Top Ten Things To Do When You Visit

1. Marco Island Historical Museum

The new Marco Island Historical Museum explores Southwest Florida’s Calusa Indians and brings this vanished civilization to life with informative displays and an exciting recreated village scene. Temporary and traveling exhibits trace the settlement of this subtropical island paradise from its early pioneer roots as a fishing village, pineapple plantation and clam cannery, through its explosive growth and development in the 1960s by the Miami-based Deltona Corporation. Visit Their Website Here.

2. Marco Island Center for the Arts

The Art Center on Marco Island is dedicated to inspiring the community through the arts. As a membership organization, the MICAsupports the betterment of the community through a focus on the arts with workshops, classes, lectures, exhibitions in galleries and special events that bring people together. Visit Their Website.

3. Naples Botanical Garden
Experience 170 acres including a Caribbean Garden with a traditional re-created chattel house, a dramatic waterfall feature with giant lily pads in the Brazilian Garden, and preserved natural wetlands with a birding tower. The Lea Asian Garden showcases the plants and culture of subtropical climates. In addition to a 250-variety plumeria collection, rice paddy and Asian water elements and vegetation, it incorporates a re-created 15th century Hindu temple and other exotic shrines and structures. Visit Their Website Here.

4. Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
Park features exotic creatures such as panthers, alligators, leopards, bears and lions. Guests pay one rate to enjoy lively multimedia animal shows and feedings, and a boat cruise to the primate island to view monkeys and lemurs. The noteworthy Black Bear Hammock is the largest such accredited exhibit east of the Mississippi.Nationally accredited, the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens is said to be one of the best attractions in the city. Visit Their Website Here.

6. Palm Cottage
Constructed in 1895, the Palm Cottage displays a special piece of Naples history. This home is on the National Register of Historic Places and is now a museum that has been decorated to reflect its previous 19th-century charm. See unique furniture pieces, antique kitchen appliances and heirloom portraits of Naples natives from over a hundred years ago. Visits to the cottage are by guided tour only. Self-tour the adjacent Norris Gardens. Visit Their Website Here.

7. ARTIS-Naples
Formerly known as the Philharmonic Center for the Arts, it is dedicated to both visual and performing arts in one architecturally forward location. Home to the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra and the Miami Ballet, the Artis hosts audiences of up to 1,425 throughout the year for touring orchestras, opera, comedians, modern dance and more than 400 events yearly. The Naples Museum of Art features multiple stunning Dale Chihuly chandeliers, plus impressive galleries filled with works by early 20th-century masters and traveling exhibits. Visit Their Website Here.

8. Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
The Environmental Learning Center at the reserve does a stellar job of interpreting the habitat of the estuary in a modern, state-of-the-art facility. The first floor holds a gallery that hosts changing exhibits of wildlife art in addition to its gift shop and an impressive, inviting gallery of interactive exhibits that include a 2,000-gallon aquarium built into roots of a recreated mangrove tree, plus a touch tank and beautifully executed exhibits. Upstairs, explore the Naples area’s timeline and visit a Cracker shack to listen to human history. Then take the bridge to a short nature trail on the other side of Henderson Creek. The center also hosts guided walks, kayak tours and other education programming. Visit Their Website Here.

9. Shark Valley
Enjoy the wildlife and natural setting at Shark Valley in three ways – walking, biking, or take the narrated tram ride along the 15-mile loop… you’re sure to see a few alligators! Climb the observation tower at the halfway mark to take in a panorama of the reserve. Bicycle rentals available and ranger-led activities are offered seasonally. Visitor Center 305-221-8776.