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2024 Collier County Travel Guide: Must-see attractions, popular food, hotels, transportation routes (updated in December)
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Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research
The Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve is situated on the northern portion of the Ten Thousand Islands.
The magical portion of the Gulf Coast of Florida spans 110,000 acres.
70,000 of that is open water and 40,000 are habitats like upland areas, marshes, and mangroves.
The Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve in North America is one of the last untouched mangrove estuaries, protected and unspoiled by human activity.
This is what makes it so popular among Naples attractions!
Approximately 150 different bird species, including many endangered ones, live here, as well as other fauna of all sorts.
The titular Rookery Bay is formed at the meeting of the sea with rivers and streams.
The result is a rather whimsical habitat that feels almost out of a fairytale.
Tours are available that can grant you insight into this beautiful treasure of land.
As a site protected by the Office of Resilience and Coastal Protection, it is focused on long-term research and monitoring.
It is also managed by two aquatic preserves and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
Basically, make sure to respect the wonders of the land during your visit!
Address: Rookery Bay, 300 Tower Rd, Naples, FL 34113, United States
Conservancy of Southwest Florida
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida was founded in 1964 by citizens concerned about Southwest Florida’s environment.
It is a natural preserve organization that seeks to protect the region’s unique natural habitats, wildlife, water, and land.
As a group, the conservancy is involved in many important sectors, including wildlife rehabilitation, environmental policy, education, and science.
For nature-lovers, a trip to the Conservancy of Southwest Florida’s Nature Center is one of the top attractions of Naples.
A wide range of different activities ensures that there is stuff to do for all ages.
You can rent kayaks, book tours on various boats, attend educational programs, and walk nature trails.
A Little Explorer’s Play Zone provides numerous ways for children to keep themselves occupied!
There are even special cinema days, an aquarium, and eco-cruises to experience, all while learning about local flora and fauna!
Address: 1495 Smith Preserve Way, Naples, FL 34102, United States
Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
The Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens is situated, as its name suggests, inside a tropical garden.
The garden was first planted back in 1919 and the animals only came to call it home five decades after that.
Since their arrival, the small but fun zoo has been a highlight of this part of Florida!
With 43 acres and close to a mile of paved path, the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens offers many things to see.
There are approximately 70 species of animals and many exotic plants surrounding them.
You’ll see bears, leopards, lions, cheetahs, Indochinese tigers, monkeys, lemurs, pythons, crocodiles, giraffes, hyenas, and more!
There is even rare fauna like Madagascar fossa, barking deer, and Asian meat-eating hornets.
A highlight of the zoo is its catamaran Primate Cruise, which takes up to 20 minutes and brings you to “monkey island”.
The island is situated in the center of an artificial lake and is full of raucous noise from the primates in it!
You can also watch a special show, like alligator feedings, or get up-close with giraffes.
Great for all ages, the zoo is a wonderful place to bring your kids to this weekend.
Address: 1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd, Naples, FL 34102, United States
Naples, Florida: A slice of Italy in the US
Naples, Florida is located on the Gulf of Mexico between the Everglades and Fort Myers. It boasts a beautiful coastline, a laid-back atmosphere, and a rich cultural scene with many museums, art galleries, and theaters.
Attractions
- Naples Pier: Built in 1888, this is a city landmark. Visitors can stroll along the pier, enjoy the views of the Gulf of Mexico, and go fishing.
- Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary: This sanctuary covers over 50 square kilometers of wetlands, swamps, and forests, and is home to the largest old-growth bald cypress forest in North America. It's a paradise for birdwatchers and nature lovers.
- Caribbean Gardens: This botanical garden and zoo is home to a variety of rare plants and animals, making it a great place to relax and enjoy nature.
- Naples Beach: This beach has fine white sand and a long coastline. Visitors can sunbathe, swim, surf, and enjoy the local cuisine at nearby restaurants.
- Naples Historic Center: This area is home to many historic buildings and cultural attractions, such as the Naples Museum of Art, which houses a large collection of art and artifacts that showcase the region's history and culture.
Food Recommendations
- Seafood: The local seafood is fresh and delicious, including lobster, grouper, and shrimp. Try the grilled lobster tail or pan-fried grouper.
- Naples Pizza: As one of the birthplaces of pizza, Naples is known for its traditional pizzas with thin crusts, fresh tomato sauce, and rich cheese.
