25 Best Things to Do in Naples, Florida (A Local's Guide)
Planning a trip to Naples, Florida? You picked a great spot. Naples is known for powder-soft beaches, gorgeous sunsets, walkable downtown streets full of shops and restaurants, and easy access to some of the best nature in Southwest Florida. Our team at Electric Moped Tours shows visitors around downtown Naples every day, so we put together this local's guide to the best things to do in Naples, whether you're here for a weekend or a whole season.
Short on time? Our top 5 picks:
Sunset on Naples Beach
An evening stroll down Fifth Avenue South
Naples Botanical Garden
A dolphin or sunset cruise on Naples Bay
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Downtown Naples: Must-Do Experiences
1. Take a Guided Electric Moped Tour of Downtown Naples
The easiest way to get your bearings is to see the highlights all at once. Our 90-minute guided electric moped tour rolls past Fifth Avenue South, Third Street South, the beach and pier area and the beautiful homes of Port Royal, with a friendly local guide sharing stories along the way.
The electric mopeds are easy to ride and comfortable for all ages, from kids to grandparents. Tours start from the Experience Naples building at 1200 5th Avenue South.
Best for: First-time visitors, families and groups
2. Stroll Fifth Avenue South
Fifth Avenue South is the heart of downtown Naples. Palm-lined sidewalks lead you past boutiques, art galleries, cafes, gelato shops and outdoor dining. Come in the evening when the street comes alive with diners and music.
Best for: Shopping, dining and evening strolls
3. Shop and Dine on Third Street South
Third Street South is Naples' historic shopping district, with charming storefronts, courtyards and some of the city's favorite restaurants.
In season, the Third Street South Farmers Market runs on Saturday mornings from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m., with local produce, flowers and baked goods.
Best for: Brunch, boutiques and Saturday market mornings
4. Watch the Sunset on Naples Beach
Watching the sun sink into the Gulf is a nightly tradition in Naples. Pick any beach access along Gulf Shore Boulevard, bring a chair, and join the locals who gather to watch the sky change color. It's one of the best free things to do in Naples.
Best for: Couples, photographers and everyone
5. Check on the New Naples Pier
The historic Naples Pier is being rebuilt after Hurricane Ian. Construction began in January 2026 and the pier is closed during the project, which the City estimates will take about 18 months.
The beach next to it is still a beautiful place to walk, with access at the Broad Avenue South and 13th Avenue South beach ends. Check the City of Naples website for the latest updates.
Best for: Beach walkers and history fans
6. Explore Tin City and Naples Bay
Tin City is a waterfront collection of shops and restaurants on Naples Bay, built in old clam-shelling and oyster-processing buildings. It's a fun place to browse, grab seafood, and catch a boat tour.
Nearby, the Naples City Dock is a great spot to watch fishing boats come in.
Best for: Seafood lovers, souvenir shopping and boat tours
7. Relax in Cambier Park
Just a short walk from Fifth Avenue South, Cambier Park is a shady green space with a playground, tennis courts and an open lawn. It often hosts outdoor art shows and community events, so it's worth checking what's on during your visit.
Best for: Families with young kids and picnics
Beaches and Water Fun
8. Spend a Day at Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
This state park in North Naples has a wide, natural beach, shady picnic areas and great shelling and swimming. It's a favorite with families and photographers.
Best for: Swimming, shelling and nature lovers
9. Walk or Ride the Boardwalk at Clam Pass Park
Clam Pass Park has a boardwalk about three-quarters of a mile long through mangroves to a quiet white-sand beach. Don't want to walk? A free tram runs to the beach. Keep an eye out for birds, fish and butterflies along the way.
Best for: Easy nature walks and birdwatching
10. Hunt for Shells on Keewaydin Island
Keewaydin Island is a beautiful undeveloped barrier island south of Naples that you can only reach by boat. Its quiet beaches are famous for shelling. Book a shelling tour or water taxi to get there.
Best for: Shell collectors and adventure seekers
11. Take a Dolphin or Sunset Cruise
Boat tours leave from Naples Bay and nearby marinas, and dolphin sightings are common. A sunset cruise is an especially memorable way to end the day.
Best for: Families and wildlife lovers
12. Go Paddleboarding or Kayaking
Naples' calm bays and mangrove channels are perfect for stand-up paddleboarding and kayaking. Early mornings are usually calmest, and you might spot dolphins, manatees and wading birds.
Best for: Active travelers and early risers
13. Enjoy Lowdermilk Park
Lowdermilk Park is a popular beach park just north of downtown with picnic areas and plenty of room to spread out. It's an easy choice for families who want a full beach day.
