17 Naples Activities for Every Interest

You finally purchased the perfect piece of Naples beachfront real estate, and now you’re eager to explore the town. Naples is a beautiful city surrounded by protected land and cultivated to appeal to everyone with any interests. Whether you want to spend your days on the water or live a life of luxury surrounded by art and fine wine, you’ll find it here. Let’s take a look at some of the more popular activities and attractions afforded by the area.

Naples activities for every interest

Foodies will love the gourmet restaurants

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Naples has one of the most impressive culinary scenes in Florida, with establishments like the Italian Caffe Dell’Amore, which prepares classic Italian fare from family recipes passed down through the generations. Baleen is another favored spot, serving fresh seafood and artisanal cocktails on the beach and boasting a romantic view of the water. For a colorful and flavorful dining experience, the menu at 21 Spices by Chef Asif has been carefully crafted to create a distinctive twist on traditional Indian cuisine. With a sheer variety of restaurants complimented by a host of quality local chefs, Naples is the perfect location for any avid restaurateur.

Botanists will love the exquisite gardens

Gardeners can take inspiration for their own landscaping from the Naples Botanical Gardens. Spread across 170 acres, the attraction features manicured flowers, bushes, and trees from around the world, many of which can grow comfortably in the local climate. Learn more about exotic wildlife as you walk through the different areas, and special talks, lectures, and tours delve deeper into specific topics of interest.

Environmentalists will love the swamps

If you’re passionate about nature, then Naples has plenty to offer you. There are numerous nearby protected areas and sanctuaries designed to protect the native flora and fauna. Visit the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary with its Bald Cypress trees, miles of marsh, and a wide variety of native animals, including alligators, otters, and hundreds of birds. Another place you won’t want to miss is the Conservancy of Southwest Florida which features classes and lectures on how to help protect the environment in your day-to-day life.

History buffs will love the museums

Do you have a passion for history? The Collier County Museums are curated specifically to be both informative and entertaining. Consisting of five separate museums covering different topics, you can explore exhibits ranging from prehistoric life in the area to Native American culture and the Spanish settlements. The museums also host a multitude of events designed to pique your interest in particular areas.

Locals can also explore a few more idiosyncratic, but no less fascinating, options like the Naples Train Museum, the Naples Museum of Military History, and the Teddy Bear Museum of Naples. There is a diversity of culture and interests represented in Naples, and this can be seen reflected in the town’s striking range of museums.

Animal lovers will love the zoos and sanctuaries

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See wild animals from all over the world at the Naples Zoo. From majestic lions to the adorable muntjacs, you’ll get to view these animals up close and personal and learn about their lives and the conservation efforts to protect them. Reptile Encounters allow you to meet lizards, snakes, and more and learn about the adaptations which enable them to survive in different environments. Learn more about the natural world you’re a part of and have fun along the way.

Another excellent attraction for animal lovers is the Kowiachobee Animal Preserve. Focused on large cats like leopards and pumas, they also showcase other animals, including horses, capybara, and tortoises. The caretakers are eager to share facts about the creatures in their care and raise awareness about preservation efforts for their habitats.

Car enthusiasts will love the Revs Institute

Discover the exciting history of automobiles – from Henry Ford’s first car to modern-day luxury sports vehicles – and how this invention transformed society within a century. A car can be just a car, but it can also be so much more ⁠— an indicator of national values, economy, and determination ⁠— and the Revs Institute explores these important nuances.

Art lovers will love the local art scene

The Baker Museum is one of the best fine art museums in Florida, displaying hundreds of masterful paintings, statues, and other forms of art, as well as traveling exhibitions. Afterward, visit the Passionfruit Art Gallery to pick up a gorgeous new piece by a local artist for your own home.

Bird watchers will love the swamplands

If you’re dreaming of catching sight of a purple gallinule, Naples has you covered. The Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve is 110,000 acres of preserved land home to over 150 species of birds. Visitors can walk through the swamplands and mangrove trees and look for a variety of common and unique feathered creatures such as royal terns and redknots.

