With endless sunshine, gorgeous beaches, and luxury shopping, dining, and golf, there’s always something fun to do in Naples. But if you want to explore more of what makes the Paradise Coast so special, there’s much more to see and do just outside of Naples.
From stunning islands to incredible nature preserves, let’s explore 7 of the best day trips from Naples, Florida. And don’t worry; these are all less than an hour away, so you’ll be back in time to watch the sunset or take a dip in the hot tub in your private vacation home!
1. Take a Walk on the Wildside at Everglades National Park
- 50-minute drive from Naples
- Best for bird watchers and wildlife enthusiasts
Home to the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States, Everglades National Park is a natural wonderland filled with unique landscapes and some truly incredible wildlife.
From the alligators, crocodiles, manatees, and turtles you’ll find in the waterways to the birds, deer, bobcats, foxes, and rabbits you might spot in the forests — Everglades National Park is home to hundreds of species of animals, many of which are rare or endangered.
Whether you explore the park by hiking, biking, or taking a boat tour, Everglades National Park is a national treasure not to be missed!
2. Explore The Beauty of Marco Island
- 30-minute drive from Naples
- Best for beachgoers, shoppers, and golfers
One of Naples’ most popular neighboring islands, Marco Island is home to pristine beaches, shelling, plenty of outdoor activities, and world-class shopping, dining, and golf.
You can spend the day soaking up the sun on the beach, kayaking or paddle boarding the waterways (keep your eyes peeled for birds and dolphins), strolling art galleries and trendy boutiques, or playing a round of golf.
From water sports to golf, whatever type of adventure you’re looking for, Marco Island has it!
3. Meet Some Incredible Wildlife at Shy Wolf Sanctuary
- 30-minute drive from Naples
- Best for wildlife enthusiasts
A true bucket-list experience for animal lovers, Shy Wolf Sanctuary, is home to over 40 animals rescued from the exotic pet trade across the US. Their residents include a large variety of wolves and wolf-dog hybrids, as well as cougars, coyotes, foxes, and some smaller mammals and reptiles.
Visiting Shy Wolf Sanctuary requires some pre-planning, as reservations are required, but it’s well worth it. During your two-hour guided visit, you’ll get to meet and interact with many of the resident animals and maybe even pet a wolf!
If you’ve ever wanted to see a wolf up close or hear them howl, Shy Wolf Sanctuary definitely deserves a spot on your Naples vacation itinerary.
4. Stroll Through The Swamp at Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
- 45-minute drive from Naples
- Best for nature lovers and those looking for an easy hike
An easier way to see the Everglades, the Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is home to the biggest old-growth bald cypress forest in North America — just one of the many unique landscapes that make up the vast wilderness of the Florida Everglades.
The sanctuary features a 2.25-mile boardwalk that winds through the wilderness, offering visitors an easy way to spot wildlife without having to hike through rugged terrain. The boardwalk is ADA-accessible and a great way for those with limited mobility to explore the unique Everglades ecosystem.
Throughout the boardwalk trail, you may spot birds, turtles, alligators, and even the occasional bobcat, as well as an array of flowers and plants such as swamp lilies, beautiful blue butterfly pea flowers, and a wide variety of rare orchids. It’s a must-see for nature lovers!
5. Shop, Drink, and Dine at Coconut Point
- 30-minute drive from Naples
- Best for shoppers, foodies, and cocktail connoisseurs
When you want to spend a day strolling trendy boutiques, enjoying fine dining, or sipping on some cocktails, Coconut Point in Bonita Springs is the place to be!
This breezy outdoor shopping space features over 100 shops, restaurants, and services like nail salons and spas. Pick up a one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry, a designer handbag, or some artisanal olive oils, teas, or soaps to take home as souvenirs.
And when hunger hits, or you want to relax with a martini or mojito, there are plenty of dining options, including fresh seafood, fine steaks, Italian cuisine, and much more.
6. Hop Aboard The Murder Mystery Train in Fort Myers
- 45-minute drive from Naples
- Best for theater lovers and couples looking for a unique date night
Want to step back in time and help solve a murder? Hop aboard the iconic Murder Mystery Train in Fort Myers for an evening of dinner, theater, and sightseeing on the Seminole Gulf Railway.
You’ll enjoy a delicious, chef-crafted five-course dinner while partaking in an interactive game of “whodunnit” with live actors as the train travels along the scenic Caloosahatchee River.
Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking for a fun night out, the Murder Mystery Train is always a good time.
7. Take a Scenic Drive in Big Cypress National Preserve
- 1-hour drive from Naples, plus drive time inside the preserve (about an hour, depending on how often you stop)
- https://www.nps.gov/bicy/planyourvisit/upload/BICY-Loop-Road-Scenic-Road-FINAL-4.pdf
- Best for photographers and nature lovers who don’t want to hike
Want to see all the beauty of the Everglades without leaving your car? Take a scenic drive through Big Cypress National Preserve for a one-of-a-kind alligator safari.
This 24-mile-long stretch of gravel, known as Loop Road, takes you deep into the Big Cypress National Preserve, part of the Florida Everglades. Along your drive, you’ll likely see many different types of birds, the occasional river otter, and yes – even some alligators!
While you can stop at certain lookout points to stretch your legs and take photos, remember that this area is wild. Keep a safe distance from any gators that might be hanging around the water’s edge or crossing the road. Don’t forget your camera to snap some great wildlife shots.
Which Day Trip From Naples Will You Go On?
While we’ve only covered a few of our favorites, there’s plenty more to explore just outside of Naples if you don’t mind a little driving. Sunset cruises, catamaran, and airboat tours, and day trips to Key West and Pine Island offer other great excursions.
Plan your perfect Gulf Coast getaway with Naples Florida Vacation Homes to enjoy premium amenities like private pools and hot tubs and fully furnished living spaces and kitchens. And best of all, you’ll be right in the heart of Naples and ready to explore as much as you want!
