Known for its first-class golf courses and luxury shopping, Naples graces the coastline of Florida’s Gulf of Mexico. With pristine beach parks, pier fishing, serene botanical gardens and celebrity zoo animals, Naples offers a diverse array of activities.
Things to do in Naples
A main icon of the city is Naples Pier, built in 1888 and thriving as a primary gathering spot. Rent some fishing gear from a pier concession stand and spending an afternoon casting a line and spotting dolphins. Take your catch over to Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park for grilling, then go snorkelling or stroll the sugar-white sandy beach at sunset.
Natural beauty abounds at Clam Pass County Park, about 10 kilometres north of Naples. You can take a free tram or follow the boardwalk past mangrove forests and wildlife and rent a kayak for exploring the waterways. For an even wilder brush with nature, take a boardwalk tour through Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary to spot alligators, otters and old-growth forests.
Traveling with the family? Check out the Indochinese tigers and hyenas at Naples Zoo, which is also home to the fossa from the movie “Madagascar”. The kids will enjoy the Smith Children’s Garden at Naples Botanical Garden, a tranquil nature sanctuary with more than 1,000 species of plants.
Seafood dining in Naples is an attraction in its own, with renowned chefs serving stone-crab claws and fresh shrimp dishes along the waterfront. Tuck into platters of crab claws and steak at Truluck’s or Bayside Seafood Grill and Bar or graze at the small eateries in Old Town.
Getting around Naples
You can explore Old Naples on foot, while trolleys offer rides between downtown and the beaches. Rent a car at Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers, about a 45-minute drive away, or use buses, taxis and ride-share services.