Top 15 Attractions and Activities in Naples, Florida

In Southwest Florida, Naples represents the southernmost point before reaching the Everglades. This rugged landscape was made accessible in the 1920s with the establishment of the Tamiami Trail and the Seaboard Air Line Railroad.

Naples is an exceptional destination featuring a variety of attractions. It boasts stunning natural scenery, pristine white sandy beaches, a refined cultural scene, as well as diverse dining and shopping options across three downtown districts.

In the six years leading up to this article, two Category 5 hurricanes impacted areas near Naples. I visited shortly after Hurricane Ian, and despite the damage, the city had already made considerable progress towards recovery.

1. Naples Botanical Garden

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Located on Bayshore Drive on the southern side of the city, Naples Botanical Garden features over 1,000 species of plants, flowers, and trees.

The collections primarily originate from tropical and subtropical regions, situated between the 26th parallel north and the 26th parallel south.

This venue serves as an ideal retreat when seeking serenity and is part of a larger wetland preserve encompassing nearly 200 acres.

If I had to highlight a particular area, it would be the LaGrippe Orchid Garden, which showcases a vibrant array of orchids from around the globe.

Although self-exploration is encouraged, joining one of the guided tours enhances the experience with additional insights.

2. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park

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For those seeking a beach with minimal development, a tranquil option exists just north of Naples. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is renowned for its white sandy beach and crystal-clear waters, ideal for swimming and snorkeling.

This beach is distinctive, offering a mile-long stretch of pristine quartz sand with a soft texture. At sunset, it takes on a magical quality in the low sun, making it a prime location for evening visits.

During my visit, much of the previously lush vegetation had been affected by Hurricane Ian. However, the beach’s white sands and turquoise waters remained as inviting as ever.

3. Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

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Nature enthusiasts and outdoor aficionados will find plenty to engage them when visiting Naples.

This nearby property, managed by the National Audubon Society, is home to diverse environments, including sawgrass prairies and pine flatwoods. A prominent feature of the sanctuary is one of the largest stands of virgin bald cypress in the United States.

The sanctuary was established in the 1950s to protect this vital habitat. Visitors can admire these ancient trees along a captivating boardwalk, stretching over two miles.

During your stroll, you might encounter alligators, white-tailed deer, otters, and red-bellied turtles, in addition to a variety of wading birds and songbirds.

4. Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens

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With origins dating back to 1919, Naples Zoo may be modest in size by Florida standards, yet it is an essential visit. Initially a botanical garden, it was revitalized in the 1950s and transformed into a full-fledged zoo in the late 1960s.

The scenic lakes, interspersed with islands housing the zoo’s significant collection of primates, are particularly captivating. Visitors have the opportunity to see them up close on the Primate Exhibition Cruise.

The giraffe exhibit is a highlight, allowing families to feed these charming animals for a nominal fee. Additionally, the alligator enclosure offers feeding shows and century-old botanical plantings that are noteworthy.

5. Fifth Avenue South

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Take your time to explore Naples’ premier dining, shopping, and entertainment district. This palm-lined avenue, established in the 1920s, has always served as Naples’ main thoroughfare.

Stretching from the Tamiami Trail in the east to the Gulf of Mexico in the west, this street features a multitude of galleries, boutique shops, jewelers, and bookstores.

This destination is my go-to for finding unique items. Even if you’re here merely for a leisurely stroll, the area offers a haven for window-shopping and is complemented by Cambier Park to the south.

Bring a hearty appetite, as the range of dining options is extensive. Culinary offerings span from seafood to Persian cuisine, accompanied by ice cream parlors, bakeries, and coffee shops.

6. Crayton Cove

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Situated along the bay, this quaint commercial district features a nautical theme. Home to the Naples Yacht Club and Naples City Dock, Crayton Cove offers a vibrant mix of water-based enterprises. If you are considering a sailing or fishing charter, this is an excellent starting point.

During my visit, I noticed the dock had undergone significant reconstruction, boasting over 80 slips capable of accommodating vessels up to 60 feet.

Along the waterfront, a selection of appealing shops, galleries, and restaurants abound, making it likely that Crayton Cove will occupy more of your time than you initially anticipated.

7. Lowdermilk Park

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North of the primary municipal beach lies another iconic beachfront park. Lowdermilk Park features over 1,000 feet of sandy shoreline and spectacular ocean views.

It is unsurprising that it ranks among the city’s preferred beach destinations for both locals and visitors. I highly recommend remaining until late afternoon, as you may witness dolphins swimming as the sun sets.

The park provides amenities such as a volleyball court, picnic tables, shaded seating areas, restrooms, and showers.

Many visitors opting for a full day’s stay often bring their own food. For those who do not, a concession facility, the Flip Flop Grill, serves satisfying meals such as hot dogs, sandwiches, burgers, and salads.

8. The Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples

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This establishment offers a fantastic opportunity for families traveling with young children, blending entertainment with educational experiences.

The Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples exemplifies this approach, with engaging and interactive exhibits designed to stimulate children’s curiosity across a myriad of subjects.

Topics encompass the ecology of the Everglades and Gulf of Mexico, weather, commerce, agriculture, the physics of water, space exploration, art, and transportation.

I was particularly impressed by the realistic Banyan Tree at the heart of the museum, which encourages children to explore this fascinating exhibit via stairs and walkways.

9. Naples Pier

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This historic pier extends over 1,000 feet into the Gulf and is the perfect location for a leisurely stroll. It serves as the optimal vantage point for witnessing breathtaking Florida sunsets.

Situated on 12th Avenue just off the boardwalk, it is the venue for the city’s Fourth of July fireworks display, which is nothing short of spectacular. The pier features amenities such as restrooms and fish cleaning stations.

During my last visit, the pier had suffered damage from Hurricane Ian in 2022 and was temporarily closed. At the time of my compilation of this list, the city was raising funds to fortify the pier against future storms.

10. Naples Depot Museum

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This historical museum is located within the Naples Railroad Depot (constructed in 1926), which was built following the passage of the Seaboard Air Line through Naples. The architectural style reflects a refined Mediterranean Revival design typical of local stations.

Passenger service ceased in 1971, and the current museum celebrates the region’s transportation history. You will discover how technology and transportation have contributed to overcoming the challenges of Southwest Florida’s otherwise impenetrable terrain.

Exhibits include railcars, a buggy designed for traversing swamps, Seminole dugout canoes, and a mule wagon, alongside numerous interactive displays that provide a new understanding of Naples’ early history.

This museum shares its premises with the Naples Trail Museum, which features interactive model railroads and offers rides on mini-trains for children.

11. Collier Museum at Government Center

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The county oversees five museums, two of which are highlighted in this article. In addition to the Depot Museum, the attraction at Naples’ Government Center is well worth a visit.

The area’s history spans centuries, and the museum’s exhibits encompass a variety of intriguing subjects. These range from prehistory, geology, and dinosaur exhibits to insights into Native American culture, pioneer life, agriculture, and the local economy.

I found the findings about the formidable megafauna that inhabited the tropical sea that once enveloped Southwest Florida to be particularly fascinating.

This museum has been open to the public since 1978, and it is advisable to explore the grounds, which feature cultivated gardens, a reconstructed Native American village, and a courtyard complete with ample shaded seating.

12. Naples Art Institute

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Serving as a launchpad for local artists for over seventy years, the Naples Art Institute stands as a cultural cornerstone at Cambier Park.

For those visiting Naples, the Watson Gallery at this institute presents a vibrant schedule of exhibitions featuring local, national, and international artists.

I was astounded by a paper art installation by Belgian artist Isabelle de Borchgrave, which recreated the interior of Frida Kahlo’s Casa Azul, including depictions of Kahlo’s dresses, jewelry, and other personal artifacts.

As a genuine arts center, the institute fosters an educational mission and hosts three major art fairs annually in January, February, and March.

13. Palm Cottage

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This historic residence is open year-round and is owned and managed by the Naples Historical Society.

Constructed in 1895 by one of Naples’ founding residents, this cottage is the oldest home in the city. Visitors will appreciate the exquisite handcrafted details and can gain insights into life in Old Naples.

The cottage grounds, along with the adjacent Norris Gardens, are often included in guided tours available from Tuesday to Saturday. It is advisable to make reservations in advance, as walk-ins may not be accommodated.

The Historical Society also offers mile-long walking tours of the Naples Historic District, departing from this location.

14. Revs Institute

Miles Collier, the grandson of Collier County’s founder, established this automotive institution in 2008.

Collier’s family, including his father and uncle, were avid racing enthusiasts and played a pivotal role in promoting the sport throughout the 20th century.

More than just a museum, the Revs Institute focuses on the preservation, study, and restoration of historically significant automobiles. The collection is extraordinary, showcasing decades of legendary sports and race cars.

Among the many icons in the continually changing display are a 1939 Mercedes-Benz W154 Silver Arrow, a 1959 Porsche RSK, a 1963 Chevrolet Corvette Grand Sport Coupe, and a 1953 Porsche 350 Coupe. Notably, there is an entire wing dedicated to Porsches.

15. Tin City

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Overlooking the bay, this eclectic marketplace features a variety of vendors situated within four buildings. Tin City is brimming with quirky shops that offer an array of products, including arts and crafts, collectibles, bathing suits, perfumes, and shells.

It is an ideal location to acquire keepsakes that commemorate your visit. Many items showcased are rooted in Florida’s coastal culture.

You will likely discover locally crafted art, Florida wine, organic soaps, jewelry, home décor, and clothing for adults and children. Tin City also showcases several dining options, especially Pinchers, part of a small Florida-based chain of seafood shacks known for its enticing deals.