50+ Best Things to Do in Naples, Florida: Beaches, Local Favorites & Hidden Gems
Updated: 16 minutes ago
Living in Southwest Florida means Naples is one of those places we can return to again and again without it ever feeling exactly the same.
We've done Naples as a family day trip, explored it with the kids, walked around downtown, eaten our way through local restaurants, visited museums and nature centers, spent days on the beaches and even used the Naples/Marco Island area as part of a family RV camping trip.
And while Naples definitely has a reputation for luxury resorts, expensive shopping and immaculate golf courses, that is only one little piece of it.
There are gorgeous beaches, wildlife preserves, museums, kayaking, boat trips, family attractions, free things to do, fantastic restaurants and plenty of places where you can simply slow down and enjoy Southwest Florida.
So whether you're planning a full vacation, a weekend getaway or you're a Southwest Florida local looking for something different to do, this is my updated guide to 50+ of the best things to do in Naples, Florida.
The 10 Best Things to Do in Naples, Florida If It's Your First Visit
Don't have time to work through all 50+ ideas?
Start here.
Don't Miss | Best For | Time to Allow |
Naples Beach + Pier area | Sunset | 1–2 hours |
Fifth Avenue South | Dining + strolling | 2–4 hours |
Naples Botanical Garden | Nature + families | 2–3 hours |
Naples Zoo | Families + wildlife | 3–4 hours |
Clam Pass Park | Beach + nature | Half day |
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park | Natural beach day | Half/full day |
Tin City | Shopping + waterfront | 1–3 hours |
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary | Wildlife + nature | 2–3 hours |
Dolphin or sightseeing cruise | Couples + families | 1.5–3 hours |
Third Street South | Shopping + dining | 1–3 hours |
Those ten give you a very good introduction to Naples.
But there's much more.
Best Things to Do in Naples, Florida
Best Beaches in Naples, Florida
Naples beaches are easily one of the biggest reasons people visit.
Expect soft sand, calm Gulf water and some seriously beautiful sunsets.
One important thing to know before you go: beach parking varies depending on who manages the beach. In 2026, many City of Naples metered beach spaces are $4 per hour, Collier County beaches charge $10 for visitors without a resident permit, and Delnor-Wiggins State Park charges $6 per vehicle.
1. Vanderbilt Beach
Vanderbilt Beach is one of the easiest Naples beaches to recommend when you're visiting with family.
There's a dedicated parking garage, restrooms, foot showers and rentals nearby. During the busiest winter months, Collier County specifically recommends getting there before about 10 a.m. because parking fills quickly. Visitor parking is currently $10 without a Collier County beach permit.
Best for: families, swimming and a traditional beach day.
2. Lowdermilk Park
If I were recommending one Naples beach park specifically for families, Lowdermilk would be near the top.
You get beach access plus a playground, picnic tables, sand volleyball, restrooms, showers and ADA beach-access mats.
That combination makes it much easier when you're carrying half the house to the beach because you brought children. Been there.
Best for: families with younger kids.
3. Clam Pass Park
Clam Pass gives you a little adventure before the actual beach day even begins.
You can walk the boardwalk through the mangroves or take the free tram to the beach. The park also has restrooms, foot showers and a restaurant. Visitor parking is currently $10.
It's a great choice if you want something that feels more natural than simply parking next to the sand.
4. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
Delnor-Wiggins is one of the prettiest natural beaches in the Naples area.
Beyond swimming and sunbathing, you can shell, paddleboard, bird-watch and explore the shoreline and estuary.
The park is currently open 8 a.m. to sunset and costs $6 per vehicle. When parking reaches capacity, vehicles are temporarily stopped from entering, so arriving early during season is smart. Temporary restrooms are still in use and drinking water is not currently available inside the park.
Juju's tip: Pack more drinking water than you think you'll need.
5. Naples Beach + the Naples Pier Area
The Naples Pier has always been one of the city's most recognizable landmarks, especially around sunset.
