Visiting Naples is kind of a more tranquil and quiet experience to me and the first thing I experienced wasn’t the beach, moreover its calmness. The entire Gulf of America in Southwest Florida visitors like us are always seeking things like dining, shopping, art and culture and even to some extent wild outdoor activities. I’m not denying it, actually it is worth exploring here.
But Naple’s is a place where you can spend the morning spotting manatees and wading birds in the Everglades backyard. However, Fifth Avenue South and mangrove tunnels or capturing photos of the Gulf at sunrise are really worth your time.
Below I’ve pulled together 20 unique things to do in Naples, Florida for your upcoming trip and remember each and every point is worth your cost and time. From its nature/water activities to culture/family fun things, Naples surely creates lasting travel experiences to you.
Top 20 Things to Do in Naples, Florida
1. Experience the Both Beach and Scenic Vibe at Clam Pass Park
If you ask me where you’ll start if you visit Naples once again, I would blindly prefer to start my day from Clam Pass Park. A public beach even today won’t make you feel like you’re at a resort.
Everybody loves its courtesy tram that carries you through 35 acres of coastal habitat to the sand. I recommend everyone to take that tram with their family members/partner, it offers a more unique experience.
Don’t forget to take a leisure stroll at its boardwalk where you can walk 10 minutes amidst sets of lush and deep mangrove stretches. During your journey it is a good idea to take some beautiful pictures of native wading birds. Reaching Clam Pass Park before 10 AM will always be a good idea.
2. Do Your Kayaking at Rookery Bay
Kayaking at Rookery Bay is far better than doing the same in different parts of the world. Under this 1,10,000 bay reserves, Kayaking helps discover you to paddle amidst North America’s last undistributed mangroves regions.
But interesting thing during kayaking, you’re much blessed to see deep mangrove forests, uplands and protected waters or cover up 40% of Collier Country’s coastline. All these things will be easy and authentic if you go with guided paddles.
Try to see 150 sorts of native birds, manatees, sea stars and spend some time with shallow backwaters. I think if you’re going with your family this place could be a better option to see native mangroves and birds through family kayaking. Don’t make your plan during summer, try to skip as much as possible.
3. Spend More Time with Fifth Avenue South
Everybody loves to go shopping and eating out especially if they’re going with their family. But what I recommend to every backpackers, spend some time at Fifth Avenue to make it more meaningful.
Yes, this Fifth Avenue South is not just for shopping and eating at restaurants, moreover it is a hub for those who are ready to see a steady supply of galleries and moderate bustling experiences.
Walk at palm lined streets with the upscale of boutique shops, fine galleries and stop at outdoor sidewalk dining or stop at evening lovely cafe shops.
If you’re not an introvert, Fifth Avenue South could be the great urban spot to mingle with people. Try to socialise with natives through participating city’s vibrant weekend evening parties or night lifes.
4. Go the Old Naples Beach and Pier
I did research on what are the best places to visit in Florida especially under Naples before my journey. Out of those major lists, I found Naples Pier to be an interesting one. Yes, it is really interesting and almost all previous visitors have suggested watching the sunset from the pier.
Originally built in 1888 for freight and passenger docks, but later it became a major location to watch the sunset and welcomes thousands of visitors even today. Unfortunately for the last 2 years the pier hadn’t been repaired yet, and one notes you can reach the beach despite its damage.
There’re a lot of things you can do here, but personally fishing is more fun. Not by tourists, but even locals who come and catch king fish, red snapper and even trout, you can be their partner.
Recently I found that the Pier could be rebuilt by the end of 2026, if you just focus on sunset bring your own camera to get enough clicks of sun when it slowly dips to sea from the edge of your Pier.
5. Explore Naples Botanical Garden
I think this is the only place in the entire Naples which connects people and plants through its display, education, science and conservation in a very deeper scene.
Currently you’ve to spend a minimum of 1 to 2 hours in this botanical garden to see varieties of plants that are originally from Brazil, Caribbean, Florida and some from Southeast Asian countries.
Despite its vast 170 acres of coverage, you’ll have to give a little more attention to Naples Botanical Garden’s 2 major internal gardens. The Water Garden and Asian Garden. Actually these’re my favourite places and I’ll call them obvious draws.
If you made a plan to spend a full day at this garden, then you must walk a mile long preserve path by the lake. This is the most tranquil experience which most day trippers skip, especially during evening time. At the same time you’re walking better to cover up scrub, marshes, and mangroves.
6. Visit Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
This is the most overlooked big name stop in the area. Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, comparatively bigger than Naples Botanical Garden, however stands out as a hub of the largest endangered virgin bald cypress trees.
But what I feel is interesting here is its raised boardwalk. Once you start walking here, it will take you roughly two and half miles through above bald cypress trees. Maybe walking along this boardwalk could be a great way to watch or feel the impressive beauty of these trees.
At the same time maybe you’ll get great chances to walk along the movements of alligators, white tailed deer, raptors, red bellied turtles and some wading or song birds.
My favourite part here is to sit at Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary vast picnic area and walk leisurely nearby to drink coffee in nature centric cafes and stores.
