Attractions Nearby Naples, Day Trips and Excursions

(Naples, Florida - FL, USA)

For many families and fun-seekers, Florida easily ticks all of the boxes when it comes to holidays. Naples is certainly one of Florida's highlights, although relatively close by are countless further Floridian attractions, suitable for day trips and longer excursions.

If you are holidaying in Naples and fancy a change of scenery, then consider exploring the beach-related attractions of Bonita Springs, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Myers, Sarasota and Miami. Especially close and situated in Collier County is Marco Island, where a selection of stunning beaches and outdoor attractions are only around 18 miles / 29 km to the south of Naples. Recreational areas nearby include Picayune Strand State Forest (just to the east), the Big Cypress National Preserve (further east) and the Everglades National Park (southeast).

Bonita Springs

An enticing small city within the Lee County area of Florida, Bonita Springs is located approximately 20 miles / 32 km to the north of Naples and has a population of just over 40,000 residents. Bonita Springs offers some popular attractions, the best of which relate to its scenic coastline and include the Bonita Beach Park, the Little Hickory Island Beach Park and the Everglades Wonder Gardens, as well as the neighboring Barefoot Beach Preserve Park, the Lover's Key State Park and the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary.

Cape Coral

Another Floridian city in Lee County, Cape Coral is famous for its canals, and interestingly boasts in excess of 400 miles / 643 km of canals, which is more than any other destination on the planet. Building of this extensive canal network began just over 50 years ago when the city came into being. The Independence Day fireworks at Cape Coral are well worth checking out and this event is known as 'Red, White and BOOM!' The Cape Coral Festivals of the Arts each January and the German-style Oktoberfest are also big crowd pullers.

Fort Lauderdale

Formerly known for being something of a spring-break destination, the Fort Lauderdale of today is quite different, marketing itself as a far more cosmopolitan city, with marinas, expensive yachts, waterfront restaurants and beachfront hotels. Glass-bottom boat tours, cruises to the Everglades, and botanical gardens are also on hand, as are evening walking ghost tours, horse racing and golf courses. From Naples, Fort Lauderdale is a little more than 110 miles / 177 km and is just about close enough for day trips, particularly if you are able to leave early in the morning.

Fort Myers

Once home to some especially famous historical characters, such as both Henry Ford (1863 to 1947) and Thomas Edison (1847 to 1931), Fort Myers is a city of parks and beaches, with its principal beachfront being sited on nearby Estero Island. Two state parks stand out in particular in Fort Myers and these are the Koreshan State Historic Site and the Lover's Key State Recreation Area. Fort Myers Beach lies to the southwest of the city center and is lined with hotels, bars and lively nightspots. The attractions of Fort Myers are really very close to Naples, being only 42 miles / 68 km to the north.

Marco Island

Marco Island is regularly visited for its beautiful beaches. These include the Residents Beach, the South Beach and also the Tiger Tail Beach. Interestingly, Marco Island is the biggest of all the barrier islands that make up the Ten Thousand Islands region of Southwest Florida. Boating, canoeing, kayaking, charter fishing, golfing and sailing are just some of the many outdoor attractions available on Marco Island, together with snorkelling, windsurfing and bird watching.

Miami

Sun and sand are in plentiful supply in Miami, where beaches have become a staple part of everyday life for the locals. Miami Beach in particular is central to the city's thriving tourism industry and lies across the Intracoastal Waterway. Famed for its Art Deco architecture, exciting nightspots and notable gay scene, the districts and suburbs of Miami include Coconut Grove, Coral Gables, Little Havana and Key Biscayne. Children holidaying here will enjoy spending time at the family friendly attractions of the Miami Metrozoo, the Miami Seaquarium, the Monkey Jungle and the Graves Museum of Archaeology and Natural History, while grown-ups often favor the exceptional snorkelling and scuba diving opportunities. Miami stands 125 miles / 201 km to the east of Naples and is easy to reach.

Orlando

Perhaps the ultimate tourist destination in Florida, Orlando is famous the world over for its epic theme parks and family attractions. Home to the enormous Walt Disney World (comprising the Magic Kingdom, the Animal Kingdom, the MGM Studios and the Epcot Center) and its endless array of fast rides, roller coasters and Mickey mouse parades, the Orlando area is also where you will find the Universal Studios theme park, the Wet 'n' Wild water park and SeaWorld. At 239 miles / 385 km northeast of Naples, Orlando is too far for a practicable day trip, although it really does deserve more time anyway and is an absolute must if you are planning to tour Florida with the family.

Port Charlotte

Standing some 72 miles / 116 km north of Naples, Port Charlotte makes for a pleasant day out. Visitors will find that the main attractions include the Port Charlotte Town Center Mall and the Charlotte Sports Park - a baseball stadium with a capacity of 7,000 spectators, recently renovated at a cost of almost $30 million.

Sarasota

Sarasota is the biggest city between Tampa and Fort Myers, and is just over 115 miles / 185 km from Naples. This affluent city stands alongside the Sarasota Bay, on the Gulf of Mexico, and was founded in the latter part of the 19th century. Attractions in Sarasota vary greatly, with highlights including the Mote Marine Aquarium, the Ringling Center for the Cultural Arts, the Sarasota Jungle Gardens and the Ringling Family Circus Museum. Close by and to the southwest, the beaches of the Siesta Key are especially enticing.

Tampa

A busy port city located roughly 167 miles / 269 km to the north of Naples, Tampa may not be the most tourist-friendly city in Florida, but does contain a few attractions of note. The rich Cuban heritage within the revitalized Ybor City district is undeniable, while most families head straight for the roller coasters at the Busch Gardens amusement park, to the simply enormous Florida Aquarium, or to the highly interactive Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI).