from high-end fashion to unique artwork and home decor here. And, once you’ve worked up an appetite, enjoy a casual bite at The Village Pub or something a little more upmarket at the M Waterfront Grille.
6. Learn About the Railroad at Naples Depot Museum
Discover Naples’ unique railroad history at the Naples Depot Museum, located in a beautifully restored railway passenger station in downtown Naples. Here, visitors will discover all there is to know about Naples’ local transportation history — from dugout canoes made by the Seminoles to more recent swamp buggies and rail cars. The star attraction is the fully restored Seaboard Observation Car 6601, which is just one of six built in 1947.
7. Picnic at Lowdermilk Beachfront Park
Picnicking is highly popular in Naples thanks to the sunny climate and acres of outdoor space. Lowdermilk Park is one of the best places in the city for al fresco dining and has all the amenities you need to make the most of your day. As well as picnic tables and bathrooms, there are volleyball courts, a concessions stand, plus rentals for paddle boards and kayaks.
Tip: Stick around until later in the day, and you might just catch a glimpse of dolphins splashing and playing off the gulf coast.
8. Check Out the City’s Art Galleries
Third Street South is the birthplace of Old Naples and now has more art galleries than anywhere else in Southwest Florida. Here are three of the best galleries to check out during your visit to Naples — visit the individual websites for special shows and openings:
9. Hit The City’s Beautiful Beaches
Naples is home to some of the best beaches in the country, and visitors flock from far and wide to experience the powdery white sand between their toes. Here are some of the top spots for swimming, sunbathing, and adventuring.
Naples Pier Beach
Naples Pier is one of the top highlights of the city, and the beach below it is worth a visit in its own right. Although it’s one of the most popular spots due to its central location, Naples Beach doesn’t get overcrowded, and you’re always guaranteed to find a spot.
Barefoot Beach Preserve County Park
Head to Bonita Springs in North Naples to discover for yourself why this beach is rated one of the most beautiful in all of America. The shallow, calm waters are ideal for nervous swimmers and families with children, and the wide stretches of white sand are rarely crowded. Don’t miss the nature trail among the dunes, where you can spot gopher tortoises and nesting turtles at certain times of the year.
Delnor Wiggins Pass State Park
Delnor Wiggins Pass State Park is a great pick for a more rustic beach experience. Walking paths make access easy, and several picnic tables are available. Dedicated fishing zones allow anglers to cast their lines from the shore, and the watchtower at the park’s north end provides the best vantage point for sunset photo ops.
Vanderbilt Beach Park
Many of the north Naples area’s best hotels are located around Vanderbilt Beach, thanks to its unspoiled white sand, sea oats, and restroom facilities. A parking garage makes it easy enough to find a spot, but try to arrive early during peak tourism months as it does fill up.
Keewaydin Island
This tranquil island is nestled between Naples and Marco Island and is only accessible by boat, which means that many visitors decide to give it a miss. The result is a peaceful slice of heaven where it’s very possible not to see another soul for an hour or two at a time. Keywadin Beach is also one of the only dog-friendly beaches in Naples, making it the perfect option if you’re vacationing with your four-legged friend in tow.
10. Go Birding in Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
The ecosystem at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is home to several native species of creatures, including alligators and red-bellied turtles, but the variety of birds is the real attraction here. Wading birds, songbirds, and raptors can be spotted throughout the year, but if you happen to visit during winter, you’ll also have a chance to see the spectacular Painted Bunting.
Guided tours are available, and the Blair Visitor Center features several exhibits, a nature store, and a bird-friendly garden that shouldn’t be missed.
11. Take a Guided Tour of the Botanical Gardens
Naples Botanical Garden is one of the greatest American botanical gardens, and the daily guided tour is the best way to see it. The 45-minute tour leads visitors through lush rainforests, flowering trees, vibrant greenery, and past waterlilies floating in tranquil pools while providing fascinating information about the plants on display.Â
Families traveling with kids will appreciate the children’s activity packs that feature a garden map and plenty of games and tasks to get young botanists excited about their green surroundings.
While you’re at the botanical gardens, don’t miss an afternoon at the attached Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens to add some fauna to the flora you’ve spent the morning exploring.
12. Jet Ski from Tin City
Tin City is a popular place to visit in Naples and gives great insight into the history of Naples from years gone by. For a more adrenaline-infused visit, rent a jet ski and head out into Naples Bay. While cruising around, keep watch for manatees and maybe also a dolphin or two. Once back on dry land, round off your day with a spot of shelling — the Naples coastline is the perfect place to enjoy this seaside pastime.
13. Cool Off at Sun-N-Fun Lagoon
There’s nothing better on a hot and humid Florida day than cooling off at a waterpark, and Sun-N-Fun Lagoon is the place to make a splash in Naples. This family-friendly waterpark has pools and attractions for children of all ages, including a lazy river, water fountains, five thrilling slides, and four pools of varying depths. The on-site Sunny’s Snack Shack will help you refuel after an exciting day in the water
14. Enjoy Artis-Naples
For even more arty enjoyment, be sure to check out Artis-Naples. As the home of The Baker Museum and the Naples Philharmonic, this cultural institution is the best place in the city to enjoy visual and performance arts. Expect a diverse program of modern and contemporary work, world-class operatics, and thought-provoking installations.
15. Try Your Luck at Seminole Casino Hotel
For those who like to dance with Lady Luck, Seminole Casino Hotel is the place to go. Located near Naples and Fort Myers, and with 1,400 modern slot machines and dozens of table games to choose from, there’s plenty of (responsible) fun to be had here. Guests can enjoy complimentary cocktails and hors-d’oeuvres while they play, and there are also live entertainment and dining options on-site to round off a night to remember.
There’s No Shortage of Things to Do in Naples Florida
Whether you’re in town for a short trip or a longer vacation, you’ll never run out of things to do in this incredible waterfront city. What will you do first?
