Off-the-beaten-path experiences in FL Naples
When coming up with trip ideas for Naples FL, most people will probably think of going to places such as Naples Pier and various popular Naples beaches, which can be crowded with tourists.
But, alternative options are available outside mainstream tourism. If you’re someone who wants to venture off the beaten path, it is possible to discover many hidden gems in Naples FL where you can rediscover an authentic side to what can best be described as paradise on earth.
Whether you will be in Naples in Florida for just a little while or for an entire week, make sure that you visit these places.
Contents
Book Places to Stay in Naples
Explore the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
Visit the Naples Botanical Garden
Although Naples Botanical Garden FL, is one of the popular attractions in Naples, most visitors do not consider it when deciding where to explore.
Naples Botanical Garden Naples FL is a wonderful park that was launched in the year 2009, covering 170 acres of land featuring various types of gardens that imitate plants from different parts of the world.
For example, there is an area at Naples Botanical Garden Naples called Brazilian Garden showcasing Brazil’s lively atmosphere using bright plants and buildings. Equally attractive is the Naples Botanical Garden Asian Garden, which has impressive water features.
If your family plans to visit Naples in Florida, you must see the Naples Botanical Garden FL Children’s Garden, as it has been specially created for kids. The garden encourages children to learn more about nature by giving them things to touch, see or feel.
And an area where they can play around freely. Also worth visiting are Kapnick Brazilian Garden and Lea Asian Gardens each with a distinctive design and some selected species giving an insight into the plant life diversity within their geographical locations.
Given the garden’s incredible displays, it’s no wonder why visiting the Naples Botanical Garden Naples FL is one of the most popular activities in Naples.
Admire the car displays at The Revs Institute
One of the most exciting things to do in Florida Naples for car enthusiasts, is to admire the car displays at Revs Institute. This car museum in Naples, is one of the world’s best destinations to explore the history of automobiles, and learn about their innovation.
The Revs Institute has one of the most important car collections worldwide, that contains rare vehicles from over a hundred years. Among this unique car museum in Naples FL the collection features over 100 vintage race cars, classic luxury vehicles and groundbreaking prototypes located in FL Naples.
Gaze at iconic cars here at Revs Institute made by brands such as Ferrari, Porsche, Bugatti and Mercedes-Benz which define landmarks in manufacturing and performance. This special focus on education and research makes this car museum in Naples one of the highlights of your visit to FL Naples.
The Revs Institute allows you to understand technological advancements in automobiles and how they impact society.
This car museum in Naples FL provides guided visits as well as educational programs touching on aerodynamics, engine mechanics as well as automotive design principles which make them captivating for anyone interested in cars, regardless of age.
So, if you’re a car afficionado, admiring the car displays at Revs Institute is one of those activities in Naples you shouldn’t miss.
Shop at Third Street South Farmer's Market
If you’re bored and looking for stuff to do in Naples Florida, go food shopping at the farmers market at Third Street South. This unique market found at Third Street South Naples is unknown to many, as it is a hidden downtown and offers a pleasant experience among the lively surroundings of the city center.
Although there are plenty of great restaurants Naples FL here, the market is an ideal place to visit if you want to savor delectable local cuisine. It takes place every Saturday morning at 3rd St South Naples FL, offering different types of fresh food, artisanal products, and high-priced goodies.
So, on your trip to FL Naples, when you want to experience something new besides the beaches in Naples, have a walk along these stalls at Third Street South Naples Florida.
You will find your way through a colorful display of fruits and vegetables, organic meat and fish sourced from local farms, bread that smells freshly baked plus homemade jams and preserves.
As one of the most bustling attractions in Naples, the Third Street South Farmers Market is a fun place to observe locals go about their daily lives.
Here at Third Street South, you’ll also find stalls displaying an assortment of handcrafted items like ceramics, ornaments and art that showcase the Naples shopping experience while celebrating local craftsmen and producers.
The market at Third Street South Naples is one of the more unique attractions in Naples since it has a sense of community spirit. Feel free to talk to vendors and learn more about their offerings, including the opportunity to try some fresh produce.
As one of the top things to do in Naples, you could strike up a conversation with other local shoppers or travelers. The welcoming ambiance of the Third Street South Naples Florida market captures the uniqueness of the city.
The market’s location in the historic district of 3rd St South Naples FL, is also where you’ll be close to the top hotel Naples FL options. When staying in the Third Street South area, you can wander along the cute streets full of boutiques, Naples shops with colorful paintings on walls, and not to mention the great Naples bars!
Along with its charm, Third Street South Naples is also the place to find some of the best restaurants Naples FL has to offer.
Go kayaking at Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge
A haven for nature lovers, another undiscovered treasure in Naples FL, is Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge where you can get lost in the wilderness away from the crowds of FL Naples tourists.
With expansive mangrove forests, pristine coastal waters and estuaries it gives a feeling of untamed Florida. The Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge, is a paradise for outdoor adventurers located on the Gulf Coast just south of Naples in Florida.
As one of the best attractions in Naples the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge is also a habitat for fish, diverse bird species and wild animals. If looking for outdoorsy things to do in Florida Naples you should definitely visit the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge.
Rent kayaks or canoes, to explore the refuge’s maze of waterways. Aside from kayaking take advantage of the opportunities for hiking, birdwatching and other outdoor activities. There are a lot of walking paths that you can follow as you hike throughout the park.
Rangers are also available to provide insights into the ecology, and conservation. The site could be a valuable source of education for you, and especially good for families with curious kids.
A visit to the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge is definitely one of the best things to do in Naples, especially if you consider yourself a nature lover. What makes the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge unique is its secluded and wild character that provides a peaceful escape from busy urban living.
Whether by canoeing down mangrove-lined passages, watching dolphins playfully leaping above waters or just sitting quietly and reflecting on life’s pleasures, a visit to this sanctuary at Naples in Florida will leave you with great memories.
Take a boat trip to Keewaydin Island
One of the most well-known activities in Naples FL, is boating. Keewaydin Island FL, is among the best places to enjoy this activity. Accessible only by boat it is a haven for boat lovers, and those who are into nature with a unspoiled white sand Keewaydin Island Beach, and clear waters.
It’s an ideal place for relaxation, and adventure in FL Naples thanks to the Keewaydin Naples FL remote location. Boaters can just drop anchor close to the Keewaydin Island Beach shore then visit the areas for swimming, sunbathing or picnics.
The Gulf of Mexico surroundings offers great fishing spots, kayaking paths and paddleboarding sites that make you feel part of Southwest Florida’s nature. Dolphins, manatees, and various species of birds are some of the wildlife that can be found on Keewaydin Island.
The unspoiled landscape at Keewaydin Island FL provides a unique insight into what Florida Coastal ecosystem looks like, making it a great spot for animal lovers and photographers.
You will be able to spot beautiful sea shells littering its shores as well as occasional sea turtle nests reminding you about how important conservation efforts are done locally, as you take a walk along Keewaydin Island Beach.
Indeed, a boat trip to Keewaydin Island is definitely off the beaten path stuff to do in Naples Florida.
Check out the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
It is not completely off the beaten track but a visit to the Naples Zoo is one of the good things to do in Naples. Florida Naples Zoo has many animal exhibits and doubles up as a Naples botanical garden.
You can learn about wildlife conservation here at the Naples Zoo in Naples Florida, amidst beautiful plants that make you feel like you are touring a rainforest.
The Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens animal exhibits feature fascinating creatures such as lions, giraffes and cheetahs, and rarely seen species of animals like the Malayan tiger or Madagascar’s fossa.
The Primate Expedition Cruise is among the highlights of Naples Zoo which offers guided boat rides around islands where you will be able to get close to monkeys, lemurs, and apes in their natural habitats.
There are interactive Florida Naples Zoo programs and keeper talks that educate on wildlife preservation efforts besides exhibiting animals. Or take casual strolls in well-maintained gardens at Naples Zoo in Naples Florida with rare flora as well as century-aged trees.
Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens is well worth a visit for stuff to do in Naples Florida.
Hike at the Gordon River Greenway
The Gordon River Greenway is a perfect retreat from the busyness of urban life of Naples in Florida. With a lot of Naples greenery, Gordon River Greenway is a place to relax for a while, great for anyone who needs to be in a peaceful surrounding.
Hiking lovers are fond of this place because the unique Gordon River Greenway features approximately two-and-a-half-mile-long wooden walks and paths made of concrete materials winding in between dense mangroves as well as tall pine flatwoods near the scenic Gordon River.
Hiking at the Gordon River Greenway is one of the best nature things to do in Florida Naples. Gordon River Greenway features well-maintained trails in the park suitable for different physical fitness standards, including kids.
Also, some walkways are off the ground which gives you the chance to enjoy a panoramic view from above and also observe diverse wildlife. You could spot otters, turtles, and many unique bird species in their natural homes.
There are posters on the Gordon River Greenway trails that help you learn more about the local ecosystem and why it is important to protect these natural areas. As one of the lesser-known attractions in Naples, you can expect a calm atmosphere at the Gordon River Greenway.
It’s a great spot for families, solo Naples adventurers, and anyone looking to reconnect with nature. The Gordon River Greenway park showcases the natural beauty of FL Naples, giving a refreshing contrast to the city’s more popular Naples FL beaches and Naples attractions.
