Are you about to visit Naples in Florida? Located on the Gulf of Mexico in Southwest Florida, it’s often called a paradise because of the weather in the winter months. I’m a local visionary artist and I’d like to share some must-see attractions and sightseeing in and around town.
Main sightseeing attractions in Naples, Florida
5th Ave South
5th Avenue South is one of Naples’ most interesting shopping areas being packed with art galleries, fancy shops, and locally owned clothing boutiques. This is the best attraction in Naples. Situated next to the beach, 5th Avenue offers small boutiques, restaurants, the ocean, and a beautiful feel of the tropics. Kids can get some ice cream, parents can shop in small stores, and couples can spend their time at the beach or at upscale art galleries. It’s a fun and unique place all around, especially at night with the Christmas lights on! The street is the place for art festivals during the winter season as well as many other events.
Covered parking is free. http://www.fifthavenuesouth.com/ Location: 5th Avenue South, Naples
3d street & Naples Pier
3d street & Naples Pier– the historic district that can be reached on foot via a 10-minute walk on the beach from the 5th avenue beach entrance. The 3d street offers a row of upscale art galleries, boutiques and restaurants. It’s a charming place decorated with flowers, fountains, and shopping! http://www.thirdstreetsouth.com/
Located at the west end of 12th Avenue South that goes to the 3d street, Naples Pier is a long, wooden boardwalk with many fishermen on it, who can surprise you with their catch, and you can see many pelicans diving into water there. Dolphins are frequent visitors too! There is no fee to visit the pier.
The hurricanes
The pier was destroyed in the most recent hurricane in 2022…
Clam Pass beach park
Clam Pass beach park– is a nice alternative to the Delnor-Wiggins one. There is a 15-minute, leisure board walk that stretches from the parking lot to the beach with tall, luscious green mangroves growing all around it. I love the quietness of that place. You can get a free ride to the beach that’s provided by the Naples Grande hotel. The hotel also has a tiki bar by the beach with condiments and rentals. There is a $10 parking fee, but you can park for free by the Waterside shops area and have a sweet, 5-minute walk to the ride. The park opens at 8 a.m. and closes right after the sunset! Bugs bite after the sunset. It’s best to have your bug repellent on at night. The beach is beautiful with lots of wildlife, and it’s a lot less crowded than the Vanderbilt beach or other locations. It’s situated in central Naples close to a shopping center, restaurants, and hotels.
Location: Seagate Drive & Crayton Road; http://www.colliergov.net/your-government/divisions-f-r/parks-and-recreation/beaches-and-boats/clam-pass-park
Another entry to the same beach that’s not restricted by the hours of operation is situated next to the Naples Cay entry and Venetian Bay, and the park entrance is called ‘Gulf Shore beach access.’ A nice feature of this park is that you’re not monitored to get out of there right after the sunset, unlike in other parks (Clam Pass).
Delnor-Wiggins Pass state park
This is a beautiful park with all the necessary facilities to spend a nice day out. I love the sand and the birds there, and it’s even possible to see the running turtles and swimming dolphins. There is rental equipment, bathrooms, picnic areas, etc. It has a $6 admission fee for entering the park by car. Parking is difficult to find during the season at this beach. It opens at 8 a.m. and closes right after sunset! https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/Delnor-Wiggins Location: 11135 Gulfshore Dr., Naples, FL 34108
The Vanderbilt beach
This is the most popular beach in town for some odd reason. My guess is it’s because of the concentration of hotels facing the white sand and blue ocean. It’s always crowded there, especially during the season. Finding a parking spot is a headache there.
Location: End of Vanderbilt Beach Road. Open 8 am to sunset.
Naples Botanical Garden
Naples Botanical Garden is a nice place to spend your morning with a friend, walking among orchids and tropical plants. Depending on the season, the gardens have varied plants in bloom, and it’s a beautiful nature preserve. Open: 8-3 p.m. but check their website for the current schedule since it varies depending on the season. Admission also varies depending on season and just keeps going up.
