What to do in Naples Florida?

January 12, 2007 6:27 PM

Naples/Fort Myers tomorrow! I'm going to be in Naples and Fort Myers Florida for the long weekend. I plan to head down to the Everglades for a day and also maybe some scuba diving. If there are any natives or anybody who's visited the area I'd appreciate some 'must visits'!
posted by substrate to travel & transportation (6 comments total)

I spent a lot of time there as a kid, due to my grandparents having a place there.

The botanical gardens are fantastic. You can take little canoe rides around them as well. Definitely a must-see.
posted by k8t at 6:46 PM on January 12, 2007

Definitely go to Sanibel Island.
posted by Kraftmatic Adjustable Cheese at 7:00 PM on January 12, 2007

Shark Valley if you want to see the "real" Everglades. It's a good bike ride too. If you want to bike, don't count on being able to rent at the park, though. Their bikes are in notoriously short supply -- rent one in town and take it with you. Shark Valley is about a 1 to 1-1/4 hour east of Naples on US 41. It really is worth the trip if you haven't been before.

I was just in Sanibel 2 weeks ago and the beaches were pretty gooped up with all manner of detrius. It is very scenic but maybe not such a great time to use the beach for swimming. Also, parking at any of the Sanibel beaches is a real bitch.

The nicest beach in Naples is probably Clam Pass, on the southern edge of Pelican Bay.

Where are you staying? I live in the area* and might be able to give more specific recommendations.

*I am the lone Mefite within 30 miles of Naples, pity me.
posted by contessa at 8:05 PM on January 12, 2007

I'm staying in Naples at the Comfort Inn and Executive Suites on Tollgate Blvd. Thanks for all the responses so far.
posted by substrate at 9:17 PM on January 12, 2007

Cool...that helps narrow it down a lot.

As far as Naples goes, the downtown bit is about 5 or 6 miles west of where you're staying. 5th Avenue South is sort of the showpiece bit of it - just get on Davis Blvd. and head west until you hit US 41 (Tamiami Trail), keep going west, and you'll run right into it. There are lots of shops and restaurants and stuff there. Personally my favorite bar there is Paddy Murphy's because it is the most laid-back one. (McCabe's is OK too but usually very crowded.) If you like pretentious bars, you have at least a dozen more to choose from on the same street. 3rd Street South is somewhat similar but without as much stuff.

If you go south on Collier Blvd eventually you'll hit Marco Island. Not that I'd recommend it, but it's possible.

If you like monkeys, you could always go to Jungle Larry's.

Collier-Seminole State Park has nice paths and canoeing among the mangroves, and not so many mosquitoes this time of year.

If I think of any other things I'll add them here.
posted by contessa at 10:25 PM on January 12, 2007

Thanks all, especially contessa, I had a great unplanned weekend.
posted by substrate at 8:40 AM on January 16, 2007