TOP 10 THINGS TO DO IN NAPLES

1) Cruise by Mansions

You won’t see the inside of these homes, yet your interesting point of view will enable you to see the houses, gardens and docks. Regardless of whether you cruise with Pure Naples, Naples Princess or another charter company, you can see a variety of high-end waterfront homes during your stay in Naples and the Gulf of Mexico.

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2) Learn Through Play

There are plenty of great indoor activities in Naples, and we like to suggest The Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples because it offers fun for the whole family. The Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples is a brain-building powerhouse and Southwest Florida’s first museum devoted to children and families learning through play. With hands-on exhibit galleries, the accessible museum invites visitors of all ages to journey through the swamps of the Everglades, weave through a maze, climb a two-story banyan tree, or experiment with the water play station.

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3) Relax on a Hidden Beach

We’re recommending Clam Pass Park because of its locality to Downtown Naples but yet it's a secluded feeling of total isolation. Clam Pass Park is tucked away behind the Naples Grande Beach Resort. To get there you can walk or take a free tram from the parking lot down a three-quarters-mile-long boardwalk through a mangrove forest. Clam Pass has over 35 acres of habitat and preserves that act as a breeding ground and nursery for young animals and plants.

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4) Explore Naples History

We love the Naples Depot Museum because of its local Naples history and its family-friendly atmosphere. Set in Naples’ restored Seaboard Air Line Railway passenger station, the Naples Depot Museum welcomes visitors back to the railroading boom days of the Roaring Twenties and explains how generations of Southwest Floridians used technology and transportation to conquer a vast and seemingly impenetrable frontier.

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5) Feed a Giraffe

For the animal lover, the Naples Zoo is a great way to spend the day. Naples Zoo is a nationally accredited zoo and charitable institution in Southwest Florida that features a full day of fun activities. In this tropical setting, you can take delight in seeing many of your favorite animals like lions, giraffes, monkeys, pythons, and bears.

 

6) Experience Natural Estuaries

We chose Delnor-Wiggins Pass because it’s one of the most pristine stretches of beach in the world. Every day, Delnor-Wiggins tropical beach paradise beckons visitors to partake in vast peaceful views of the Gulf of Mexico, and experience the many shorebirds and wildlife that gather here.

 

7) Waterslides & Lazy Rivers

Who doesn’t like a waterslide or floating on a tub in a lazy river? At Sun-N-Fun Lagoon, the water is as warm as the Gulf of Mexico–actually, warmer. They have a state-of-the-art climate control system that adjusts the water temperature according to the weather so that it’s always just right. The five water slides look over the park at 38 feet atop a wooden water tower and the lazy river winds and turn for over 1,300 feet.

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8) Enjoy the Arts

Artis—Naples is the premier center for the performing and visual arts in Southwest Florida. Fulfilling our mission to create and present world-class visual and performing arts, Artis-Naples hosts more than 800 concerts, performances, exhibitions and educational events for children and adults from all backgrounds each year.

 

9) Watch the Sunset

Sunsets in Naples are a special experience, and not just because of their beauty. Sunsets and sunrises are some of the most incredible and beautiful natural occurrences a person can see every day of their life. They are evening shows that happen on key, glowing ends to activity-filled days, unique experiences that are different each night and free for all to see.

 

10) See What's Growing

When was the last time you visited an orchid garden? The Naples Botanical Garden is a treasure-trove of flora (and occasional fauna!) in the heart of Naples, enriching our community not only with natural resources but with largescale exhibitions, concerts, flower shows, holiday celebrations and family-friendly events. The Garden welcomes over 220,000 visitors per year to experience themed gardens that represent the culture and flora of the tropics.

 

Bonus: Naples Pier

We can’t say enough about the Naples Pier, a favorite location for sightseers and fishermen with plenty of space to cast a line. The Pier features restrooms, showers, a concession stand with a covered eating area, and beach supplies.