March 31st, 2023
Things to Do in Naples
What are the best things to do in Naples, FL? Check out these top fifteen things to do in Naples!
People love living in the Southwestern Florida city of Naples for its incredible beaches, beautiful weather, and world-class arts and cultural scene. Home to spectacular beach resorts and prime real estate near the waterfront, Naples is a unique place to call home in Collier County, with something fun to do for everyone.
A perfect place to live for families and retirees for its high safety rating and access to top-rated attractions, you will never be bored living in Naples. As one of the best places to live in Florida, Naples has no shortage of award-winning restaurants, nature preserves, spectacular beaches, exciting museums, and world-class open-air shopping centers to explore.
Whether you are moving to Naples or are planning your next vacation, we have put together this guide to the best things to do in Naples so that you can make the most of your time in this vibrant city. Offering fun for all ages all year round, keep reading to learn more about the best attractions in Naples.
Here are the top things to do in Naples
Naples Botanical Garden
Address: 4820 Bayshore Drive
Hours: 9 AM to 5 PM every day
The Naples Botanical Garden is a beautiful subtropical garden and restored preserve in Naples. This 170-acre botanical garden is home to tropical plants from around the world. It is recognized as a world-class garden that received the American Public Gardens Association Prestigious Award for Garden Excellence in 2017.
Found in 1933 by a group of local plant enthusiasts, the Naples Botanical Garden has grown into a special place that prioritizes sustainability and the protection of nature. Featuring walking trails, cultivated gardens, special programs, and tours, the garden is committed to helping the local community and conservation efforts.
Featuring events throughout the year, including Blooms and Brews, the annual celebration of the botany of beer, there is always something new to see and experience. When planning your visit to the garden, tickets can be reserved online, and admission prices are $25 for adults and $10 for children.
Naples Pier
Address: 25 12th Ave S
Hours: Open 25 hours
The historic Naples Pier is a well-known landmark in the city that is best known for its spectacular sunset views, fishing, and dolphin spotting. This beautiful pier on the Gulf of Mexico has been a frequented spot for sightseers for years. Unfortunately, the devastation from Hurricane Ian, which hit the Southwestern Florida coast in September 2022, destroyed the Naples Pier.
Luckily, repair efforts are underway to redesign and rebuild this popular attraction. It is estimated that renovations will cost upwards of $6 million since 30% of the pier is no longer visible. This is the fifth time Naples Pier has had to be rebuilt due to a hurricane. Hopefully, with a plan to rebuild the pier stronger and better than ever, the pier will never have to face this level of damage again.
Clam Pass Park
Address: 465 Seagate Drive
Hours: 8 AM to 7 PM
Naples is home to some of the gorgeous beaches in Florida, with soft white sand and calm, warm water. Clam Pass Park is a serene public beach and park in North Naples, one of the area's most famous beach access points. This beautiful coastal habitat comprises 35 acres and includes a boardwalk. Perfect for family beach days in the sunshine, fishing, or kayaking, Clam Pass Park offers a relaxing atmosphere that is highly convenient and accessible.
The Village Shops on Venetian Bay
Address: 4200 Gulf Shore Blvd N
Hours: 10 AM to 7 PM Monday - Saturday and 12 PM to 5 PM Sunday
You can get all your shopping done at The Village Shops on Venetian Bay. This waterfront complex is a premier shopping center in Naples that offers a Caribbean atmosphere and over 45 boutiques and restaurants. Home to some of the finest shopping in the area, there are a variety of upscale stores, art galleries, and smaller local shops. Recognized as the gem of Naples, The Village Shops of Venetian Bay was designed to resemble Venice, Italy, with Venetian-style facades and courtyards.
Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
Address: 1590 Goodlette-Frank Road
Hours: 9 AM to 4:30 PM every day
Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens in the heart of Naples is the perfect family-friendly destination. Founded in 1919, this 43-acre zoo and historical botanical garden is a non-profit organization that works to conserve wildlife through educational programming and excellent care of animals. Home to many plants and animal species, this award-winning zoo welcomes hundreds of thousands of visitors annually.
Reservations are not required, and tickets can be purchased online. All admission profits support the wildlife in the zoo and the wild.
Lowdermilk Park
Address: 1301 Gulf Shore Blvd N
Hours: 8 AM to 8 PM Monday - Saturday and 8 AM to 10 PM Sunday
Lowdermilk Park is a great place to spend the day with the family. This clean and well-maintained public beach is recognized as one of Naples' premier destinations for its excellent facilities and easy-paid parking. Featuring volleyball courts, a concession stand, playgrounds, picnic tables, benches, gazebos, ADA beach access mats, and restroom and shower facilities, Lowdermilk Park is one of the best places in Naples to enjoy the sunset and cool off in the water.
Golisano Children's Museum of Naples
Address: 15080 Livingston Road
Hours: 10 AM to 5 PM every day
As the first museum devoted to children and families in Southwestern Florida, the Golisano Children's Museum of Naples is a must-visit for its interactive exhibits and family-friendly activities. This 38,000-square-foot museum is a wonderful place to explore and play for all ages. Founded in 2002, this non-profit organization is part of the Association of Children's Museums and is a top destination for educational family fun.
Conservancy of Southwest Florida
Address: 1495 Smith Preserve Way
Hours: 9:30 AM to 4 PM Tuesday - Saturday and close Sunday and Monday
Learn about wildlife conservation at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida in Naples. Located in Collier County, this nature preserve is a 21-acre nature center with indoor and outdoor exhibits and artifacts. Dedicated to conserving Southwest Florida's ecosystem and protecting its environment and wildlife, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida offers hands-on learning experiences, kayaking, and boat tours.
