What To Do In Naples Florida?
Naples Florida Has plenty to do and see! Whether you visit the beach or enjoy a romantic dinner in downtown Naples, there is always something to do the for the fun seeking type!
Do you consider yourself a foodie?
Well Naples, Florida just might be your next tourist destination! With over 700 restaurants in the city alone, each with their own unique flavors and atmospheres to experience.
Click here to see a list of restaurants in Naples.
Perhaps you are more of outdoor aficionado?
Then you should right at home in Naples, with exotic beaches, and a multitude of breathtaking nature hubs to explore. No matter what your poison is, Naples is littered with endless outdoor activities and a luxurious tropical lifestyle year round. This is no doubt the reason why Naples is considered the shining star of Southwest Florida!
Click here to see a list of outdoor activities in Naples.
Why is Naples one of the best places to retire?
Don't just take our word for it, Naples is continuously regarded as one of the Best Places to retire in the US and is easily regarded as a one of the best places to vacation in Florida. No where else in Florida is designed to offer you a luxury beach vacation experience, the picturesque soft white sand beaches and host of seaside activities make Naples a fine place to settle down and retire.
Click here to see a list of Naples Beaches.
Don't be fooled into spending all your time at the generic over advertised hotspots, there is so much more to see and do and wrote this handy guide to give you a nice mix of tourist locations and hidden gems you can't afford to miss.
Top Tips for Traveling Through Naples Florida
Nestled in the beautiful Southwest coast of Florida, The Gulf Coast is nestled tight to the Everglades, Naples looks like it was designed to be a tropical paradise, with palm tree-lined avenues, beach side resorts, and a luxurious aura to every shopping center. Interestingly enough, there are also areas with a small-town feel, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle and just relax with an easy going island style. Whether you are looking for a fancy and luxurious night on the town, or a relaxing and lazy beach day, Naples can become whatever your looking for in one beautiful and unique paradise.
Naples has it all, you will find exactly what you need for your next romantic night on the town, exclusive luxury getaway, vacation, family adventure, or relaxing beach day.
Make sure you check out these useful travel FAQ for exploring Naples Florida before you visit:
How Many Days Of Sunshine Are There In Naples?
There are 280 days of sunshine in Naples, and it's perfect for those who love to golf year round. That is not all, Naples is also a tourist hot spot with plenty of restaurants, shopping centers, and entertainment facilities perfect for couples and families alike.
Are There Any Good Shopping Areas In Naples?
For the shopaholics among us it's hard to beat the extensive selection of shops in Naples, Florida. With several shopping unique districts in the city proper, and a plethora of mom and pop boutiques, no matter where you look, you'll find something for every style and personality!
Are There Good Beaches In Naples?
It's hard to find better beaches in Florida than the beautiful white sand beaches of Naples! Whether your looking for a peaceful getaway from a long stressful weekend, or your looking to get down and party, the beaches in Naples are perfect for every occasion.
How Many Restaurants Are There In Naples?
Even the most picky of pallet's find its home in Naples! With a whopping 700 different restaurants serving the most unique and delicious variety of food in Florida. There is no doubt that you will find the right taste and atmosphere for your next family or romantic dinner date!
When Is The Best Time To Visit Naples?
Naples is a seasonal city, be cautious of visiting in the winter months of December through March. This is the busiest time of the year and is often the time transient Northerners come down to stay. It's best to visit in the summer for the warm weather and less crowded environment.
When Is The Hurricane Season In Naples?
Be careful when visiting Naples during the Hurricane Season. Southwest Florida is directly in the path of most tropical storms and hurricanes. Be aware that hurricane season is typically from June through October. So keep an eye on the weather if you choose to visit during these months.
Traveling To And From Downtown Naples, Florida
The closest airport to Naples is the Southwest Florida International Airport, which is about 30-45 minutes away from the cities epicenter depending on where you are staying.
Naples offers a plethora of options for getting around town. Whether that involves renting a car or taking public transportation, you will always find a way to get to your next destination with relative ease.
What Are The Best Places To Stay At When Visiting Naples, Florida
Whether you are staying for a few months or looking for a relaxing weekend getaway. There huge selection of hotels, Airbnb, and resort options in Naples for all kinds of budgets and preferences.
