For nature lovers
Nature lovers will be enthralled by the Naples Botanical Garden, a sprawling 160-acre complex featuring 90 natural acres, including lakes, seven distinct natural habitats and ecosystems, a birding tower, and countless meandering nature trails.
Those passionate about conservation will want to visit the nationally accredited zoo and botanical garden, Naples Zoo and the Conservancy of Southwest Florida's Naples Nature Center. The nature center integrates innovative, eco-friendly features like solar, LED light, and smart building technologies to promote green spaces via consistently updated exhibits.
Similarly, the Gordon River Greenway is an ecological corridor through Naples that will give you unparalleled access to the region's natural wildlife and beauty, as is the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, which occupies around 13,000 acres of the Corkscrew Watershed.
But perhaps the biggest attraction to Naples for outdoor enthusiasts is the famed Everglades National Park, the nation's only subtropical wilderness. You can take a boat trip straight through the many marine and estuarine environments to see birds, dolphins, and countless other types of wildlife. A range of activities is available throughout the year, varying from bike tours and canoe trips to nature walks and more.
For history buffs
Naples' first passenger train station is built inside Naples Depot, Collier County's newest historical museum. Visitors will be transported back to the Roaring Twenties at the height of the railroading days with exhibits like an antique swamp buggy, restored railroad cars, and fascinating displays.
In the heart of the 10,000 Islands on the edge of the Everglades sits the Historic Smallwood Store, set on Chokoloskee Island –– considered one of Florida's last frontiers. The store was reopened as a museum in 1989 and is the perfect way to learn more about Florida's pioneer history.
If you want to learn more about Florida and Collier County's history, you can visit the Collier Museum at Government Center. Situated on a five-acre plot, this historic site features a native plant garden, historic cottages, and unique exhibits. The Collier Museum and Naples Depot are part of Collier County's five main museum locations, including the Marco Island Historical
Museum, the Immokalee Pioneer Museum at Roberts Ranch, and the Museum of the Everglades in Everglades City.
For creatives
The Naples Art District is a creative mecca featuring working painters, jewelers, photographers, sculptors, and more, all within working studios clustered together and framed by showrooms. Working studio galleries are open for appointment. Twice monthly, the Art Alive! Free Open Studio events allow patrons to commission and purchase art from the artists.
Beyond the district, Naples Art is the center of arts and culture in downtown Naples, a town square specifically designed to cater to creative minds by encouraging inspiration and opportunity. Downtown, you'll find The Naples Players Sugden Community Theatre, one of the country's top theatres. Filmmakers can participate in the Annual Naples International Film Festival.
Artis-Naples is home to the Baker Museum and the Naples Philharmonic; it is Southwest Florida's premier arts and cultural destination, hosting events for people of all ages.
For festival lovers
Naples also hosts countless art shows each year, including the Naples Fine Art Show, Naples National Art Show, and many cultural exhibitions in the Naples Art District.
Seafood lovers come from all over the country for the Naples Seafood & Music Festival, a fun, relaxing, and free festival incorporating delicious entrees cooked on-site while live musical performances come from some of Florida's top talent. Hosted at the Old Naples Waterfront, the Stone Crab Festival is another entertaining seafood festival hosted each October at the height of stone crab season.
For shopaholics
If you want to shop 'til you drop, then Naples is the place to be. Since the 1920s, Fifth Avenue South has been an area staple. It's the ultimate shopping destination and a thriving business and arts district, providing visitors and residents with dining, shopping, and entertainment.
Third Street South is considered the birthplace of Naples, and it's surrounded by colorful beach cottages and historic Old Naples homes. Here you'll find lush courtyards, antique fountains, specialty shops, bistros, and beautiful landscaping.
Shop and dine along the water at The Village on Venetian Bay, which offers more than 45 waterfront shops and waterside restaurants.
Those who enjoy perusing open-air markets searching for locally-grown produce and artisanal goods will appreciate the sheer variety of Naples' farmers’ markets. Naples, Marco Island, and the Everglades host markets almost every weekend, including the Third Street South Farmers Market, Marco Island Farmers Market, and Ave Maria Farmers Market.