In operation for more than 50 years, this conservancy has spread to protect five counties in Southwest Florida, including Collier, Lee, Charlotte, Hendry, and Glade. This leading environmental organization has an active Environmental Science Department, an Environmental Policy Department, Environmental Educators, and a Conservancy Nature Center that treats and rehabilitates more than 4,000 injured or orphaned animals annually.
Naples Depot Museum
Address: 1051 5th Ave S
Learn about the transportation history of Southwest Florida at the Naples Depot Museum. Located in a historic former train station, this museum is near the heart of Downtown Naples and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Featuring multiple exhibits with canoes, a mule wagon, a swamp buggy, and restored rail cars, this is an excellent museum to visit for any families or history buffs.
Since the Naples Depot Museum sits on Florida's Gulf Coast, this Seaboard Air Line Railway Station was unfortunately impacted by Hurricane Ian. Currently temporarily closed for hurricane recovery, you can visit the museum's website for updates about reopening.
Artis – Naples
Address: 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd
Hours: 10 AM to 4 PM Tuesday - Saturday, 12 PM to 4 PM Sunday, closed Sunday
Home to the Baker Museum and the Naples Philharmonic, the Artis – Naples is a multidisciplinary organization and premier center of the arts in Southwest Florida. First opened in 2000, this three-story, 30,000-square-foot facility is home to a diverse collection of visual art.
Artis – Naples aims to engage, enlighten, and entertain its visitors by offering film, music, dance, and comedy programs. Featuring performances and events throughout the year, tickets for performances and to the museum can be bought online or at the box office.
Tin City Waterfront Shops
Address: 1200 5th Ave S
Hours: 10 AM to 9 PM Monday - Saturday and 12 PM to 5 PM Sunday
Tin City Waterfront Shops is an open-air boardwalk with over 30 shops, unique attractions, and award-winning restaurants. As one of Naples' most visited attractions, Tin City has no chain stores but local custom shops selling antiques, seashells, and handmade items, including candles, clothes, jewelry, and more.
With shops featuring a maritime theme and tin roofs, this historic marketplace is Naples's go-to shopping, dining, and entertainment district. Now one of the most frequented attractions in the city, this is an excellent place to hang out with friends and pick up small gifts while enjoying incredible views.
Celebration Food Truck Park
Address: 2880 Becca Ave
Hours: 11 AM to 9 PM Monday - Thursday, 11 AM to 10 PM Friday and Saturday, 11 AM to 9 PM Sunday
Enjoy gourmet food, good times, live music, and delicious drinks at the Celebration Food Truck Park. Located in the revitalized Bayshore District in Naples, this food truck park near the waterfront directly overlooks the Gulf of Mexico and provides a vibrant industrial feel to its visitors.
Featuring rows of food trucks that sell a variety of cuisine types, this waterfront open-air outdoor venue is the first of its kind in the area. With an outdoor bar, this permanent food truck rally near the Naples Botanical Garden is open every day of the week and is a popular spot for lunch and dinner.
Riptide Brewing Company
Address: 987 3rd Ave N
Hours: 12 PM to 10 PM Monday - Saturday, 12 PM to 8 PM Sunday
As the first-ever craft brewery in Naples with a taproom, the Riptide Brewing Company is a must-visit spot for good beer, friendly service, and cool vibes. Serving beer brewed on-site and guest taps from other local and regional breweries, this popular craft brew house is undoubtedly a great experience in the Southwest Florida area. Considered to be dog-friendly, add Riptide Brewing Company to your Naples bucket list.
Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
Address: 375 Sanctuary Rd W
Hours: 9 AM to 3 PM Thursday, 8 AM to 3 PM Friday - Wednesday
Located 30 minutes East of Naples, the Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is a beautiful park known for its natural and protected wetlands. Homes to hundreds of diverse wildlife, including white-tailed deer, otters, alligators, and turtles, this 13,000-acre preserve is a great experience for families.
With a mission to protect and restore the Everglades, the Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary features a boardwalk trail and observation tower. Even though Hurricane Ian impacted the Sanctuary and the surrounding area, there was luckily minor damage which was easy to clean up and repair. Open all week long; tickets can be purchased online before your visit.
Cruisin Tikis Naples
Address: 990 Broad Ave Street
Hours: 10 AM to 7 PM every day
Do you want to cruise Naples waters on a private tiki tour? Then make sure to check out Cruisin Tikis Naples. Captains Melissa and John Paul Wilinski own this unique boat tour agency, and it is a fun way to explore the beautiful sites of Naples while enjoying drinks and snacks. Offering one, one and a half, two, and three-hour cruises, book your boat charter today. Up to six passengers are allowed per tiki.
Best Things to Do in Naples, FL - Final Thoughts
From spending the day with the family at Lowdermilk Park to enjoying a craft beer at Riptide Brewing Company, there is always something new and exciting to do in Naples. No matter what you like to do for fun, it is safe to say that you will never be bored when living in Naples.
When searching for homes for sale and the best neighborhoods in Naples after exploring the city, please don't hesitate to contact one of our Realty Specialists to help you with your home search.
Ryan Fitzgerald
Hi there! My name is Ryan Fitzgerald, and I am a REALTOR®. My goal is to help you learn more about real estate through our Real Estate Blog! Hopefully, you enjoyed the above blog post and it found a way to provide help or value to you. When you're ready to buy or sell a home of your own let us know here. Please feel free to join the conversation by dropping us a comment below.
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