Naples is one for lovers of the outdoors, boasting several interesting parks and of course, beaches as well as having direct access to the Everglades. Within town are many interesting shopping and dining streets, and the whole look and feel of the place is distinctly different and somewhat more laidback than other prominent Florida climes.
Caribbean Gardens
The Caribbean Gardens makes a good family day out and is one of Naples’ most interesting attractions. It is home to many exotic animals, including tigers, panthers and zebras, and is spread over 52 acres. There are also large snakes here and loads of monkeys on a small island, while the petting zoo will appeal to little ones.
Phone: +1 239 262 5409; www.napleszoo.com
Clam Pass County Park
Clam Pass County Park is a stunning wildlife park well within reach of Naples and has lots to interest most visitors. First and foremost is the mile-long boardwalk which extends through lush mangrove forest to the whitest of beaches, plus an observation tower provides fantastic views over the region. A free electric tram picks visitors up from the parking lot.
Phone: +1 239 353 0404
Everglades National Park
Most visitors who come to Naples intend to visit the nearby Everglades on the southern tip of Florida. This nature area stretches from Naples to Miami and is spectacular. Along with the Everglades National Park is Big Cypress Reserve and both are an easy drive from Naples on US41. Expect to see crocodiles, alligators, dolphins, miles of marshland and millions of hungry mosquitoes.
Phone: +1 305 242 7700; www.nps.gov/ever/
Marine Marketplace at Tin City
This is a tourist hotspot in downtown Naples on Fifth Avenue at the waterfront. Tin City is essentially an old fisherman's wharf with its warehouses converted into a collection of shops and eateries. There are trendy stores and fast-food restaurants galore and it doesn’t matter if it’s a boiling hot day, as it’s all air-conditioned. Clothing and art are good buys here.
Website: www.tin-city.com
Naples Pier
Located a little south of downtown Naples, the late 19th-century Naples Pier is a popular tourist hangout situated in an affluent part of town. It is based around 12th Avenue South and although the original pier was razed by fire and ravaged by ferocious Gulf storms, the present structure is as sturdy as ever and ideal for looking at Millionaires' Row and the famed Naples sunsets.
Website: www.naplespier.com/
Old Naples
Old Naples was where the city was born and has a wonderful feel to it with its pedestrian-friendly streets and quaint inns. It stretches 10 blocks east to west and 20 blocks north to south, encompassing the likes of Fifth Avenue as well as the favoured shopping street of Third Street South. The popular Beach Golf Club also lies within Old Naples.
Pelican Bay
Pelican Bay is just north of Naples city centre and essentially another city that makes for a popular daytrip for those looking to mingle with the locals and see how they live. It is a purpose-built community with a massive golf course, shopping centres, playgrounds and quality hotels, and it also boasts a thriving café culture and performing arts venues. Pelican Bay beach itself is almost idyllic.
