Located on the southwest side of the Florida Peninsula is the stylish and sophisticated city of Naples. Surrounded by the sparkling waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Naples boasts beautiful white sand beaches, gorgeous parks and gardens, and nature sanctuaries.
One of the wealthiest cities in the states, it offers chic boutiques, gourmet restaurants and fancy hotels, and bills itself as the 'Golf Capital of the World'. Apart from enjoying exquisite shopping and dining, other things to do in Naples include interesting historical tourist attractions and stately mansions.
Offering the perfect blend of rest and relaxation with spectacular views, sunsets and nature, Naples has long been a popular destination and is definitely worth visiting if you have the chance.
12. Historic Palm Cottage
The oldest house in the city, the Historic Palm Cottage makes for an interesting visit; The house can be found just one block east of Naples Pier. Now a National Historic Landmark, it was built for newspaper editor Henry Watterson and later offered overflow accommodation for the Old Naples Hotel.
Completed in 1895, the charming cottage displays striking architecture and is set amidst lush green and leafy grounds. White and surprisingly well restored, it represents a rare example of tabby mortar construction and is protected by the Naples Historical Society.
On a tour of the property, visitors can explore rooms filled with vintage furnishings and learn about what people's lives looked like in the last century.
11. Tin City
One of the best places in Naples to shop for souvenirs, or stop for a quick coffee or bite to eat, is the unique and eclectic Tin City. Home to creative boutiques, antique shops, and excellent eateries, it's located along the waterfront, just a short walk from downtown Naples.
Once a busy pier that was at the heart of Naples' thriving fishing industry, the area is now an exclusive shopping district. Popular with locals and tourists alike, there are dozens of shops and colorful tin-topped buildings dotting the waterfront.
In addition to shopping, enjoying the ambiance, and exploring the picturesque boardwalk, visitors can also take tour boats that take you around Naples' wonderful waterways.
10. Naples Zoo
Located in the Caribbean Garden just north of the city center is the wonderful Naples Zoo. With an astonishing array of exotic animals, it is a fun and family-friendly place to hang out with countless birds and reptiles.
Since opening in 1919 it has been a firm favorite with visitors to Naples due to its vast collection of animals and lush tropical gardens. Here you can see everything from crocodiles and antelope to leopards, cheetahs and tigers. The zoo is particularly known for its rare fossa from Madagascar.
In addition to learning all about its amazing inhabitants, guests can touch turtles, feed giraffes, and take narrated boat tours around the zoo's island exhibits.
9. Third Street South
Known as the birthplace of Naples, Third Street South is a treat to visit with its beautiful old buildings, interesting artifacts, and colorful flowers and trees. Home to over a hundred shops and restaurants, along with innumerable art galleries, it is one of the most popular places to visit in Naples.
While the lively street certainly has enough chic boutiques and bistros to keep visitors occupied for days, a stroll through its beautiful sidewalks never gets old. That's because spectacular flowers, fountains, and public artwork line the charming cottages and courtyards that line the street.
Located a short walk from the Naples Pier, Third Street South is definitely not the best time to stop with its weekly farmers market.
8. Clam Pass Park
Located in northern Naples is the delightful Clam Pass Park, which boasts spectacular scenery, landscape and nature. As well as a white sand beach and vast mangrove forest, it has a large tidal creek which is an important breeding and feeding place for local wildlife.
Delighting both nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike, the park has a lovely boardwalk for visitors to stroll through peacefully. This leads to its picture-perfect coastline and the spectacular Gulf of Mexico. The route has mangroves and blooming flowers including nesting birds and even alligators, which can be seen among the underground.
Apart from sunbathing and swimming, you can also go kayaking and canoeing and there are picnic areas, a snack bar, and other facilities.
7. Revs Institute
Just a ten-minute drive northeast of Downtown Naples you can find the Revs Institute, a very interesting automotive museum. In addition to its large collection of classic cars, it also has fascinating exhibits on the history and development of the automobile, and looks at its role in society and sport.
The educational institution opened in 2008 and is dedicated not only to the conservation of rare automobiles but to their conservation and restoration, too. In addition to antique cars, it hosts a huge library containing a vast collection of photos, books, and magazines that focus on the history of the automobile.
