Things to Do
Things to Do in Naples, Florida, and How Long It Takes to Get There
The short answer
Start downtown on Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South, then add a beach (Lowdermilk Park, Clam Pass or Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park), the Naples Botanical Garden, the Naples Zoo and an evening at Artis—Naples. For real wilderness, Audubon's Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is about 45 minutes east.
Most in-town stops are 5 to 20 minutes from downtown Naples by car.
Downtown: Fifth Avenue, Third Street and Tin City
Downtown Naples is compact and walkable, so it is the easiest place to start. Parking fills up quickly in season, which is where a drop-off at the door helps.
Fifth Avenue South
Naples' main street: boutiques, galleries, sidewalk cafés and many of the city's best-known restaurants, all within a few walkable blocks.
Have Us Take You HereThird Street South
The older shopping and dining district, a few blocks from the Gulf, with courtyard restaurants, galleries and upscale shops.
Have Us Take You HereTin City Waterfront Shops
Old waterfront fishing buildings on the bay, now shops and restaurants. It's a 2-minute drive from the top of Fifth Avenue.
Have Us Take You HereBeaches
Naples runs along the Gulf of Mexico, and the beaches face west, so sunset is the main event. These are the easiest to reach from the city's hotels.
Lowdermilk Park
A public beach park with outdoor showers, a concession stand, volleyball courts and a gazebo. One of the easiest full-service beaches to reach from downtown.
Have Us Take You HereClam Pass Park
A boardwalk through the mangroves leads to a quieter stretch of beach, with plenty of birds along the way.
Have Us Take You HereDelnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
A state park beach that is popular for swimming and snorkeling, with a relaxed, natural feel.
Have Us Take You HereTigertail Beach
A wide white-sand beach with a tidal lagoon, known for shorebirds and shelling. There is a bath house and parking.
Have Us Take You HereThe Naples Pier at the end of 12th Avenue South is listed on Google as temporarily closed as of October 2026. Check its status before you plan around it.
Gardens, wildlife and nature
Naples Botanical Garden
About 170 acres of cultivated tropical gardens, trails and a nature preserve. Plan on two to three hours.
Have Us Take You HereNaples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
A zoo set in historic gardens, with a boat ride past islands of monkeys and lemurs, alligator feedings and animal talks. An easy half day with kids.
Have Us Take You HereAudubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
Protected wetlands with a long boardwalk trail and an observation tower. A good half-day nature trip from Naples.
Ride tip: It is a long drive back after a morning of walking. We wait while you explore and bring you home.
Have Us Take You HereArts and shopping
Artis—Naples
Home of the Naples Philharmonic and The Baker Museum, with concerts and exhibitions through the season.
Ride tip: On concert nights we drop you at the door and are waiting when the show lets out.
Have Us Take You HereWaterside Shops
An open-air luxury shopping center with 60-plus stores and restaurants set among gardens and water features.
Have Us Take You HereMercato
A shopping, dining and nightlife complex with a cinema, popular for an evening out in North Naples.
Have Us Take You HereSeeing Naples without the parking hunt
Beach lots and downtown streets fill up fast from January through April. With a chauffeur, you are dropped at the entrance and picked up when you are ready, and nobody has to skip the wine at dinner.
For a full day out, book us by the hour: one dedicated driver and one vehicle, a black Chevrolet Suburban that seats up to 6, for as many stops as you like.
Frequently asked questions
What is Naples, Florida best known for?
Gulf beaches and sunsets, the shopping and dining on Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South, golf, and its spot as a gateway to the Everglades and the wild country east of town.
What are the best beaches near downtown Naples?
Lowdermilk Park is an easy full-service beach about 7 minutes from downtown. Clam Pass Park (13 minutes) is quieter and reached by a mangrove boardwalk. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park (22 minutes) is the pick for swimming and snorkeling.
Is the Naples Pier open?
As of October 2026, the Naples Pier is listed on Google as temporarily closed. Check its current status before you visit.
How far is Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary from Naples?
About 30 miles, or roughly 45 minutes, east of downtown Naples.
Can I hire a driver for a full day of sightseeing in Naples?
Yes. Gulfshore offers a private chauffeur by the hour: one driver and one vehicle for as many stops as you like. Request a quote with your plan and we will text you a flat rate.