Things to do in Naples, FL
Rod and Gun Club360 Mamie St, Chokoloskee, (239) 695-2989
With this much history, there is no shortage of preserved spaces highlighting the origins of the town. One of the best of these is Everglades City and its neighboring areas. Visit the Everglades Rod and Gun Club for a trip into the early 1900’s Stuffed animals adorn the walls and dark hardwood floors, Tiffany lamps with stained-glass and fringed shades light up nautical antiques and wooden roll-top desks which hide old maps and hundred-year old newspaper clippings. Relax on the wide porch overlooking the Barron River or spend a day fishing and canoeing deep into the 10000 Islands area of the Everglades. While Everglades City and Immokalee perfectly preserve the county's natural wonders, Chokoloskee and Ochopee in Collier County keep local history alive with quaint landmarks. See Ochopee's Post Office, the smallest in the U.S or the Historic Smallwood Store in Chokoloskee to view artifacts from Florida’s pioneer history.
Tigertail Public Beach430 Hernando Dr, Marco Island, FL 34145, (239) 252-4000
The first thing to do when you get to Naples is cruise down the palm tree lined streets to the closest beach to take in a deep breath of salt air and sink your toes into the soft white sand. Naples beaches consistently rank among the best beaches in the world. All of the beaches offer public access with no bridges to cross and very little traffic. All of the beaches in Naples are incredible, featuring soft white sand and the clearest blue waters, but these are our two favourites. Tigertail Public Beach is one of the most popular spots on Marco Island and one of the best beaches in Naples, Florida. The tidal pools are full of fish and sea life and you can swim out to Sand Dollar Island, once an offshore sandbar. Tigertail Public Beach has boardwalks, a bathhouse, showers, restrooms, a playground, small concession and rental stand, as well as a butterfly garden. Our other favorite spot is Lowdermilk Park, a hot spot for visitors and locals alike. There are plenty of picnic tables for family or group get togethers, a playground for kids, a volleyball court and even a duck pond. At the end of the day it's an ideal place to watch the sunset.
Cruisin Tikis2891 Bayview Dr, Naples, FL 34112, (239) 734-0670
What is better than seeing some of the scenery in and around the waterways and inlets of Naples? Seeing them from your seat at the bar of course...Cruisin Tikis is the newest way to travel around the waterways while sipping your favourite cocktails or brews. The most photographed boats on the waterways launch from the Three60 Market Restaurant Dock on Haldeman’s Creek near Celebration Park. Bring your own food and drinks or order from Three60 Market or Dilly's Seafood who both deliver to the boat before your arrival. Then sit at your own personal bar while cruising Naples Bay and the back canals of Port Royal, Aqua Shore Lanes and Royal Harbor by Tin City. Each Tiki can accommodate up to 6 people and for larger groups, the boats cruise together and link via a walkway. Definitely a must-do when in Naples.
Mercato9132 Strada Place, Suite 215 Naples, FL (239) 254-1080
Naples’ laid back lifestyle extends to it’s shopping centres, where chic boutiques and high-end luxury stores share space with trendy bars and restaurants. One of the best spots to do a bit of vacation shopping is Mercato with over 20 upscale retailers. Whether shopping for an anniversary gift or getting a new set of golf clubs, Mercato has the perfect mix of stores for any buyers’ needs. The centre hosts a vibrant year-round event calendar with most events free and open to the public. On the first Thursday of every month, the centre hosts free open air concerts in every genre, from bluegrass to blues, rockabilly to country, and alternative to classic rock. Every third Tuesday, bring a blanket or lawn chairs and enjoy a free film on the lawn across from The Pub and Yogurbella. Film selections shown on the giant inflatable screen range from classics to animated favorites.
Cavo Lounge9108 Strada Place Suite 14120, Naples, (239) 431-8706
While at Mercato, pop into Cavo Lounge, one of the city’s most iconic restaurants/nightclubs that offers some entertaining Drag show brunches and Girls Night out Specials. The elegant lounge atmosphere and crafted cocktails ensure that patrons are comfortable and well looked after. Cavo specialises in small plates which makes it ideal for groups sharing a tasting menu. Sit out on the patio and order the gyros (both chicken and beef are incredible), the zucchini chips and the chef’s special sliders for the table. Wash it all down with some of the best cocktails in town. Happy hour is twice a day seven days a week and makes this one of the most affordable eateries in town. Hang around for the late night entertainment seven nights a week. Cavo Lounge hosts a tea dance/Drag Brunch 2 to 8 p.m. every third Sunday of the month and they are well worth attending. There's a special brunch menu, including steak and eggs Benedict, baked frittata, and French toast with saffron and lemon maple syrup.
Celebration Park Naples2880 Becca Ave, Naples, (239) 316-7253
Local entrepreneur Rebecca Maddox, sparked a wave of revitalization along Bayshore Drive and her latest endeavour has lined up eight independently owned food trucks along a sidewalk leading to a full service bar. There’s live music, yard games and picnic tables, but the stars of the show are the trucks serving everything from curry to pizza, seafood to beignets. Try Beer-battered sheepshead smothered in a creamy mustard tartar sauce from Dilly’s Seafood where it’s so fresh, it’s probably still swimming, or sample a burger topped with applewood bacon, sauteed mushrooms, Wisconsin cheddar and fig goat cheese from Gigi Gourmet. Red’s does 10 inch pies right next door to Nawty Hogg’s classically good barbecue with all the fixings. End off your meal at Dutchkins, serving powdered sugar beignets and traditional Dutch poffers with mouthwatering fillings and glazes. It’s a food-lovers dream and weight-watchers nightmare!
