Looking for fun activities to do outside? Well, look no further than Naples, Florida. Most people think of Florida as being the retirement capital of the country. Or just another place with beaches and Mickey Mouse (TM). Well, the City of Naples has other ideas for Florida living--It is a beautiful city with plenty of outdoor activities that the whole family can enjoy.
One of the most popular places for outdoor fun is The Naples Nature Center. It is directed by the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, and has a fourteen acre Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, which treats over 2,400 injured, sick, and orphaned animals each year so they can be released back into the wild in their natural habitat. There is a wooded nature trail that is lined with interpretive signs, for those who want to just explore at their own pace. For those who prefer to be entertained, guided tours of the trail and rehabilitation center are also offered.
Naples is also home to the Briggs Nature Center. It is more of a hands on experience, for those that want to really get down and dirty with their nature experience. It has a scenic boardwalk style trail. There is also a gorgeous butterfly garden with native plant species. It has abundant bird life for the birdwatcher in all of us. There is also the opportunity to go canoing or kayaking on the waterways, if you want to do more than just get your feet wet.
Ten Thousand Island and Rookery Bay Aquatic Preserves also call Naples home. This preserve is 112,000 acres of untamed South Florida wilderness just waiting to be explored. It's vastness allows for numerous guests to explore nature like never before. Yet, it's seclusion makes it perfect for the anglers, canoeists, birdwatchers or anyone else that wants to explore the outdoors.
Want a different kind of experience other than just a walk through the forest? Try visiting the Collier-Seminole State Park. It's 6,430 acres of diverse wilderness settings, which includes a 4,760 acre wilderness preserve. The trees make a tropical hammock that takes guests to another world, that has been said to make them feel like they're in the West Indies or Yucatan. Cypress swamps, saltwater marshes, and thick pine flat-woods make up the beauty of this tranquil location. It is also home to several of Florida's threatened and endangered species. Brown pelican, wood stork, bald eagle, roseate spoonbill, American crocodile, and Florida black bear are just some of the animals that call this home.
And we can't forget about the beaches. With Naples being located on the coast, there are miles, and miles of beautiful, white, sandy beaches to explore. So, pack a lunch, put on your swimsuit, and get the whole family outside at any one of them for an experience of a lifetime!
This guide to Naples, Florida was brought to you by Melissa Morlan