Things to Do in Naples, Florida: Top Sights and Original 3, 5 & 7-Day Itineraries
Naples, on Florida's Gulf Coast, is known for its powdery white beaches, elegant shopping streets and spectacular sunsets. The historic Naples Pier, Fifth Avenue South, the Naples Botanical Garden, Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary and the nearby Everglades make it a relaxed but varied destination for couples and families alike.
This guide covers the best things to do in Naples, Florida, with itineraries for 3, 5 and 7 days, ideas for weekends, couples and families, local food, where to stay and how to get around.
Top things to see in Naples, Florida
Naples Pier
Historic pier and sunset spot.
Fifth Avenue South
Shopping and dining street.
Third Street South
Historic district with boutiques.
Naples Botanical Garden
Tropical gardens.
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
Boardwalk through old-growth cypress.
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
Beach and nature.
Everglades
Airboats and wildlife.
Tin City
Waterfront shops and boat tours.
Naples, Florida in 3 days: an original itinerary
1Day 1 · Downtown and the Pier
Start with a beach walk to the Naples Pier, where you may spot dolphins and pelicans, then browse Third Street South and its historic buildings. Lunch on Fifth Avenue South. In the afternoon relax on the beach, and return to the pier for one of Florida's best sunsets.
2Day 2 · Botanical Garden and Tin City
Visit the Naples Botanical Garden with its Caribbean, Brazilian and Florida gardens and butterfly areas. Lunch nearby. In the afternoon, head to Tin City for shops and a dolphin-watching or sunset cruise through Naples Bay.
3Day 3 · Corkscrew Swamp
Walk the 2.25-mile boardwalk at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary through North America's largest old-growth bald cypress forest, looking for alligators and wading birds. Lunch in North Naples. Spend the afternoon at Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park.
Naples, Florida in 5 days
Follow the 3-day plan above, then add these two days:
4Day 4 · Everglades
Day trip to Everglades City for an airboat tour through the mangroves of the Ten Thousand Islands, and visit the Big Cypress National Preserve. Lunch with stone crab in season. Return for dinner in Naples.
5Day 5 · Marco Island
Drive to Marco Island for Tigertail Beach, shelling and kayaking among the sandbars. Lunch with seafood. Evening sunset on the beach. Tigertail Beach's lagoon is shallow and calm, ideal for kids, and the sandbar beyond it is a top spot for shells.
Naples, Florida in 7 days
With a full week, keep days 1 to 5 and finish with:
6Day 6 · Family day
Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, then the Golisano Children's Museum. Lunch at Mercato. Afternoon pool or beach time. The zoo offers a short boat ride around islands home to lemurs and monkeys, a highlight for younger children.
7Day 7 · Farewell
Morning shelling or paddleboarding, a last stroll on Fifth Avenue South and a farewell seafood dinner with grouper and key lime pie. If time allows, take one last walk to the Pier to watch the pelicans before heading to the airport.
What to do in Naples, Florida on a weekend
Things to do in Naples, Florida on a weekend? Saturday: Pier, Third Street and beach. Sunday: Botanical Garden and a sunset cruise.
Season runs January to April with art festivals.
What to do in Naples, Florida in the evening
In the evening, sunset at the Pier and dinner on Fifth Avenue.
Live music at Mercato.
Naples, Florida for couples
For couples, sunset cruises, Fifth Avenue dining and quiet beaches.
Naples, Florida with kids
With kids, Naples Zoo, the children's museum, shelling and airboats.
What to eat in Naples, Florida
Grouper sandwich
Gulf classic.
Stone crab
October to May.
Key lime pie
Florida dessert.
Shrimp
Gulf shrimp.
Conch fritters
Fried bites.
Where to stay in Naples, Florida: best areas
Downtown
Walkable.
Vanderbilt Beach
Resorts.
Park Shore
Beachfront.
Marco Island
Islands.
What to do in Naples, Florida when it rains
Things to do in Naples, Florida when it rains? Children's museum, Baker Museum, shopping at Waterside and Mercato.
How much does a trip to Naples, Florida cost?
Expect $200–450 per night in season.
Practical tips for Naples, Florida
Best time to visit
November–April.
Getting around
Car recommended; trolley downtown.
Our practical tips
- Bring bug spray.
- Sunset at the Pier.
- Book season early.
- Shelling at low tide.
- Watch for red tide alerts.
- Reef-safe sunscreen.
Mistakes to avoid
- Hurricane season risks.
- Swimming near the pier pilings.
- Summer afternoon storms.
- Feeding wildlife.
Frequently asked questions
What are the best things to do in Naples, Florida?
Pier, beaches, Botanical Garden and Everglades.
Things to do in Naples with kids?
Zoo and children's museum.
Best beach?
Delnor-Wiggins and Vanderbilt.
Best time to visit?
Winter and spring.