There are multiple options for you to choose from if you want to stay in Naples, the beautiful and luxurious beachfront resorts and romantic hotels are the perfect place for a romantic honeymoon or anniversary getaway. If your just looking for a fun family getaway. then one of the many full-service vacation rentals and adventure filled family campgrounds, may be the perfect option for you instead.
What Are The Best Things To Do In Naples?
From luxury hotels, amazing shopping districts, beautiful beaches, and amazing restaurants, Naples has unlimited options for families, couples, and individuals alike!
Of all the amazing options available to you, there is one iconic destination you can't afford to miss, the eye catching white beaches of Naples!
What Are The Best Beaches In Naples Florida?
When you are in Naples, you can't afford to miss out on the most beautiful part of the paradise coast, it's amazing white sand beaches. There a number of wonderful locations for you to visit and sun tan!
Most of the beaches in Naples often rank high on the list of best beaches around the world. With more than 16 miles of shoreline to stretch out and relax on it may be hard to pick exactly one! We referenced this helpful guide to make it easier for you to decide which Naples beach you want to visit first.
Every beach in Naples offers public access with no fees and very little traffic to deal with on your way there. There are no boardwalks, t-shirt shops, or major commuter lanes to traverse so you will have unrestricted access to nature and all of its splendor.
Are There Any Restrictions To What You Can Bring On The Beach In Naples?
Beer & Wine: Are allowed on the Naples Pier and beach, except for glass containers!
What's Not Allowed: Any Pets, Glass Bottles, Small Or Large Fires, Or Any Vehicles
Where Is the Best Place To Catch The Sunset In Naples?
Nothing is more beautiful in the paradise coast then a warm sunset view from the Naples Pier, if you haven't experienced it yet you will be in for a real treat!
The Naples Pier is a beautiful place to watch the sun go down, grab a drink, and enjoy the view of the beach.
That is not the only place to catch the sunset in Naples, whether you watch it from one of the many swimming pools at the multitude of luxurious Naples resorts, or are enjoy a cold brew at the Naples City Dock.
Where Can I Try Out Multiple Food Trucks In Naples?
There is only one place in Naples to try out a variety of different food trucks, it's this awesome place called Celebration Food Truck Park!
You can have your pick of dozens of excellent quality food trucks, grab a drink from the bar, or just hang out with friends and enjoy the lively atmosphere.
With a central location on Bayshore Drive in Naples Bay, there is no problem finding the perfect meal for you and your friends!
There are tons of games and entertainment too, you can enjoy board games, corn hole, and even a beautiful view. Whatever your fancy, Celebration Food Truck Park will have exactly what you need to have a good time!
What Is The Best Place In Naples To Go Shelling?
There is a little place called Sanibel Island which has been referred to as the Shelling Capital of the World, but the real hotspot is located at Ten Thousand Islands.
Even if you are not in the mood to travel, there are plenty of spots in Naples for top tier shelling. One such location is Barefoot Beach in North Naples, or the island of Keewaydin with a whopping eight miles of beach to explore and go shelling on.
What Are The Best Places To Dine Out In Naples?
There are over 700 restaurants in Naples, so finding the best places can be an arduous task. This problem also presents an excellent opportunity, you will never struggle to find every type of cuisine!
No matter what your stomach is craving, You'll be spoiled with the multitude of options, from the breakfast on the beach, to business casual lunch spots, to a candlelit dinner, You will never struggle to find the perfect place to eat in Naples.
From large family style Italian cuisine, to fresh from the ocean seafood Naples has the best of the best the west coast has to offer!
What Are The Best Breweries In Naples?
If you're an aficionado of all things beer, Naples has a healthy collection of craft beer breweries, From IPAs to your run of the mill craft beers, there is a huge amount of options for you to explore!
In order to get you to the best breweries first, we have put a list together to help you navigate away from the tourist traps and get you straight to the best breweries.
Check out these awesome local breweries in Naples:
Does Naples Have A Botanical Gardens?
Perhaps you are the kind of person who enjoys a beautiful natural space rather than a hot and sandy beach.
