When planning your trip to Naples Florida, you will want to explore the many things to do. This waterfront oasis offers many opportunities for shopping, golfing, and natural attractions. Naples is a rapidly rising destination, and there are plenty of attractions and events to keep you busy. Read on to discover the top 5 things to do in Naples, Florida. You'll love every minute of it! You can even play golf on the Gulf of Mexico!
Fifth Avenue South
If you're looking for a fun, family-friendly area to spend an evening, then look no further than Fifth Avenue South in Naples Florida. This vibrant neighborhood is home to the von Leiburg Art Center, which offers public art lessons and sponsors major professional art shows through the Naples Arts Association. Art lovers will also enjoy numerous festivals and major art shows held throughout the year. The annual Naples New Year Art Fair and Naples National Art Festival are among the most renowned. The Naples Arts and Crafts Association also hosts a mensal Fine Arts and Crafts Fair in Cambier Park.
From historic buildings to trendy boutiques, Fifth Avenue South is a vibrant mix of convenience and glamour. Pedestrian-friendly promenades are lined with a variety of shops, boutiques, and restaurants, from casual clothes to couture. From award-winning restaurants to upscale spas and fine dining, the neighborhood offers something for everyone. Here, you'll find everything you need to live a life of luxury and indulgence.
The unofficial Main Street of Naples is 5th Avenue South, a five-mile pedestrian-friendly street that blends an exciting downtown business district with a charming downtown neighborhood. It features award-winning restaurants, world-class art galleries, and elegant inns. Visitors can also check out several art galleries and theater troupes. It's the perfect place to spend an evening with family or friends, or to treat yourself to a gift from another country.
Artis--Naples
The Baker Museum is part of Artis - Naples, Florida, a multidisciplinary arts organization and home to the Naples Philharmonic. Located at 5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard, this facility is a three-story, 30,000-square-foot facility that hosts a diverse collection of artwork. Visitors can view works of art ranging from ancient Egypt to modern day. While visiting the museum, visitors are encouraged to spend some time meditating on the art on display.
The Museum of Artis - Naples is driven by a mission of education, inspiration, and entertainment. It offers unique programs in the arts, from film and music to dance, lectures, and exhibitions by internationally acclaimed artists. The Naples Philharmonic, Naples Ballet, and other events are held at the venue and are free to the public. If you haven't yet visited Artis - Naples, make sure to plan your visit today!
The Museum of Fine Arts is a must-visit for art lovers in Southwest Florida. The Naples Philharmonic performs here, and visitors are encouraged to attend live performances. In addition to art exhibitions and classes, the museum also presents several musical events throughout the year. Artis - Naples is located at 5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard in Naples. The Baker Museum was opened in 2000 and houses a collection of over 30,000 square feet of art.
Naples Zoo
If you're looking for a great family outing, then consider taking the kids to the Golisano Children's Museum of Naples. This fun and educational museum features 18 hands-on exhibits that will keep your kids busy for hours. Other fun things for kids to do in Naples include playing in the giant banyan tree and water play area. You can also try scuba diving for a little adventure.
Another great family outing is a visit to the Naples Botanical Garden. The Naples Botanical Garden encompasses six gardens and a nature preserve. The park is home to subtropical plants and animals. Make sure to bring the kids with you; there's a kids' area with a treehouse, a cave, and a butterfly house. For even more fun, check out the Naples Players' live performances.
Next, head to the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, an ancient cypress forest in the city limits. There, you'll see "super" ghost orchids and nesting American wood storks. You can also take the South Florida Birding Trail, a two-mile boardwalk through native Florida wildlife. While you're there, take a trip to the Naples Museum of History. Located in Collier County, it is home to many historic sites including an old logging locomotive, a vintage swamp buggy, and early homes. Among the highlights of this Naples attraction is its taxidermy collection.
The Naples Botanical Garden is another popular attraction in Naples. The garden features over 1,000 different species of plants and is part of a natural preserve of more than 100 acres. The Gardens are open daily and offer guided tours from November to April. The hours vary from season to season, but be sure to plan for enough time to visit. It's a great getaway from the city. And if you love nature, you'll enjoy the Naples Botanical Garden.
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
If you're a birdwatcher, you will love the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, located northeast of Naples in Collier County. This wetlands is located off Sanctuary Road West, just north of Immokalee Road. The boardwalk is open daily from 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and there are several guided walks to choose from. The Early Bird Walk starts at sunrise and lasts approximately two hours.
Another popular attraction in Naples is Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, an area with trails that allow visitors to observe the local wildlife. Hundreds of species of native wildlife live at the sanctuary, including Florida panthers, red-bellied turtles, and a variety of wading birds. The Painted Bunting is a popular winter visitor to the area. While you're at the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, you can expect to see a variety of colorful and rare birds, and you can take a picture of them at every turn of the boardwalk.
The Bird Gardens of Naples is another great attraction in Naples. This non-profit organization preserves the natural habitats of many species of birds. If you're a fan of nature, you can spend a day exploring the gardens, which include a large macaw aviary. Afterwards, head back to downtown Naples and catch a show at one of the many local restaurants.
Sun-N-Fun Lagoon
There are many different water activities to enjoy in Naples. Sun-N-Fun Lagoon is a unique water park that offers a lazy river, four pools, five water slides, and an interactive splash playground. This waterpark also has a concession stand, restrooms, and lockers. It is best to plan a full day at Sun-N-Fun Lagoon, and be prepared to spend a good portion of it on the water.
For a family outing, a dolphin and manatee tour is the perfect choice. Dolphins and West Indian manatees are only found in a few places in the world, and this is the perfect way to experience them up close. Visitors can also visit the Naples Depot Museum, which is housed in an old railway house. The museum covers everything from railroads to transportation to native plants and animals.
Sun-N-Fun Lagoon, which is located in Collier County, is a must-do activity for families with young children. Located in North Collier Regional Park, Sun-N-Fun Lagoon is just south of the Golisano Children's Museum. With its unique combination of fun, education, and entertainment, Sun-N-Fun Lagoon is one of the best things to do in Naples.
(BONUS) Bird Rookery Swamp
Visitors to Bird Rookery Swamp in Naples, FL can explore a former logging site turned birding haven. With more than 12 miles of walking and biking trails and a boardwalk, this area is a birder's paradise. Besides viewing birds, you can enjoy a scenic lunch in the gazebo, and even take a nap on the boardwalk. You may even spot some rare species.
Whether you're a keen angler or a complete novice, you can explore the wetlands surrounding this city's historic district. You'll find hundreds of alligators and other exotic animals in this region, as well as white-tailed deer, red-bellied turtles, and a variety of wading birds. Many of these species are only found in Florida, so you'll find plenty of photo opportunities throughout your visit.
A scenic drive through Bird Rookery Swamp in Naples, FL can take about half an hour. You'll travel approximately 7.7 miles on this hike, and gain 49.2 feet in elevation along the way. The hike is easy enough for the entire family, with no steep terrain. Port-a-Johns are available at the site. At Bird Rookery Swamp, you'll discover a diversity of wildlife, and see how much bird life has adapted to its environment.
The Bird Rookery Swamp trail opened in July 2011, and offers 12 miles of hiking trails, including a boardwalk over the 1800-ft. swamp. The trails are actually old tram roads. Besides alligators and other exotic animals, you can also spot Florida panthers, white-tailed deer, and bobcats. And you can't miss the wildlife either, because besides a beautiful landscape, it's also a place to observe birds.