Top 10 Things To Do On Floridas Paradise Coast - Naples, Marco Island & the Everglades

  • By Christian Armond
  • Published 10 July 2015
  • Revised 27 August 2024
Top 10 Things To Do On Floridas Paradise Coast - Naples, Marco Island & the Everglades
  • By Christian Armond
  • Published 10 July 2015
  • Revised 27 August 2024
Top 10 Things To Do On Floridas Paradise Coast - Naples, Marco Island & the Everglades
  • By Christian Armond
  • Published 10 July 2015
  • Revised 27 August 2024
The Paradise Coast’s most dominant feature is its pristine white beaches, 30 miles of soft, unspoiled, white sand, perfect for watching colourful sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico. The area is surrounded by the natural beauty of tropical foliage and fascinating wildlife, including manatees, bottlenose dolphins and hundreds of bird species.

As well as the nature and wildlife there is a fantastic selection of fine dining, golf courses, shops and cultural attractions with more than 100 art galleries and numerous historic sites.
 
 

Naples
Naples is known as the ‘finest town in Florida’ with an exclusive, intimate and small town feel - this stylish retreat is home to an outstanding array of privately owned restaurants and the calmest waters in the entire Southwest. Visitors can stroll the tropically landscaped streets and avenues, enjoy the sun drenched beaches and beautifully manicured parks, for outdoor lovers Naples is the perfect place for a relaxing stay on the coast.


slideSun-N-Fun Lagoon
If the Florida heat gets a little too much, head to the Sun-N-Fun Lagoon for some cooling down the whole family will enjoy. With a lazy river, 4 pools, 5 water slides, a splash playground and more, this excellent waterpark caters to all ages and makes a great day out.

glfWorld Class Golf in Naples and Marco Island
Naples and Marco Island holds more golf courses per capita than anywhere else in the world, and some of the best can be found at Marco Island Marriott Resort, The Ritz Carlton and The Naples Beach Hotel. Golf enthusiasts have the choice of over 90 courses, many of championship quality, providing excellent value during the May-October period. Florida’s Paradise Coast – Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades – was voted as 2014’s Golf Destination of the Year – North America by the International Association of Golf Tour Operators (IAGTO).

turtleConservancy of Southwest Florida Nature Centre
This 21 acre Nature Centre is dedicated to protecting Florida’s diverse wildlife and their natural habitats. With a vast selection of interactive activities, animal rehabilitation facilities and guided tours, this is a great place to learn all about Florida’s wildlife and get up close to the animals.

gardenNaples Botanical Garden
The Naples Botanical Garden is home to an impressive array of colourful plants and beautiful flowers found locally in Florida and other subtropical parts of the globe. Areas are themed around destinations such as Asia, Brazil and the Caribbean and transport visitors to the heart of these places in a matter of seconds. Kids will adore the children’s area which features a butterfly sanctuary, a treehouse and a secret garden.

delmor 2Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
With one of the most pristine beaches in the entire US, this state park is the perfect place to sit back and soak up that Florida sun. More than just a tropical paradise for beach lovers, the Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is fantastic for fishing, boating, scuba diving and spotting loggerhead turtles nesting on warm summer nights.
 
 

Marco Island
Just 20 minutes south of Naples lies Marco Island which is the only developed island in The Thousand Islands that stretch out from the wilderness of the Everglades - Marco Island was voted the #1 Island in the US and #4 in the world by Trip Advisor in 2014. The area has over 30 miles of beautiful white sand beaches which are perfect for families relaxing and enjoying the warm, safe Gulf of Mexico waters. The still coastline is simply great for spending a lazy day, spotting bottlenose dolphins or other amazing marine wildlife.


SUPTigertail Beach
Marco Island’s Tigertail beach is 79 acres of pure paradise. With sugar-white sand that stretches along the turquoise waters of the Mexican Gulf, this is one of Florida’s finest retreats for some tropical relaxation. Explore the waters with a stand up paddleboard, kayak or water trike and stick around to catch the spectacular sunsets from the beach.

cape romanoCape Romano
Rumoured to be built by a secret cult or left behind by extra-terrestrials, these abandoned dome houses provide a fascinating scene for visitors. Truth is, they were designed and built by a retired inventor who later lost the houses due to financial difficulties. Now being engulfed by the ocean, these other-worldly structures provide an excellent home for the tropical marine life and an awe-inspiring sight for tourists.

evergladesThe Everglades
For those looking for an unforgettable adventure, there is the subtropical wilderness of the Everglades – a world heritage site and ecosystem. From airboat rides, wildlife tours, hiking one of many trails, taking a ranger-guided swampwalk strolling along the Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk or explore on your own in a canoe or kayak through the Ten Thousand Islands.

ten thousand islandTen Thousand Islands Tour
Spot some of Florida’s much loved sea life on a boat tour of Ten Thousand Islands. Climb aboard and explore the coastal waters of Marco Island’s surrounding sisters for the chance to spot dolphins, sea turtles and the elusive Florida manatee.

sunsetSunset Spectacle
Feel like a castaway as you settle down in one of the thatched-roof tiki huts that make up Quinn’s On The Beach. This beachfront bar offers fantastic views of the sunset and puts on nightly fire dance shows to entertain guests. Watch out for the legendary ‘Green Flash’ that zips across the sky as the sun dips below the horizon as you enjoy a sundowner cocktail!
 
 

See here for accommodation in Naples and Marco Island



 

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