Luckily for you, you can choose to visit the Naples Botanical Gardens, A 170 acre preservation of cultivated gardens, with each of the seven distinct habitats artistically displaying over 1,000 flora species.
There are plenty of amenities to enjoy at the Naples Botanical Gardens, including an interactive Children's Garden, and an entire water installation which encompasses over 90-acres of wetlands preserve.
What Is The Best Museum To Visit In Naples?
If you consider yourself a connoisseur of history and culture, then we recommend taking time to visit of the many museums in Naples.
No matter what you are looking to learn about, Naples has a museum for you. You can learn all about the local native Seminole and Calusa tribes history and how they coexisted with early Naples settlers.
Perhaps you are more interested in one of the following topics like artistry, the original engineering of automobiles, historic works of art, the storied history of locomotives, or the terrorizing story of the Holocaust.
No matter what your taste for knowledge requires you will find a museum here with the knowledge you want to attain.
Check out the list of museums below and start planning your next Naples trip!
What Are The Best Hiking Trails In Naples Florida?
When you think of Southwest Florida, hiking may not be at the top of your list, you may be surprised to learn that Naples has some amazing nature and hiking trails! With an expectedly flat yet vibrant terrain, you can certainly find some amazing opportunities to get out into nature.
With so many tropical wetlands to explore, Naples has a plethora of nature trails for you to explore, so get ready to get lost in the beauty Southwest Florida!
Whether you are looking to explore the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary and it's maze of boardwalks and nature trails. Perhaps you are looking to see the wildlife of Naples instead, a good place to start would be the CREW Bird Rookery Swamp on Immokalee Road, with no entry fee, you can enjoy a scenic trail without hurting your wallet!
One last recommendation would be to visit the Gordon River Greenway which has plenty of hiking and other outdoor activities to enjoy on over two miles of trails and smooth-paved walkways.
Check out these other amazing nature trails to explore in Naples:
Why Is The Naples Pier So Famous?
Believe it or not, the Naples Pier is over 130-years old and has been enjoyed by several generations of locals. After Hurricane Irma in 2017 the entire Naples Pier was redesigned with new wood planking, upgraded rails, and state of the art lighting.
There is no better place to go fishing in Naples, so whether you want to go fishing for a few hours, go for a leisurely stroll, or just catch a beautiful sunset, the Naples Pier is a must see and experience attraction.
That is not all the Pier has to offer, you can even book a tour of Naples' historic district and be guided around the multiple landmarks by a member of the Naples Historical Society.
Where Can You Rent A Boat In Naples?
Naples is known for its extensive waterways, and beautiful white sane beaches, there is no better way to explore all of their splendor than behind the wheel of a boat!
When you visit Southwest Florida there is an astonishing amount of coastline and marinas for you to take off in. Whether your looking for a tiny skiff or a luxury yacht, you have all of the options available for daily or weekly rentals.
What makes boating an easy and fun experience is the fact that you do not need to be a licensed boat Captain or even have any experience boating to rent one.
The only downside to renting a boat for the day is that it can be expensive. For example a half-day rental usually costs around $250-$400 depending on the type and size of a boat.
Check out the list of marinas in Naples below:
Pelican Bend Restaurant & Marina
The Marina At Naples Bay Resort
Southpointe at Windstar Marina
Does Naples Have A Modern and Contemporary Art Scene?
There is no where in Southwest Florida where the arts are more alive than in Naples, with a multitude of art galleries, play houses, and other great locations like the Von Liebig Art Center, the Sugden Community Theatre, and so many more amazing locations!
When you are visiting downtown Naples, you need to go and visit the Gulfshore Playhouse at the Norris Community Theater. This is considered Naples' premier theatre with tons of plays and events happening all year round.
Perhaps you are looking for a more private and intimate experience, then you need to check out the ThreatreZone in Naples. This small, intimate theater experience is where the Naples' Professional Equity theatre company congregates and hosts a plethora of live shows and musicals you cannot afford to miss.
Where Can I Go Kayaking In Naples?
If you like to head out on the water and go kayaking, there is no better place to explore start your adventure exploring the Ten Thousand Islands and the Florida Everglades.
