Top Rated Attractions in Naples

Fifth Avenue is the thoroughfare that runs right through the heart of Old Naples. Since its development into a modern avenue in the early 1920s, 5th Avenue has only improved over the decades. Here, people have the opportunity to visit art galleries, relax at small cafes and shop inside boutiques, all in one place. From the gulf shores to the edge of the Tamiami Trail and 9th Street South, visitors will find top-notch restaurants like Cafe Lurcat, which serves some of the best French food in town or Bistro 821 for eclectic Eurasian fare. Some of the other retail attractions include apparel shops, ice cream, home furnishing, stationery, pet supplies, jewelry, gifts, etc., the list is quite impressive and no trip to Naples is complete without a stroll down the Ave.

This gallery located on 'Gallery Row' is a quaint and cozy one that features contemporary and fine art. Upon entering the building adorned with flowers upon trellises and foliage everywhere, guests can stroll around casually while taking in some culture in the form of sculpture, paintings and photography. Most of the artists hail from Florida, some of which include Bruce Marion, Frank Milo, Joanne Parent and many others. While you are on the 'row', don't forget to visit this gallery, you will not be disappointed.

The Von Liebig Art Center, with its sunny, palm tree-lined exterior, houses a wealth of artwork curated by the greater Naples Art Association. The center is free to the public and it holds exhibitions on a wide range of art, from painting, sculpture and photography to mixed-media, 3D art and kinetic displays. Despite the complimentary admission, with such a diversity of artwork, a donation is always a nice gesture. Of course, there is also a shop that offers trinkets, books, jewelry and more for the eager visitor who would like to bring a gift home.

When visitors arrive at the Naples Botanical Garden, they are greeted with some of the most magnificent plant life in the entire state. Here, the gardeners and botanists display species not only from Southwest Florida but those from around the world. In addition to world-class fauna, the gardens present interactive exhibits, workshops, lectures and events for the kids. The garden also allows visitors to rent out space for a private event or wedding as well.

Located at the end of Seagate Drive, this 35-acre mangrove forest is the gem of North Naples. The highlight upon entering the park is the boardwalk which directs visitors through the mangrove forest to the sandy beach. The red, white and black mangrove trees are resistant to salt from the gulf and the 3/4-mile walk is remarkable as you stroll along Outer Clam Bay. The park is open daily from 8 am to sundown and though public-parking is available, it is only free for those visitors who have a beach parking sticker.

The Gulfshore Playhouse is where the entire county of Collier comes to get a slice of culture in Southwest Florida. The stage is known for its wide variety of productions, from Dickens' Christmas Carol to The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams, the shows constantly rotate. In addition to the professional stage, the playhouse provides education workshops for the community; the youth-based Star Academy and Think Theater programs introduce and develop skills for those who want to learn more about the stage.