Naples, Florida is an exciting spring break destination for people of all ages. Whether you’re visiting with family and friends or vacationing solo, here are some Naples destinations you don’t want to miss:
1. Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
The Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary spans across 13,000 acres of pine flatwoods and wetlands and features the most extensive and old-growth Bald cypress forest in North America. These glorious giants with 25-foot-thick trunks soar more than 130 feet high; a photo with them is the perfect keepsake this spring break.
During spring, the cypress canopy begins to burst with lush green needles, restoring splashes of color and shade to the area. As you walk along the boardwalk, you may spot white-tailed deer, alligators, red-bellied turtles, otters, and a range of wading and songbirds. As spring marks the end of the dry season, the water will be at its lowest, providing opportunities to catch a glimpse of a variety of wildlife as they move around in search of deeper water or take advantage of the shallow areas while hunting for a meal. If you decide to go on a guided tour, there's a lot to learn about this rare habitat. You can also attend a nature photography course to sharpen your skills.
2. Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
Located in a magnificent tropical garden dating back to 1919, the Naples Zoo is a wonderful place to spend a day during spring break. Here, you’ll encounter more than 70 species of beautiful exotic animals, like black bears, zebras, hyenas, Florida panthers, African lions, pythons, orangutans, and, of course, alligators. You can even get up close and personal with the giraffes during your visit, as guests are allowed to hand feed them romaine lettuce daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.
You can also hop aboard the Primate Expedition Cruise, which takes you around the islands of Lake Victoria where primates, like black-handed spider monkeys, ring-tailed lemurs, and buff-cheeked gibbons, live in natural habitats. The cruise sets sail every thirty minutes.
The zoo also features a variety of shows and educational meet and greets, gardens that showcase rare and gorgeous flora and fauna, a playground, two cafés, and many picnic areas where you can relax and enjoy the atmosphere or have a snack.
3. North Collier Regional Park
Fun and excitement await the whole family during spring break at North Collier Regional Park. From a water park and children’s museum to tournament soccer and softball fields, this park has it all.
Being Collier County’s only water park, the Sun-N-Fun Lagoon is the perfect place to splash away all your cares and worries. Multiple pools, water slides, and diving boards await both kids and adults, and little ones can explore the safe water play areas, long lazy river, and splash playground.
Golisano Children's Museum of Naples, or CMON, is Southwest Florida’s first museum devoted to children and families. This safe and wonderful place inspires children and families to have fun while learning together. The museum is packed with 38,000 square feet of interactive exhibits and hosts daily and weekly programs, as well as special events, so there is always something new to do! They are open from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. Thursday through Tuesday.
North Collier Regional Park is also home to a variety of free facilities and amenities, like the Can U Dig It Fossil Dig playground, eight tournament soccer fields, five tournament softball fields, butterfly garden, picnic pavilions, and 2.5-mile walking trail. Throughout the year, you or your children can participate in a host of activities or become members of the 6,000 square foot North Collier Regional Park Rec Plex Fitness Complex, complete with a state-of-the-art double enclosed gym. The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. while the fitness center, waterpark, and children’s museum’s hours vary.
4. Baker Park and the Gordon River Greenway
Baker Park is a beautiful 15-acre park located on the Gordon River and the perfect spot to spend an afternoon during spring break. The park, which only opened in 2019, features playgrounds, a splash pad, bike paths, a boat dock and kayak launch, and a wide grassy knoll perfect for setting up a game of volleyball, flying a kite, or enjoying a picnic. Ride your bike or walk along the Baker Park Loop, a 1.3-mile trail that features a beautiful view of the Gordon River. This loop connects to the Gordon River Greenway, a 2.5-mile trail and boardwalk designed for walking, jogging, biking, rollerblading, and skateboarding that winds through six different native plant communities.
Baker Park also has many spaces available for hourly rentals, from picnic shelters with BBQ grills to the Eva Sugden-Gomez Center. The park is open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m.
5. Naples Botanical Garden
Naples Botanical Garden is a 170-acre, world-class garden paradise that features plants from around the world, as well as art and music exhibitions and a variety of events. Discover educational programs for children and families with different themes every month, like W.O.N.D.E.R.; a drop-in program that encourages families to walk, observe, navigate, draw, explore, and read as they wander the different gardens. The theme for March is Fabulous Flowers. Spend a moment during your spring break learning fascinating flower facts with a dissection activity, dream garden design challenge, flower pounding prints, and much more! While you’re there, dine at the FOGG Café or pick up a botanical-inspired souvenir in the gift shop, which even includes plants. The garden is open from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily.
6. Golf Courses
Did you know that Naples is home to more golf courses per capita than anywhere else in the United States? While many of these are private country clubs, there are many amazing courses available to the public. These courses include the Naples Grande Golf Club, ArrowHead Golf Club, Valencia Golf and Country Club, Hibiscus Golf Club, and the Links of Naples. No matter if you’re a beginner or an expert, there’s no better time than spring break to play a round.
If you’re feeling more playful, spend an afternoon at one of Naples’ mini golf courses or venture to Top Golf in Ft. Myers, an inclusive, high-tech golf complex that everyone can enjoy, that features food service and climate-controlled hitting bays.
7. Beaches
Nothing says spring break like a day at the beach, and Naples, Florida has miles of pristine sandy shores and crystal clear waters that offer the best chance to soak up some sun during your time here. The calm Gulf of Mexico waves are perfect for families with young children, while water sports enthusiasts can enjoy kayaking, paddleboarding, or parasailing. Rent a jet ski or a boat for some thrilling fun, or simply spend a few hours relaxing with a great book and your favorite snack.
Some of the most beautiful beaches to visit in Naples are Vanderbilt Beach Park, Clam Pass Beach Park, and Lowdermilk Beach Park, and many of these beaches supply donated life jackets for the little ones. If you’ve already booked out your whole afternoon, or are looking for the perfect way to end, or begin, your night in Naples, visit the beach in the evening to experience an iconic Naples sunset. You won’t regret it!
At Moorings Park Communities, we strive to ensure our residents experience the best of what Naples has to offer. Discover a lifestyle beyond compare across our three gorgeous campuses, where luxurious residences, breathtaking views, state-of-the-art amenities, and, of course, concierge physicians and personalized healthcare are all included. Schedule your tour today and see why we are the number one luxury retirement living destination in Southwest Florida.
