Naples, FL, is an attractive city in Collier County on the West Coast of Florida. With upscale shopping, dining, ecotourism, and breathtaking sunsets, Naples offers a wealth of outdoor activities, pristine beaches, and natural beauty. Naples is part of the Paradise Coast and provides an affluent, family-friendly seaside environment. Here are eight affordable, fun things to do in Naples, Florida, that my husband and I enjoyed doing.
1. Play on Naples’ Beautiful Beaches
Naples boasts award-winning beaches featuring white sand, stellar sunsets, and magnificent gulf breezes. Find solace in a comfortable lounge chair as you indulge in the serene ambiance. Compared to other Gulf Coast cities, Naples offers ample space to move around without feeling crowded.
2. Chow Down at a Food Truck Park
Celebration Park Naples is a permanent waterfront venue for food trucks, offering excellent seating options with covering and large fans to mitigate the heat. At the end is a 4-sided full-service, open-air waterfront bar with high-top tables, providing stunning views of Haldeman Creek, accessible to the Gulf of Mexico.
Food trucks at Celebration Park include Islands Seafood, Gyros 2 Go, GiGi Gourmet, Mega Sabor, Say Cheese, Dragonfly, J Paul’s Pizza & Sandwiches, and Maine Shack Lobster Rolls, each with meticulously decorated and welcoming settings. There is a full waterfront liquor bar with happy hour and daily specials. The food truck park is closed on Mondays.
3. Go Shopping
Visit the Village Shops on Venetian Bay for a delightful shopping experience, dining, relaxation, and people-watching. Discover a wide range of men’s and women’s fashions, home accessories, and unique gift items at this upscale shopping complex.
All About April is a fantastic kid’s boutique offering clothes, toys, and unique finds. Make sure to catch Panache featuring Lilly Pulitzer, Vineyard Vines, and Brighton, as well as Pratt’s Shoe Salon showcasing a stunning collection.
For a refreshing drink or dessert, indulge in the offerings of M Waterfront Grille, an impressive waterfront dining spot. And don’t forget to treat yourself to Naples’ only Ben and Jerry’s ice cream.
4. Get Up Close and Personal With 5th Avenue South
The glamorous 5th Avenue South in Naples is a delightful place for leisurely strolls, offering a mix of historic and modern buildings adorned with vibrant blooms and plentiful sculptures. Along with its impressive performing arts scene, which includes the renowned Naples Players, von Liebig Center, and Gulf Shore Playhouse, the area boasts well-maintained promenades and storefronts.
Notably, there are free public parking garages on 8th Street South, conveniently located between 4th and 6th Ave. South.
5. Explore Naples Beautiful Botanical Garden
Naples Botanical Garden is a 170-acre paradise showcasing themed gardens and exotic flora from around the world. The standout Brazilian Garden features a captivating water feature and vibrant lotus flowers, perfect for photography.
Other ideas to go on a sensory journey at this beautiful attraction are to explore the Caribbean garden’s diverse tropical plant collection, immerse yourself in the enchanting River of Grass, witness renowned orchids along the Uplands Preserve boardwalk, and stroll along the Smith’s Upland Trail.
You will also gain inspiration from the Idea Garden by Naples Garden Club. Children can enjoy their own special garden area, complete with a butterfly house. Other notable garden exhibits include succulent, Asian, and Florida gardens and a birding tower.
Take a breather for a light lunch or snack at the Fogg Cafe. Then, admire the breathtaking artworks in Kapnick Hall. Please read more about beautiful gardens around Florida in my Travel Awaits post.
Pro Tip: Apply bug spray for the brackish marsh, mangroves, and lakes.
6. Visit Tin City
Tin City, located in the historic Old Naples district, is an iconic restored fishing village from the 1920s. With its four fully air-conditioned buildings, it has become a super popular attraction for locals and tourists. Tin City’s indoor markets feature a variety of open-air shops showcasing artisanal crafts, souvenirs, antiques, and locally-made novelty items.
Nearby parking makes visiting Tin City convenient.
For dining options, you can enjoy a meal at waterfront establishments like Pincher’s (a casual dining spot that offers both indoor and outdoor seating, plus excellent fish tacos) and Riverwalk, or indulge in a delightful ice cream treat at M&M’s Cafe, which boasts an impressive selection of 28 flavors.
For those looking for a unique experience, Cruise Naples offers a range of chartered boat tours.
7. Dive into Delicious Fuse BBQ
Fuse BBQ, on the Tamiami Trail, offers a surprising and delightful food combination: Mac and cheese paired with pepperoni. Indulge in this culinary creation as a separate side dish or as a flavorful addition to Fuse BBQ’s pulled pork sandwich, the Mac & Pork.
This restaurant is a true gem with exceptional service and a delectable menu. Noteworthy options include the spectacular collard greens, arguably the best in Florida.
8. Rent and Ride Bikes
While admiring Naples’s breathtaking historic and contemporary homes, one may unknowingly traverse several miles on a beach cruiser bicycle. This happened to me not once, but twice. Naples boasts cyclist-friendly streets adorned with lush landscapes, providing a fascinating riding experience no matter the route.
I recommend exploring the neighborhood streets and parks while stealing glimpses of the beach for its awe-inspiring scenery. Look for the exquisite screw-pine trees at Lowdermilk Park, a prestigious waterfront attraction in Naples.
Need Lodging in Naples?
The Edgewater Beach Hotel is a wonderful beachfront property to consider on your travels. The attention to detail and impeccable customer service further add to the gorgeous rooms, done in beachy colors and decor. Rooms also offer kitchenettes, a balcony, and a seating area with a flat-screen TV.
The onsite restaurants offer a fantastic selection of foods, plus many uber-healthy choices (that still taste as delicious). I was all about the dreamy swimming pool and beach loungers you can rent. Last but not least, Edgewater offers free Wi-Fi and free parking.
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