By Jill Nicholas
Naples has a way of surprising people who expect a quiet beach town. Yes, the Gulf is extraordinary — calm, clear, and warm in a way that few other American coastlines can match. But the list of things to do in Naples, FL, goes far beyond sunbathing. This city has a world-class arts campus, one of the finest botanical gardens in the Southeast, serious dining, ecotourism that puts you face-to-face with the Everglades, and a walkable downtown that feels genuinely curated. Here is how I think about showing this place to someone who wants to make the most of it.
Key Takeaways
-
Naples beaches are among the best in Florida — each one has a distinct character worth knowing before you pick
-
The arts scene here is serious, anchored by Artis-Naples and its Baker Museum and Naples Philharmonic
-
The Naples Botanical Garden spans 170 acres and is a genuine draw on its own
-
Outdoor adventure ranges from beach walks to Everglades eco-tours, all accessible from the city
The Beaches
The beaches in Naples are Gulf Coast at its best — gentle waves, warm water, and white sand that stays fine underfoot. Which one you choose depends on what kind of beach day you are after.
Naples Beach itself is the classic destination, running along Gulf Shore Boulevard through Old Naples with easy access from downtown. The Naples Pier is the landmark — currently undergoing reconstruction after hurricane damage, with restoration expected to be complete by 2027, but the beach on either side remains fully open. Lowdermilk Park is the family-friendly option, with restrooms, a playground, and covered pavilions.
Clam Pass requires a short boardwalk tram ride through mangroves to reach the water, which keeps the crowds down and the water noticeably clear. Vanderbilt Beach in North Naples is wider and livelier. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is the least developed and most rewarding — a mile of nearly undisturbed barrier island with good shelling, snorkeling over a hard-bottom reef offshore, and an observation tower with views over Wiggins Pass.
Naples Beach itself is the classic destination, running along Gulf Shore Boulevard through Old Naples with easy access from downtown. The Naples Pier is the landmark — currently undergoing reconstruction after hurricane damage, with restoration expected to be complete by 2027, but the beach on either side remains fully open. Lowdermilk Park is the family-friendly option, with restrooms, a playground, and covered pavilions.
Clam Pass requires a short boardwalk tram ride through mangroves to reach the water, which keeps the crowds down and the water noticeably clear. Vanderbilt Beach in North Naples is wider and livelier. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is the least developed and most rewarding — a mile of nearly undisturbed barrier island with good shelling, snorkeling over a hard-bottom reef offshore, and an observation tower with views over Wiggins Pass.
The Beaches Worth Knowing
-
Naples Beach: classic Gulf Coast beach, walkable from downtown Old Naples
-
Lowdermilk Park: family facilities, shaded pavilions, easy access
-
Clam Pass Park: boardwalk tram through mangroves, calm and clear water
-
Vanderbilt Beach: wide, open, well-known in North Naples
-
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park: barrier island, shelling, snorkeling, observation tower
Arts and Culture
Naples takes its arts seriously, and Artis-Naples is the centerpiece of that. The 8.5-acre cultural campus in Pelican Bay is home to the Naples Philharmonic and The Baker Museum, which focuses on modern and contemporary art and hosts traveling exhibitions from institutions including the National Portrait Gallery in London. The campus produces more than 300 concerts, exhibitions, and events each year. If you are in town between November and May, there is almost certainly something on the calendar worth going to.
Downtown offers the Naples Art District with over 100 galleries and working studios, many concentrated along Tamiami Trail North. Third Street South hosts a weekly Saturday farmers market with live music alongside its art galleries and boutiques. The Sugden Community Theatre on Fifth Avenue South, home to the Naples Players, has been producing live theater since 1953 and stages more than 200 performances per year.
Downtown offers the Naples Art District with over 100 galleries and working studios, many concentrated along Tamiami Trail North. Third Street South hosts a weekly Saturday farmers market with live music alongside its art galleries and boutiques. The Sugden Community Theatre on Fifth Avenue South, home to the Naples Players, has been producing live theater since 1953 and stages more than 200 performances per year.
