How to spend a weekend in Naples FL: Attractions in Naples to see

Who wouldn’t love spending a weekend in Naples in Florida when the city’s gorgeous streets are filled with a variety of Naples dining options and unique Naples stores to keep you occupied throughout your stay?

You’ll find many great hotels in Naples FL situated in the downtown Naples area that makes it great for short getaways. There are also many beautiful spots outside downtown Naples Florida where you can spend the weekend, away from the hustle and bustle.

In case you want to relax on the beach, you will find endless Naples Florida beach options. The best beaches in Naples have white sands and have lesser crowds compared to other areas in South Florida, such as Miami or Palm Beach.

That is why you can expect to have some quiet time alone at the Naples beach because these beaches Naples are not as congested as the more famous beaches during the peak season.

So, if you’re planning a FL Naples weekend getaway and need ideas for your itinerary, check these out below.

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Explore Naples Florida Pier

Spend a relaxing weekend afternoon soaking up the sun at Naples Pier Florida. This is, after all, the reason many would come to the Sunshine State. Expect to enjoy a quiet afternoon at the Naples Florida Pier since much of the coastline is privately owned.

You won’t find any big Naples Florida beach resorts here. So, lay out your towel, read a good book, and enjoy the serenity without feeling cramped. The vibe at Naples Pier Florida is so much different than the other beaches Naples.

Just note that you’ll only find bathrooms at the Naples Florida Pier, so you may want to stay a bit closer to the Naples Pier for a comfortable Naples beach day.

Even if you are unlicensed, you are allowed to fish from the Naples Florida Pier. It is good for beginners as well as professionals. The pristine white sandy beaches in Naples Pier Florida are also good for sunbathing, swimming and beachcombing.

And just a few steps away is the historic Third Street South and 5th Avenue Naples. Here, you will find the best Naples restaurants, fascinating Naples art galleries, and a great Naples shopping area. So, consider dropping by these places after a day spent at the Naples Florida Pier.

Sample local cuisine by dining Naples

You’ll find that one of the best things to do in Naples FL on a weekend is to enjoy the local cuisine. The local FL Naples food scene in this charming coastal town is pulsating with energy.

With numerous Naples FL restaurants, you will have an infinite selection of food items with various tastes, ensuring each dining Naples meal will be an unforgettable experience! It’s not a secret that this place has a lot of Naples FL seafood restaurants, where you can feast on oysters, scallops or clams.

Many of these Naples FL restaurants are in the downtown Naples area. Treat yourself to a serving of crab claws or perfectly grilled grouper. Or what about a rich, creamy bowl of clam chowder? Whatever local FL Naples dish you crave, you’ll find it at the best Naples restaurants.

After a sumptuous meal, don’t forget to visit the casual dining Naples eateries and busy markets. These places are great spots for desserts, including key lime pie, everyone’s favorite. You will also find excellent food offerings in places like the Third Street South and Naples Fifth Avenue.

It has some of the best Naples restaurants, including cozy Naples coffee shops, lively bars, upscale bistros, and a great Naples Florida night life here. Some of the best hotels in Naples FL here are also known to have excellent restaurants specializing in local delicacies.

Take kayak tours in Naples Florida

Are you someone who loves adventurous sports? Book kayak tours in Naples Florida, while on a weekend getaway in FL Naples for some fun. There are many great kayaking Naples Florida spots, so even if you are a beginner or an expert, you can find a place to go kayaking here.

If you’re a beginner, and prefer to kayak in calm waters, grab kayak rentals Naples Florida and head over to the Gordon River. The water is calm, winding through lush forests. And the best part of kayaking Naples Florida at the Gordon River is you could witness some unique wildlife.

Some of the Naples wildlife sightings include dolphins, manatees, and different birds. Thanks to Gordon River’s calm waters, anyone can enjoy kayak tours in Naples Florida here. If you have adventurous kids looking for things to do in Naples for the weekend, kayaking at the Gordon River is perfect.

