Looking for the best things to do in Naples, Florida? Whether you’re planning a vacation, scouting neighborhoods before a move, or living here and wanting fresh ideas, this local’s guide breaks down the beaches, dining, arts, nature, shopping, and hidden gems that define Naples. As a trusted advisor to buyers, sellers, and investors, Hari Pallempati at Hari Pallempati | WATERSEDGE REALTY GROUP, LLC curates not just homes—but lifestyles. Use this guide to explore how your favorite things to do in Naples, Florida align with the neighborhood that fits you best.
Top Waterfront Things to Do in Naples, Florida
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Naples Pier: A must for first-time visitors and a favorite for locals, the iconic Naples Pier is famous for sunset views, dolphin sightings, and pelicans gliding over emerald water. A helpful tip: you can fish from the pier without a personal license because it’s covered by a blanket license. Bring a camera—sunset color here can be spectacular after a late-afternoon shower.
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Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park: Known for its pristine coastline and nature trails, this North Naples beach is perfect for swimming, shelling, and picnics under Australian pines. The water near the pass can be especially clear on calm days—great for snorkeling.
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Clam Pass Park: Access the beach via a scenic boardwalk through mangroves or hop the tram. Rent a kayak or paddleboard and explore the calm backwaters before ending the morning with a beach stroll.
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Vanderbilt Beach & The Turtle Club shoreline: Popular and lively, this area blends soft sand with easy access to dining. It’s a classic toes-in-the-sand experience with upscale amenities nearby.
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Lowdermilk Park: Family-friendly with gazebos, playgrounds, and volleyball courts. Ideal for casual afternoons that turn into sunset walks.
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Keewaydin Island: For a castaway vibe, take a boat or water shuttle to this undeveloped barrier island. The shelling can be fantastic after strong onshore winds.
Insider tip from Hari: Many neighborhoods have beach access perks. The Moorings offers a private beach park; Pelican Bay residents enjoy beach trams to private beach clubs; Park Shore combines beach access with bayfront boating. Loving the beach lifestyle? Let’s map your favorite shoreline to the right community.
Culture, Arts, and Museums: Elevated Things to Do in Naples
Naples’ arts scene punches above its weight.
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Artis—Naples & The Baker Museum: World-class performances and a respected art museum anchor the cultural calendar. Expect traveling exhibitions, symphony, and headline shows—particularly lively during season (winter to spring).
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The Naples Players at Sugden Community Theatre: A walkable experience off Fifth Avenue South featuring high-quality community theater in a charming downtown setting.
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Revs Institute: A standout for automotive history lovers, showcasing meticulously preserved, historically significant cars in museum-quality detail.
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Galleries on Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South: Stroll both districts for monthly events, live music nights in season, and rotating art openings that make evening walks feel like a celebration.
Insider tip from Hari: If you crave a walk-to-everything arts lifestyle, Olde Naples places you steps from theaters, galleries, and dining, with Cambier Park concerts rounding out the experience.
Nature and Eco-Adventures: Wild Things to Do Around Naples
Naples is winter home to countless migratory birds and year-round dolphins and manatees. You’ll find lush gardens and protected preserves just minutes from the beach.
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Naples Botanical Garden: A serene 170-acre wonder with themed gardens and seasonal exhibitions. It’s a go-to for family photos, peaceful walks, and inspiration for outdoor spaces.
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Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve: Kayak through mangrove tunnels, spot ospreys and herons, and learn about the ecology that protects our coastline.
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Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary: A boardwalk through old-growth cypress forest, with orchids, wood storks, and the rare ghost orchid during bloom years. Mornings are best for wildlife.
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Gordon River Greenway: A beautiful boardwalk and paved path near the zoo, perfect for biking, jogging, or birdwatching along the river’s edge.
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Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens: Historic botanical grounds meet animal encounters—easy to pair with the Greenway for a full day outdoors.
Insider tip from Hari: If you love kayaks and nature views from your backyard, explore Isles of Collier Preserve for its kayak launches and trails, or Golden Gate Estates for space, privacy, and room for toys and gardens.
Family-Friendly Things to Do in Naples, Florida
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Sun-N-Fun Lagoon: A family favorite water park with slides, a lazy river, and splash zones—great for warm months.
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Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples (C’MON): Interactive exhibits designed for play-based learning; pair it with a beach day for an unforgettable weekend.
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Coral Cay Adventure Golf: Classic mini-golf fun, perfect before or after a casual dinner.
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Cambier Park: Playgrounds, tennis courts, and live events—and it’s steps from downtown ice cream and pizza. In season, you’ll find outdoor concerts and community gatherings.
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Third Street South Farmers Market (Saturdays): Meet local growers and artisans and enjoy breakfast while you browse. Kids love the dogs, music, and fresh baked goods.
Dining and Nightlife: Where to Eat and Sip in Naples
From white tablecloths to food truck fun, Naples dining is diverse and delicious.
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Waterfront and beach dining: The Turtle Club for toes-in-the-sand elegance; The Dock at Crayton Cove for seafood and harbor views; restaurants along Venetian Village for sunset over the bay.
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Downtown Naples favorites: Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South are packed with standout spots. Try Campiello for Italian in a stylish courtyard, Sea Salt for innovative coastal cuisine, Truluck’s for seafood and steaks, and The Continental for craft cocktails and steakhouse flair. Bar Tulia brings energy to both day and night with creative small plates.
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Food truck fun: Celebration Park in East Naples lines a waterfront deck with rotating kitchens—great for groups and casual nights.
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Craft breweries: Naples Beach Brewery and Riptide Brewing pour local beers perfect after a day at the beach or on the trail.