Location: 4820 Bayshore Drive | Naples, FL 34112. Web: https://www.naplesgarden.org/
Naples Zoo
Naples Zoo is a great fun place for families with kids and couples alike. It’s a rather small zoo and my tip is to learn about the times when they have the shows (like feeding the crocodiles and giraffes) that culminate with a big show in the afternoon that you don’t want to miss! Bring plenty of water with you, and go on a short boat ride to a small island with monkeys!
Location: 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd, Naples, FL 34102
There is an awesome trail path/walk, situated next to the zoo!! It”s a board walk in the nature. The entrance is fee with plenty of free parking there.
The Venetian Village
The Venetian Village is a rather small, upscale shopping center, situated next to the beach that has a few upscale restaurants overlooking the bay. The shops are unique and parking is free.
Location: 4200 Gulf Shore Blvd N, Naples
The Waterside Shops
It’s an upscale shopping center situated behind the Barnes and Noble bookstore, with unique, open-air architectural design and fountains. You can find major brands selling their goods here that including Apple, Louis Vuitton, De Beers, Lulu Lemon, Ralph Lauren, Saks Fifth Avenue, etc. The shopping center also has some popular restaurants.
Location: 5475 Tamiami Trail North. Every store closes at 7 p.m. but they keep longer hours during the winter season.
Revs car museum
Surprisingly good. Big. Fun. If you like looking at shiny cars from different time periods, it’s a great place to spend your afternoon. The car museum offers docent tours and closes quite early. You must reserve your tickets online to get to the museum.
Revs Institute’s Cars & Coffee event returns during the season from 8:30am – 11:00am. This family-friendly public event is open to anyone. The museum is open for walk-ins during the event, this allows purchase of tickets without a reservation, to enjoy the outdoor event and explore the automobiles from Miles Collier Collections inside the building.
Location: 2500 South Horseshoe Drive, Naples, FL 34104
Naples Museum of Art
Naples Museum of Art | Artis Naples. Situated next to the waterside shops, this art museum has an awkward art collection with a few big names. The best pieces are by Dale Chihuly. You can also find a few small Magrittes there. The art museum offers a free community day once a month. $10 adult admission, children 17 and under come free. Free parking. Check the hours and other info at their website. Web: http://artisnaples.org/ Location: 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd
Mercato
Mercato is a small, upscale shopping center in Naples. It consists of restaurants, bars, galleries, and a movie theatre. Many people love to dress up and head over for dinner here. It’s a fun atmosphere with night lights and music. It also has a fancy yoga studio, art galleries, and spas. Covered parking is free. Location: 9110 Strada Pl, Naples.
Sightseeing around Naples, FL
Captain Jack’s airboat tours
Captain Jack’s airboat tours are so much fun, you won’t be disappointed. You must get on this boat tour if you come to Naples! You will see lots of animals there and may be able to pet a tiny crocodile. This picture is taken from their website.
The picture is taken from their website.
1-844-326-2628 Toll Free | 1-239-695-4400 Phone | Hours: 9:00 am – 5:00 pm daily, 365 days a year, boats depart about every 30 minutes
Tickets & Gift Shop: 200 Collier Avenue, Everglades City, FL 34139 (map)
Mangrove Tour: 905 Dupont Street, Everglades City, FL 34139 (map)
Animal Sanctuary, Grassland & Swamp Buggy Tours: 32330 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee, FL 34141 (map)
Web: http://www.captainjacksairboattours.com/
The Koreshan State Historic Site
Located in Estero, The planetary court is surrounded by pine flatwoods’ habitat and has a religious colony settlement, the Koreshan Unity, whose last members deeded the land to the state in 1961, according to the Naples Daily News. The Unity of 200 followers relocated from New York to Florida in late 19th century, who believed that the universe existed within a giant, hollow sphere (according to the park’s site). The park is good for fishing, hiking and boating. The park is open from 8am to sunset. the historic settlement is open till 5pm. There is a per vehicle fee.
Location: 3800 Corkscrew Road, Estero, FL 33928; (239) 992-0311
Web: https://www.floridastateparks.org/park/Koreshan
Marco Island
Marco Island is a stretch of pristine beaches similar to the Naples ones, but with its own charm. Located on the Gulf of Mexico it offers natural beauty and luxury accommodations. It also has a free to visit Marco Island Arts Center.
Well, that sums it up. Have a blast in Naples, Florida! 🙂
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