Naples is a beautiful sunny city on the Gulf of Mexico in south west Florida.
It's the historical seat of Collier County and is famous as a tourist destination, known for its
white sand beaches and for its world-class shopping, dining, and outdoor activities.
This unique mix of luxurious recreation, beautiful natural environments, high-end shopping and first-class dining, which provides something for everyone, has also made Naples a red hot real estate market these days.
The Naples experience includes sunny skies, glassy seas and white sugar sand that attract beach-lovers. But if one can't be at the beach, there area also historic buildings, museums, and locations for aficionados of culture. There are also art galleries, shops and stores, and golf courses (Naples has the second largest number of holes in the world per capita; Myrtle Beach is first). Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy parks and a wide variety of wildlife.
So, if you lived in this area, how could you spend your time?
Here are best and fun things to do in Naples, Florida.
1. Naples Pier
Naples is a delightful and beautiful city along the Gulf of Mexico in southwest Florida.
It is the seat of Collier County and is famous as a tourist destination and real estate hotbed.
Nestled within white sand beaches and sun-drenched surf, many know the city for its world-class shopping, dining, and estates.
It speaks of a mix of luxurious recreation and serene natural environments, providing something for all.
Naples attractions vary in theme and nature.
Calm seas and pristine sand attract beach-lovers.
Historic buildings, museums, and locations bring in aficionados of culture.
Parks and a wealth of wildlife allow exciting opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts.
There are also lots of art galleries, shops and stores, and golf courses galore, truly catering to every type of visitor.
So, if you’re visiting this wonderful city, how should you spend your time?
To help you decide, here are our picks for the 27 best and fun things to do in Naples, Florida.
Things To Do In Naples
1. Naples Pier
Naples Pier is the city's original and most iconic tourist attractions. Set in the middle of the gorgeous downtown Naples' beach front, it’s the city's orignal port of entry and is now a modern ocean side haven. It starts at the end of 12th Avenue South, and is popular with visitors due to its great amenities and numerous outdoor activities. From the pier is visitors can fish, watch dolphin, fish, and birds, or they can access the beach from the head of the pier. There are also volleyball nets, showers, and restrooms available for use, the only part of the downtown beaches that have these amenities.
If you're hungry, there's also a concession stand that serves finger food and a covered place for eating.
Naples Pier has a lengthy history. The original pier was first built as a dock to unload passengers and freight in 1888. In the 1900s, city administrators added a narrow-gauge train that helped move freight and baggage from the pier to the town.
The pier has been destroyed many times by a mix of hurricanes and fires, most recently in 2017 by Hurrincane Irma, but the city of Naples has rebuilt it every time and it's now better than ever. Today, it stands as a relaxing recreational spot and a symbol of the city’s resilience and long-storied history.
2. Naples Botanical Garden
The picture above of the Naples Botanical Garden was taken at Christmas, but the gardens are a beautiful collection of over 1,000 tropical flora across more than 170 acres of land year round, just without the Christmas lights.
The gardens are focused on showcasing the ecosystems and plants that are mostly native to the southwest Florida area, but it also has some flora from other regions between the 26th parallels.
The botanical garden sanctuary therefore consists of 9 smaller areas dedicated to those different plant ecosystems, which include the Kapnick Caribbean Garden, Kapnick Brazilian Garden, Lee Asian Water Garden, Smith River of Grass, and Buehler Enabling Garden. Finally, if you get hungry after your after your walking, try the Fogg Cafe near the front of the garden.
You'll find the Naples Botanical Garden just about three miles to its south off Thomasson Drive on Bayshore Drive. If you love plants and nature, don't miss this attraction.
Address: 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples, FL 34112, United States
3. The Baker Museum
One of Naples' cultural hotspots is the Baker Museum, home to one of southwest Florida’s greatest collections of art. The museum features 15 galleries in a building with 30,000 square feet and three floors. The museum's purpose it to further the appreciation of art by providing educational resources, stewardships, and scholarships to people of all ages. For this purpose, it has its own educational resource room and a stunning glass dome conservatory
.When you arrive at the Baker Museum, you’ll be greeted by its architecturally stunning entrance gates.
These gates, created by Albert Palley, are decorated with artwork and stand at 4 feet tall.
It’s a dramatic entrance that sets the tone for what is the museum's incredible collection of contemporary and modern fine art!
If art appreciation is your thing, you should definitely visit.
Address: 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples, FL 34108, United States
4. Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
. Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
The Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens is situated, as its name suggests, inside the Caribbean Gardens tropical garden. The garden was the original attraction at this site, as it was first established back in 1919. The zoo wasn't built until five decades later. Since it was established, however, the small (43 acres with a mile of walking paths) but well-stocked zoo has been the highligh of the gardens and of Naples itself.
In spite of its relatively small size, the Naples Zoo offers many things attractions. The zoo is home to approximately 70 species of animals and the many exotic plants surrounding them. Among the animals here are bears, Snow Leopards, South African lions, cheetahs, Sumatran tigers, monkeys, lemurs, pythons, crocodiles (of course), giraffes, hyenas, and many different species of monkeys and apes, many of which can be seen on the pontoon boat Primate Cruise. There are even rare animals like Madagascar fosa, barking deer, and Asian meat-eating hornets.
You can see other animal species not on general display by watching the Seated Safari in the arena just inside the entrance, during which handlers and keepers bring out unusual species requiring special showings. And speaking of the keepers, there are several "meet the keeper" sessions per day where patrons can listen to the keepers of some of the different species talk about those species and their habits outside their cages. Which animals feature these sessions varies from season to season, so be sure to consult the zoo guide before starting your walk to check where and when you can "meet the keeper."
Address: 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd, Naples, FL 34102
5. Tin City
Just a few minutes walk from downtown Naples' 5th Avenue South and its high-end shopping is the souvenir shopping mecca of Tin City. Once a cannery that processed the fish offloaded at the downtown Naples docks, this eclectic indoor/outdoor shopping district is one of the best places in the US and one of the best Naples attractions to explore for Naples souvenirs and tchotchkes. Tin City is home to almost 70 different shops and some good restaurants to boot for casual diners. The area consists of several colorful, historic buildings topped by tin with shops that sell novelty items, to include candles, shells, local handicrafts, saltwater taffy, monkey bread, wine, jewelry, mood rings, and of course the ubiquitous t-shirt.
Naples Princess and Pure Naples boat tours from Tin City give you the chance to explore the Gordon River and see Port Royal from the water side of those fabulous homes.
Address: 1200 5th Ave S, Naples, FL 34102
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