The pier itself is currently closed during its approximately 18-month reconstruction project, but surrounding beach access remains available at nearby beach ends including Broad Avenue South and 13th Avenue South.
I would still come here for the beach and sunset—just don't plan your visit around walking or fishing from the pier until construction is complete.
6. Barefoot Beach Preserve
If your idea of the perfect beach is quiet, natural and a little less developed, Barefoot Beach Preserve is worth the drive north.
The preserve covers more than 300 acres of natural coastal land and is a fantastic place for wildlife watching.
It is currently open from 8 a.m. to sunset, visitor parking is $10 and dogs are not permitted.
Best for: nature lovers, couples and quieter beach days.
7. Keewaydin Island
Keewaydin is for the person who looks at a gorgeous beach and thinks:
Cute—but can we make getting there an adventure too?
The island is accessible by boat, which is part of the fun.
Naples-area operators offer shelling and beach trips to Keewaydin, so you can make this into a half-day or full-day excursion rather than another regular beach stop.
Outdoor & Nature Things to Do in Naples, Florida
This is the side of Naples that I think gets overshadowed by the beaches.
Southwest Florida wildlife is incredible, and Naples gives you some surprisingly easy ways to experience it.
8. Naples Botanical Garden
Naples Botanical Garden is beautiful enough for adults who love plants but interactive enough that kids don't immediately start asking when you're leaving.
The property includes tropical gardens, water lilies, nature areas and dedicated family programming. The Garden also has accessible paths through cultivated gardens and buildings.
Summer hours are shorter than the regular season, so always verify the current schedule before visiting.
Best for: couples, photographers, grandparents and families.
9. Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary gives you a completely different Southwest Florida landscape.
Instead of beach sand and palm trees, you're walking through an old-growth cypress ecosystem where you may spot birds, turtles, alligators and other native wildlife.
This is one of my favorite recommendations for travelers who want to see what Florida looks like beyond the resorts.
10. Gordon River Greenway
If you want an outdoor activity without committing to an entire state-park day, consider the Gordon River Greenway.
It's close to town but gives you trails and preserve land where you can walk or bike.
Naples' tourism guide currently highlights the Greenway as one of the area's major nature attractions.
11. Freedom Park
Freedom Park is an easy option for walking, boardwalks and wildlife viewing without having to drive deep into the wilderness.
This one works especially well if you have younger children or only have an hour or two available.
12. Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
Rookery Bay is one of the best places in Naples for learning about mangroves, estuaries and the coastal ecosystem.
The Environmental Learning Center operates seasonally Tuesday through Saturday and offers educational exhibits and programs. In September 2026 the Learning Center is temporarily closed for maintenance until October 1, and Briggs Boardwalk remains closed for renovation, so always check current conditions before driving over.
13. Conservancy of Southwest Florida
We've personally visited the Conservancy, and it combines nature education with trails, wildlife exhibits and hands-on learning.
When our kids were younger, the indoor children's areas were one of the easier parts of the experience because there was room to actually interact instead of simply look at displays.
If you're considering it, read my full firsthand guide before you go.
14. Bird Gardens of Naples
Bird Gardens of Naples is a nonprofit parrot rescue and sanctuary.
Unlike attractions you can simply walk into whenever you feel like it, public access is tour-based. As of 2026, tours are offered Friday through Sunday, with gates opening at 10:45 a.m. and the guided tour beginning at 11.
This is definitely one to plan instead of winging it.
Yes, that pun was intentional.
15. Kayak the Gordon River or Naples Backwaters
Naples is one of those destinations that looks completely different once you get on the water.
You can rent kayaks independently or book guided trips through mangroves and backwater areas.
This can be especially fun if you want something active but don't necessarily want to spend the day lying on the beach.
16. Take a Dolphin-Watching Cruise
This is one of the easiest Naples activities to recommend to both families and couples.
