Top 10 Free Things to do in Naples, Florida (FL)

May 10, 2022 Joeann Galban

Sunny Naples is a popular, sophisticated and charming beach destination on the Gulf of Mexico. It boasts many world-class hotels and resorts along miles of white sand beaches. The ocean surf is gentle and the people are friendly. Shoppers delight in searching for antiques, home furnishings, clothes and jewelry. With its beautiful neighborhoods and grand architecture, the atmosphere is elegant, yet relaxing. Sports enthusiasts spend glorious days pursuing their favorite activity, from golf to tennis to fishing. There are restaurants to suit every taste and budget. Even though it is a busy and cosmopolitan city, Naples offers easy access to secluded islands and the wilderness of the Everglades.
Restaurants in Naples

1. Bird Gardens of Naples

1060 Purple Martin Dr, Naples, FL 34120-4868 +1 813-841-1911 [email protected] http://www.birdgardensofnaples.org
Excellent
85%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 296 reviews

Bird Gardens of Naples

Tours are by appointment only!Tour Information: Tours are held at 11:00am please arrive promptly .Wednesday- Sunday.Go to our website to schedule your tour. About Us: The Bird Gardens of Naples is a organization whose sole concern is parrot welfare in captivity and conservation of wild parrots. We are an outreach and placement program which places into safe custody, parrots which are abandoned, abused, or in need of a home for any reason. Parrots are intelligent, highly social and complex beings with a life span of up to 80 years. The individual bird's best interest and well being of the present flock will determine if a parrot is accepted into the organization. We actively support networking with other parrot welfare groups, animal welfare organizations, the veterinary community, conservation organizations and the general public. Education is of the utmost importance concerning the well being of a parrot and its ability to successfully live with its human companions. What to Expect:

Reviewed By funhunterEdgartown - Martha's Vineyard, United States

This place is a hidden jewel. The owner is an expert in the care and treatment of exotic birds. She shares her expertise in a 2 hour informational tour of the 2 acre grounds. There are all kinds of beautiful, well-kept, exotic birds - macaws, parrots, cockatoos, etc, etc. At one point you can go into a cage with these beautiful macaws who will sit on your shoulder and let you feed them. We brought our grandkids and they loved it. Wear bug spray as this area is a swamp. Worth the trip! You have to sign up for the tour. This was a great experience for all of us. (Bring unsalted nuts but no peanuts!!)

462 9th Street North, Naples, FL 34102 +1 239-234-7918 [email protected] https://www.kajartgallery.com
Excellent
94%
Good
6%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 33 reviews

KAJ Gallery

KAJ Gallery is a contemporary art gallery located in the heart of the Design District in Naples, Florida. The gallery was opened by longtime friends Jason Taylor and sculptor Kosmas Ballis in November 2018. Their goal with a full-fledged art gallery was so they could expand and diversify their offerings to collectors and art lovers alike.

Reviewed By asilverst - Naples, United States

Very impressive gallery. So many beautiful contemporary art pieces, interesting pottery and I loved the vessels.

3. Naples Pier

Naples, FL +1 239-213-3062 http://www.naplespier.com/
Excellent
61%
Good
29%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 7,328 reviews

Naples Pier

Reviewed By saintnick76 - Southampton, United Kingdom

This is one of our favourite places to watch the sunset whilst watching dolphin & pelican, it can get busy on evenings of a good sunset so getting there early ensures a good spot at the pier end. We cannot get enough of this place and can't wait to go back next year

4. Collier Museum at Government Center

3331 Tamiami Trl E Government Center, Naples, FL 34112-4901 +1 239-252-8476 [email protected] https://www.colliermuseums.com/about/museum-locations/collier-museum-at-government-center
Excellent
59%
Good
35%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 150 reviews

Collier Museum at Government Center

Nestled on five acres of native Florida landscaping, our flagship museum at the County Government center in Naples offers newly created exhibits and galleries that capture the full panorama of local history. Pack a picnic and linger a while in the museum's shady backyard. Then do a little exploring on your own in our native gardens, restored Naples cottages, the archaeology lab, Seminole village or Calusa Indian camp. Enlarged twice, the museum's main gallery offers over 10,000 square feet of new displays, plus a traveling exhibit room, lecture hall, and gift shop.

