This Coastal Destination Boasts White-Sand Beaches, Mangrove Trails — and Its Lively Downtown Offers Upscale Shopping and Dining
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The best things to do in Naples, Florida, include seeing wild manatees and experiencing the Naples Zoo. With 300 days of sunshine per year and average winter temperatures of 75°F, this sub-tropical paradise is ready for you to explore.
Naples is a city in southwestern Florida with beautiful year-round weather, gorgeous beaches, and amazing golf. It’s also the starting point for exploring the Everglades and seeing the beautiful manatees up close.
The city receives over 200,000 international visitors a year and even more domestic tourists. From Naples Beach to Lowdermilk Park, you’ll find endless stretches of sand to vacation on. There are also tons of exciting adventures, such as deep-sea fishing and kayaking.
We’ve curated these 12 activities by analyzing thousands of visitor reviews, consulting local experts, and drawing from our personal experiences exploring Southwest Florida’s crown jewel. Below are 12 of the best experiences and sights in Naples, Florida.
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Take a Fishing Trip
Tours such as Dalis Fishing Trips and Naples Fishing Boats offer breathtaking adventures on the high seas. You’ll set off from the harbor to the deep waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
You can expect to catch fish such as grouper, snapper, and kingfish. You’ll also see a ton of wildlife on the way, including dolphins. When you get back, you’ll relax with music and conversations with other anglers.
Book your fishing trip ahead of time to make sure you get a spot, especially in summer. Pack a lot of sunscreen and get ready for the adventure of a lifetime.
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See Manatees
The manatee is an endangered aquatic mammal that lives in South Florida. Check out Naples Manatee Tours to see these incredible animals up close in their native habitat. They live off the shores and inland waters of Naples year-round.
You’ll come face to face with the animals by boat, which will not disrupt them. The three-hour tour takes you to their remote ecosystem.
You’ll learn about the animals from expert guides who will spend hours telling you anything you want to know. When you see them, expect to be thrilled by their size and beauty. During the holidays and weekends, book your tour early if you can.
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Check out the Naples Botanical Garden
The Naples Botanical Garden is a wonderful place to see native and international flora. It’s also a community space with annual events and activities.
Take a daily tour from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM. Walk around the grounds and learn about the tropical and sub-tropical plants on display. You’ll see native plants from the nearby Everglades and explore a variety of palms.
Come hungry and grab a bite at the Burger Shop or cafe. On weekends, it can get crowded, so get here early.
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Go Golfing
Naples has some of Florida’s top golf courses. Private courses such as Grey Oaks, Wyndemere Country Club, and Royal Poinciana Golf Club attract pros worldwide. There are also a multitude of private courses as well.
Places like Hibiscus Golf Club offer high-quality terrain and experiences for all levels. The course has 18 holes and a variety of terrain. It was built in 1969 and is still a favorite for locals.
The Links of Naples is another excellent course. If you’re a beginner or want to try night golfing, this club is hard to beat.
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Relax at the Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is a relaxing natural area with beautiful beaches and plenty of wildlife. You’ll enjoy miles of pristine white sand and unobstructed views of the Gulf of Mexico.
The park is a boater and kayaker’s paradise. It has an easy-to-use boat ramp and plenty of coastal waters to explore. There are also great fishing spots, camping areas, and hiking trails.
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See Wildlife at the Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
The Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is located deep in the Florida Everglades. It was built in 1954 as a conservation platform for local trees and forests. Since then, it’s grown to include over 13,000 acres.
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When you arrive, you’ll get to walk along a 2.25-mile boardwalk through old growth forest. You’ll get the chance to see tons of wildlife, including snakes, colorful birds, and even alligators.
The forest is one of the largest old-growth bald cypress forests in the country. Some of the trees tower over 120 feet above the boardwalk, making it one of Florida’s best nature walks.
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Shop Along 5th Avenue South
Naples’ 5th Avenue South is a massive shopping and dining destination. You’ll find some of the city’s top restaurants and bars. It’s also home to impressive stores, both big and small.
Enjoy local boutiques and charming storefronts. Take your time strolling down the avenue and shopping till you drop. Afterward, head into a spa for a luxurious treatment.
The avenue is home to historical buildings. Since the 1920s, the street has become the city’s up-scale main street. Throughout the year, you’ll enjoy events such as luxury and sports car shows and holiday parades.
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Tour the Everglades
The Everglades are an impressive region of swamps and wetlands. They’re home to diverse wildlife, such as alligators, manatees, and rare birds. If you love nature, the Everglades are not to be missed.
Check out Everglades National Park to experience this wild and beautiful natural area. It covers over 1.5 million acres. If you can, try seeing the park on a guided boat tour or kayaking tour.
You’ll see some of Florida’s most iconic wildlife as well as a unique ecosystem of water-loving trees and plants. Bring your camera too because this is a birdwatcher’s paradise.
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See the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
The Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens is a one-of-a-kind place to see exotic animals. The zoo started in 1919 and has since been a leader in conservation.
You’ll explore a huge area full of rare and protected wildlife and tropical plants. There’s even a botanical garden filled with exotic orchids and palms.
Highlights include admiring Florida’s own native alligators from the safety of a glass wall. Or observing mammals such as the African lion, Florida panther, and Malayan tiger. There are tons of educational signage along the way so you can learn all about these magnificent animals.
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Gaze at Classic Cars at the Revs Institute, Inc.
The Revs Institute, Inc. is the perfect destination if you love classic cars. The museum houses hundreds of historical automobiles in an 80,000-foot facility.
You’ll see some of the world’s first automobiles and famous sports cars that changed the world of racing. You’ll also see rare and luxurious cars built for royalty.
One of the most exciting parts of the museum, other than the cars, is its archive of memorabilia. From original photos to engine parts, you’ll dive into the history of cars in this interactive space.
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Enjoy the Beaches
One of the simplest and best ways to enjoy Naples is at the beach. The city is a popular beach destination for a reason. You’ll have miles of white sand to choose from.
Start at Naples Beach, the city’s main beach. This is where locals and visitors come to take in the powerful rays and enjoy the sun, sand, and surf. There are over seven miles of sandy spaces to choose from, so bring a picnic and activities.
After soaking up the sun and relaxing, enjoy one of the city’s restaurants or bars on 3rd Street. After eating an amazing meal, head back to the beach for more relaxation, or what some people call an average Monday.
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Explore Tin City
Tin City is a charming destination in the heart of the city. It’s full of historical tin-roofed buildings and popular seafood restaurants. It’s also great for locally owned boutiques and cafes.
The area preserves the city’s maritime past through its architecture and landmarks. Walk along the waterfront and see an active fishing port. You’ll see anglers haul in their fresh catches and restaurant workers buying them up.
Head into one of the restaurants to enjoy the freshly caught seafood. Relax and watch the boats and take in the beautiful scenery. After exploring Tin City, head downtown for evening fun.
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