21 Awesome Things to Do in Naples Florida, the Paradise Coast
If this is your first visit to southwest Florida, you’ll be amazed by all the incredible things to do in Naples Florida!
With over 700 restaurants (just in Naples alone), gorgeous beaches, interesting eco-systems to explore, year round outdoor activities and a laid back tropical lifestyle, it’s no wonder Naples is the jewel of southwest Florida’s Paradise Coast!
While Naples continues to be top-rated as one of the Best Places to Retire in the US and a Top Florida Vacation Spot, it’s simply one of the best destinations for a Florida beach vacation, period. The soft white sand Naples Florida beaches are an abundance of riches when it comes to natural good looks.
You may be tempted to spend all your time at the brochure hotspots, but please don’t. There’s much more to see and do in Naples than that.
We wrote this Naples Visitors Guide from our local’s point of view — there’s a blend of both tourist attractions and lesser-known local places on our southwest Florida bucket list to help you plan a spectacular trip.
But don’t worry if you don’t hit them all in one visit — there are plenty of things to do in Naples Florida to keep you coming back for years, or next season!
High end shopping is just one of the exciting things to do in Naples Florida
Naples Florida Travel Tips
Located on southwest Florida's Gulf Coast at the edge of the Everglades, Naples has lush palm tree-lined avenues and a glitzy reputation. But the city also has a small-town feel to it and wears its affluence and easy island style in equal measure.
This is part of what makes it a such a great destination for those seeking a romantic or luxury getaway, family vacay, Everglades adventure, or chill beach vibe.
Here are a few travel tips and things to know about Naples Florida before you visit:
The 280 average days of sunshine is great for visitors who love golfing year round, but there are so many other things to do in Naples as well, making it a favorite destination for couples and families.
Shopping in Naples Florida could truly an Olympic sport, and there are several shopping districts around town, and many independently owned boutiques everywhere!
Beaches! Yes, the beaches in Naples are really all that! Even after the devastating Hurricane Ian came ashore in 2022, our beaches continue to be one of the city’s biggest draws.
Naples is a restaurant powerhouse (over 700 restaurants serve some of the best food in Florida). It’s also home to a fabulous arts scene and there are endless outdoor activities, including some of the best fishing in Florida.
Naples and Marco Island are highly “seasonal” communities — the winter months of December through March are considered “season” when the northern snowbirds flock south to escape the harsh winter up north.
Christmas in Naples is especially busy so be plan well in advance for activity and dinner reservations around the holidays.
Hurricane Season — Florida is prone to tropical storms and hurricanes, especially central and south Florida. Technically, hurricane season runs from June through October.
Best Time to Visit Naples
So what is the best time to visit Naples, Florida? There are several times of year. Shoulder seasons before and after the “season” is over are some of the best times to visit Naples.
Most of the seasonal snowbirds arrive in southwest Florida between Christmas and New Years (give or take a few weeks) and the majority of them go back north around Easter.
Therefore, April through the end of May is a great time to visit — the Gulf water is nice and clear and the temp is just about perfect, and the weather is not yet hot and humid.
Late September through the end of November is also a good time after the hot summer but before the majority of the season begins.
Of course, if you long to escape the cold winter temps, Naples is one of the best places to visit in the US in December through March for ideal weather, but traffic is high and restaurants and beaches are more crowded.
That said, the word “crowded” is relative. If you’re coming from urban cities or the northeast US, you may think otherwise.
Getting to Naples Florida
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW: Regional Southwest) is the closest airport to Naples, just 30-40 minutes away depending on where you are in Naples.
If you’re not local, renting a car at the airport is a great idea. You’ll want the flexibility to see Naples, and the surrounding area when you’re here.
Naples also has its own airport (APF) though it’s generally smaller corporate and charter flights. You’ll find much better flight deals out of RSW.
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Where to Stay in Naples
Honestly, there’s so much to see and do in Naples, your biggest decision may be where to begin, or maybe where to stay.
There are a wide range of accommodations in Naples to suit any style, taste, and budget. From luxury beachfront resorts and intimate boutique hotels to full-service vacation rentals and comfy family campgrounds, you’re sure to find something that’s right for everyone in the family.
Things To Do In Naples, Florida
There are more great attractions in Naples that the whole family can enjoy, many of which are institutions with a rich history in the community.
With so many things to do in Naples Florida, where should you start?
We say — head for the beach!
1. Hit the Beach
The first thing to do when you get to town is head to the nearest beach to take in a deep breath of salt air and sink your toes into the soft white sand.