When you go kayaking in Naples, you will experience calm waters, plentiful mangrove forests, and multitudes of estuaries and a plethora of wildlife.
The Everglades are at Naples' front door - making kayaking in Naples a must!
What Are The Best Boat Tours In Naples?
In order to truly get an understanding of the true beauty of Naples, you will have to get a view of it from the water. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, or a cool trip to take the kids on, it's the best way to see all the sights the city has to offer.
Luckily for you, there are a multitude of boat tours in Naples which are each catered to the specific needs of families, groups, or for a romantic couple on date night.
Just in Naples Bay alone, there a ton of different boat tours that will take you to explore nearby islands, these range in size from private yachts to family oriented small-groups tours.
The historic tours aren't just available on the water, there are even land based historic tours like the one available at Tin City in Old Naples. Here you will find a boatload of tourist catered shops , cafes, resorts and other historical themed.
You can also take a nature themed tour as well, just visit the Conservancy of Southwest Florida and sign up for one of their guided nature boat tours. You will enjoy a scenic ride through the wildlife filled mangrove forest.
At the Conservancy of Southwest Florida you can also reserve a spot on a guided tour of Rookery Bay. For those looking for a private family trip, then a catamaran cruise is the solution for you. With a multitude of options to cruise the Paradise Coast with your family and friends available in Naples.
Can You Explore The Everglades From Naples?
When you visit Naples you are actually visiting a natural paradise of multiple ecosystems, different environments, and an absolute plethora of wildlife. Not to mention you actually have multiple entryways into the Florida Everglades.
One of the many benefits to exploring the Everglades from Southwest Florida rather than South Florida is the fact that Naples and Marco island is far less crowded and easier to navigate.
By taking one of the many sightseeing tours of the this massive nature preserve you can get an appreciation for what exactly the Everglades watershed is,. Not only that but you can also learn all about the ecosystem, habitat, and other incredible facts about one of the largest swamplands in the world.
Does Naples Offer Any Tiki Cruises?
Naples also offers a plethora of unique boating options for the adventurous and fun seeker types. You haven't lived until you have experienced on of the coolest new trends in Naples, the Cruisin' Tikis. Now you can tour the waters of Naples and Marco Island from the comfort of a bar with a drink in your hand!
If you are interested in taking off on one of these floating tiki bars, check out the Naples Cruisin' Tiki. It typically launches from The Boathouse restaurant located in the Naples Bay. You may want to call ahead because this boat ride can get packed pretty quickly!
18. EXPLORE THE TEN THOUSAND ISLANDS
There are so many small Gulf islands near Naples and Marco Island as both cities are just minutes from the Ten Thousand Islands.
In fact, Marco Island is the largest of the Ten Thousand Islands, and many of the smaller islands are open to you for exploring.
Go shelling for the day on a guided tour, or rent a boat (more on that below) and spend the entire day to yourself cruising the backwaters, fishing for native species.
What Is There To See At The Naples Zoo at the Caribbean Gardens?
If you are visiting Naples, you need to experience Naples Zoo at the Caribbean Gardens, this 44-acre Zoo started out as a massive tropical garden back in 1919, now it is home to a small city zoo housing tons of native species and other unique exhibits like giraffes, lions, a giant anteater, and lemurs. That is not all you can even take a boat ride and experience the magic of Monkey Island. The Naples Zoo at the Caribbean Gardens is an amazing experience for families, friend groups, and couples alike.
Is There Any Street Art In NAPLES
NAples is a hot bed of local street artist, whether you are on Third Street South, or wandering around the Naples Pier, you are bound to find a wealth of talented local street artist showing off their skills.
If you are looking for really exotic and tucked away gems, you will find the most unique pieces hidden all around the neighborhoods of Olde Naples. Whether you are looking for a great photo opportunity or just looking for cool pieces of local talent, You'll be hard pressed to not run into one of the many locals who shine with artistic brilliance.
Does Naples Have Any Great Happy Hour Spots?
When you visit Naples, it's always going to be happy hour somewhere! Whether it's hitting a pub crawl or enjoying the night life, Naples has something for all ages! Never forget the importance of drinking responsibly.
Luckily every single local downtown eatery has some sort of drink specials and even better drink menus.