Tours travel through Naples Bay, Gulf waters and local backwaters looking for wild dolphins and other marine life. Current tour options include traditional sightseeing cruises, eco-tours, private charters and sunset trips.
The kids get wildlife.
Adults get the views.
Everybody wins.
17. Take a Naples Sunset Cruise
Yes, Naples sunsets are gorgeous from land.
But watching one from the water hits differently.
Naples currently has everything from sightseeing boats and catamarans to private sunset charters.
This would be one of my favorite date-night additions to a Naples weekend.
18. Rent a Boat or Book a Fishing Charter
If someone in your family would happily spend the entire vacation fishing, Naples is an easy place to make that happen.
Boat rentals, fishing charters and private tours leave from several Naples marinas, including options around Tin City and Naples Bay.
Fun Things to Do in Naples, Florida With Kids
I'm a mom of four, so I'm very aware that "family-friendly" can mean wildly different things depending on whether you're traveling with a preschooler or a teenager.
These are some of the easiest Naples activities to work into a family trip.
19. Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
Naples Zoo is one of the attractions we return to because it is manageable.
You're not walking through a theme park the size of a small country.
You get animal habitats, a historic botanical garden, keeper presentations and the Primate Expedition Cruise, a guided boat ride around islands inhabited by monkeys, lemurs and apes. The cruise is included with zoo admission.
The giraffe feeding is another kid favorite.
20. Golisano Children's Museum of Naples — CMON
If you're traveling with younger children, CMON is one of the easiest rainy-day or extremely-hot-afternoon options.
It's a hands-on children's museum designed around interactive play, STEM, art and imagination.
As of 2026, general admission is $25, with lower local-resident pricing and several discount programs. The museum currently operates seven days a week, although Wednesdays have shorter public hours.
Best for: babies through elementary-age kids.
21. Revs Institute
This isn't just for the person in your family who talks about cars more than humans.
Revs Institute houses more than 100 historically significant automobiles in an 80,000-square-foot museum.
One important thing to know is that visits require advance timed tickets, and the museum operates only on select days. Revs is closed for annual maintenance through September 30, 2026 and reopens October 1.
Best for: older kids, teens and car lovers.
22. Collier Museum at Government Center
This is one of the better budget-friendly options on the list because admission is free.
The museum tells the story of Collier County through Native American history, pioneer life, transportation, swamp buggies and outdoor historic displays.
Current hours are Tuesday through Saturday, 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
23. Naples Depot Museum
The Naples Depot Museum deserves to be back on travel itineraries because it officially reopened in January 2026 after a multi-year Hurricane Ian closure.
It covers Southwest Florida transportation and railroad history and includes restored rail cars.
Admission is free, and current hours are Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m.–4 p.m.
24. Naples Lionel Train Museum
Right beside the Depot is the privately operated Naples Lionel Train Museum.
Kids can see interactive model-train displays and ride the outdoor miniature railroad.
The museum closes seasonally during summer and is scheduled to reopen October 16, 2026.
If you've got a train-obsessed preschooler, congratulations—you may have just found the highlight of their trip.
25. Sun-N-Fun Lagoon
When the Southwest Florida heat is doing what Southwest Florida heat does, a water park starts sounding very appealing.
Sun-N-Fun Lagoon at North Collier Regional Park includes pools, slides, splash areas and a lazy river.
The water park operates seasonally; its 2026 summer schedule began June 1 with daily hours from 10 a.m.–5 p.m. Always check the current operating calendar before going.
26. Play Mini Golf
Mini golf is one of those activities that works especially well after dinner or when you need something easy.
Volcano Mountain Adventure Golf gives you that classic colorful Florida mini-golf experience and is an easy add-on rather than an entire day's commitment.
27. Catch an FC Naples Soccer Match
This is a newer addition to Naples—and one we've actually included during one of our family trips.
FC Naples is Southwest Florida's professional soccer team and plays home matches at Paradise Coast Sports Complex.
