Naples is known for its beaches. But, that’s not all it has to offer. Naples, Florida, is a place of clear turquoise-colored waters, lively wildlands, and luxurious vacation destinations. It’s a place people mostly visit with family. So this place has every kind of activity for people of all ages and tastes.
Mostly for people seeking adventure and excitement beyond the high-end shops, malls, and beaches. From kayaking through mangrove forests to uncovering the secrets of the past on historical tours, this city promises an unforgettable experience.
This guide dives into 4 epic things to do in Naples besides the beach. The list is full of things that will have you intrigued and your Instagram feed overflowing with stunning visuals.
Visit Naples Nature & Wildlife Areas
Naples boasts a wealth of natural beauty, and there's no better way to experience it than by getting to know the local flora and fauna. There are a wide variety of greeneries you can visit. Here are two options guaranteed to ignite your inner explorer:
Naples Botanical Garden
This area is a vibrant tapestry of over 1,000 plant species in this 170-acre paradise. They have twelve different gardens with twelve different themes. They arrange all of their activities related to the themes too.
The garden has sections like the Asian Garden, with its tranquil pagodas, and the Kapnick Brazilian Garden, a riot of colorful bromeliads and orchids. The Banyan Grove has trees that are almost five hundred years old.
The garden offers guided tours and a lot of educational courses. They also arrange yoga classes and many other exercises within nature, and even stargazing events are perfect for an evening under the stars.
Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
This 144,000-acre area is a haven for diverse wildlife. Hike along the boardwalk through the lush mangroves, spotting playful otters, majestic bald eagles, and a myriad of colorful birds. There are both outdoor and indoor activities to participate in the reserved mangrove with boat tours or go for a kayak tour. You can also go camping or hiking on the trails.
The Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center offers interactive exhibits and insightful programs indoors. You can learn about the area's ecological significance. Remember to visit their website, screenshot the maps, and read the guidelines.
There are a lot of other gardens and wildlife reservoirs other than Rookery Bay and Naples Botanical Garden. Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Gordon River Greenway, and Conservancy of Southwest Florida are a few of them.
You can ask hotel owners or locals for tour timing and prices all year round to get ideas too. Always converse with them about which season would be best to visit these gardens. Nature has its bloom all year round in Florida for you to find and enjoy.
Kayaking & Boat Tours in Naples
Naples' calm waterways provide the perfect setting for a kayaking or canoeing adventure. You will glide through the tranquil mangrove tunnels teeming with life and feel the Florida sun warm your skin. Here are two options for an unforgettable paddling experience:
Multiple companies in Naples offer kayak and canoe rentals, tours, and lessons for all skill levels. Highly rated options include Naples Outfitters, Paddle Naples, and Adventure Paddle Tours.
They all provide independent exploration tips, Paddle Naples offers guided tours, and Adventure Paddle Tours offers eco-friendly options. They also offer boat tours. The guides are very skilled in exploring local waterways.
These companies offer guided kayak tours also. is highly popular amongst tourists. Some popular tours are the Dolphin and Manatee Boat Tour in 10,000 Islands, Rookery Bay Beginner Kayak Tour, Manatees, Mangrove Tunnels Small Group Kayak Tour, etc.
Naples Water Tours
No trip to Naples is complete without experiencing its world-famous water tours. Here's how to make the most of the sparkling coastline:
Paddle & Surfing: Naples's calm waters are ideal for various water activities. Rent a stand-up paddleboard and test your balance while enjoying the stunning scenery. For the adventurous, try parasailing and soar high above the turquoise waters for breathtaking panoramic views.
Dolphin-Watching Tour: Experience Naples’s thrilling dolphin-watching tour. Many local companies offer boat tours specifically designed to spot these playful creatures in their natural habitat. Witnessing these intelligent mammals leaping and frolicking in the waves is an experience you won't soon forget.
Catch A Live Performance At Naples
Naples boasts a thriving arts scene. There are museums and theatres to visit if you want some nuance to your visit here. Check out the Naples Players for a captivating theatrical performance or head to Artis—Naples for a world-class concert or ballet.
Naples has a lively arts scene with lots of different things for people who like theater, classical music, and dance. Two well-known theater groups that put on different shows all year are The Naples Players (TNP) and Artis–Naples.
TNP has been around since 1953 and has high-quality productions with beautiful sets and local players. The Baker Museum and the Naples Philharmonic are both part of Artis—Naples, which is a major arts center. Both offer a wide range of activities.
Before planning the tours, be sure to sign up for Dana’s Guide to Naples. Here you can find all the right tips and tricks to make your Naples visit the best it can possibly be.