Best for: Families and full beach days
Nature, Gardens and Wildlife
14. Visit Naples Botanical Garden
Naples Botanical Garden covers 170 acres, with themed gardens from Florida, Brazil and Asia, waterfalls, giant lily pads and a boardwalk where you may spot rare ghost orchids. Plan at least two to three hours.
Best for: Garden lovers and photographers
15. See the Animals at Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
Naples Zoo is home to giraffes, big cats, primates and more in a lush, historic garden setting. Don't miss the Primate Expedition Cruise, a boat ride past islands where monkeys and lemurs live.
Best for: Families with kids
16. Walk or Bike the Gordon River Greenway
The Gordon River Greenway is a park with more than two miles of paved paths and boardwalks through mangroves and wetlands. It has a kayak launch, fishing piers and a playground, and connects to Naples Zoo and the Conservancy of Southwest Florida.
Best for: Walkers, cyclists and kayakers
17. Learn at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida
The Conservancy's nature center is a great introduction to Southwest Florida wildlife, with exhibits, trails and a wildlife hospital that cares for injured animals.
Best for: Families and curious learners
18. Explore Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
Run by Audubon, Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary has a 2.25-mile boardwalk through one of the largest remaining old-growth bald cypress forests in North America. Bring binoculars for wading birds, alligators and orchids.
Best for: Birdwatchers and photographers
19. Visit Rookery Bay Reserve
Rookery Bay protects mangrove estuaries between Naples and Marco Island. Its Environmental Learning Center has hands-on exhibits about the area's coastal wildlife.
Best for: Families and nature lovers
20. Take an Airboat Ride in the Everglades
Naples is a gateway to the Everglades. A scenic drive southeast brings you to Everglades City, where airboat tours glide through the mangroves of the Ten Thousand Islands.
Best for: Thrill seekers and wildlife lovers
Family Fun and Rainy-Day Ideas
21. Make a Splash at Great Wolf Lodge Naples
Great Wolf Lodge Naples opened in 2024 as Florida's first Great Wolf Lodge, with a huge indoor water park, slides and family attractions. It's a great rainy-day option. Check their website for day pass availability.
Best for: Families with kids and rainy days
22. Play at the Golisano Children's Museum of Naples
Known as C'MON, this hands-on children's museum in North Collier Regional Park is packed with interactive exhibits for young kids.
Best for: Families with young children
23. Admire Classic Cars at the Revs Institute
The Revs Institute houses one of the most important collections of historic automobiles in the country. Visits are by advance reservation, so book ahead.
Best for: Car enthusiasts
24. See Art and Live Performances at Artis-Naples
Artis-Naples is home to The Baker Museum and the Naples Philharmonic. Check their calendar for exhibitions, concerts and shows during your stay.
Best for: Art and music lovers
25. Try a Trike, Segway or E-Bike Adventure
Want another fun way to explore? Along with electric moped tours, we also offer guided trike tours and Segway tours of Naples, plus bike tours and rentals. Find all the options on our Other Activities page.
Best for: Groups and adventurous visitors
Tips for Visiting Naples
Best time to visit: Winter and spring bring mild, sunny weather and the busiest season. Summer is hot and humid, with short afternoon thunderstorms.
Getting around: Downtown Naples is very walkable, and a guided tour is a fun way to see a lot in a short time.
Beach parking: Many beach accesses have paid parking, so arrive early on busy days.
Sun protection: The Florida sun is strong year-round. Bring sunscreen, a hat and plenty of water.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best thing to do in Naples for first-time visitors?
Start with a stroll down Fifth Avenue South and a sunset on the beach. For a quick overview of downtown, a 90-minute guided electric moped tour covers Fifth Avenue, Third Street South, the beach area and Port Royal in one easy ride.
What are fun things to do in Naples with kids?
Families love Naples Zoo, the Golisano Children's Museum, Great Wolf Lodge's indoor water park, Clam Pass Park's boardwalk and tram, and family-friendly tours like our electric moped tour.
Is the Naples Pier open?
The Naples Pier is closed while it is rebuilt after Hurricane Ian. Construction began in January 2026 and the City estimates about 18 months. The nearby beach is open.
What are the best free things to do in Naples?
Watching the sunset, walking Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South, relaxing on the beach and exploring the Gordon River Greenway are all free. Some beaches charge for parking.
Book Your Naples Tour
Ready to see the best of downtown Naples? Book your electric moped tour online or call us at 239-317-9558. We can't wait to show you around!
Some photos courtesy of Unsplash photographers, as credited above.
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