How to Spend a Day in Naples, Florida

By Grace Cassidy Located in beautiful Southwest Florida, Naples is an iconic seaside tourist destination. A warm year-round climate makes it easy to enjoy the endless outdoor activities and attractions that the city has to offer. For those looking to get out of the city, Everglades National Park is less than 40 miles away. If you’re heading to Naples and not sure how to plan your day, here’s a handy itinerary to take you from sunrise to sunset in this magical Gold Coast locale. Hike the Bird Rookery Swamp Trail Start your day off with a morning hike at CREW Bird Rookery Swamp Trail . The 12-mile trail, located in the Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed, includes a 1,500-foot boardwalk and incredible wildlife sightings, such as alligators, Florida panthers, bobcats, otters and more. Because of the wildlife, dog owners are encouraged to leave their pets at home. Admission is free, and the trail opens one hour before sunrise. Brunch at Jane’s Cafe on 3rd After a long hike, you’ll want to fuel up on some much-needed brunch. Jane’s Cafe on 3rd is a local favorite and award-winning restaurant with both American and British-inspired dishes. Menu highlights include the British breakfast, a variety of egg scrambles, berry blintzes, French toast, quiche and more. Stop and Smell the Flowers at the Naples Botanical Garden Founded in 1993, the Naples Botanical Garden is a beloved destination in the area. Spanning 170 acres in size, visitors will enjoy plants from all over the world and an award-winning horticultural design. The Garden is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. In the summer, they’re open from 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. Admission is $25 for adults, $10 for children between the ages of 4 and 17, and free for any child 3 years old and under. Go Back in Time at Historic Palm Cottage The Palm Cottage is the oldest standing house in Naples, built in 1895. History buffs can enjoy self-guided or docent-guided walking tours while imagining what life in Naples was like in the late 19th century. Docent-led tours are conducted through the Naples Historical Society, cost $22 for non-members and take about two hours. Savor a Scenic Seafood Dinner at The Bay House Overlooking the Cocohatchee Wildlife Preserve, The Bay House is a popular seafood and southern-inspired restaurant that’s a favorite with both locals and visitors alike. Enjoy dishes such as poke, seafood towers, steak, short ribs and much more. The restaurant is open for dinner seven days a week, with life music every night. Watch the Sunset on the Naples Pier The beautiful Naples Pier is a great place to end the day and enjoy the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico. Originally built in 1888 , the Naples Pier has been rebuilt numerous times after hurricanes impacted the structure. More recently, part of the pier was destroyed by Hurricane Ian and is currently being rebuilt, but visitors can still enjoy a portion of the iconic landmark.