The stadium has about 4,600 seats, family-entertainment areas and a large video board, so this can turn a normal Naples evening into something completely different from another beach or restaurant.
FC Naples' 2026 season includes home matches through October.
Arts, Museums & Culture in Naples
28. The Baker Museum
The Baker Museum is part of the Artis—Naples cultural campus and gives you a completely different side of the city.
It's an especially good option on a rainy day or when you've had enough sun for one afternoon.
The museum is currently open Tuesday through Saturday and Sunday afternoons, with Monday closure.
29. See a Performance at Artis—Naples
Artis—Naples is also home to the Naples Philharmonic and a full schedule of performing arts.
Check the calendar before your trip because you may be able to pair dinner with a concert, ballet or another performance.
30. Naples Art Institute
Located near downtown, Naples Art Institute offers exhibitions, workshops and classes.
The gallery/store operates year-round with seasonal schedules and is an easy cultural addition when you're already spending time downtown.
31. See a Show at Gulfshore Playhouse
Naples isn't just beaches and golf courses.
The city's performing-arts scene has grown considerably, and Gulfshore Playhouse offers professional theater right in Naples. Naples' official visitor guide lists it among the city's major performing-arts attractions.
32. Visit The Naples Players
The Naples Players is another great choice if your ideal evening involves dinner downtown followed by a show.
Again, this is one of those experiences I would plan around the event calendar rather than treating as a drop-in attraction.
33. Catch Live Music at Cambier Park
Cambier Park hosts free community concerts and seasonal events.
When there's something scheduled, bring chairs or a blanket and make an inexpensive Naples evening out of it.
There's also a playground nearby, which makes the combination particularly easy for families.
Things to Do in Downtown Naples
34. Walk Fifth Avenue South
Fifth Avenue South is one of those places where you don't necessarily need a plan.
Just walk.
You'll find restaurants, boutiques, galleries, cafés, dessert spots and beautiful landscaping stretching through the heart of Old Naples.
We've done simple Fifth Avenue strolls during Naples outings and that's part of what makes it useful—you can make it as expensive or inexpensive as you want.
Grab coffee.
Window shop.
Eat.
People-watch.
Call it a day.
35. Explore Third Street South
Third Street South has a slightly quieter, more intimate feel than Fifth Avenue.
The neighborhood combines boutiques and restaurants with regular community events, and its Saturday farmers market has been running for more than 30 years.
During the holiday season, Third Street becomes especially fun because of its annual Christmas celebration and nighttime "snow."
36. Explore Tin City Waterfront Shops
Tin City gives Naples a little Old Florida personality.
The historic waterfront complex is filled with locally owned shops, restaurants and places to book water activities.
We've visited Tin City several times as a family, including trips where the kids simply walked around looking at the shops and boats while we grabbed something to eat.
If you're planning to visit, I have an entire firsthand guide. Exploring Tin City in Naples
37. Walk Around Mercato
Mercato is a modern open-air shopping, dining and entertainment center in North Naples.
You can shop, eat, catch a movie or visit during one of its regular events.
It's also very photogenic, which I'm clearly not going to complain about.
38. Browse Waterside Shops
Waterside Shops is Naples' upscale outdoor shopping option.
You'll find luxury brands mixed with beautifully landscaped walkways and plenty of places to stop.
You absolutely do not have to buy a designer handbag to enjoy the atmosphere.
Your bank account just breathed a sigh of relief.
39. Visit The Village Shops on Venetian Bay
This is another shopping-and-dining destination, but the waterfront setting makes it feel less like a mall visit.
I'd especially consider it for an afternoon that rolls into dinner or sunset.
Naples' current visitor guide highlights Venetian Bay as the waterfront shopping option among the city's main retail districts.
40. Coastland Center
Not every vacation day comes with perfect weather.
Coastland Center works as a practical indoor backup when afternoon thunderstorms roll through or everyone needs air-conditioning.
