Along with the regular touristy things, there are lots of unique things to do in Naples Florida also. This quaint little city is surrounded by incredible landscapes and fun attractions that everyone will love.
Whether you like shopping on the waterfront, learning about history, or hiking miles of trails while spotting wildlife, there are multiple options in and around Naples FL for you. You can’t forget the plethora of beachy and water activities here on the beautiful Gulf of Mexico, with options from boat trips to tons of beaches.
Naples just has a charm that brings people back again and again. The Mediterranean architecture is just as alluring as the pristine blue water, and with all these Naples attractions no one could ever get bored.
Unique Things to Do in Naples Florida
Here are some of the MOST unique things to do in Napes Florida that you can’t find anywhere else – the more offbeat attractions and things that can only be found here. If you love Florida and unique places, save these articles for your trip also:
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Manatee + Wilflide Sightseeing Tour
If seeing a manatee isn’t one of the most unique things to do in Napes Florida, I don’t know what is! These mysterious creatures often hang out off the coast of Naples in the Gulf of Mexico.
They are slow and gentle and often known as ‘sea cows’ because of their demeanor. Many people see manatees on these tours, but even if you don’t, you will probably see some playful bottlenose dolphins and DEFINITELY see some incredible views.
Visit the Revs Institute for the Incredible Car Collection
The Revs Institute is home to one of the most impressive historic car collections in the whole world! With 4 exhibits over 3 floors and over 100 vintage cars from the last century (starting from 1896), this museum tends to be amazing both for car lovers and even people who don’t know much about them.
The cars are all kept in working order by experts, and there are no barriers so you can get up close and personal. The institute is also educational in that one can learn tons about how the manufacture of cars changed over time.
Tin City
Tin City is definitely the most unique place to shop in Naples Florida. It’s like a boho riverside outdoor mall slash boardwalk where everything is brightly colored, and absolutely NONE of the shops are chains – they’re all unique local artisans doing their thing.
Peruse through the 30+ shops here from wine to crafts to shells to jewelry, and grab an iced cream or dine at a restaurant on the river.
Try Fruit Wines at Naples Winery
Have you ever tried wines made from different fruits than just grapes?! That’s exactly what you can do at Naples Winery, a winery that makes wine from all the other fruits you can think of! Try honeydew, orange, passionfruit, guava, banana, kiwi, watermelon, grapefruit, blueberry, cherry, and even MORE wine bottles with colorful fun labels.
They offer daily tastings of something totally unique to the area and different than you can find elsewhere – one of the cheap fun things to do in Naples. And it is also inside Tin City shopping Center (above). So what are you waiting for?
The Naples Depot + Train Museum
The Naples Depot Museum and the Train Museum are fascinating historic train-focused exhibits inside an old 1920’s train depot just outside of town. The museum has tons of unique exhibits that delve into the history of the area in ways you may not have thought imaginable, from native American dugout canoes to vintage cars to a swamp buggy.
The train museum is full of fascinating model trains through the ages. You can learn about the golden era of railroads in the area and the different types of trains that ran through the ages.
Naples Scavenger Hunt Tours
That’s right – there are actually multiple different kinds of scavenger hunt tours in Naples that are fun for the whole group! What could be more fun and unique than solving puzzles while exploring the city?
The best ones are the Naples treasure hunt and the Zombie Scavenger Hunt, in which you try to ‘survive a zombie apocalypse’ with your group. Being a zombie in the streets is surely one of the funky things to do in Naples! 😛
Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge
Did you know that there’s a native Florida panther? This National Wildlife Refuge protects the original habitat for these beautiful animals, who bounced back from the brink of extinction.
The wildlife refuge is not only home to panthers, however. You can find alligators, bison, many birds, insects, and more here. When you visit, you can hike different trails, observe wildlife, and explore wildlife photography too.
Cruisin Tikis
Cruisin Tikis is a brand that has taken off all over Florida’s coast, and rightfully so. What could be more fun than hopping on a floating tiki bar for a sunset cruise with all your fun friends?! Nothing, that’s what. Check out Cruisin Tikis Naples to book your evening booze cruise.
Rent or Charter a Boat for the Day
If you want a truly unique activity in Naples Florida, then choose your own adventure! Rather than jumping on a tour, why not rent your own boat and sail a completely unique route of your choosing?