Another excellent reserve for bird watching is the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Over 180 different types of birds live on the land, from pelicans to mangrove cuckoos, making this another favored spot by bird watchers.

Shoppers will love The Village on Venetian Bay

Pick up presents, souvenirs, home goods, or a new wardrobe at the many assorted shops at The Village Shops On Venetian Bay. The retail center features an attractive collection of smaller boutiques and international designers such as Jean-Pierre Klifa. Finish a day of shopping with dinner at one of the fine-dining restaurants overlooking the water.

Kids will love Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples

Families flock to Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples for plenty of creative and educational stimulation. Exhibits cover topics like meteorology and veterinary medicine and offer amusing and interactive ways to explore all of the fields of science. The on-site cafe even offers kid-friendly cuisine from around the world so that they can expand their palates as they expand their minds.

Families will love the theme parks

Florida is full of hot days, and sometimes you just need a break. Families will love nearby Sun ‘N’ Fun Lagoon – a theme park with water slides and a relaxing lazy river to enjoy while your stress floats away. There’s even a designated toddler area to ensure guests of all ages can partake in safe fun. With affordable prices and group rental opportunities, locals return to this enjoyable destination frequently during the warmer months.

Theater kids will love the Naples players

If you know all of the words to Hamilton or can name all of Sondheim’s work, you will undoubtedly love Sugden Community Theatre. The resident troupe, The Naples Players, put on a variety of stage shows, small local plays, and larger Broadway performances like Mary Poppins. They even feature special performances designed for kids or people with sensory issues. At their Dinner On The Stage events, you’ll have the opportunity to dine with the performers and learn more about what goes on behind the scenes.

Kayakers will love the coast

If you’re looking to hit the water in a kayak or canoe, Clam Pass Park is a beautiful stretch of coastline where you can do so. As you paddle, you might be lucky enough to encounter manatees or dolphins, and you’re sure to see herons and other shorebirds nearby. The current is weak enough that even beginners can handle the path, and everyone will enjoy the experience.

The brave will love A Haunted History Tour

Get spooked on the nearby Marco Island! Take one of Marco Mystery and History’s legendary ghost tours and learn about the spirits which haunt a Native American burial ground, an inn, and the old hanging tree. With tales about Captain Collier and attacking tribes, you’ll be on the edge of your seat. If you get lucky, you’ll even see signs of one of the spirits still hanging around.

Water lovers will enjoy the boat tours

If there is nothing more relaxing for you than a day on the water, Naples has numerous companies where you can charter or purchase a yacht. Enjoy sailing across the surf while scanning for dolphins, swimming, or dining as the sun sets over the horizon. Anglers can try their hand at catching some of the local marine life, such as grouper, catfish, and bass.

Golfers will love the local courses

Naples is a golfer’s dream. The city features a variety of clubs, including Tiburón Golf Club with courses designed by Greg Norman or one of Golf Digest’s favorites – the Valencia Golf and Country Club. For those who are at a professional level or like to watch the pros, several golf tournaments are held in Naples, including the Chubb Classic.

Bibliophiles will love the book clubs

The sheer number of organized book clubs in Naples is staggering. Whether you’re looking for a group of young professionals to bond with over fascinating novels or a slightly older crowd, whether you are thrilled by grisly murder mysteries or enchanted by light and romantic books, you’ll find a group just for you. Clubs are organized through Meetup.com, bookstores, cafes, or the library.

Ready to fall in love with Naples real estate?

Don’t miss out on all of the fantastic opportunities Naples and the surrounding areas have to offer. Whether you’re considering one of the Park Shore luxury homes or the Port Royal waterfront homes, Naples features a vast amount of impressive residential real estate to explore. For more recommendations or assistance finding your dream home, please don’t hesitate to contact Phil Collins for expert guidance on Naples luxury real estate.