Looking for alternative places for kayaking Naples Florida? Try the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. Kayaking in this vast reserve will take you to lush mangrove forests and protected waters.

As one of the most serene attractions in Naples, you will love kayaking in the reserve’s pristine and quiet environment. Want to learn more about the place and its unique ecosystem and inhabitants? Check out the guided kayak tours in Naples Florida!

Relax at the Botanical Garden Naples

If you have gotten tired after your kayaking Naples Florida adventures, visit the Naples Botanical Gardens. You will love relaxing in the Botanical Garden Naples serene environment. At 170 acres, there are many spots to relax in this lush and calm place.

Exploring the Naples Botanical Gardens is one of the most enjoyable Naples Florida things to do. Its vast collection of themed gardens is sure to delight you. Each theme at the Botanical Garden Naples represents various ecosystems worldwide.

As you walk around, you will find attractive Naples Botanical Gardens like the Brazilian Garden, Asian Garden, and Caribbean Garden. Stop by to check out the different plant and flower collections.

While it’s tempting to simply sit back and relax, feel free to take scenic hikes around the Botanical Garden Naples. It’s one of the best places to take scenic walks in FL Naples. Walk along the picturesque walking trails and stop by to admire the peaceful water features.

Relax at the shaded benches as you take in the peaceful surroundings. Do you love horticulture? Then the Naples Botanical Gardens is one of the top attractions Naples Florida you should not miss. You can also stumble upon Naples events and exhibits during your visit here.

Through these unique Botanical Garden Naples events, you will learn more about plant conversation and gardening practices. And if you’re a family with curious little kids, take them to the Children’s Garden. Exploring the Naples Botanical Gardens is one of the best things to do in Naples FL for kids.

Enjoy a scenic drive along Gulf Shore Boulevard

Do you love road trips? If so, there are many great car rentals in Naples FL. And once you have your Naples FL car rental, drive along the Gulf Shore Boulevard Naples. Along the way you will enjoy the stunning coastal views.

You will also see many beautiful places as you pass along the most elegant FL Naples neighborhoods. You’ll come across luxurious hotels in Naples FL, fancy Naples beach resort and some of Floridas impressive mansions.

What makes the Gulf Shore Boulevard drive spectacular is the views, which are very picturesque. There is a beautiful coastline along the Gulf Shore Boulevard Naples route so expect to see beautiful sunrises and a Naples Florida sunset!

To make the most of your road trip adventure consider stopping at the beautiful Naples Florida beach as you pass by. You can go for a walk, swim, or simply relax as you take in the best beaches in Naples views.

After your Gulf Shore Boulevard drive on your Naples FL car rental, stop by for a good meal at one of the top Naples FL restaurants. You can also stop at beautiful Naples parks like Lowdermilk Park and Clam Pass Park.

These are the perfect spots for enjoying picnics and relaxing strolls in Naples in Florida. Want to check out some of the best Naples FL shops? Check out the nearby Village Shops on Venetian Bay, which is one of the top Naples shopping area.

Take a Naples sunset cruise

If you prefer to explore Naples in Florida from the water, consider a sunset cruise Naples FL. Many of the Naples Florida beach resorts can arrange Naples sunset boat tours on your behalf. As you sail along the beautiful waters, witness the breathtaking scenery of a Gulf Coast sunset.

The Naples sunset cruise experience is best shared with the people you love, making it one of the things to do in Naples for honeymooners or friends. While cruising in FL Naples is fun any time of the day, you will have a more enjoyable experience taking a sunset cruise Naples FL.

That’s because you can witness the sky turning into beautiful colors. The gentle sea breeze and calm setting makes the Naples sunset boat tours experience even more romantic.

When booking a Naples sunset cruise, choose those that provide knowledgeable guides. Through these guides, you will learn interesting facts about Naples, including fascinating insights about the local marine life.

