31 Best Things to Do in
Naples, Florida
Naples is one of America's wealthiest small cities. And one of its most beautiful. From Old Naples dining to world-class golf, the Everglades, and pristine Gulf beaches, here's the complete local guide.
Naples Beach & Pier
The iconic Naples Pier stretches 1,000 feet into the Gulf. One of the most photographed spots in Southwest Florida. The beach beside it is pristine white sand with calm, turquoise water.
Clam Pass Beach Park
A hidden gem accessible by tram through a mangrove forest. Emerald water, fewer crowds than the main beach, and one of the most scenic coastal walks in Collier County.
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
Consistently ranked among the best beaches in Florida. Pristine barrier island with shelling, snorkeling in the pass, sea turtle nesting in summer, and spectacular sunsets.
Tigertail Beach (Marco Island)
45 minutes south. An undeveloped Gulf beach famous for its tidal lagoon that creates a natural saltwater pool perfect for families and birdwatching.
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
One of North America's oldest old-growth cypress forests. A 2.5-mile boardwalk through 13,000 acres of ancient cypress, wading birds, alligators, and rare orchids.
Kayaking Through Mangrove Tunnels
Multiple outfitters in Naples offer guided kayak tours through winding mangrove tunnels where manatees, dolphins, and roseate spoonbills are regular sightings.
Naples Museum of Art
The centerpiece of Artis-Naples. A world-class collection of modern, contemporary, and glass art housed in a stunning 30,000-square-foot facility on the Bay.
Artis-Naples Philharmonic
One of the finest regional orchestras in the Southeast. The Naples Philharmonic performs at the Hayes Hall season September through June with guest soloists of international caliber.
Historic Downtown Naples
The original Naples townsite with restored 1950s cottages, art galleries, boutiques, and the restored Naples Depot. The city's history preserved in a walkable district.
Von Liebig Art Center
The Naples Art District's anchor gallery. Rotating contemporary exhibitions, artist studios, classes, and one of the best art events in the city, the Naples National Art Festival.
Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
A unique zoo set within a historic botanical garden. Safari boat tours around primate islands, big cats, giraffe feeding, and botanical garden walks make it one of Florida's best zoos.
Everglades Airboat Tours
45 minutes east from Naples, the Big Cypress Swamp entrance to the Everglades offers airboat tours, alligator sightings, and guided swamp walks unlike anywhere else on earth.
Fakahatchee Strand Preserve
The largest state preserve in Florida. A ghost orchid habitat and one of the only places where Florida royal palms and bald cypress grow together in old-growth stands.
Naples Botanical Garden
170 acres of stunning themed gardens including Caribbean, Asian, Brazilian, and Florida native gardens. One of the top botanical gardens in the Southeast.
Fifth Avenue South
Naples' main dining and entertainment corridor. Al fresco dining, rooftop bars, white tablecloth restaurants, live jazz, and boutique shopping in a European-style streetscape.
Third Street South
A charming alternative to Fifth Avenue. Locally owned restaurants, a farmers market on Saturdays, wine bars, and specialty shops in a quieter, more intimate setting.
Tin City Waterfront
A converted waterfront shopping district with seafood restaurants, marina views, gift shops, and sunset cocktails along Naples Bay.
Naples Farmers Market
Every Saturday morning at Cambier Park. Local produce, fresh seafood, artisan goods, and prepared foods drawing thousands of residents and visitors each week.
Golf in Naples
Naples has more golf holes per capita than any city in the US. Over 80 courses from world-class private clubs (Bay Colony, Grey Oaks) to excellent public options like Lely Resort.
Pickleball at East Naples Community Park
Naples is the self-proclaimed pickleball capital of the world, East Naples Community Park has 64 courts and hosts the US Open Pickleball Championships each April.
Fishing on Naples Bay
Inshore charters target snook, redfish, and tarpon in the backcountry; offshore half-day trips target grouper and amberjack. Naples has a year-round charter fleet at Tin City.
Parasailing & Jet Ski Rentals
Multiple operators on Naples Beach offer parasailing, jet ski rentals, and paddleboard tours. The Gulf's calm summer conditions make for ideal water sport weather.
Marco Island (30 minutes)
A barrier island with pristine crescent beach, luxury resorts, outstanding seafood dining, and kayaking through the Ten Thousand Islands. One of Florida's most complete beach destinations.
Everglades City & Chokoloskee
30 minutes east. The gateway to Everglades National Park by water, with world-class backcountry kayaking, fishing guides, and stone crab season in season (Oct–May).
Fort Myers (45 minutes)
Edison & Ford Winter Estates, the River District's gallery scene, Cape Coral canals, and Sanibel Island shelling. A full day's worth of attractions north of Naples.
Bonita Springs & Estero
20 minutes north, Barefoot Beach Preserve (one of the top beaches in the US), the Coconut Point shopping district, and Lovers Key State Park are all within easy reach.
Naples National Art Festival (Feb)
One of the top 25 fine art festivals in the US. Held each February on Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South, featuring 260+ artists from across North America.
US Open Pickleball Championships (Apr)
The largest pickleball tournament in the world draws 4,000+ players and 20,000+ spectators to East Naples Community Park each April.
Naples Winter Wine Festival (Jan)
One of the most prestigious charity wine auctions in the world, Ritz-Carlton hosted, featuring premier Napa and Bordeaux estates, raising millions annually for children's charities.
Holiday Boat Parade (Dec)
Naples Bay lights up each December for the annual Holiday Boat Parade. Decorated vessels, fireworks, and waterfront viewing parties at Tin City and the Naples City Dock.
Southwest & South Florida Homes for Sale
Naples and Collier County consistently rank among the most desirable real estate markets in Florida. Golf course estates, Gulf-access waterfront, gated country clubs, and luxury condos. If you're considering Southwest Florida, our agents can help you navigate the market.
We also serve buyers relocating to Palm Beach County and Broward County, South Florida's primary real estate markets. With expert buyer representation at no cost.
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