Naples offers an exceptional blend of pristine beaches, world-class shopping, cultural attractions, and natural wonders. From the iconic Naples Pier to the wild beauty of the Everglades, from upscale 5th Avenue to hidden nature preserves, Naples delivers experiences that match its reputation as one of Florida's most elegant destinations.
Here's your comprehensive guide to the best things to do in Naples for 2026.
Beaches & Waterfront
Naples Beach & Pier
The Naples Pier is Southwest Florida's most iconic landmark. Built in 1888, this 1,000-foot structure extends into the Gulf of Mexico offering spectacular sunset views, dolphin watching, and excellent fishing (no license required on the pier).
The surrounding Naples Beach features sugar-white sand and calm, clear water perfect for swimming. The beach stretches for miles in both directions with public access points throughout.
- Location: 12th Avenue South, downtown Naples
- Parking: Street parking and nearby garages ($3-5/hour)
- Best times: Sunrise for photographers, sunset for everyone
- Facilities: Restrooms, outdoor showers, concession stand
- Don't miss: Sunset from the pier (arrive 30 minutes early for good viewing spot)
- Insider tip: Walk north from the pier for less crowded beach
Vanderbilt Beach
North Naples' premier beach with resort access, watersports rentals, and excellent restaurants including The Turtle Club. Less crowded than downtown beaches with equally beautiful sand.
- Location: Vanderbilt Beach Road, North Naples
- Parking: Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park ($6) or Vanderbilt Beach parking ($10)
- Best for: Families, watersports, resort atmosphere
- Dining: The Turtle Club right on the beach
- Don't miss: Rent paddleboards or kayaks, lunch at Turtle Club
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
Consistently ranked among America's best beaches. This natural setting offers excellent shelling, sea turtle nesting (summer), and a true Florida beach experience without commercial development.
- Address: 11135 Gulfshore Dr, Naples, FL 34108
- Entry fee: $6 per vehicle
- Hours: 8 AM to sunset
- Best for: Shelling, nature lovers, swimming
- Facilities: Restrooms, picnic areas, boat ramp
- Tip: Arrive before 10 AM on weekends for parking
Clam Pass Beach Park
Accessed via a 3,000-foot boardwalk and tram through mangrove forest—the journey is part of the experience. Beach chairs, umbrellas, and food available for rent. The free tram runs regularly, or walk the boardwalk for excellent bird watching.
- Address: 465 Seagate Dr, Naples, FL 34103
- Parking: Free at Clam Pass Park
- Best for: Families, nature lovers, photographers
- Rentals: Chairs, umbrellas, kayaks available
- Don't miss: Walk the boardwalk at sunrise before tram crowds
Lowdermilk Park Beach
Family-friendly beach with playground, volleyball courts, and excellent facilities. More amenities than natural beaches, making it ideal for families with children.
- Address: 1301 Gulf Shore Blvd N, Naples, FL 34102
- Parking: Metered parking available
- Best for: Families with kids, volleyball players
- Amenities: Playground, volleyball, concessions, showers
Shopping & Dining Districts
5th Avenue South
Naples' premier shopping and dining district radiates elegance. Designer boutiques, art galleries, sidewalk cafes, and fine restaurants line this palm-shaded street. Window shopping is a pleasure, and people-watching from a sidewalk table is a Naples tradition.
- Location: Downtown Naples, from 3rd Street to Tamiami Trail
- Parking: Street meters and nearby garages
- Best times: Evening strolls, weekend brunches
- Don't miss: Gallery hopping, outdoor dining, evening promenade
- Events: Art festivals, holiday celebrations, live music
3rd Street South
More intimate than 5th Avenue with upscale boutiques, galleries, and excellent restaurants. Thursday evening concerts (in season) bring the community together on the plaza.
- Location: Between Broad Avenue and 14th Avenue South
- Best for: Boutique shopping, fine dining, art galleries
- Events: Concerts in the Plaza (Thursdays in season)
- Dining highlights: The Bay House, Sea Salt, Barbatella
Waterside Shops
Open-air luxury mall featuring Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, and designer boutiques. Excellent restaurants overlook landscaped lakes—Brio Tuscan Grille and California Pizza Kitchen are popular spots.
- Address: 5415 Tamiami Trail N, Naples, FL 34108
- Hours: 10 AM - 7 PM (varies by season)
- Best for: Luxury shopping, dining, movies
- Dining: Brio, California Pizza Kitchen, Seasons 52
- Features: Silverspot Cinema with luxury seating
Mercato
Modern mixed-use development with shopping, dining, and entertainment. More contemporary vibe than downtown Naples with excellent restaurants, Whole Foods, and a 16-screen movie theater.
- Address: 9123 Strada Pl, Naples, FL 34108
- Best for: Dining, movies, casual shopping
- Events: Wednesday farmer's market (seasonal)
- Nightlife: Some of Naples' best bars and restaurants
Tin City
Waterfront shopping village on the Gordon River. Shops, restaurants, and boat tours depart from here including the Keewaydin Island ferry. More casual atmosphere than downtown.
