Naples, Florida is a beautiful natural paradise and there are plenty of ways to get outdoors and enjoy it. From the ocean to nature on golf courses, and in parks and gardens, Naples is an outdoor recreation playground. Here's a look around Naples and the surrounding area, and all it has to offer its residents and travelers alike.
Golf
Naples is a top Florida golf destination. With over 80 courses in the county and many more located nearby, Naples gives you plenty of options for enjoying the game in beautiful subtropical surroundings. Most courses are in private clubs, such as the highly rated Naples Grande Golf Course, Calusa Pines Golf Club, Tiburon Golf Club, and Naples National Golf Club, but there are also excellent courses open to the public. Arrowhead Golf Club, Hibiscus Golf Club, and Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club are a few where you can reserve a tee time without membership.
If you enjoy golf tournaments, Naples is the site of several events throughout the year. From professional events like the PGA Tour to amateur and charity tournaments, the golf scene is active in Southwest Florida.
Nature Trails
If you like to walk or ride a bicycle in natural surroundings, you will enjoy the parks and preserves in the Naples area where you can head down a nature trail or boardwalk. At Naples Preserve, walk a short 0.4-mile trail and stop in at The Hedges Family Eco-Center. The Gordon River Greenway is a paved trail/boardwalk where you can enjoy walking or biking through preservation areas. At Freedom Park, take in wetland and lake views from a boardwalk and walking trails in this 50-acre park.
About 40 minutes east of Naples, Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is an Audubon Society preserve with 2.25 miles of boardwalk through an Everglades-area swamp. The museum-quality exhibits at the accompanying nature center are definitely worth a visit. The Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed (CREW) organization preserves several natural areas in the region, with miles of hiking and biking trails. In addition, less than an hour's drive away you can reach Collier-Seminole State Park, Picayune Strand State Forest, and the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge, which all include nature trails.
Sailing and Boating
With all that water in the Gulf of Mexico -- in addition to lakes and waterways -- Naples gives you ample opportunities to set sail. Enjoy sailing, boating, and social events at Naples Sailing and Yacht Club, which offers a marina on Naples Bay. Gulf Coast Sailing Club organizes regattas and social events in and around the Naples area.
Not having your own boat is not a problem, as there are several boat rental, charter, and tour companies in Naples that let you get out on the water. Charter a boat with Sailboats Unlimited or Night & Day. Take a fishing, nature, or sunset cruise with Sweet Liberty, Pure Florida, Naples Water Tours, or Port O Call Marina, to name a few.
If you want to try something new and learn how to sail, you can take lessons at the lake at Sugden Regional Park, or at Naples Community Sailing Center.
Kayaking
Absorb the peace and serenity of southwestern Florida while you float in a kayak on Naples' waterways. Rent a kayak or take a tour at Naples Kayak Company, Conservancy of Southwest Florida, or Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve -- just a few of the places where you can spend some time in nature. If you have your own paddle craft, you can launch from most public boat ramps, as well as the Isles of Capri Paddlecraft Park. You'll find even more excellent places to paddle to the south around Marco Island and to the north along Lee County's Great Calusa Blueway, a water trail through some of the best coastal natural areas.
Beaches
One of the main draws to Naples is the beach on the Gulf of Mexico. Known for its white sand, Naples’ beaches consist of more than 10 miles. Beachgoers enjoy swimming in the Gulf, walking along the shore, looking for seashells, or just sitting and soaking up the sunshine.
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There are several public beach access areas and parks in the city. Lowdermilk Park is popular, as are Clam Pass Park and Vanderbilt Beach Park. Learn more about Naples' beautiful beaches here.
Gardens
Enjoy the beautiful surroundings of peaceful gardens at two unique places in Naples. Naples Botanical Garden is an oasis in the city's urban landscape where you can not only appreciate nature but also take classes and enjoy art exhibits. At Naples Zoo at Carribean Gardens, you can walk among wildlife and lush landscape.
All of these ways to have fun outdoors are part of enjoying life in Naples. Moorings Park Communities is located close to many of the county’s outdoor recreation areas. In addition, you can enjoy resort-style pools, putting greens, and tennis and bocce ball courts. Come see all the amenities offered at the finest retirement community in Naples. Contact us today to schedule a visit.
