Naples, Florida Recreation: 24 Best Outdoor Activities

Naples is one of the premier destinations on Florida's west coast. The sun is out most days of the year here, so the residents enjoy an abundance of opportunities for outdoor recreation. People living in Naples waterfront homes might spend their time cruising Gordon River, while others seek out sun-kissed beach days or rewarding hiking trails. Exciting outdoor attractions surround the Naples community. Read on to learn about some of the most fun outdoor activities in and around Naples.

Water Recreation in Naples

For a Naples vacation or staycation that's full of aquatic activities, book a weekend at LaPlaya Beach and Golf Resort. While staying at the resort, guests have access to rentals that include kayaks, standup paddleboards, bodyboards, snorkeling equipment, and wave runners. The resorts offer fishing charters, cruises, and tours for those who want to leave the driving to the experienced crew.

Make a splash at Sun-N-Fun Lagoon waterpark! With 100 million gallons of water coursing through four pools, dozens of water slides, a splash playground, and a river ride, people of all ages are sure to have a refreshing time at this beloved park. Admission fees can cost up to $8 for the day, and annual passes are also available for purchase. Free parking is a convenient bonus, and climate-controlled pool heaters keep the water temperature just right.

There are plenty of choices for water recreation in Naples that provide hours of entertainment. However, sometimes it's hard to beat a relaxing day on the sand at one of the most popular beaches in Naples. Comb the beach for seashells during low tide, or paddle an ocean kayak over gentle waves. Many of the Naples beaches include public amenities like sand volleyball courts, pavilions, charcoal grills, and restrooms with showers. Convenient perks invite anyone to make a day out of their beach trip.

Naples Hiking & Biking Trails

The Gordon River Greenway Trail, located in Gordon River Greenway, offers an easy hike over 2.8 miles of paved surface bordered by scenic landscape. The out-and-back trail features river views and is used for jogging, walking, and bird watching. Hikers can travel all the way to Naples Zoo or observe the thriving native plant growth along the trail. Dogs on a leash are welcome.

For a short hike, plan to visit the Royal Palm Hammock Trail. The 0.9-mile loop is rated easy and offers a relaxing jaunt across boardwalks and gravel paths through quiet areas filled with mangroves, royal palm trees, and lush vegetation. Benches are situated along the trail, encouraging people to stop and enjoy the scenery. The trailhead is located in Collier-Seminole State Park.

The Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge offers hiking or biking along Marsh Trail. Rated easy, all skill levels can enjoy the landscape, wildlife, and bird watching along its 2.3 miles of crushed shell surface. The trail is popular for wildlife enthusiasts as it meanders through the wetlands where many bird species roost and alligators sunbathe. The trail provides benches along the route and an observation tower for excellent viewing.

The 3.5-mile Collier-Seminole Bike & Hike Loop Trail at Collier-Seminole State Park is an enjoyable ride for all skill levels of bikers. The non-paved trail offers an interesting ride past wetlands, wildflowers, pine forest, and an alligator pond. The best time for biking is from March to November. During the rainy season, the trail can be muddy. As alligators are known to frequent this area, use caution and do not bring pets.

Naples Parks

Near-constant sunshine in Napes makes it easy to enjoy Fleischmann Park almost any day of the year. Spanning an impressive 15 acres, guests will find several playgrounds, lighted sports fields, racquetball, volleyball, and a splash pad. The park is open daily until 8 p.m.

Cambier Park is the perfect place for residents to go to enjoy outdoor activities. The park features a tennis center, lighted shuffleboard courts, bocce court, softball field, children's playground, and a covered pavilion. Located in the heart of downtown Naples, this park is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Baker Park has a little something for all Naples residents. Enjoy a leisurely walk along the knoll, visit the Eva Sugden-Gomez Center, rent a picnic shelter, and watch as the kids have hours of fun at the playground and splash pad. Baker Park is open from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.

The Charlie C. Anthony Park on Avenue North keeps visitors active with tennis courts, playground, open green space for games, a lighted basketball court, and a walking trail. Plan a get-together at one of the picnic shelters and watch the sunset from the fishing pier.

The Naples Preserve takes visitors on an adventure in its 9.5-acre expanse of lush landscape and interesting wildlife. Access the 0.4-mile boardwalk and enjoy the sites of two Florida habitats while catching a glimpse of gopher tortoises, butterflies in the outdoor garden, and migratory birds during the spring and fall. The Preserve also offers its Nature Talk Series throughout the year.

Golf Courses in Naples

While there are golf course homes in Naples, any resident has the opportunity to tee off at public golf courses in the area. Naples has 92 golf courses to choose from, after all. No matter the level of expertise for the golfer, there's a course in Naples that can provide interesting and challenging games. Several public courses in Naples offer superb landscaping to complement the course design. Public courses include Cedar Hammock Golf & Country Club, Heritage Bay Golf, and Country Club-Oak Course. There is also Raptor Bay Golf Club in the adjacent town of Bonita Springs.

For a weekend getaway from home at a local resort, plan a stay and a game at Tiburon Golf Club. Private golf courses are also in abundance in Naples with choices such as TPC Treviso Bay with its 18-hole award-winning course that has hosted PGA Tour events, Forest Glen Golf & Country Club, Glen Eagle Golf & Country Club, Hammock Bay Golf Course, and TwinEagles Golf & Country Club — Talon Course. At Tiburon Golf Club, players have a choice between two championship 18-hole courses. In the nearby Estero community, golfers can play on the Jack Nicklaus Signature Design golf course at Old Corkscrew Golf Club. Whether public or private, each course offers a variety of amenities.

Other Naples Outdoor Activities

Step back in time when Florida was at its most natural with a visit to Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. Walk along a 2.25-mile boardwalk raised above the swamp and observe the wildlife and their habitats. Florida is known for its cypress trees, and the sanctuary has an ancient stand of bald cypress.

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida has a variety of activities. Along with its Museum of Natural History, visitors can take a guided boat tour, hike nature trails, and learn about Florida's environment, including its wildlife, seashells, reptiles, and more, at daily presentations.

At Naples Botanical Garden, enjoy vibrant gardens throughout the 170 acres featuring plants found around the world. Special events and programs are offered during the year. Stay refreshed and replenished at The Fogg Cafe, which offers a creative menu with specialties prepared by Chef Jack Raben. The gardens are open daily from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Take a walk on the wild side with a visit to The Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens. The 52-acre wildlife habitat and gardens were first established in 1919 and continue to support wildlife conservation around the world. Feed the giraffes, watch the antics of the resident monkeys, get close to the big cats, and more when visiting. The zoo and gardens are open from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Explore The Great Outdoors in Naples

Florida is known for many things, including a vibrant landscape of tropical plants and extraordinary flowers, miles of pristine sandy beaches, unlimited water activities, plenty of sunshine, and stunning sunsets. All these features can be seen and experienced while exploring Naples. Anyone interested in moving to Naples will be delighted by the many outdoor activities to choose from.

If you've fallen in love with Naples, contact Palm Paradise Real Estate at (239) 349-2487 to get in touch with a local real estate agent and find your Naples dream home today.