There are dozens of boat rental companies in Naples, and for most of them, you don’t have to be a licensed captain. Rent anything from a fishing boat to a slow pontoon and explore the coast or even the ten thousand islands.
Naples Historic Palm Cottage
If you’re into interesting history, why not check out the actual oldest house in Naples? Built in 1895, the Naples Historic Palm Cottage is very well maintained and managed by the Naples historic society.
It’s directly across from the Naples Pier, which is another of the top things to do in Naples. The cottage is open Tuesday to Saturday for tours and has some fun facts to learn about the cottage and area.
Naples Segway Tour
Don’t opt for a normal tour, opt for a unique tour… by segway! If you have never taken a segway tour before (or even ridden a segway) why not jump on one as a fun way to explore Naples?
If you have ever been here before, doing a tour of the area is a must. Segways are less effort than bikes and provide a lovely breeze on your face as you cruise, learn, and enjoy!
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary Boardwalk Trails
The Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is the perfect place to experience native Everglades flora + fauna 30 minutes from Naples. The sanctuary has a 2.5-mile raised boardwalk where you can explore different ecosystems such as woods, prairie, and marsh in one walk.
Look out for lots of native wildlife, too – originally meant to preserve the trees, this sanctuary is now also home to alligators, red-bellied turtles, many different birds (it’s perfect for birding), and more.
Scenic Flight over Naples
If a normal tour is too ‘normal,’ why not a tour from the sky? The best views of anything are from the sky, and the views of the Florida coastline, everglades, swamps, and tropical islands from the sky are INCREDIBLE.
As Naples airport is very close to the city, it’s actually very convenient to jump on a scenic flight on a small prop plane. There are a few seaplane companies online too, but recently there was a great Groupon deal for a scenic flight:
Skunk Ape Headquarters
This place is definitely one of the most unique things to do in Naples Florida, but I personally might go with STRANGE! See, there has been a rumor floating around the Everglades for over a century that there’s a strange, large creature as tall as a man but with a smell like a skunk. So the skunk ape theory was born… and so was the research center to study/find it.
Now it’s somewhat of a serious joke (not sure which) but the headquarters has all kinds of merch, tours, camping, and more to show. It’s definitely unique!
Do an Escape Room
For something that’s definitely different, try an escape room game with the whole group/family. There are some escape rooms quite close to Naples, such as the Xtreme Escape Game in Marco Island or the Tropic Escape Room in Bonita Springs. See if you can crack the code! Here are the best escape rooms around Naples.
Sun n Fun Lagoon
Water Parks are fun for all ages, and there’s a great one just outside of north Naples! The Sun n Fun Lagoon is great for a full-day activity with tons of water slides, pools, and a lazy river. There are locker rooms, changing rooms, seating, and restaurants so you can keep having fun all day!
Celebration Food Truck Park
There is a permanent food truck installment at Celebration park, and going here is the perfect offbeat activity in Naples away from the fancy restaurants. There are usually between 6 and 12 food trucks here, some longer than others and all serving different kinds of food.
Dine under the fairy-lit tent or play cornhole with your friends while sipping on drinks from the bar!
Go Shelling!
Shelling is one of the most unique things to do in Napes Florida that you wouldn’t normally do on a vacation! You can take a tour or simply head to some popular beaches like Clam Pass or Keewaydin Island for some of the best shelling in Naples.
My favorite tour is the eco-tour below that travels to the white sand shores of Keewaydin Island for shelling that is respectful of the environment and not wasteful. Take some amazing shells home with you to remind you of your trip, and you can also watch out for manatees and dolphins.
Swamp Buggy Races
If you’re in Naples at the right time of year, you cannot miss the Swamp Buggy Races that happen a few times a year at the Florida Sports Park. The races entail using modified or homemade ‘swamp buggies’ (vehicles that were invented to navigate the bogs and shallow waters of the Everglades) to race through shallow water in front of a crowd.
The ones used d in the races are no longer practical swamp buggies – today, they’re fast, loud, silly-looking adaptations for the race that has been part of the culture here for over 70 years. The prize today is no longer a shotgun, however, it’s a good chunk of money!
Stone Crab Festival
The Stone Crab Festival is a true Naples tradition each October during the stone crab season. Held at Tin City, this is a food, drink, and music festival celebrating tons of seafood (especially stone crabs of course) and with a musical lineup right in downtown Naples. If you are around during this time, it’s a must!