Go fishing at Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
An exciting stuff to do in Naples Florida, is to go fishing at Delnor Wiggins Pass. Situated on the Gulf of Mexico the beautiful Delnor Wiggins Beach Naples FL is a fun place for anglers of different abilities, to find great fishing spots here.
Delnor Wiggins Naples, has clear and calm waters home to various fish species making it a hotspot for a rewarding fishing experience. Despite being a popular place for fishing in FL Naples, only a few visitors would venture into Delnor Wiggins Pass State Park Naples.
Making it one of those off the beaten path activities in Naples. Located on the barrier island’s northern tip, the Delnor Wiggins Pass State Park provides access to the Cocohatchee River and the Gulf of Mexico.
As one of the top fishing spots in Naples in Florida, anglers can enjoy a lot of fishing possibilities due to the Delnor Wiggins Pass diverse characteristics. You can cast from the Delnor Wiggins Beach Naples FL shore, visit the inlet’s fishing spots, or walk through shallow sections.
The most often fish caught at Delnor Wiggins Naples are snook populations or red drum schools, plus flounder along with sea trout stocks. Fishing here at Delnor Wiggins Pass State Park Naples is great as the park houses well-maintained facilities.
Delnor Wiggins Pass State Park offers convenient parking, picnic areas, and restrooms. Adding to the overall experience is the natural beauty of Delnor Wiggins Pass, with its clear waters and scenic surroundings.
So, if you’re a fish angler and looking for things to do in Florida Naples, visit Delnor Wiggins Naples.
Discover history at Naples Depot Museum
History buffs looking for things to do in Naples, should visit the Naples museum. There are lots of great Naples Florida Museum to check out. For example, the Naples Depot Museum is a unique Naples museum.
The Naples Depot Museum, is the place to go to discover the rich history, and cultural heritage of the FL Naples. This Naples Florida Museum is beautifully situated in a restored train station from the 1920s and is one of the most historic attractions in Naples.
Discovering history at this Naples museum is certainly one of the unique things to do in Florida Naples. The displays featured at the Naples Depot Museum are of great interest.
Here, you can learn about the history of the railroad’s impact on the region, see old rail cars, and follow the development of transportation from the Native American canoe to today’s cars.
With engaging interactive displays and artifacts, you’ll witness the region’s past come alive through these displays at this Naples Florida Museum.
The FL Naples Depot Museum is packed with cool stuff to see like a fully restored passenger coach, a vintage baggage car, and a bunch of historic memorabilia that really bring the early 20th century to life.
This Naples museum also runs educational programs and special Naples events that dig deep into local history and culture. Visiting the Naples Depot Museum is one of the great educational stuff to do in Naples Florida.
This Naples museum is also an exciting way to get a fresh perspective on the history that shaped Naples FL.
Relax at Tin City
If you’re looking for relaxing things to do in Naples, visit Tin City Naples. Tin City Naples Florida, is a great spot for anyone wanting to see the calm, and quaint side of Naples beach town.
Situated by the Gordon River, Tin City is an old market area by the water, that brings the spirit of Old Naples Florida to life with its old, tin-top buildings and laidback vibe. Once a 1920s site for clam and oyster work Tin City Naples Florida is now a lively area for Naples shopping and restaurants Naples FL.
Tin City Naples hosts over 30 specialty stores, selling a mix of sea gifts, art from the FL Naples area, hand-made jewels, and beach style. Walking in Tin City will be one of the most relaxing things to do in Florida Naples, where you get to feel its old charm while finding unique finds.
Dining at Tin City Naples Florida is a highlight, as it’s home to some of the best restaurants Naples FL options. There are Naples waterfront restaurants serving up fresh Naples seafood and local delicacies.
Enjoying a meal on a Tin City Naples sunny deck overlooking the marina is one of the most peaceful things to do in Naples. The Riverwalk Restaurant and Pincher’s Crab Shack are local favorites, known for their delicious food and Tin City scenic views.
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Final thoughts on Naples in Florida off-the-beaten-path experiences
As you can see, there’s plenty to see and stuff to do in Naples Florida outside of the usual tourist attractions in Naples.
If you have already visited FL Naples many times, and would like to know more about some of its less famous things to do in Naples then the list above will come in handy. Getting away from the familiar, can make your Naples trip more enjoyable.
From the beautiful Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary to the bustling 3rd St South Naples FL Farmer’s Market, and the Naples Depot Museum, there are plenty of hidden spots for activities in Naples that many visitors know nothing about.
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One of the most exciting things to do in Florida Naples for car enthusiasts, is to admire the car displays at Revs Institute. This car museum in Naples, is one of the world’s best destinations to explore the history of automobiles, and learn about their innovation.
The Naples Depot Museum, is the place to go to discover the rich history, and cultural heritage of the FL Naples. This Naples Florida Museum is beautifully situated in a restored train station from the 1920s and is one of the most historic attractions in Naples.