Where to Eat While Exploring Naples
This article used to contain almost an entire second restaurant guide.
I'm purposely tightening that section because if you're searching for the best things to do in Naples, I want the page to stay focused on experiences.
But food absolutely counts as part of the trip, so here are a few easy stops to pair with your exploring.
41. Seed to Table
Seed to Table is one of those Naples places that's hard to describe as simply a grocery store.
Food counters, drinks, music and the overall atmosphere turn grocery shopping into an activity—which is not something I say often.
42. Brooks Burgers
Brooks is a local family of restaurants and an easy casual meal when you're not in the mood for Naples fine dining.
They currently operate multiple Naples locations.
43. Pinchers at Tin City
Pinchers works particularly well because you can combine lunch or dinner with exploring Tin City and watching the waterfront.
We've included Pinchers during our Naples/Marco-area adventures, and it's one of the restaurants that naturally fits into an itinerary rather than requiring a separate trip.
44. Jane's Café on 3rd
Jane's is a great brunch/lunch stop to pair with Third Street South.
Most seating is outdoors in its garden/courtyard setting, and it's currently open daily for breakfast and lunch.
45. Celebration Park
Celebration Park combines waterfront seating with rotating food trucks, drinks, sunsets and live music.
One September 2026 update: Celebration Park is currently closed for renovations throughout September and is scheduled to reopen October 1.
After reopening, it's one of the easiest places for groups because everyone can pick different food.
46. The Turtle Club
The Turtle Club is one of the places I'd consider when the meal itself is part of the Naples experience.
It's right on the Gulf and currently serves lunch and dinner daily, with dinner reservations strongly recommended.
47. Brambles English Tea Room
If you'd rather trade seafood for tiny sandwiches and put your pinky up for an afternoon, Brambles is tucked just off Fifth Avenue.
It has been operating in Naples for more than 30 years and serves traditional afternoon tea and lunch.
Very Naples.
Very cute.
Very easy to turn into a girls' outing.
Free & Cheap Things to Do in Naples, Florida
You absolutely can spend serious money in Naples.
But you don't have to.
Best Free Things to Do in Naples, Florida
Some of my favorite budget-friendly options include:
Walk Fifth Avenue South
Explore Third Street South
Watch the sunset from Naples Beach
Browse Tin City
Walk Freedom Park
Visit Collier Museum at Government Center — admission is free
Visit Naples Depot Museum — admission is free
Attend a free Cambier Park concert when scheduled
Visit the Third Street South Farmers Market
Window-shop Mercato, Waterside Shops or Venetian Bay
This section also pairs really well with my larger guide to affordable Southwest Florida activities.
Things to Do Near Naples, Florida
48. Tigertail Beach on Marco Island
Tigertail Beach is on Marco Island, not Naples, but it's easy to pair with a Naples trip.
Our family has visited Tigertail as part of a larger camping/Naples/Marco adventure, and the area is known for shelling, wildlife and its tidal lagoon.
49. Marco Island Historical Museum
If you're already driving to Marco Island, the historical museum makes an easy indoor stop.
It's part of the Collier County museum system, which means it pairs especially well with travelers interested in the Calusa and the area's local history.
50. Camp at Collier-Seminole State Park
One of my favorite ways to make the Naples area feel like a completely different vacation is to stay outside the city.
We camped as a family at Collier-Seminole State Park and used the campground as a base for exploring the Naples/Marco Island area.
I've already written a full campsite guide with what to expect. Camping at Seminole Collier State Park
51. Visit the Museum of the Everglades
Head farther east to Everglades City for a completely different look at Collier County.
The museum covers the history of the Everglades region and works particularly well before or after an airboat or outdoor adventure.
52. Take an Everglades Airboat Ride
We've done this as a family, and it remains one of those quintessential South Florida experiences.
You get the thrill of an airboat ride plus a chance to see the Everglades ecosystem and wildlife from a completely different perspective.