- Pasta: There are many types of pasta to try, such as spaghetti bolognese and creamy mushroom pasta. The noodles are al dente and the sauces are delicious.
Travel Tips
- Transportation: Fly to Southwest Florida International Airport and rent a car to get to downtown Naples. Driving is the main mode of transportation in the city, but some attractions are within walking distance.
- Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit is from December to April, when the weather is cool and pleasant. This is also the peak tourist season. From May to November, it's hurricane season, so check the weather forecast before you go.
- Accommodation: There are many options, including luxury resorts, hotels, and vacation apartments. Book in advance to get the best prices and room types.
Naples: A Hidden Gem on America's Sunshine Coast
In the southwestern part of Florida, USA, there is a city that resembles a dreamlike seaside paradise - Naples. Located on the Gulf of Mexico, it attracts visitors from all over the world with its charming scenery, rich activities, and unique charm.
Travel Essentials:
When traveling to Naples, be sure to pack light and comfortable clothing. With plenty of sunshine, summer is the perfect time for short sleeves, shorts, and sun protection clothing. Don't forget to bring high SPF sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat to protect against strong UV rays. If you plan to stroll along the beach or participate in water activities, swimsuits, beach towels, and waterproof shoes are also essential. A camera is a must-have to capture those stunning moments.
Travel Routes and Tips:
Upon arrival in Naples, head to the southern section of Fifth Avenue. This is the shopping and dining hub of Naples, with a variety of boutiques, galleries, and restaurants lining the streets. Stroll through the area, soak up the atmosphere of fashion and art, pick up some unique souvenirs, or take a break at an outdoor café and enjoy a cup of rich coffee while watching the people go by.
Next, head to the Naples Pier. The long pier extends into the Gulf of Mexico and is a great place to enjoy the sea view. You can see many boats docked at the pier, and the sea breeze blows on your face, bringing the unique scent of the sea. You can also see fishermen returning with their catch of the day, full of life. If you're lucky, you can catch a beautiful sunset at the pier in the evening, with the afterglow of the setting sun turning the entire sea golden, blending the water and sky into a dreamlike scene.
Afterward, be sure to visit Vanderbilt Beach. The fine, soft white sand stretches out beneath your feet like you're walking on cotton candy. On the beach, you can enjoy a sunbath or dive into the sea for surfing, snorkeling, and other water sports.
Scenery:
The scenery in Naples is breathtaking. The sapphire blue waters of the Gulf of Mexico sparkle in the sunlight, and the shimmering sea merges with the distant skyline. The swaying palm trees on the beach stand like loyal guards, their green contrasting with the white sand and blue sea, creating a natural tropical landscape. In some corners of the city, you can also see tranquil lakes and lush tropical gardens, with colorful flowers and butterflies fluttering around, as if you were in a fairyland. Whether it's watching the sunrise by the sea, with the red sun slowly rising from the horizon, bringing the first light of dawn to the world, or being intoxicated by the sunset, Naples' scenery is mesmerizing, making you marvel at the wonders of nature and the unique charm of this city. Like a dazzling pearl, it shines endlessly on the American coastline, making every visitor linger and immerse themselves in this wonderful seaside vacation.
Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens 🇺🇸
#myhiddengems
Exploring Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens was a fantastic experience! 🌴 Located in Naples, Florida, this gem of a zoo combines wildlife and lush gardens beautifully. The entrance fee was about $25 for adults, which seemed like a great value for a day filled with diverse animal encounters and scenic strolls. The zoo’s setting is picturesque, with well-maintained paths that wind through tropical gardens and naturalistic habitats.
One of the highlights was the “Primate Expedition” where I saw fascinating monkeys and lemurs up close. 🐒 The zoo also features a lovely boat ride through the “Lake Victoria” exhibit, offering a chance to see African animals like lions and giraffes in a serene setting. 🦁 The “Caribbean Gardens” portion is equally impressive, showcasing a wide array of exotic plants and colorful birds. After enjoying the zoo, I explored the nearby Fifth Avenue South for some shopping and dining—an excellent way to round off the day. Naples Zoo is a charming spot for families and nature enthusiasts alike!
