Naples Bucket List: 25 Things to Do in Your First Year Here
- 8 hours ago
- 3 min read
Welcome to Naples! Whether you just unpacked the moving boxes or are considering making this slice of paradise your home, one thing’s for sure, you’ll never run out of things to do. Between sugar-sand beaches, world-class dining, and vibrant culture, Naples has a way of blending small-town charm with big-city luxuries.
To help you dive right in, I’ve put together the ultimate “Naples Bucket List” - 25 experiences you should check off in your very first year here.
1. Watch a Sunset at Naples Pier: It’s iconic for a reason. Grab an ice cream downtown, stroll out on the historic pier, and watch the sky explode with color.
2. Explore Fifth Avenue South: Boutiques, fine dining, art galleries, and plenty of people-watching. Don’t miss the seasonal events and holiday lights.
3. Take a Boat Cruise from Tin City: Hop aboard a sightseeing or sunset cruise from this quirky waterfront shopping village.
4. Dine on the Water at The Dock, Turtle Club or Baleen: Few things beat fresh seafood with Gulf views.
5. Hit the Beach at Clam Pass Park: Take the boardwalk tram through mangroves to a stunning, less-crowded stretch of sand.
6. Visit the Naples Botanical Garden: Immerse yourself in 170 acres of tropical plants, art installations, and serene walking paths.
7. Spend a Day at Naples Zoo: Perfect for families, with giraffe feeding and boat rides through primate habitats.
8. Play Pickleball at East Naples Community Park: This is the unofficial pickleball capital of the world - you’ll see why.
9. Attend the Naples Winter Wine Festival: If you love fine wine and philanthropy, this is one of the top charity events in the country.
10. Try Paddleboarding at Vanderbilt Beach: Flat waters and stunning views make for a great day on the Gulf.
11. Explore the Arts at Artis - Naples: Catch a performance by the Naples Philharmonic or stroll through The Baker Museum.
12. Take a Day Trip to the Everglade: sAirboat rides, wildlife spotting, and adventure just an hour away.
13. Play a Round of Golf at One of 90+ Courses: Naples is a golfer’s paradise. Tee off at a public course like Tiburón Golf Club or link up with a private club once you’re settled.
14. Shop & Dine at Mercato: Trendy restaurants, a movie theater, Whole Foods, and nightlife in one stylish spot.
15. Bike or Walk Gordon River Greenway: A hidden gem with trails winding through mangroves and marshes.
16. Try a Naples Food Tour: Get a taste of Naples’ diverse dining scene in one afternoon.
17. Take in the Christmas Boat Parade: Holiday spirit, Naples-style - boats decked out in twinkling lights cruising Naples Bay.
18. Stroll Third Street South on a Saturday Morning: Farmers market vibes with gourmet foods, fresh flowers, and local vendors.
19. Visit Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary: A peaceful boardwalk through pristine old-growth cypress forest teeming with wildlife.
20. Charter a Fishing Trip: Go deep-sea fishing in the Gulf or stay inshore for snook and tarpon.
21. Explore Historic Palm Cottage: Step back into Naples’ early days at this beautifully preserved 1895 home.
22. Treat Yourself to Waterside Shops: Luxury shopping and dining in a beautiful open-air setting.
23. Kayak Rookery Bay: A nature lover’s dream with calm waters, mangrove tunnels, and endless wildlife.
24. Indulge in Stone Crab Season (Oct–May): Whether it’s Truluck’s, Kelly's Fish House or a local fish shack, don’t miss this Florida delicacy.
25. Celebrate with Fireworks at the Beach: New Year’s Eve or Fourth of July, join the locals for fireworks over the Gulf.
Naples isn’t just a place to live, it’s a lifestyle. By the time you’ve checked off these 25 experiences, you’ll feel like a true local. And the best part? This list is just the beginning - Naples always has more to discover.
If you’re considering making Naples home, I’d love to help you find not just the right house, but the right neighborhood to match the lifestyle you’re dreaming of.
Renee Hahn, Your Naples Real Estate Expert
Ranked in the Top 0.5% in the Nation
Alfred Robbins Realty Group
📞 (239) 287-2576
#️⃣ Instagram: @reneehahnluxurynaples
#️⃣ Facebook: LuxuryRealEstateinNaples
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