You can read about our full experience—including what I wish we'd known about the Florida heat—here: Our Florida Everglades Airboat Adventure
53. Explore Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park
If you prefer wild Florida without as much tourist infrastructure, Fakahatchee is one of the most unusual places near Naples.
It's filled with wetlands, orchids, cypress and wildlife and feels worlds away from Fifth Avenue.
Read more about Fakahatchee Strand Preserve: Florida's Hidden Nature Gem
54. Visit Shark Valley in Everglades National Park
Shark Valley is farther from Naples, but it can still work as a larger South Florida day trip—especially if you're continuing east toward Miami.
We've done the tram tour here, and it's one of the easiest ways to experience Everglades wildlife without having to hike for hours.
Check out my Shark Valley Everglades Tram Tour & Wildlife Guide
55. Visit Lovers Key State Park
Head north from Naples and you'll reach Lovers Key State Park between Bonita Springs and Fort Myers Beach.
We've visited the park multiple times, including beach days with the kids.
Between the beach, trails, paddling and wildlife, it can easily become a full-day excursion.
One-Day Naples Itinerary
If you only have one day in Naples, don't try to visit 12 attractions.
You will spend your entire vacation driving and looking for parking.
I would do this instead:
Morning
Start at Naples Botanical Garden or Naples Zoo.
Lunch
Head toward downtown and eat around Fifth Avenue, Tin City or Third Street.
Afternoon
Walk Fifth Avenue South + Tin City.
Late Afternoon
Go back to your hotel, change, cool off and question why Florida humidity is personally attacking your hair.
Sunset
Head to Naples Beach.
Remember that the Naples Pier itself is currently closed, but the surrounding beach area is still accessible.
Dinner
Finish downtown or choose a waterfront restaurant.
Simple.
Relaxed.
Actually enjoyable.
Three-Day Weekend in Naples
Day 1 — Classic Naples
Naples Botanical GardenFifth Avenue SouthTin CityNaples Beach sunset
Day 2 — Beach + Water
Clam Pass or Delnor-WigginsDolphin/sightseeing cruiseWaterfront dinner
Day 3 — Nature or Day Trip
Choose one:
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
or
Marco Island + Tigertail Beach
or
Everglades / airboat trip
Trying to do all three would turn vacation into a competitive sport.
Best Time to Visit Naples, Florida
Winter: December–February
This is the weather everyone moves to Florida for.
Warm days, lower humidity and very little winter complaining.
The downside?
It is peak season.
Expect more traffic, crowded restaurants and higher hotel rates.
Spring: March–May
Spring is one of my favorite windows.
You'll still get excellent beach weather, although temperatures start warming quickly as summer approaches.
Summer: June–September
It gets hot and humid.
Afternoon thunderstorms are normal.
But summer can also mean lower lodging prices, fewer seasonal visitors and more room at certain attractions.
Plan outdoor activities early in the morning.
Fall: October–November
Temperatures start becoming more comfortable and crowds haven't completely reached winter levels yet.
It's also a great time for local events.
Just remember that tropical-weather season extends into fall, so keep an eye on forecasts.
Naples Beach Parking: What Visitors Should Know
Parking is one of the things I want you to understand before you arrive.
As of 2026:
City of Naples metered beach parking: generally $4/hour.
Collier County beach parks such as Vanderbilt and Clam Pass: $10 visitor parking without a county resident beach permit.
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park: $6 per vehicle.
During winter/high season, arrive earlier than you think you need to.
What to Pack for Naples Beaches
This is where I would naturally place your Amazon affiliate block.
My Naples Beach-Day Essentials
Beach wagon
Reef-conscious sunscreen
Insulated water bottle
Beach umbrella
Shell bag
Waterproof phone pouch
Beach toys
Portable cooler
Bug spray
Visiting Naples With Kids?
Naples is much more family-friendly than its luxury reputation might make you think.