The most awaited part of your sunset cruise Naples FL is seeing dolphins playing in the water. Because of this, Naples sunset boat tours is also great Naples Florida things to do for families with kids.

Go shelling at Delnor Wiggins State Park

Are you looking for interesting things to do in Naples on your weekend visit? Consider shelling at Delnor Wiggins Park. It has many different shells that have been washed by waves from the Gulf Coast.

As a shell collector, the Delnor Wiggins State Park is one of those attractions in Naples you should check out on your weekend visit. See different kinds of shells in different colors and shapes, as you comb the shore of Delnor Wiggins Park.

Some famous ones include the colorful coquinas and delicate sand dollars. Due to the incredible variety, Delnor Wiggins State Park is considered a shell collector’s paradise in FL Naples. The best time to visit Delnor Wiggins Park for shelling is during a low tide or after a storm.

During this time, giant waves will send fresh shells towards the Delnor Wiggins State Park shore. While shelling is the main activity at Delnor Wiggins Park, you can also enjoy a picnic and barbecue.

And with plenty of hiking trails, you can go for a relaxing walk after you collect shells. The Delnor Wiggins State Park is also one of the top attractions Naples Florida for families who love to pick shells.

Relax on a Naples Florida beach

Craving a relaxing weekend in FL Naples? Visit the stunning beaches Naples! Of all the best beaches in Naples, Lowdermilk Park Naples Florida stands out. This Naples beach has everything you need for a memorable beach day out.

Here at this Naples Florida beach, you will find a playground for kids to play. You can also bond over food and drinks at the picnic area. This Naples beach has calm and shallow waters. It is because of this feature that Lowdermilk Park Naples has become one of the most family-friendly attractions in Naples.

A quieter and more laid-back alternative is the Clam Pass Park Naples. Because it is isolated, you can gain access to the Clam Pass Beach Park Naples by either walking on the scenic boardwalk or by taking a tram ride.

Due to the peaceful surroundings and gentle waves of this Naples beach, you can relax at Clam Pass Park Naples without tourist crowds bothering you. You can also enjoy great swimming and much sunbathing at Clam Pass Beach Park Naples.

Note that with its seclusion and no Naples FL restaurants nearby, it’s highly recommended to pack some snacks and refreshments. The beaches Naples are known for their wide sandy shores, perfect for long walks.

One of the best beaches in Naples for scenic walks is Vanderbilt Beach. This Naples Florida beach is also a popular spot for playing in the surf and watching dolphins. Some of the Naples Florida beach resorts have direct Naples beach access.

So, if you want to head straight to the beaches Naples as soon as you wake up, consider staying at a Naples beach resort.

Indulge in Naples Spa Treatments

Consider spoiling yourself in Naples FL spa treatments to relax after sightseeing in Naples FL. Many of the Naples spas, are housed in a luxurious Naples beach resort and will give you access to a swimming pool and sauna.

Check out their different Naples FL spa treatments to rejuvenate the mind and body. Some hotels in Naples FL offer packages that include discounted rates on certain spa treatments.

After visiting all of the Naples FL shops, your feet get tired and weary. In this case, you may want to consider a soothing foot massage. You can also try other treatments to relieve muscle tension, such as deep tissue massage. The gentle Swedish massage is also worth a try.

Aside from massages, some spas in downtown Naples Florida offer specialized treatments. You can find a Naples spa that offers facials, while others are known for offering body wraps. You will also find those that offer aromatherapy sessions.

At 5th Avenue Naples, you can find a Naples FL spa that offers the best facial treatments. They can tailor the treatment to your skin type to restore your natural glow.

So, if you are searching for any relaxing Naples Florida things to do before you take your flight at the Naples Airport Florida, you should indulge in Naples FL spa treatments and massages.

Try paddle boarding in Naples

Another exciting things to do in Naples is standup paddleboarding SUP. Naples paddle boarding is a lot of fun because you can have a full-body workout between dining in Naples. Most of the waterways here are calm and have clear waters.