Naples beaches consistently rank among the best beaches in the world. There may be 16 miles of shoreline from which to choose but these are our picks for the best beaches in Naples.
All Naples beaches offer public access with no bridges to cross (or pay for) and very little traffic. You won't find boardwalks, t-shirt shops, major thoroughfares or any highways running along the beach.
Street access along the beach is largely residential and therefore fairly quiet.
Just park your car at one of the major access points in town and walk to your nearest favorite beach.
What’s Allowed at the Beach?
BEER & WINE are allowed at the Naples Pier and beach. The Naples Pier sells beer and wine, or you can bring your own beer and wine BUT NOT IN A GLASS CONTAINER!
What’s Not Allowed? Pets (except on Keewaydin Island), Glass, Fires, or Vehicles
Lounging at one of Naples’ best beaches
2. Celebrate Sunset
You may think sunset is just the end of the day, but on the Paradise Coast, sunset is something to celebrate.
Head to the Naples Pier (which now sells beer and wine from approved vendors), toast to the fiery sunset and bid goodbye to the day.
It’s just one of the fun places to catch the sunset in Naples, and no two are ever the same.
Look for the green flash in summer months — a phenomenon unique to Southwest Florida — which happens just seconds after the sun disappears over the horizon.
Whatever you do, bring your camera or phone to Instagram a pic or text to your friends up north.
3. Eat at Celebration Food Truck Park
One of Naples’ most fun and casual hangout is a happening place and a great place to eat with something for everyone!
Choose your favorite food bites from about a dozen excellent quality food trucks, grab a table (go early during the season if you want to find a table!) and order drinks from the bar.
Celebration Park is located on Bayshore Drive just off the south (Tamiami) Trail on one of the inland waterways in south Naples that leads to Naples Bay.
Board games and corn hole keep kids busy or make a fun day relaxing with friends overlooking the water.
Celebration food truck park in Naples
4. Go Shelling On Keewaydin Island
Nearby Sanibel Island may be the Shelling Capital of the World to some, but it doesn’t have anything on the shelling that can be done in the nearby Ten Thousand Islands.
If you don’t wish to go far, some of the beaches in Naples offer excellent shelling. Barefoot Beach in North Naples is especially good for shelling, as is the southern barrier island of Keewaydin with nearly eight miles of deserted beach to explore.
Keewaydin is one of the best kept secrets in all of Naples, but there’s a kicker — this small and nearly uninhabited island is only accessible by boat (which further serves to preserve it in its natural state).
5. Dine Out in Naples
With over 700 restaurants in Naples alone, you’ll never be at a loss for a meal to suit every mood!
Whether you’re looking for the best breakfast in Naples or an elegant special occasion dinner on the beach, there’s a Naples restaurant for you.
Maybe you want an authentic Italian restaurant or an amazing seafood restaurant, or just want to relax with friends on a most-of-the-afternoon Sunday brunch, you’ll find pretty much everything you’re looking for.
This is also a city that does brunch really well, so check out these weekend brunch spots in Naples.
Sunset on the Naples Pier
6. Check Out the Naples Breweries
If craft beer is your thing, there are several really good breweries in Naples FL, where you can try a flight sampler to see what you like and enjoy the afternoon or evening.
Some breweries are hard to find (good for avoiding tourist traps) and favored by locals.
Riptide Brewery is a local favorite with two locations (in central Naples and nearby Bonita Springs) and they occasionally have Trivia Nights and live music — tons of fun.
Bone Hook Brewing Co. on Vanderbilt Beach Road is another excellent choice for unique crafting.
Finally, Ankrolab Brewing Co. takes their beer craft very seriously and offers a wide array of unique style of fermentations from Euro-style beers to ciders, hard sodas, and sours.
7. The Naples Botanical Gardens
If you’re looking for a beautiful natural space in Naples away from the beach, Naples Botanical Gardens is 170 acres of preservation land and cultivated gardens, representing seven distinct natural habitats and featuring over 1,000 native flora species.
Take a morning and explore the lush greenery — it’s one of the natural gems in Naples where you can see southwest Florida in its primitive state.
There are themed gardens, an interactive Children’s Garden, and water features complementing a 90-acre wetlands preserve.
Open daily.
So many great photo ops at the Naples Botanical Garden
8. Visit A Naples Museum
If you’re a history lover or culture hound, there’s a Naples museum for you.
From showcasing the local native Seminole and Calusa history and the intrepid early Naples settlers, the artistry and engineering of fine automobiles, world-class works of art, locomotive history, or tragic and moving Holocaust history, you could spend an entire vacation just visiting the local cultural centers and museums.
