Naples, Florida, is a city that is located on the Gulf of Mexico in southwest Florida. It is well-known for its golf courses, high-end shopping, and miles of white-sand beaches. If you plan to visit this beautiful city, you’ll find plenty of things to do.
Whether you’re a foodie, an art enthusiast, or a nature lover, there are plenty of things to do in Naples. Explore the city’s neighborhoods on foot and immerse yourself in the culture.
You’ll discover that you don’t need to go anywhere else to find unique places—Naples has it all right here.
Naples Pier
The Naples Pier is one of Naples, FL’s most popular tourist attractions. It is located on the beach of the Gulf of Mexico and is the perfect place to enjoy the sunset.
A popular activity at the pier is dolphin watching. Visitors visit the Naples Pier to watch these amazing creatures with arched backs and top fins.
Dolphins are usually seen gliding along the shoreline in families. They are also known to eat fish. There are many tours available to visit these creatures. Another popular activity at the Naples Pier is bird-watching. This is a great way to see birds in their natural habitat.
Many tours are available to take you hunting for seashells. In addition, many of these companies offer boat tours that are perfect for this purpose.
Naples Botanical Garden
The Naples Botanical Garden is one of the unique attractions in Naples. This 170-acre garden offers various activities and programs for visitors of all ages. It is the perfect place to learn about Florida and tropical plants, enjoy the beauty of nature, or relax.
The Naples Botanical Garden is open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm from October 1 through May 31 and from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm from June 1 through September 30. Pets are welcome on select days. Ample parking is available. There is no charge for additional parking.
You can expect to find more than a thousand species of plants at the Naples Botanical Garden. Including six cultivated gardens, seven different natural habitats, and 90 acres of restored Florida wetlands.
The gardens are surrounded by 2.5 miles of walking trails. In addition, the grounds are landscaped with a comprehensive approach to sustainability.
Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
Founded in 1919, Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens is an accredited zoo. Located inside a 45-acre botanical garden, the zoo features animals from all over the world. It is also a tropical paradise filled with exotic plants.
This zoo offers visitors the opportunity to see animals up close and personal. They also have numerous special events throughout the year. These include Alligator Bay feeding, primate expedition cruises, and a multimedia Safari Canyon theater.
The zoo is home to many of the world’s most fascinating animals. Visitors can meet a tiger or Asian meat-eating deer or take an exciting ride on a catamaran to a tropical island.
The zoo’s latest exhibit, Penguins in Paradise, is a touring exhibit of African penguins. A more interesting feature is the Primate Expedition Cruise, which gives visitors a closer look at some of the jungle’s most famous inhabitants.
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
The Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park in Naples, Florida, is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. This park offers several water activities and is surrounded by many birds and animals. Its beaches are pristine and protected, and it boasts a 166-acre natural beach.
In addition to the beach, the park also offers other water activities such as kayaking, scuba diving, and fishing. A dedicated canoe and kayak launch is available for visitors to enjoy.
At the park, you can also rent water sports equipment, such as a stand-up paddleboard. Boating is one of the most popular activities in the area.
The Delnor-Wiggins State Park is located in North Naples. Visitors can access the park by driving or walking. There are six parking lots at the park. However, parking is usually packed in the winter months.
Lowdermilk Park
Lowdermilk Park is Naples’ premier beachfront park. Offering over 1,000 feet of unspoiled white sand and warm Gulf waters, it’s a popular destination for families and visitors. It is ideal for sunbathing, shelling, and watching sunsets.
For an unforgettable experience, take a stroll along the beach or visit one of the local restaurants for some fresh seafood.
Truluck’s Ocean’s Finest Seafood and Crab, D’Amico’s The Continental, and Lamoraga Restaurant serve gourmet and Mediterranean fusion food. A seared crab Louie cocktail, filet mignon, and Norwegian salmon are just a few delicious dishes at these eateries.
There are also several family-friendly activities you can participate in at Lowdermilk Beach. For example, you can rent a stand-up paddleboard, kayak, or sand volleyball court. Also, there are a couple of playgrounds and restrooms.