Some of my top choices for kids are:
Naples Zoo
CMON
Lowdermilk Park
Clam Pass
Naples Botanical Garden
Naples Train Museum
Sun-N-Fun Lagoon
Collier County Museums
FC Naples matches
Dolphin cruises
We're a family of six, so I want my family recommendations to go deeper than simply saying somewhere is "kid-friendly."
Planning Naples specifically with children? Read my complete Naples With Kids guide for family beaches, attractions, restaurants and realistic itineraries.
Where to Stay in Naples
This is an area where this website needs a dedicated guide—and it's going onto our future content calendar.
For now, think about how you want to spend your trip before choosing a hotel.
Downtown / Old Naples
Best for walking to Fifth Avenue, dining and the beach.
North Naples
Great for Vanderbilt Beach, Delnor-Wiggins and Mercato.
Naples Bay / East Naples
Useful for Tin City, boating and the Bayshore area.
Marco Island
Worth considering if your priority is resort/beach time and you don't mind driving into Naples.
FAQ: Things to Do in Naples, Florida
What is Naples, Florida best known for?
Naples is best known for Gulf Coast beaches, beautiful sunsets, upscale shopping and dining, golf, nature preserves and its proximity to Marco Island and the Everglades.
What are the best things to do in Naples besides the beach?
Naples Botanical Garden, Naples Zoo, Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Tin City, Fifth Avenue South, Third Street South, The Baker Museum, Revs Institute and dolphin cruises are some of the best non-beach activities.
Is Naples, Florida good for families?
Yes. Naples has several family-oriented attractions including Naples Zoo, CMON, playground-equipped beaches, museums, nature preserves, water activities and seasonal events.
How many days do you need in Naples?
Two to three days gives you enough time for a beach day, downtown Naples and one major nature or water activity. Four or more days gives you time for day trips to Marco Island or the Everglades without rushing.
Are there free things to do in Naples?
Absolutely. Walking Fifth Avenue, Third Street and Tin City is free, as are several local parks and Collier County Museums. Beach access itself may be free, although parking usually is not.
Is the Naples Pier open in 2026?
No. The Naples Pier is currently closed for its reconstruction project, which began January 6, 2026 and is expected to take approximately 18 months. Nearby beach access remains available.
What is the best month to visit Naples?
January through April generally offers the most comfortable weather but also the largest crowds and highest seasonal pricing. Late fall can offer a good balance of weather and smaller crowds.
What can you do near Naples, Florida?
Marco Island, Tigertail Beach, Collier-Seminole State Park, Fakahatchee Strand, Everglades City, Everglades National Park and Lovers Key all make excellent day trips from Naples.
Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in Naples, Florida
The thing I like most about Naples is that the trip doesn't have to be just one thing.
You can spend the morning walking through a cypress swamp, eat lunch overlooking Naples Bay, stroll Fifth Avenue in the afternoon and finish barefoot on the sand watching the Gulf turn pink.
We've experienced Naples with little kids, older kids, as a family, during camping trips and on simple outings when we just wanted to get out of the house for the day—and there is still more we haven't done.
So don't feel like you need to knock out all 50+ places on this list.
Choose a few that fit your family, your budget and the pace you actually want for your vacation.
Then leave some room to wander.
Sometimes that ends up being the best part.
If you're planning more than just Naples, browse all of my Southwest Florida travel guides for beaches, state parks, family attractions, restaurants and hidden gems around the region.
RELATED ARTICLES
Exploring Tin City in Naples Read the Tin City Guide
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida Read Our Conservancy Experience
Camping at Seminole Collier State Park Read the Camping Guide
Fakahatchee Strand Preserve Explore Fakahatchee Strand
Airboat Adventure in the Florida Everglades Read Our Everglades Airboat Experience
Shark Valley Everglades Guide Read the Shark Valley Guide
Southwest Florida With Kids Explore Southwest Florida With Kids
Spring Break in Southwest Florida on a Budget See 35 Affordable Southwest Florida Activities