Undoubtedly the highlight are the hundred or so rare race cars including dazzling Cadillacs, Porsches and Ferraris, all dated between 1896 and 1995.
6. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
Widely considered home to some of Florida's most beautiful beaches, Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is worth a visit if you have the chance. Located half an hour's drive north of the city, it is located on a beautiful and quiet barrier island that sits at the mouth of the Kokohachi River.
Due to its gorgeous white sand and the shimmering waters of the Gulf of Mexico, both locals and tourists alike flock to the state park on weekends and holidays. Protected during turtle-nesting season, its pristine ranges are home to eagles, osprey, and manatees, among many other animals and birds.
In addition to enjoying its spectacular views, visitors can enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and surfing with picnic areas, kayak rental points, and boardwalks also on site.
5. Everglades City
Just under an hour's drive southeast of Naples is Everglades City; A picture-perfect fishing town situated on the shores of Chokolowski Bay. It is home to a handful of attractions, but it is the natural setting and proximity to the forest that draw most people to the city.
Interesting landmarks include the Bank of Everglades Building and the Old Collier County Courthouse, the small museum for its extraordinary take on the history of the region. Apart from this, the restaurants in the city are known to serve some delicious seafood.
From here, you can arrange epic excursions around the vast tropical wetlands of Everglades National Park and the nearby 10,000 islands with countless outdoor activities and wildlife viewing trips on offer.
4. Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
One of the area's outstanding outdoor attractions is the stunning Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, about an hour's drive northeast of Naples. Home to a wide variety of
landscapes, ecosystems and wildlife, the picturesque park makes for a memorable day out for the whole family.
In all, there are six different environments to explore; Next to giant cypress trees are marshes, meadows and valleys that are remarkably more than 600 years old. As you stroll along the beautiful boardwalk, you can spot crocodiles and otters as well as many beautiful birds.
In addition to walking and photographing amazing animals and nature, guests can also stop by the visitor center or take guided tours that teach you all about its fauna and flora.
3. Loadermilk Beach
One of the most popular places to sunbathe, swim and spend time in the city is the lovely Lodermilk Beach. Located just a five-minute drive from Downtown Naples, its beach boasts dazzling white sand as well as amazing views of the spectacular waters of the Gulf of Mexico.
Due to its soft sand and sublime scenery, Lodermilk has long attracted locals and tourists alike and also offers excellent facilities and activities. In addition to sunbathing and swimming, guests can enjoy playing volleyball, and there are two playgrounds for children.
Plus, there are plenty of picnic areas, while its café has deck chairs and umbrellas, as well as kayaks and paddleboards should you take in the water. At sunset, keep your eye out for the fleeting 'Green Flash', which can often be seen from Lodermilk Beach.
2. Naples Botanical Garden
Home to an amazing array of colorful flowers, plants and trees, the expansive Naples Botanical Garden is a treat to explore. Just a ten-minute drive southeast of the center, wherever you look, there are myriad ways to get around with spectacular views and nature.
Established in 1993, its gorgeous gardens are lovingly laid out with some beautiful sections focusing on flora from Florida or the Caribbean, while others feature plants from Brazil and Southeast Asia. Its lush green grounds also have magnificent buildings and artifacts that represent different peoples, cultures and countries.
On top of that, it also has a wonderful water garden for guests to enjoy, and a large nature preserve that is home to hundreds of different types of plants and animals.
1. Naples Pier
Near the historic heart of the city is one of its most famous and must-see sights: the iconic Naples Pier. Perched over 1,000 feet into the gleaming Gulf of Mexico, the pier is perfect for a peaceful stroll and is especially famous for its incredible sunsets.
First built in 1888 to serve as a dock, the iconic pier now stands as an important symbol of the city and reflects both Naples' rich history and resilience. This is because the ghat has been rebuilt several times over the years, as it was destroyed by a fierce fire or storm.
In addition to enjoying the spectacular views and sunset, many people also go fishing on the pier, even with the odd dolphins. Floating can be seen from time to time.