Cultural Anchors Worth Building Time Around
-
Artis-Naples / The Baker Museum: modern and contemporary art, Naples Philharmonic, 300+ annual events
-
Naples Art District: 100+ galleries and artist studios
-
Third Street South Saturday Farmers Market: fresh produce, artisanal goods, live music
-
The Sugden Community Theatre / Naples Players: live theater since 1953, 200+ annual performances
Nature and Outdoor Life
The Naples Botanical Garden spans 170 acres and features plants from tropical and subtropical regions between the 26th parallels, including Brazilian, Caribbean, Southeast Asian, and Florida-native collections across more than 1,000 species. It is one of the best botanical gardens in the Southeast and worth several hours. The Gordon River Greenway puts 2.5 miles of trail through preserved land minutes from downtown — good for walking, cycling, and wildlife spotting.
For Everglades access, Naples is the western gateway. Multiple operators run eco-tours from the city, and the scale of what you encounter — mangrove tunnels, roseate spoonbills, alligators, the silence of a watershed that covers millions of acres — does not disappoint. Get Up and Go Kayaking offers clear kayak tours through local mangrove systems. Pure Florida runs the largest fleet of sightseeing, dolphin-watch, and shelling cruises from Tin City.
For Everglades access, Naples is the western gateway. Multiple operators run eco-tours from the city, and the scale of what you encounter — mangrove tunnels, roseate spoonbills, alligators, the silence of a watershed that covers millions of acres — does not disappoint. Get Up and Go Kayaking offers clear kayak tours through local mangrove systems. Pure Florida runs the largest fleet of sightseeing, dolphin-watch, and shelling cruises from Tin City.
Outdoor Experiences Worth Making Time For
-
Naples Botanical Garden: 170 acres, 1,000+ species, Brazilian, Caribbean, and Florida-native collections
-
Gordon River Greenway: 2.5 miles of trail through preserved land near downtown
-
Everglades eco-tours: western access point for one of the most extraordinary ecosystems in North America
-
Clear kayak tours through mangroves: an up-close look at the backcountry ecosystems that define Southwest Florida
Shopping and Dining
Fifth Avenue South is the main event — a pedestrian-friendly stretch of boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants in the heart of Old Naples. The dining here runs from casual lunch spots to serious fine dining, and a number of the restaurants have outdoor seating that makes early evening particularly good. Third Street South is quieter and more residential in feel, with a strong gallery presence and some of Naples's best independent restaurants. Waterside Shops and Mercato are the two main upscale retail centers, each with a mix of national luxury brands and dining.
Where to Eat and Shop
-
Fifth Avenue South: galleries, boutiques, fine dining, walkable and outdoor-friendly
-
Third Street South: galleries, Saturday farmers market, independent restaurants
-
Waterside Shops: luxury retail in an open-air setting near Pelican Bay
-
Mercato: upscale mixed-use development with restaurants, shops, and a rooftop bar
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best things to do in Naples for first-time visitors?
Start with a morning at the beach — Clam Pass or Delnor-Wiggins for a quieter experience, Naples Beach if you want to be close to downtown. Spend an afternoon at the Naples Botanical Garden or The Baker Museum at Artis-Naples, then walk Fifth Avenue South for dinner.
Is Naples good for outdoor activities?
Naples is an excellent outdoor destination. The Gulf offers swimming, paddleboarding, kayaking, snorkeling, and fishing. The Gordon River Greenway and Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park provide trail and nature access. The Everglades are less than an hour away, and mangrove kayaking tours operate year-round from the city.
When is the best time to visit Naples for things to do?
November through April is peak season, when the arts calendar is fullest, the weather is ideal, and the Gulf is at its calmest. That said, summer offers less crowded beaches and lower accommodation rates — and the Botanical Garden and museum are both worth visiting year-round.
Ready to Explore Living in Naples?
There is no better way to understand a place than to spend time in it. If you are thinking about buying here, I would love to show you the neighborhoods that suit your lifestyle. Reach out to me, Jill Nicholas, and let's start the conversation.
