Known for its stunning beaches, Naples presents a compelling destination for visitors along the Gulf of Mexico. Swimming, sunbathing, and aquatic adventures like kayaking and snorkeling are very popular. Naples is less than an hour’s drive from Everglades National Park, where families can observe alligators and indigenous species via airboat tours. Naples is home to a wide array of artistic and cultural havens, including galleries, theaters, and museums. With so many attractions in this city, we’re here to help with some recommendations for the best things to do in Naples.
Naples offers a mix of family-friendly fun, natural beauty, and cultural experiences. From water parks and beaches to gardens and historic districts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
1. Great Wolf Lodge: Naples Water Park Great Wolf Lodge Naples, opened in 2024, is the ideal family getaway. With its 91,000-square-foot indoor water park, themed attractions like a ropes course and arcade, and delicious dining, Great Wolf Lodge has incredible fun for kids of all ages. We hope to see you soon!
2. Naples Pier Located 10 miles from the Great Wolf Lodge Naples location, Naples Pier is famous for its beautiful beaches, scenic views, and fishing. Naples Pier has a rich history, dating back to 1888, making it an integral part of the area's heritage.
3. Naples Botanical Garden The Naples Botanical Garden is also a quick 10 miles from Great Wolf Lodge Naples. It offers visitors the opportunity to explore a diverse collection of beautiful gardens, each showcasing a variety of plant species from around the world.
4. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park Situated just 6 miles west of I-75 in North Naples, and 17 miles from Great Wolf Lodge, Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park rests on a barrier island along Florida's southwest shoreline. Swimming, paddle boarding, fishing, and bird-watching are all popular activities at this beach front park.
5. Lowdermilk Beach Lowdermilk Beach is a beautiful stretch of the Gulf coastline equipped with volleyball courts and great views. It’s a frequent family destination for a daytime excursion.
6. Clam Pass Park Clam Pass Park is a coastal recreational area featuring a stunning beach, tidal bay, and diverse natural landscapes, with opportunity for swimming, sunbathing, nature walks, and wildlife viewing.
7. Third Street South Third Street South is a vibrant and charming shopping and dining district in the heart of downtown Naples, Florida. Known for its historic ambiance and upscale offerings, Third Street South provides a unique blend of boutiques, galleries, restaurants, and entertainment options.
8. Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is a pristine and captivating natural preserve located in southwestern Florida, near Naples. Managed by the Audubon Society, this sanctuary is renowned for its exceptional biodiversity, unique habitats, and elevated boardwalk.
9. Everglades National Park Everglades National Park is a vast and iconic protected area located in southern Florida, encompassing a diverse range of ecosystems that are unique to the region. The park is recognized for its rich biodiversity, rare and endangered species, and the crucial role it plays in preserving the delicate balance of Florida's natural environment.
10. Visit Marco Island Marco Island offers a perfect day trip escape just 30 minutes south of Naples, featuring pristine white sand beaches, excellent shelling opportunities, and a more relaxed island atmosphere.
11. Naples Zoo Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens offers an intimate wildlife experience where families can encounter over 70 species of animals in a lush tropical setting featuring historic botanical gardens dating back to 1919.
12. Vanderbilt Beach This popular North Naples beach offers ample parking, restroom facilities, and calm waters ideal for swimming and kayaking. The nearby Ritz-Carlton Naples provides upscale dining at Gumbo Limbo and Artisans, while LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort offers beachfront luxury.
13. Barefoot Beach Preserve This 342-acre preserve protects one of the few remaining undeveloped barrier beaches in Southwest Florida, managed by Collier County Parks & Recreation. Nature trails wind through coastal vegetation to observation areas, while the beach provides critical nesting habitat for loggerhead sea turtles.
14. Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples This 30,000-square-foot interactive museum is devoted to children’s entertainment and is the perfect destination for kids when visiting Naples.
15. Naples Historic District Perfect for history buffs! Centered around the Naples Depot (1927) and featuring Mediterranean Revival architecture, this area includes the historic Naples Pier and the Palm Cottage, Naples' oldest house. The Historic Palm Cottage Museum on 12th Avenue South showcases local history, while the Naples Train Depot now serves as a community gathering space for events and farmers markets.
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THE RESORT AMENITIES
With our massive indoor water park, amazing attractions, complimentary daily events and activities, and delicious dining options, there’s no shortage of ways to play.
Naples, Florida is renowned for several distinctive attractions that make it an excellent destination for families staying at Great Wolf Lodge:
Pristine white sand beaches - Including the famous Naples Beach and Naples Pier
World-class golf courses - Over 80 championship courses earning it the "Golf Capital" nickname
Upscale shopping and dining - Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South districts
Stunning sunsets and shelling - Some of the best shell collecting in Southwest Florida
Fresh stone crab season - October through May for this local delicacy
Beautiful nature preserves - Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens and botanical gardens
Luxury resorts and spas - Creating the perfect complement to your Great Wolf Lodge water park adventures
What are the best things to do in Naples?
The top Naples attractions for families include:
Great Wolf Lodge’s indoor water park resort
Naples Beach and the iconic 1,000-foot Naples Pier
Dolphin watching tours from Naples Bay
Shelling at Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens with unique primate boat cruise
Naples Botanical Garden with themed collections and children's areas
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