Naples Pub Crawl
There’s definitely a nightlife scene in Naples FL, and one of the best ways to experience it is doing a pub crawl through some of the best venues all in one night!
The most popular (and maybe only) Naples pub crawl is a self-led scavenger hunt pub crawl by Let’s Roam. It works with an app you must download and then follow certain funny and boozy challenges around town. Check it out below!
Experience the Naples Art Scene
There’s quite the art scene in Naples, from the grungy to the high end. Explore the streets of old Naples for incredible hidden street art around every corner, and visit some art museums like the Baker Museum at Artis Naples or art galleries all around the town. The Naples Art Association puts on different exhibits and galleries all year round, too.
The Naples Players at Sugden Community Theatre
For something a bit different than hitting the bars, check out some live performances at Sugden Community Theatre. Here ‘The Naples Players’ put on over a dozen shows a year, from musicals to plays to comedy. There’s usually something going on 4 nights a week – check the upcoming events here.
Nike Missile Site HM-69
This is definitely a bit farther outside Naples and better for the true history buffs, but many find it fascinating that the Cuban Missile Crisis/Cold War ground zero is right here in South Florida. The Nike Missile Site is a missile base left from the Cold War that still has preserved houses and headquarters from the era that remain unchanged.
Matlacha Village
Matlacha Village is also a bit outside Naples but worth visiting for something totally unique to do. This tiny island village is 100% colorful and artsy, with brightly colored houses, art shops, murals, and everything vibrant and wonderful going on.
There’s a tiny home village where you can choose which home to stay in based on the color and theme. It’s a great next stop after Naples, or a day trip from Naples for some fun photos, food, and shopping.
Cape Romano + Dome Houses
Cape Romano is the protecting Cape on the outside of the famous Ten-Thousand Islands and is home to many great sights/
This area USED TO BE home to one of the most unique things to see in Naples Florida: abandoned white dome houses that were slowly being enveloped by the sea. These domes were built by millionaire Bob Lee ‘to withstand hurricanes’ but were abandoned after the beach they were on eroded in the 90s.
They stood on stilts about 100m out to sea, but unfortunately in 2022, hurricane Ian took them to their final watery resting place. Now you can only see some stilts and maybe the top of a dome on a Cape Romano boat tour.
Other Fun Things to Do in Naples Florida You Can’t Forget
Head to the Beach
There, I said it! One of the most obvious things to do in Naples Florida – BEACH IT! There are beaches along the whole coast, and the most popular ones are Naples Beach and Lowdermilk Park.
Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
The Naples Zoo is quite unique because it’s situated in a historic 1919 tropical garden that provides an extra atmosphere to the place. Explore trails around the gardens while interacting with both local and exotic wildlife such as giraffes, hyenas, leopards, and more.
Naples Botanical Gardens
The Naples Botanical garden is one of the fun things to do in Naples Florida when you have less time – maybe a morning or afternoon – and want to see something beautiful + close to the city. Located just south of Naples, the Naples Botanical Gardens contain 7 different garden types from local to different places all over the world (Brazil, Asia, the Caribbean, and more).
There are 170 acres of gardens with over 1000 species here in the completely lush and green garden. Take a picnic or come for one of the guided tours going every few hours.
Check out some Local Breweries
Naples is home to multiple breweries where you can taste and drink delicious local beers! The Naples Beach brewery is probably the most popular – in an industrial setting with DOZENS of beers and sort of a pub vibe.
Riptide Brewing Company is a trendy, city-center spot with a surf theme. They brew beer on-site and have an epic beer garden out back when the weather is right.
Shopping on 5th Avenue South
5th avenue South is the heart of Naples and is home to tons of shops and also restaurants and cafes. Everyone visiting Naples should walk the length of this street at least once, taking in the sights and beautiful buildings of Naples. Don’t forget to pop into a few shops!
Lowdermilk Park
Lowdermilk park is an amazing Naples Beach that tends to be a bit more off-the-beaten-path because it’s north of the main city. It’s home to a LONG stretch of powder-white sand where most people can find a patch of privacy.
There are also playgrounds, bathrooms, parks, BBQs, tables, and more for a full beach day.
Third Street South
3rd Street South is the other main shopping and restaurant area of Naples FL. Find some of the higher-end shops and restaurants here, and also a farmer’s market.
