When choosing a destination for your summer vacation, you want a place that shields you from the scorching sun while allowing you to enjoy many outdoor activities.
While Naples is an excellent destination for Spring and Fall vacations, it's also ideal for summer holidays. Because summer is usually an off-peak season, you're most likely to experience the best of Naples, without the crowds.
So what makes Naples a great summer vacation destination? Here are the best Naples, Florida, summer activities.
1. Walk the Naples Pier
The historic Naples Pier provides stunning views of the Florida sunsets. It's an ideal place to visit during sunset and end your day. Walk the expansive Naples pier, enjoy the beautiful panoramic views, and even fish a little. There's plenty of space to cast lines and you don't need a fishing license.
Naples pier is also an excellent spot for birdwatching and dolphin spotting because it stretches approximately 1000 feet into the Gulf of Mexico.
2. Snorkeling at Delnor Wiggins Pass State Park
If you love getting into the waters, you might consider snorkeling at the Delnor Wiggins Pass State Park. It's one of the best beaches in South Florida and is located approximately 12 miles north of Old Naples. Delnor-Wiggins Pass has clear and serene waters and covers about 166 acres.
Aside from snorkeling, Delnor-Wiggins Pass is an ideal spot for kayaking and surf-fishing. In addition, the beach has picnic tables where you can relax and enjoy a meal. Other excellent facilities at the beach include bathrooms, parking, food stands, and beach rental equipment.
3. Explore the Naples Botanical Garden
Naples Botanical garden provides stunning views of flora (and even fauna), and it's an excellent spot for nature lovers. This 170-acre prominent garden paradise is four miles southeast of downtown Naples. The garden showcases more than 1000 different plant species.
Additionally, the garden paradise offers a unique learning opportunity. You can learn about the garden's research and conservation work, air plants, and more. Make sure that you make a trip to Fogg Cafe for garden-inspired dishes and seasonal favorites.
4. Visit the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
Naples prides itself on its renowned Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, ideal for nature lovers. The Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is home to a beautiful collection of endangered birds, otters, alligators, and 600-year-old trees.
You can take a self-guided tour on the boardwalk, cutting through the sanctuary to experience the old life of South Florida. According to recent visitors, it will take you approximately 3 hours to explore the sanctuary. In addition, there's a picnic area located in the parking lots.
5. Sun-n-Fun Lagoon
Fun always starts at Sun-N-Fun Lagoon, Collier County’s premier water park. With amenities such as four pools, a 1,250 ft lazy river, a lit splash playground or interactive water feature, five exciting water slides, and a concession stand there is fun for all ages here. If you want to experience family fun all year long, they offer annual passes for $195 per family (if you’re a Collier County resident) so you can bring the kids or grandkids anytime.
Naples is an excellent summer vacation destination with numerous outdoor activities and attractions. If you love the environment in Naples and want to consider moving here, we can help! Contact us today for more information on our custom luxury homes and communities.