So even if this is your first time paddle boarding in Naples you can still experience it safely, and enjoyably. If you want expert help, many Naples Florida beach resorts can arrange a guided SUP tour for you.

Since standup paddleboarding is one of the best things to do in Naples FL, you may enjoy Naples paddle boarding in several places. On the Gordon River, very popular for kayaking, you can enjoy uninterrupted paddle boarding in Naples. It’s not only peaceful, but also boasts rich wildlife.

When you’re paddle boarding in Naples, you may run into dolphins and manatees. Some other great paddleboarding spots can also be found outside of FL Naples. So consider booking car rentals in Naples FL, to allow you to drive to other unique paddleboarding spots in Southwest Florida.

The Ten Thousand Islands is approximately 20 miles southeast of Naples in Florida. Yet, your drive is really worth it because you can enjoy a more challenging, and enjoyable Naples paddle boarding experience.

If you dont have your own paddleboard, dont worry, there are plenty of paddle board rentals Naples FL spots that will hook you up.

Treat yourself to retail therapy

During your Naples vacation, you deserve a little bit of retail therapy. With a great Naples shopping area here and another unique Naples shopping area there, it can be confusing which to go to.

Be it charming local Naples FL shops specializing in local crafts and souvenirs, or high-end Naples boutiques with signature labels, FL Naples has endless shopping options. The most popular Naples shopping area can be found on Naples Fifth Avenue.

You will love the strolling experience along the busy 5th Avenue Naples street, which boasts a chic row of Naples FL shops, unique Naples art galleries, and some of the best Naples restaurants.

From stylish decors to unique jewelry pieces and high-end fashion, you will find them at Naples Fifth Avenue. This Naples shopping area is also known for its picturesque setting with beautifully landscaped sidewalks and European-style architecture.

While many of these shopping places are located in downtown Naples, you can also find downtown Naples Florida shopping destinations along the waterfront. The Village Shops on Venetian Bay, is known more for its scenic waterfront ambiance and extensive Naples shopping area choices.

As one of the best places for shopping Naples FL, Village Shops on Venetian Bay brags of a number of stalls and specialty boutiques. You will also find some hotels in Naples FL have their own retail shops from where you can enjoy last-minute shopping Naples FL before heading to Naples Airport Florida to take your flight back home.

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Final thoughts on spending a weekend in FL Naples

There are so many great things to do in Naples, and attractions Naples Florida to see, that a weekend might not be enough. But do not worry.

With just a weekend at hand, your visit to FL Naples should be well worth your trip.

With just two days, or a 3 day long weekend, you can most likely catch the main attractions in Naples starting from visiting the Naples Pier Florida, to going downtown Naples Florida shopping, and ending it off with a Naples sunset cruise.

So, if you are planning an escape to Naples in Florida for the weekend, our above list should come in handy.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can you walk on Naples Pier?

The Naples Pier Florida has been a popular destination for relaxation and excellent fishing activities since 1888. Fishing lovers consider it among the top attractions Naples Florida spots, which they visit whenever they come to the city of Naples in Florida. Even if you are unlicensed, you are allowed to fish from the Naples Florida Pier. It is good for beginners as well as professionals. The pristine white sandy beaches in Naples Pier Florida are also good for sunbathing, swimming and beachcombing.

What is Naples, FL known for food?

You’ll find that one of the best things to do in Naples FL on a weekend is to enjoy the local cuisine. The local FL Naples food scene in this charming coastal town is pulsating with energy. With numerous Naples FL restaurants, you will have an infinite selection of food items with various tastes, ensuring each dining Naples meal will be an unforgettable experience!

How big is the Naples Botanical Gardens?

At 170 acres, there are many spots to relax in this lush and calm place. Exploring the Naples Botanical Gardens is one of the most enjoyable Naples Florida things to do. Its vast collection of themed gardens is sure to delight you. Each theme at the Botanical Garden Naples represents various ecosystems worldwide.