Reviewed By TravelBean024 - Valencia, Spain

Being Europeans, holidaying for Winter, on Marco, we had a list of places we would like to see during our stay. We were pleased we had a Sat.Nav., as, this is, as many say, not easy to spot, watch the building number as you drive on Tamiami, as you will need to get into the far right lane to make the exit into the Government Center, for the Museum, car park. One moment, you are on a six lane main road, then you are in a quiet, roomy car park. The Museum is sign posted, and from outside, looks quite small. This is because the entrance is a reception area, with a double door at the rear, out to the exhibits. We were warmly greeted, and given tips, and a plan. We were also pleasantly surprised to hear, that admission was free of charge. Once outside, through the rear doors, we found it difficult to believe, that we were so close to the traffic. We started by the platform, with the full size train engine, then visited all the different small cottages, and followed the history of Naples, and Collier County. Lots of trees, and flowers around, and, pretty flat, with gravel pathways. We found a wooden garden bench, across from the small orchid rotunda, and enjoyed a lovely, peaceful picnic, joined by squirrel, and several small birds - lovely !! This is not a very large place, so, allow one - two hours, depending if you wish to picnic, or not. There are no restaurants inside here. A very informative, and, enjoyable time. Thank you, to the very knowledgeable gentleman, who greeted us, and gave us information, on how to make the most of our visit. We certainly did, and enjoyed every minute. ,

5. Naples Art Association

585 Park St, Naples, FL 34102-6611 +1 239-262-6517 [email protected] http://www.NaplesArt.org
Excellent
61%
Good
32%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 44 reviews

Naples Art Association

The Naples Art Association is a respected and award-winning non-profit organization that has served and enriched the community by championing education, interest, and involvement in the visual arts in Southwest Florida since its inception in 1954. The Naples Art Association serves as a catalyst for individual artists of all ages and skill levels and continues to inspire all who visit to live and think artistically. A working art center, the Naples Art Association creates unique opportunities for local artists and guests as well with a full calendar of events each season.

Reviewed By sugarmagnoliaa

A few friends and I visited the Naples Art center to see an exhibition by Marcus Zotter last weekend and WOW. The space is big and gorgeous. The staff and volunteers were friendly and helpful- this place even offers classes upstairs! Definitely a downtown Naples hidden gem.

6. Lowdermilk Beach

1301 Gulf Shore Blvd N, Naples, FL 34102
Excellent
67%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,318 reviews

Lowdermilk Beach

Reviewed By stammtischflorida - Montreal, Canada

You can walk for miles along the beach Sandy beach with lots of places for your chairs and umbrella There's a great little snack bar for the usual fast food and ice cream Bathroom and a place outside for washing off the sand from feet and body especially if the kids have played at burying one another. Lots of parking including for handicap Water in the gulf was a little cold but it was still a great place to swim since the waves are a lot smaller than the Atlantic side Saw lots of dolphins and Pelicans There is also a place for the kids to play or grown ups wanting to play volleyball Beach patrol helps keep things safe as there is no alcohol permitted So have a good time since this is one of the favourite places to enjoy the beach in naples

7. Third Street South

1207 3rd St S, Naples, FL 34102 +1 239-434-6533 [email protected] http://www.thirdstreetsouth.com
Excellent
61%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 900 reviews

Third Street South

Just blocks from Naples Pier and Gulf beaches, THIRD STREET SOUTH is an abundantly landscaped, historic neighborhood known for its chic shops and wide variety of restaurants and cafés where excellent food, superb wines and the glorious option of outdoor dining make every meal memorable. Start your weekend's activities by visiting Naples' original Farmer's Market which takes place behind Tommy Bahamas from 7:30am - 11:30am every Saturday morning throughout the year. Discover everything from fish, meats, pasta, and cheese, to breads, produce, fresh ground coffee beans, and the best people and dog watching in town. Come for the day, come for the night, but don't miss the unique glamour and good times to be found on Third Street South.