All these things could be perfectly balanced and interesting to explore during the dry season, roughly between Decembers to April. Season boasts us to see more wildlife near water and it is easily visible while walking sanctuary raised broadwalks.
7. Wander at Tin City
If you are looking to spend some time with your family members at Naples’ most vibrant and beautiful waterfront restaurants, colorful boutique shops and do some adventurous activities, you’d add Tin city to your bucket list.
Same like Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary here in Tin city you’ll see a waterfront boardwalk. But this waterfront always carries your family members to exhibit a colored cluster of 30 different boutique shops, cafes and restaurants.
Since you’re going with your kids, it is crucial to spend as much time at its kids’ crazy activities. What I observed here is that a lot of kids happily play classic coin operated raiders, waterfront boat rides, pressing penny machines and even some kids eat ice cream at the nearest shops.
Make sure that Tiny City is touristy, but one of the perfect places in Naples for casual, waterfront lunch without much of a Fifth Avenue price tag. Don’t plan Tin City as a destination, treat it as a travel stopping point or family friendly activity stop.
8. Take a Day Trip to Marco Island
During your overall Naples trip, surely taking a day trip to Marco Island is far cheaper than you’re expecting. Island located just 30 minutes south, where you can expect a sandier alternative to Naple’s luxury frame.
Everybody likes its scenic beauty, even today thousands of visitors simply reach Marco Island to see mangroves and estuaries, spend time with calm waters of the Gulf of Mexico and simply feel the beauty of a peaceful and safe environment.
Beaches are more visited spots here in Marco Island, particularly South Marco Beach and Tigertail Beach. South Marco Beach consists of wide areas of shorelines making it ideal for sandwalks, surfing and the calm environment or sunset.
Whereas, Tigertail Beach is exclusively known as a kids friendly beach especially its lagoon on the inland side. However, the beach is even a great spot to make your first paddleboard or spot shelling with kids.
Don’t forget to make a pair with lunch on the water before heading back, I thought it’d be a great experience for you.
9. Watch Soccer at Paradise Coasts Sports Complex
In the list of “Best Things to do in Naples, Florida” this place is one of the most listed and it’s a big part of the country’s current story.
What I really felt about once heard about this Paradise Coasts Sports Complex is its Live Pro Soccer venue. Yes, the place hosts FC Naples matches where you can watch in very close up views with thousands of other sports lovers.
If you’re a big fan of football or lacrosse or hockey, don’t worry, stadiums even host occasional sports events for you. But all you’d have to do is visit during the perfect time.
This 3,500 massive seating capacity stadium is really a great stopping point to you if you’re mixed passion of travel and sports. And I bet you’ll surely end up here no matter whether you planned to or not.
Don’t limit your travel here to see and enjoy sports time, moreover stadium infrastructure and spectacular are really interesting. Country spending nearly $ 1,00,000 for its independent review of its operations.
Try to book your rooms early during tournaments, when rooms fill fast and demand more than your ticket price.
10. Learn Local Napel’s History at Palm Cottage
You can learn the history of Naples at different places, but learning history (local) at Palm Cottage surely changes your entire historic perspective of Naples.
This Palm Cottage is located in Old Naples and considered as the one of the oldest houses in the region primarily built in 1895. But your duty is to know the brilliant past. The cottage dates to the early town and is one of the perfect places to know how a fishing outpost became in the past, and how it is transformed today.
While discovering its history I insist you to spend some time at Norris Gardens. You can even choose a garden as your resting place. But after wandering the cottage to look at art works and evokes, maybe this garden will be a better choice to pick up short insights and programmes of Naples history.
This 2 story, 3,500 square foot Palm Cottage demands little contributions from travelers like you. Since 9.59% of Collier’s tourist tax goes to museums, so, don’t forget to do some favour from your side.
11. Take a Boat Ride to Reach Keewaydin Island
Keewaydin Island is the most isolated and ideally located where there are no great bridge and road options, only reach by boat ride.
Reaching Keewaydin is super easy. The island welcomes everyone who comes by shuttle or charter from Naples.
Once you land this 8 miles of long island surely leave you in awe inspiring mood immediately after watching its nature and pristine beaches. Such a magnificent nature setting where you and your family members freely enjoy swimming its warm water and sun bath on sandy shores or simply stroll its shorelines along with the melody of waves.
Perhaps, most backpackers are willing to choose to head on Naples Keewaydin Island not just to admit themselves to enjoy paddleboarding, snorkelling or kayaking, moreover to escape from urban busting life and to enjoy more tranquil experiences.
Most backpackers suggest planning your trip as a half day trip, but I personally recommend choosing a 1 day trip, there’s a lot more to explore. Don’t finish your day until you watch dolphins and manatees during sunset. Bring your own shade and water and don’t expect any snack bar.
12. Feed Girafee at Naples Zoo
Naples Zoo at Caribbean Garden is an ideally known place as a historic tropical garden conservation center.
But what you’ll love more about this place is its wildlife experience, especially the Zoo’s highlight of Giraffe feeding. Visitors like you can make hand feed yourself these Giant Anteaters and Malagasy Fosas. Make a close view with these giant Giraffes with your kids.
