Marco Island is a paradise retreat just a short ferry ride away from the Naples coast. Here you will find luxurious dining and shopping as well as some of the most pristine beaches Florida has to offer. Guests who want to explore these beaches can do so casually or through the many excursions offered by locals.

A short trip around the island will bring visitors to the Collier Seminole State Park where primitive camping, canoeing, boating, picnics, and fishing are all a part of the journey. Those who venture out into the ocean will find the legendary dome homes floating off the coast as well as the option to learn about their history. If time permits during your stay in Naples, a day trip to Marco Island is an absolute must to get the full experience!

You’re not the only one who loves the summertime sunshine (well sometimes). You’re also not the only one who has mastered the art of cooling off. Come see how endangered clouded leopard kittens Janet and Jean beat off the summer heat. You could also see an up-close Florida panther in case you’ve never been fortunate enough to find one in the wild.

This zoo is sure to be fun for the whole family. Show the kids how long a giraffe’s tongue can get as they hand-feed these long-necked giants. With discounted group rates and membership discounts, there’s no better time than today to get your wild on.

The trolley begins its run at the Experience Naples Welcome Center and proceeds to venture out through Naples with 21 stops along the way. The experience is Hop On, Hop Off so feel free to stay for the entire ride or hop off at any location and explore before hopping back on when another trolley arrives. Your tour comes with an enriching narrative of the city and its history with just enough light humor to keep you engaged. Not including any time you take off the bus, the tours run about 2 hours so grab your ticket and see Naples in style!

At the Naples Botanical Gardens, displays are grouped in ways that allow visitors to experience a specific type of immersion. The Chabraja Visitor Center welcomes guests with three unique gardens dedicated to showcasing tropical landscapes, charismatic plants with intriguing flowers, and a world-class orchid garden. Next, guests can venture out into the world and find themselves lost in the Kapnick Brazilian Garden. The South American, rainforest-inspired landscapes then fade into the Lea Asian Garden. Here, exotic plants and garden architecture will allow you to get you’re still in Florida. The world tour re-enters the world of familiarity a trip through the Caribbean Garden and eventually back home to see rare native plants at the Scott Florida Garden.

Outside of the main gardens, there is also a featured 90-acre sanctuary called The Preserve where visitors can observe rare Florida wildlife in its natural habitat. Families must be sure to stop by the Children’s Garden for a unique fun, educational experience and maybe even some hands-on gardening! The Naples Botanical Garden is open daily from early morning to 5:00 pm so make sure to add a stop at this local gem to your Naples visit!

You’re sure to be entertained whether you just want to take a leisurely stroll or relax for several hours. Those patient enough might catch a dolphin sighting as they are very frequent and with the pier open 24/7, you have many opportunities to check and see. The surrounding area includes concessions and beach supplies; now beer and wine are conveniently served directly outside the pier. This Naples staple is located just two miles away from the Naples Bay Resort and is located at the west end of 12th Avenue South.

The Revs Institute brings you world-famous cars dating back to the 19th century! Come see the Mercedes that was nominated for Car of the Century and was the last one designed by Ferdinand Porsche before he started his own company. Stroll at your own leisurely pace or join a very recommended tour and experience a truly unique collection. The Revs Institute is open Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday and requires tickets be purchased in advance so make sure to plan accordingly!

One such exhibit is Isabelle de Borchgrave’s Fashioning Art from Paper, an exploration of historic costumes through modern paper sculpture. From exquisite replicas of Renaissance Italian gowns to fanciful recreations of costumes from the Ballet Russes, de Borchgrave’s one-of-a-kind, lifesize pieces are acclaimed across the globe.

Designed to present her work to a broader audience, this immersive, breathtaking exhibit features examples from all of de Borchgrave’s major series. Don’t miss the opportunity to catch Fashioning Art from Paper, open at The Baker Museum from February to May of 2019.