Kayak Mangroves/Naples
One of the coolest unique things to do in Naples is kayaking through Mangrove forests! Naples has so many interesting ecosystems around it, which is one of many things that makes it special. The mangrove forests are one of the coolest!
Kayaking is one of the best ways to experience mangroves and the vegetation that lives and grows around them. For an adventurous day out in Naples check out the mangrove kayaking tour below!
Walk Naples Pier
Walking the Naples Pier is one of the most famous things to do in Naples FL. In fact, this is the place to watch one of the best sunsets in Florida! The pier faces perfectly toward the sunset, so while still an amazing place to come for a beach day, it is best visited when the sun is dipping below the horizon.
Jet Skiing
Naples is the perfect place for jet skiing with its great climate and calm waters (most of the time). Rent one from the beach for an adrenaline-filled day.
The Collier Museum
The Collier Museum at Government Center is a free museum that traces the whole history of Naples and South Florida in a fun way. From prehistoric animals to a replica Seminole village to tracing the story of cattle drivers and tradesmen, there’s a LOT of history in here!
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
The Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is the perfect destination for an adventurous day out around Naples. This pristine mile-long sandy beach has all the fittings for adventure, such as kayaking, SUP boarding, snorkeling, fishing, boating, and hiking, and you can even go scuba diving here too!
The state park has all your needs for a tropical beach day, from parks to restrooms to food and drink. All that’s missing is you!
Hiking + Exploring in Rookery Bay
Rookery Bay has one of the best-preserved mangrove forests in the USA and also 12+ miles of hiking trails through the unique landscape where marshes and rivers meet the sea. This is one of the best Naples attractions for a full day outdoors and among wildlife – bring your camera!
Go on a Sunset Cruise
Naples is one of the best places in Florida to watch the sunset, and the only thing that would make a sunset over the water even BETTER is being on the water itself!
Check out a Naples Sunset cruise below the will visit a lot of the main places to visit around Naple on this list. You can keep your eye out for dolphins or even manatees and purchase drinks/snacks onboard. It leaves from Tin City right in town, too!
The Village Shops at Venetian Bay
For a fancier shopping experience in Naples, head to the Village Shops at Venetian Bay. These are higher end shops complemented by fancy restaurants and bars on the water – for the more serious shopper!
Go Golding at Hibiscus Golf Club
If there are golfers in your group, Naples is a great place to do some waterside golfing in fantastic weather. The Hibiscus Golf Club is the best around!
Explore the Ten Thousand Islands
Many of the kayak, shelling, and boat tours above visit the ten thousand islands, but I had to reiterate as theyre an important attraction near naples.
These tiny untouched gulf islands full of beautiful beaches and teeming with wildlife truly feel like they’re 10,000 strong. One of the most unique ways to explore them is on an organized tour via 2-person mini catamarans/power boats… check the link below to learn more!
Day Trip to Marco Island
Marco Island is a destination in and of itself, but is also worth day tripping from Naples and one of the unique things to do in Naples Florida. It is the largest of the 10,000 islands and is full of insanely beautiful houses and villas and lots of beachfront resorts.
Marco Island has some great bar and restaurant options and beaches, of course, too. For something a bit more offbeat try Tigertail Beach.
Visit the Everglades
Being on the northern tip of the incredible Everglades National Park, it would be a shame not to visit a part of it from Naples. This side of the National Park (which encompasses most of south Florida) is less busy than the Miami side, too.
Close to Naples, Everglades City is a tiny town at the beginning of the Everglades, and there’s so much to explore. Ride an airboat through the swamps or take a kayak through the mangroves. Look for alligators and visit interesting places like the Skunk Ape mentioned above! The opportunities are endless.
I hope you have found at least a few unique things to do in Naples Florida that you enjoy Let me know what you think in the comments.
Passionate, full-time travel blogger with over 230k on social media and 150kMPV blog. Extraordinary photographer with two DSLR's + a drone with a love for capturing candid moments, epic drone shots, and magical compositions. I'm a natural-born content creator originally from California, but I've been on the road for 9 years living, working, traveling, blogging, and photographing my way around the world. I recommend the most amazingly adventurous and unique + boutique travel experiences/stays and helpful products to my audience and write comprehensive guides on my website that have helped millions of travelers so far. I love to inspire people to plan their dream trips, and many readers have given feedback as such. The reach on my platforms continues to soar, especially when combining cutting-edge social content with optimized articles on my high-authority website.