Besides that, the Naples zoo is home to a number of other animal species. If you’ve time left then don’t miss to figure out animals like lions, cheetahs, bar and parrots.
If you’re going with your family members/ kids, then it is crucial to attend “Safari Squad family programme” (held 10 AM to 11 AM every Wed, Tuesday and Saturday).
The zoo is most walkable in nature and shaded in spots. The best part during your journey is to plan to visit in the morning, since you’re with kids.
13. Appreciate Visual Arts at Artis- Naples
Watching visual arts and performances at the performing arts campus in Pelican Bay is the best argument that you can make that Naples isn’t only about beaches and golf.
Whether you’ve completely different perceptions to enjoy Naples as a prominent cultural centre then you must start your day from here. Artis Naples is a renowned cultural centre welcoming you through colorful events of visual arts and occasional education programs and performances.
Usually you can watch events like Orchestral and Symphonic Concerts, rotating gallery shows of notable artists, special exhibitions of large glass works. If you’d like to watch pop style shows and modern style concerts, maybe this will be a great place for you.
Check the season calendar before visiting. Most visitors like to watch evening performances and sometimes evening would be a great time to see building architectures and styles without paying a single penny.
14. Spend Little Time at Gordon River Greenway
Try to walk at Gordon River Greenway, it is a walkable stretch of mangrove and river close to downtown without paying any cost. Most backpackers believe that walking at Gordon River Greenway is a decent way to burn an hour before dinner. If it’s true you can try it once.
Greenway stretching covers around 2 miles from Golden Gate Parkway to Downtown Naples. But here you’d observe, locals using more than travelers. Locals normally use this pathway for casual morning walking, jogging, and even kayaking.
Since you’re new to this pathway maybe it’ll be a great experience while watching native plant species and even mangrove settings. Try to walk with locals to ask in which spot I can find owls, alligators and bobcats.
If you want a place with perfect natural settings, an easy way to find native flora and fauna or leisure walking for tranquil experience without leaving city limits, maybe this greenway is going to be a better option for you. And the bonus point is it costs nothing.
15. Admire the Beauty of Ten Thousand Islands
Give some of your travel time to take a boat tour into the ten thousand islands. It is a quieter part and often one of the best options to watch dolphins and manatees in Naples.
I think Ten Thousand Islands is the most underrated destination in Naples consisting of a chain of remote islands and islets where people like to spend more time. Actually name suggesting islands holds 10,000 islands and mangrove areas recognised as the hotspot to see birds, fish and wildlife at one place.
But for me, kayaking and boat rides were more fun under this entire 35,000 acres of areas. Both activities have helped me to see how easy it is to see dolphins.
I haven’t mentioned any camping places in the list of best things to do in Naples, Florida yet, but I found that these ten thousand islands are perfectly eligible to do your camping or picnicking with family.
16. Go Golisano Children’s Museum
Out of major kids friendly attractions, going to Golisano Children’s Museum could be the great way to open up your kids mind to learn core academic concepts and real life skills.
The museum often presents a number of interactive exhibitions and programs ranging from some Art Studio events and Inventioneer’s Lab to some basic botany and biology exhibitions.
If your kids are more than age of 3 this 38,000 square feet museum is a great place to see events, programmes and exhibitions along with play. At a very early age kids have an opportunity to know deep meaning about business, agriculture, and skillful jobs.
If you’re too tired after doing beach activities and even strolling its boardwalks or unable to do so due to wind, rain or red tide advisories, maybe this museum’s most reliable indoor stop. Don’t forget to pay $25 as an entry fee per person (1 and older).
17. Attend Stone Crab Season
If you’d made a travel plan to Naples during the cold season between October 15 to the end of May, perhaps there is a great opportunity to know why Naples is called “Stone Crab Capital of the Word”.
Even today a number of people don’t like to play or stroll at the beach and even eat seafood. That time Stone Crab Season is something more to them. If you haven’t experienced your stone crab yet, maybe this could be a great opportunity to do so.
Not only you, even thousands of visitors coming when this season starts. So, order your Crab at The Claw Bar reasturent or Sea Salt (both are recomndeded) with chilled mustard sauce. Don’t miss to check prices of crab especially in this season.
18. End Your Naples Trip through Watching Sunset at Lowdermilk Park
I kept this place finally and undoubtedly one of the great places to see sunset, thanks to wide beach areas and easy availability of basic amenities options.
Most recommending things while watching is bringing your own camera to click as many photos as possible. Try to arrive 1 hour early during winter evening for enjoying additional calm atmospheres and cleaner sunset views. Try to bring your own chair.
Read Additional Contents;
1. Perfect Travel Guide to Key West, Florida.
2. Most Unforgettable Things to do in Destin, Florida.
For Additional References;
1. Where to Try Stone Crab in Naples, Florida.
3. What are the Most Recomnding Secreat Places in Naples, Florida.
4. Must Try Bites in Naples, Florida.
5. How to Plan 1 Day Trip to Naples, Florida.