They’re a source of pride among residents, many whom are active in helping source artifacts and other pieces of historical significance, or who serve as knowledgable Docents and guides.
These are just a few museums to visit when you’re in town: The Naples Depot and Train Museum, the Collier County Museum, the Naples Holocaust Museum, and the Baker Museum at Artis Naples.
9. Go Hiking In Naples
Hiking may not be top-of-mind when you think of southwest Florida, but that doesn't mean there's nothing to see! The terrain here is flat but lush, and there are some excellent places to get out into nature on several local boardwalk trails.
Hiking in Naples is smooth and flat, with lots of interesting scenery along the way and plenty of native flora and wildlife.
Head inland and you'll find the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary with well-maintained boardwalks and nature trails. Not far from Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is the CREW Bird Rookery Swamp off Immokolee Road, which offers fun hiking without an entrance fee!
Finally, the Gordon River Greenway in Naples offers plenty of hiking on a 2-mile system of trails and smooth-paved walkways that are peaceful and a pleasure to follow. You can access the Greenway from Baker Park, the SWF Conservancy,
Hiking in Naples Florida is easy and scenic
10. Stroll The Famous Naples Pier
The 130-year old Naples Pier has been beloved by generations, and got a facelift in 2017 after Hurricane Irma with new planking, rails, and lighting. Yet again, Hurricane Ian did some damage to the end of the Pier in 2021, so more rebuilding will have to be done.
But despite this, after all these years, the Naples Fishing Pier is still the best place in town for a casual stroll or to catch sunset.
The historic Palm Cottage, Naples oldest surviving home, is open Tuesday - Saturday for docent-guided tours and self-guided tours of the outdoor Norris Gardens.
Or you may join a guided walking tour around Naples’ historic district with a member of the Naples Historical Society.
11. Rent a Boat for the Day
Looking for a quiet day out on the water with your family but don’t want others to join in? We get that you’re not being anti-social!
The cool thing about a vacation in Naples and southwest Florida is the amount of coastline there is and the staggering number of marinas that service it all.
Which is to say, renting a boat in Naples or Marco Island is a very easy thing to do!
You don’t need to be a licensed boat Captain or even have any experience boating (though it helps).
There are different kinds of boats you can rent for a full- or half-day, from pontoon boats that glide gently along to center console boats perfect for a day of fishing.
If the quiet family picnic on the water is your speed, a pontoon boat is the perfect boat rental.
While renting a boat in Naples may be easy enough, it may not be the cheapest thing to do.
Half-day rentals can run from $250-$400 depending on the boat. But think of the memories you’ll make.
12. Learn the Fascinating History At The Koreshan State Park
The Koreshan State Historic Site located just north of Naples in Estero is a great place for a day hike and is a fascinating glimpse into some of the area's earliest intrepid settlers.
It’s fascinating local history and a good Naples day hike all in one.
Best of all, it’s one of the free things to do in Naples FL and fun for the whole family, including your dog!
13. Take in the Naples Arts Scene
The arts are truly alive in Naples with world-class cultural attractions, two performing arts theaters and countless galleries.
Artis-Naples is the premier venue in town for fine arts exhibitions, live performances, and community arts education. You may hear it referred to as The Phil by long-time locals, a testament to the community's active and ongoing support for the arts which began as the Naples Philharmonic.
In downtown Naples, the Gulfshore Playhouse at the Norris Community Theater is Naples’ premier theatre and community arts education center.
At the Sugden Community Theater, the Naples Players offer musical & theatrical performances for all ages.
ThreatreZone is a small, intimate theater experience where Naples' Professional Equity theatre company produces top quality musicals and plays with a live orchestra.
14. Go Kayaking in Naples
Naples is the western gateway to the Ten Thousand Islands and the Florida Everglades, though you don't have to go far to see the sub-tropical ecosystem that surrounds you.
One of the best ways to experience and appreciate the delicate environment here is to go kayaking in Naples and explore the calm waters, mangroves, and backwater estuaries around Naples, Bonita Springs, and Marco Island.
Rising Tide Explorers runs Everglades kayak eco-tours (more like ecology lessons in a kayak) and boating tours of Rookery Bay from the Isle of Capri that are guided by biologists, eco- and family-friendly, and so much fun.
The Everglades are at Naples’ front door - making kayaking in Naples a must!
15. Take a Naples Boat Tour
Seeing Naples from the water is one of the best things to do in Naples with kids. It’s a great way to enjoy the sights, and there are several local boat tours in Naples we’ve taken that are perfect for families, groups, or a romantic twosome.