Insider tip from Hari: If walkable dining is a must, Olde Naples, Bayfront, and The Village Shops on Venetian Bay deliver extraordinary convenience. Prefer a lively, modern night scene? Consider North Naples communities near Mercato.
Shopping, Markets, and Strolls
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Fifth Avenue South: Elegant boutiques, art, and dining under twinkling lights.
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Third Street South: Garden-lined streets, charming courtyards, and upscale shops near the beach and the historic Naples Pier area.
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Waterside Shops: Luxury brands set in an open-air, fountain-filled environment.
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The Village Shops on Venetian Bay: Fashion and jewelry with romantic waterfront backdrops.
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Mercato: A lively mix of shopping, dining, cinema, and nightlife—an easy place to park once and explore.
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Vanderbilt and Third Street South farmers markets: Pick up local produce, flowers, and prepared foods while connecting with the community.
Golf, Pickleball, and Active Living
Naples is an all-star destination for golf and racquet sports.
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Golf: Tiburón Golf Club hosts a nationally televised tour event and offers a premium golf experience. Public-access options like Lely Resort’s Flamingo and Mustang courses are favorites. There are dozens of private clubs—each with its own membership style, course character, and social scene.
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Pickleball: East Naples Community Park is renowned as the home of a major pickleball championship, with dozens of courts and a friendly, competitive community.
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Tennis and fitness: From neighborhood courts to club memberships, fitness-forward living is easy to find, whether you prefer boutique studios, nature trails, or beach runs.
Insider tip from Hari: Membership types vary widely. Some communities offer bundled golf with homeownership; others are non-bundled and optional. If golf, tennis, or pickleball is central to your lifestyle, Hari can narrow the communities that align with how—and how often—you play.
Free and Relaxing Things to Do in Naples, Florida
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Sunset at Naples Pier: The quintessential free Naples experience.
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Beachcombing at dawn: Quiet sand, soft light, and excellent shells after a breezy night.
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Gallery nights and seasonal street music: In season, both Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South host lively evenings with performances and specials.
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Parks and preserves: Many trails and boardwalks are free or low cost—perfect for daily wellness.
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Window shopping: Stroll Waterside Shops or The Village Shops on Venetian Bay for inspiration.
Day Trips and Nearby Adventures
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Everglades City and Chokoloskee: Airboat rides, seafood shacks, and the wild beauty of the Ten Thousand Islands.
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Marco Island: Wide beaches and boat charters offering shelling and dolphin tours.
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Barefoot Beach Preserve (Bonita Springs): A protected beach just north of Naples with gentle waves, often calm and clear, and great for wildlife watching.
Matching Your Favorite Naples Things to Do with the Right Neighborhood
One of the biggest values Hari Pallempati brings is translating your lifestyle into a smart real estate decision. Here’s a quick way to align your favorite things to do in Naples, Florida with communities that fit:
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Love walking to dinner, theater, and the beach? Olde Naples, Aqualane Shores, and parts of The Moorings deliver high walkability and charm.
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Want private beach clubs and resort-style amenities? Pelican Bay is unmatched for tram-served beach access and social infrastructure. Park Shore blends beach and boating with shopping along Venetian Village.
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Boating and bay views your priority? Park Shore, The Moorings, and waterfront pockets around Naples Bay and Royal Harbor are excellent for boaters.
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Golf-first living? Grey Oaks, Tiburón-area options, The Vineyards, Quail West, and Lely Resort each offer distinct golf experiences with varying membership structures.
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Nature-focused new construction and active amenities? Isles of Collier Preserve, Naples Reserve, and newer East Naples communities offer trails, kayak launches, and modern clubhouse living.
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Room to spread out? Golden Gate Estates provides acreage, space for workshops, gardens, and RVs while still being a straight shot to beaches and downtown.
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Investment-minded? Consider condo-hotels and lock-and-leave condos near downtown, Bayfront, or North Naples for seasonal demand. Hari can advise on rental policies, HOA rules, and projections.
Seasonal Events to Put on Your Naples Calendar
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Naples Winter Wine Festival: A marquee charity event attracting international attention.
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Naples International Film Festival: Screenings and events that energize the arts community.
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Cars on 5th: A jaw-dropping supercar and classic car showcase downtown.
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Stone Crab Festival: Celebrating a Gulf Coast favorite when the season kicks off.
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Holiday lights and New Year’s fireworks on the beach: Magical evenings under palm-framed skies.
Work with a Local Expert Who Lives the Naples Lifestyle
The best list of things to do in Naples, Florida is more than a travel agenda—it’s a blueprint for the way you want to live. As your trusted advisor at Hari Pallempati | WATERSEDGE REALTY GROUP, LLC, Hari blends market expertise with neighborhood nuance:
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Lifestyle-first home search: Start with your must-have activities, from beach walks and boat days to gallery nights and pickleball. Hari narrows the communities that deliver.
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Deep local insights: From beach access and boating regulations to membership costs and HOA rules, expect clear answers that save time and money.
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Investor clarity: Rental timelines, community restrictions, and seasonal demand—translated into practical guidance for returns and holding strategies.
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Negotiation and due diligence: From inspection surprises to condo assessments, Hari’s process protects your goals and your budget.
When you’re ready to tour neighborhoods, discover off-market opportunities, or simply ask a few questions about schools, commutes, or beach access, connect with Hari Pallempati. Your Naples story should feel effortless from day one—and it starts with the right guide.
Whether you’re catching the perfect sunset at the Naples Pier, kayaking through mangrove tunnels at Clam Pass, enjoying a performance at Artis—Naples, or exploring galleries and bistros downtown, the best things to do in Naples, Florida are always just around the corner. Let’s align those experiences with a home that makes every day feel like vacation.
