Things to do in Naples
The dry season from November through April brings warm sunny days, low humidity, and calm Gulf waters, ideal for beaches and Everglades wildlife. Summer is hot, humid, and rainy with daily afternoon thunderstorms and peak mosquito activity in the swamps.
Best months: November, December, March, April
What is worth your time in Naples
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State ParkDo not miss
A pristine barrier-island park with sugar-sand beaches, an observation tower, and some of the area's best snorkeling and shelling.
Beach · 3.8 hr4.8
Fifth Avenue SouthDo not miss
Old Naples' palm-lined main street packs sidewalk cafes, art galleries, boutiques, and the city's liveliest dining scene.
Food District · 2.3 hr4.8
Naples Botanical GardenDo not miss
170 acres of Caribbean, Brazilian, and Asian gardens woven with lakes, a butterfly house, and native preserve trails.
Park · 2.8 hr4.8
Clam Pass Beach ParkDo not miss
A three-quarter-mile boardwalk winds through a mangrove forest to a secluded white-sand beach and tidal pass.
Beach · 3 hr4.7
Lowdermilk ParkDo not miss
A family-friendly beach park with a swimming lagoon, volleyball, picnic pavilions, and easy parking near downtown.
Beach · 2.5 hr4.7
Naples PierDo not miss
The 1888 wooden pier is the city's iconic gathering spot for fishing, dolphin spotting, and the nightly Gulf sunset.
Landmark · 1.4 hr4.7
Third Street SouthDo not miss
Naples' oldest shopping district charms with courtyards, fine dining, art galleries, and a celebrated Saturday farmers market.
Neighborhood · 2.3 hr4.7
Naples Zoo at Caribbean GardensDo not miss
A historic botanical zoo where a boat ride glides past islands of monkeys and big cats roam lush tropical gardens.
Activity · 3.3 hr4.4
The Baker MuseumDo not miss
Southwest Florida's premier visual arts museum at Artis-Naples, with modern, glass, and rotating contemporary collections.
Museum · 2 hr4.2
Vanderbilt BeachDo not miss
A wide stretch of powdery white sand and warm shallow water, framed by resorts and famous for unforgettable sunsets.
Beach · 3.5 hr
Ten Thousand Islands Kayak Tour
Paddle through a maze of mangrove tunnels and tidal creeks where manatees, dolphins, and roseate spoonbills appear at every turn.
Activity · 3.8 hr5
Baker Park
A modern downtown park along the Gordon River with a pedestrian bridge, gardens, and a kayak launch linked to the greenway.
Park · 1 hr4.9
Keewaydin Island
An undeveloped boat-only barrier island of empty white sand, prime shelling, and a famous weekend sandbar gathering.
Beach · 4.5 hr4.9
Revs Institute
A world-class collection of over 100 historic race and sports cars, from early Porsches to Le Mans legends, in a sleek climate-controlled gallery.
Museum · 2 hr4.9
And 31 more, which the planner picks between based on your dates, pace and what you are into.
Worth knowing
- Naples beaches face west, so plan to be on the sand for the Gulf sunset, the signature daily ritual at the Pier and Vanderbilt Beach.
- Visit the Everglades, Big Cypress, and Corkscrew Swamp in the dry winter season when wildlife concentrates at waterholes and mosquitoes are minimal.
- A rental car is essential: the best beaches, preserves, and Marco Island are spread out and transit is limited.
- Beach parking fills early in season at popular spots like Clam Pass and Delnor-Wiggins, so arrive before mid-morning or use paid garages downtown.
- Pack reef-safe sunscreen, bug spray for swamp walks, and a light layer for cool, breezy winter evenings on the water.