From Naples Bay, there are several half- and full-day boat tours to nearby islands. From exclusive private yachts to casual small-groups tours, you’ll find one that suits you.
At historic Tin City in Old Naples, you'll find tourist shops and cafes selling everything from rubber alligators and resort wear to Monkey Bread and coconut candies.
And you'll also find Naples fishing charters and sightseeing tours with Pure Florida and the famous Naples Princess. Both companies offer sightseeing, lunch, and dinner cruises — a great way to see Naples from the water.
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida also offers guided nature boat tours through the local mangroves. Protecting the water, land, and wildlife of southwest Florida is their mission and visitors can also tour the Dalton Discovery Center and aquarium, and visit the Von Arx Wildlife Hospital.
The Conservancy also sponsors a reservation-only guided boat tour of Rookery Bay near Isle of Capri (on the road to Marco Island) onboard the 40-passenger pontoon boat Good Fortune.
If a quiet catamaran cruise is more your speed, there are several cool and fun sunset cruises in Naples to take on beautiful catamarans — a perfect way to cap any visit to the Paradise Coast.
Take a boat tour on Rookery Bay
16. Explore the Everglades
Southwest Florida is a naturalist’s dream, and Naples and Marco Island are (especially) the perfect bases from which to explore it.
Why especially? You can explore the Everglades from Miami, but southwest Florida is much less crowded and easier to navigate, which makes explore the Everglades from Naples much more enjoyable.
Naples and Marco are at the gateway to the Everglades, and the River of Grass flows slowly toward southwest Florida and the Ten Thousand Islands.
It’s here that you’ll gain an appreciation for what exactly the Everglades watershed is, all about the Everglades ecosystem, the native habitat, and other fun facts and Everglades history I bet you never knew or thought you’d want to know.
And if you’re looking to catch a glimpse of local wildlife including the ever popular Everglades alligator, there are lots of places you can do that too.
17. Cruise Naples Tiki-Style
For something completely unique and totally Tiki, try Naples’ newest way to cruise with friends — Cruisin’ Tikis. Imagine seeing Naples Bay and the Bonita inland bays from the comfort of your bar stool!
These floating tiki bars set off from two locations and promise the best afternoon of fun in the sun. Grab the kids, BYOB or juice boxes, some snacks, and you’re off.
The Naples Cruisin’ Tiki launches from The Boathouse restaurant on Naples Bay. Call ahead to reserve a time for you or your group to cruise, tiki-style.
So much fun with Cruisin’ Tikis
18. Explore the Ten Thousand Islands
There are so many small Gulf islands near Naples and Marco Island as both cities are just minutes from the Ten Thousand Islands.
In fact, Marco Island is the largest of the Ten Thousand Islands, and many of the smaller islands are open to you for exploring.
Go shelling for the day on a guided tour, or rent a boat (more on that below) and spend the entire day to yourself cruising the backwaters, fishing for native species.
19. Visit The Naples Zoo At Caribbean Gardens
The 44-acre Naples Zoo began as a tropical garden in 1919, and today this small city zoo has many native species along with other unique residents like giraffes, big cats, a giant anteater, and lemurs, or take a boat ride around Monkey Island.
20. Check out the Street Art in Naples
If you’re a fan of local street art when you travel, there are some interesting pieces to see all around Naples.
Some of the coolest pieces are tucked in hidden spots all around the neighborhoods of Olde Naples.
They make great photo ops and you can turn it into your very own street art pub crawl, since you’ll find lots of good watering holes and cafes from morning til night in between.
Naples is home to some cool and unusual street art
21. Make Every Hour Happy!
You’re in paradise, so it’s always Happy Hour! And despite what you might hear from the local teens, the nightlife in Naples is actually quite fun!
So go ahead and live a little. Practically every restaurant in town has great drink specials starting in the mid-afternoon into the evening, and live music to really set the perfect mood.
Drink responsibily, and enjoy some of our favorite places for a cocktail.
Just about every local downtown eatery has good drinks but several stand out for their well-crafted cocktails.
Among our favorites for outstanding cocktails are The Bevy, Campiello, and Tommy Bahama restaurant on Third Street South, and The Vine Room, Del Mar, The French (Frozés - frozen rosé cocktails - are a specialty), and Caffe Milano on 5th Avenue South.
At the Mercato, 239, The Hampton Social, and Bravo all have fun Happy Hours!
Grab a table out front and enjoy!
Cocktail hour at The French
Thanks for Checking out all the amazing things to do in Naples, Florida!
We hope these ideas inspire you to see the best of Naples and some of the hidden gems too!