- Address: 1200 5th Ave S, Naples, FL 34102
- Best for: Casual shopping, boat tours, waterfront dining
- Don't miss: Pinchers seafood, sunset from the docks
Arts & Culture
Artis—Naples
World-class performing arts center home to the Naples Philharmonic and host to Broadway shows, international performers, and special events. The adjacent Baker Museum showcases contemporary art in stunning galleries.
- Address: 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd, Naples, FL 34108
- Baker Museum: Tuesday-Saturday 10 AM - 4 PM, Sunday 12-4 PM
- Best for: Concerts, Broadway shows, art exhibitions
- Tip: Subscribe to their series for best seats and prices
Naples Botanical Garden
170-acre garden featuring themed areas from around the world including Brazilian, Caribbean, Asian, and Florida native gardens. The Chabraja Visitor Center and Kapnick Caribbean Garden are highlights. Beautiful any time of year, stunning during seasonal blooms.
- Address: 4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples, FL 34112
- Hours: Daily 9 AM - 5 PM
- Admission: $25 adults, $15 children (4-14)
- Allow: 2-3 hours minimum
- Best for: Garden lovers, photographers, families
- Don't miss: Children's Garden, butterfly exhibits, seasonal events
Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
Historic zoo with safari experience, boat ride through islands of primates, and diverse animal collection. The "Serpentarium" and "Africa" exhibits are highlights. Family favorite since 1919.
- Address: 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd, Naples, FL 34102
- Hours: Daily 9 AM - 5 PM
- Admission: $28 adults, $19 children (3-12)
- Best for: Families, animal lovers
- Don't miss: Boat ride through primate islands, giraffe feeding
Naples Art District
North Naples warehouse district transformed into galleries, studios, and creative spaces. Third Thursday art walks bring the community out for gallery openings, wine, and conversation.
- Location: Trade Center Way area, North Naples
- Best times: Third Thursday Art Nights
- Best for: Art collectors, gallery hopping
- Tip: More affordable art than downtown galleries
Naples Depot Museum
Free museum in the historic Seaboard Air Line Railway depot telling Naples' story from frontier fishing village to elegant city. Small but well-curated, often overlooked by tourists.
- Address: 1051 5th Ave S, Naples, FL 34102
- Hours: Monday-Friday 9 AM - 4 PM
- Admission: Free
- Best for: History buffs, rainy day activity
Nature & Wildlife
Everglades National Park
Just 45 minutes east, explore the "River of Grass" via airboat, kayak, or walking trails. Alligators, birds, and pristine wilderness await in one of America's most unique ecosystems.
Airboat tours, wildlife encounters, and guided eco-tours from Naples
Browse Everglades Tours →
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
2.25-mile boardwalk through one of North America's largest old-growth bald cypress forests. Outstanding birding including wood storks, painted buntings, and barred owls. Some cypress trees are over 500 years old.
- Address: 375 Sanctuary Rd W, Naples, FL 34120
- Hours: Daily 7 AM - 5:30 PM (seasonal variations)
- Admission: $17 adults, $6 children
- Allow: 2-3 hours
- Best for: Bird watching, nature photography
- Best times: Early morning, winter months for wildlife
Rookery Bay National Estuarine Reserve
110,000-acre reserve protecting one of the few undisturbed mangrove estuaries in North America. The Environmental Learning Center offers exhibits, kayak rentals, and guided tours.
- Address: 300 Tower Rd, Naples, FL 34113
- Hours: Monday-Saturday 9 AM - 4 PM
- Admission: $8 adults, $5 children
- Best for: Kayaking, birding, environmental education
- Tours: Guided kayak tours available, reservations recommended
Barefoot Beach Preserve
One of last undeveloped barrier islands in Florida. Natural beach, gopher tortoises, excellent shelling, and sea turtle nesting in summer. Limited parking (800 spaces) keeps crowds manageable.
- Address: 6000 Barefoot Beach Blvd, Bonita Springs, FL 34134
- Entry fee: $8 per vehicle
- Best for: Shelling, nature lovers, solitude
- Don't miss: Walk the nature trail for gopher tortoise sightings
Gordon River Greenway
1.75-mile paved trail through coastal river ecosystem. Over 100 bird species spotted here, and the urban oasis feel makes it perfect for morning walks or jogs.
- Access: Golden Gate Parkway or Goodlette-Frank Road
- Admission: Free
- Best for: Walking, jogging, bird watching
- Tip: Bring binoculars for bird watching
Naples Nature Center (Conservancy of Southwest Florida)
Wildlife rehabilitation, nature trails, and educational exhibits. See recovering wildlife up close including sea turtles, birds of prey, and native mammals. Kayak and boat tours available.
- Address: 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples, FL 34102
- Hours: Monday-Saturday 9:30 AM - 4:30 PM
- Admission: $15 adults, $10 children
- Best for: Families, wildlife rehabilitation, kayaking
Activities & Recreation
Golf
Naples boasts more golf courses per capita than almost anywhere in America. Options range from exclusive private clubs to excellent daily-fee courses.