Reviewed By Cherry_Wonderdog

Delightful area to walk around in the afternoon. A little less pompous, stuck-up, and pretentious than the 5th Avenue area, but it’s still posh downtown Naples, Florida. Beautifully manicured streets, nice vegetation, a number of historic buildings converted into lively restaurants and bars, and plenty of high-priced boutiques for window-shopping.

8. Naples Depot Museum

1051 5th Ave S, Naples, FL 34102-6413 +1 239-252-8419 [email protected] http://www.colliermuseums.com/about/museum-locations/naples-depot-museum
Excellent
57%
Good
36%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 202 reviews

Naples Depot Museum

Long hidden on the fringe of Florida's Gulf coast and overlooked by developers until well into the 1880s, Naples' catalyst for settlement finally arrived forty years later when two rival railroads rolled into town within ten days of each other. Set in Naples' restored Seaboard Air Line Railway passenger station, the Naples Depot Museum welcomes visitors back to the railroading boom days of the Roaring Twenties and explains how generations of Southwest Floridians used technology and transportation to conquer a vast and seemingly impenetrable frontier.Seminole dugout canoes, a mule wagon, antique swamp buggy, restored rail cars and exciting interactive exhibits tell the story of how trade and travel transformed Naples from a napping village of 300 souls into today's glittering Gulf coast resort. The Naples Depot Museum is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is conveniently located in downtown Naples.

Reviewed By kennethk482

Located in the original Naples Train Depot, the museum houses not only railroad history of the area but essentially a historical retrospective of Naples as a city. Especially enjoyed the displays on the evolution of aviation in Naples. There are several restored railroad cars that are open to explore.

9. Naples Regional Library

650 Central Ave, Naples, FL 34102-6027 +1 239-262-4130 http://www.collierlibrary.org
Excellent
73%
Good
18%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
0%
Terrible
3%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 62 reviews

Naples Regional Library

10. The Village Shops on Venetian Bay

4300 Gulf Shore Blvd N, Naples, FL 34103-2243 +1 239-261-6100 [email protected] http://venetianvillage.com
Excellent
51%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
13%
Poor
3%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 190 reviews

The Village Shops on Venetian Bay

The beautiful waterfront setting, colorful Mediterranean architecture, art sculptures, boutique shops and established restaurants, make the Village on Venetian Bay one of the most notable landmarks and attractions in Naples for more than twenty years. Discover apparel for the whole family from name brand merchandise to sophisticated private label collections. There are art galleries, gifts for the home, exquisite timepieces, and dazzling jewelry to define your style. Need a bite to eat? The Village has a range of restaurants with indoor and outdoor waterfront settings that range from fine dining to casual Pub-grub—the perfect way to satisfy your appetite and take in the sights over Venetian Bay.

Reviewed By 490irinag - Illinois, United States

So, these Village Shops are on Venetian Bay, that is in Naples, that in turn, is in Florida. However, the looks and general design of this, relatively small shopping 'mall' on the waters of Venetian Bay strongly resemble the original Venice, which we all know, is in Italy. This preamble aside, The Village Shops offer highly upscale shopping and fine dining in all its forty five, high-end shops, galleries, beauty salons and restaurants, some of the latter facing the picturesque views of the bay. The shops are mainly of the exquisite quality type - Teruzzi, Mondo Uomo, WM. Phelps, Tommy Bahama, Chico's, et al. The service is impeccable. I've been to The Village Shops many times, and I particularly admire the very contemporary outside decor of the place - these large, Contemporary Art sculptures, placed all around the mall, strongly contrast the comparatively tight set of the shops and restaurants. That brings me again to the beginning: it is a 'new-world' mall, with a tribute to the 'old-world' history and culture. That's how I perceive the design of the mall. I find it very vanguard, very proper and very cool. Needless to say, that The Village Shops are very popular with the local public and tourists, visiting Naples. This mall a very pleasant place to spend say, an afternoon or an evening, to enjoy shopping and having an excellent meal. A vast parking area of the mall borders the Gulf Shore Blvd, from which it is only a minute to the beach.

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