#trip #NaplesZoo #CaribbeanGardens #WildlifeExperience #PrimateExpedition #FloridaFun
Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens 🇺🇸
#summerdestinations
I just spent an amazing day at the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, and it was absolutely worth the visit! 🐅🌴 The zoo is not only home to a wide variety of animals but is also set within a gorgeous botanical garden, making it feel like you're walking through a tropical paradise. The entrance fee was around $23, which is reasonable considering all there is to see and do. I loved the boat ride around the islands of monkeys—they were so playful and fun to watch! 🐒 The giraffe feeding experience was another highlight, and it was amazing to get up close with these gentle giants. 🦒 After exploring the zoo, I checked out the nearby Naples Botanical Garden and then headed to downtown Naples for some shopping and a bite to eat. Overall, a perfect day! #trip #NaplesZoo #WildlifeAdventures #FamilyFun #GiraffeFeeding #ExploreNaples
Best waterpark fun
wow what can I say this water park is amazing for a little theme park in town for the price you can't beat it they have three different water slides you can go down they got up to like five different pools they got a kitty zone they got diving boards they got waterfalls you can just lounge around let your kids play and for the price you can't beat it anywhere from $10 per person up to 25 for the whole day pass I got to say it's like a mini Islands of adventure it blows the Sun and fun in Sarasota Florida out of the water I think I had more fun than my kids they have concession stand with pizza fries nachos chicken soda drinks it's a great day to spend with your kids if you're in the Naples area or in the Florida area you should definitely take a day out and check it out promise you won't regret it thank you something fun lagoon we had a blast
#staycation #themepark
Kowiachobee Animal Preserve
The Kowiachobee Animal Preserve is an educational facility and a home to over a hundred different animals.
Set up in 2001, it is a non-profit organization licensed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission.
It provides a safe way to get up close with all sorts of wildlife in a controlled environment.
It’s fun for the whole family, allowing people of all ages to interact with exotic wildlife.
The Kowiachobee Animal Preserve cares for the exotic “pets” abandoned by those who purchased them.
It also helps to look after wild animals that can’t survive in the wild anymore.
You’ll spot animals like dwarf goats, jaguars, wallabies, white and other tigers, alligators, skunks, and farm mammals of all sorts.
Guides at the preserve are highly knowledgeable.
They’ll bring you on tours and explain all the different things to see at the preserve!
Address: 2861 4th Ave SE, Naples, FL 34117, United States
Bird Rookery Swamp
The Bird Rookery Swamp Trail is one of the best places to visit for those who enjoy nature!
It is an area part of the Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed Land and Trust and runs for over 12 miles.
You’ll get to basically explore the Big Cypress Swamp without getting too wet!
The trail opened in 2011 and is, at its core, a maple-cypress swamp.
Thanks to its length, the Bird Rookery Swamp Trail consists of a mix of mediums.
There are portions of crushed shell path and parts where the path is a boardwalk spanning 1800 feet.
There are also berms of grass or sand, once used as tram roads.
Many people make the shorter 4.5-mile exploratory trip that runs from the access trail to a loop.
But it’s also exciting to go further than that!
As you walk through the Bird Rookery Swamp Trail, you’ll spot different diverse wildlife.
Among them are alligators, otters, white-tailed deer, bobcats, Florida panthers, and much more.
Keep an ear out for singing songbirds and an eye out for wading birds!
Particularly interesting bird species here are swallow-tailed kites and barred owls.
You can also enjoy a range of activities at the trail, like biking, hiking, birding, horse-riding, geocaching, and photography.
Address: 1295 Shady Hollow Blvd W, Naples, FL 34120, United States
Sun-N-Fun Lagoon
Want some exciting entertainment that’s great for the whole family?
Sun-N-Fun Lagoon is one of the places to go for a grand time!
It is a waterpark packed with exhilarating, thrilling, and enjoyable rides and adventures.
There are all sorts of attractions, pools, and slides to suit the preferences and comfort levels of virtually anyone.
Sun-N-Fun Lagoon boasts four swimming pools, such as Tadpole Pool, Turtle Cove, and Dolphin Dive, each one carefully temperature-controlled.
An interactive splash playground provides enriching play for children and the meandering 10-foot-wide Sunny’s River offers relaxation.
The highlight of the park is its water slide collection.
There are five of them in total and one hits a high of 38 feet!
Amenities add comfort and convenience, with handy changing rooms, locker rooms, and showers to use.
When you get hungry, you can check out a snack stall or cafe!
Address: 15000 Livingston Rd, Naples, FL 34109, United States
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