Top public/semi-private options:
- Tiburón Golf Club (Ritz-Carlton) - Two Greg Norman courses
- Naples Grande Golf Club - Rees Jones design
- Valencia Golf & Country Club - Affordable public option
- Lely Resort - Three distinct courses
Fishing
Charter fishing from Naples City Dock, Tin City, or Gordon Pass offers inshore, offshore, and backcountry options. Target species include snook, redfish, tarpon, grouper, and snapper.
Deep sea, inshore, and backcountry fishing trips from Naples
Browse Fishing Charters →
Kayaking & Paddleboarding
Naples offers exceptional paddling opportunities:
- Clam Pass - Mangrove trails, calm water
- Delnor-Wiggins - Coastal paddling
- Rookery Bay - Guided eco-tours
- Naples Bay - City views, dolphins
Guided mangrove tours, sunset paddles, and eco-adventures
Browse Paddle Tours →
Biking
Gordon River Greenway offers paved trails for biking. Many communities have extensive bike paths. Bike rentals available throughout Naples.
Shelling
While Sanibel is the shelling capital, Naples beaches offer good shelling too:
- Delnor-Wiggins - Best local shelling
- Barefoot Beach - Natural beach, good variety
- Keewaydin Island - Boat access only, excellent shelling
Day Trips from Naples
Marco Island (30 minutes)
Beaches, Tigertail Beach tidal lagoon, and excellent waterfront dining. More relaxed atmosphere than Naples with beautiful beaches and wildlife viewing.
- Highlights: Tigertail Beach, waterfront dining, dolphin tours
- Best for: Beach day, couples, nature lovers
Everglades City (45 minutes)
Gateway to Ten Thousand Islands. Airboat tours, fishing charters, and authentic Florida Cracker culture. Less touristy than Everglades entries farther north.
- Highlights: Airboat tours, fishing, Old Florida character
- Best for: Adventure seekers, fishermen
Sanibel Island (1 hour)
World-famous shelling beaches and J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge. Worth the drive for serious shellers and wildlife enthusiasts.
- Highlights: Shelling, "Ding" Darling refuge, island charm
- Best for: Shelling, wildlife, photography
Fort Myers (45 minutes)
Edison & Ford Winter Estates, River District dining, Fort Myers Beach. Different vibe than Naples with more accessible pricing.
- Highlights: Edison & Ford Estates, River District, beaches
- Best for: History, nightlife, value dining
Free Things to Do in Naples
- Naples Pier - Sunset watching, people watching, dolphin spotting
- 5th Avenue strolling - Window shopping, people watching
- Naples Depot Museum - Free local history
- Gordon River Greenway - Walking trails, bird watching
- Beach sunset - Any Naples beach
- Gallery hopping - Many galleries are free to browse
- Farmer's Markets - Free to browse, buy what you like
Rainy Day Activities
- Baker Museum at Artis—Naples - World-class contemporary art
- Silverspot Cinema - Luxury movie experience
- Waterside Shops - Covered shopping and dining
- Naples Zoo - Some covered exhibits
- Cooking classes - Several venues offer classes
- Spa day - World-class spas at resorts
Family Activities
- Naples Zoo - Animals, boat ride, playground
- Naples Botanical Garden - Children's Garden, exploration
- Delnor-Wiggins beach - Calm water, natural setting
- Clam Pass - Tram ride, beach, nature
- Golisano Children's Museum (nearby) - Interactive exhibits
- Naples Nature Center - Wildlife, kayaking
Nightlife & Evening Activities
Naples' evening scene centers on dining and culture:
- 5th Avenue South - Sidewalk dining, live music
- 3rd Street South - Upscale restaurants, bars
- Mercato - Modern restaurants, bars
- Artis—Naples - Concerts, performances
- Waterside Shops - Dinner and movie
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Naples, Florida known for?
Naples is known for its pristine beaches, upscale shopping on 5th Avenue South, world-class golf, excellent restaurants, and proximity to the Everglades. It's one of America's wealthiest and most desirable destinations.
Is Naples worth visiting?
Absolutely. Naples offers exceptional beaches, dining, shopping, and natural attractions. Whether you have a day or a week, there's plenty to experience at every price point.
What is there to do in Naples at night?
5th Avenue South and 3rd Street South come alive at night with restaurants, bars, and live music. Artis—Naples hosts evening performances, and Mercato offers movies and nightlife.
How many days do you need in Naples?
Three to five days allows you to experience beaches, dining, shopping, and a day trip to the Everglades or Marco Island. A week lets you relax and explore more deeply.
What's the best time to visit Naples?
November through April offers ideal weather (70s-80s) and peak cultural season. Summer is hot and humid but offers lower prices and fewer crowds.
Is Naples expensive?
Naples can be expensive, but doesn't have to be. Beaches are free (parking fees apply), many nature attractions are affordable, and lunch specials at good restaurants offer value. Accommodations and fine dining are where costs add up.
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