Things To Do in Naples, Fla

Its history may go back only to 1886, but the beach skirting Olde Naples still has the charm of that Victorian era. The heart of the district lies south of 5th Avenue South (where U.S. 41 takes a 45-degree turn). The town docks are on the bay side, the stunning Naples Beach along the Gulf. Laid out on a grid, the tree-lined streets run between many houses, some dating from the town's beginning, and along Millionaires' Row between Gulf Shore Boulevard and the beach. With these gorgeous homes virtually hidden in the palms and casuarinas, Naples Beach seems a century removed from the high-rise condominiums farther north.

The Naples Pier, at the Gulf end of 12th Avenue South, is a focal point of the neighborhood. Built in 1888 to let steamers land real estate customers, the original 600-foot-long, T-shape structure was destroyed by hurricanes and damaged by fire. Local residents have rebuilt it because they like strolling its length to catch fantastic Gulf sunsets -- and to get a glimpse of Millionaires' Row from the Gulf side. The pier is now a state historic site. It's open 24 hours a day, but parking in the nearby lots is restricted between 11pm and 7am.

Nearby Palm Cottage, 137 12th Ave. S., between 1st Street and Gordon Drive (tel. 239/261-8164), was built in 1885 by one of Naples's founders, Louisville Courier-Journal publisher Walter Haldeman, as a winter retreat for his chief editorial writer. After World War II, its socialite owners hosted many galas attended by Hollywood stars such as Hedy Lamarr, Gary Cooper, and Robert Montgomery. One of the few remaining Southwest Florida houses built of tabby mortar (made by burning shells), Palm Cottage today is the home of the Naples Historical Society, which maintains it as a museum filled with authentic furniture, paintings, photographs, and other memorabilia. Two-hour tours are given on select Wednesdays at 9:30am and cost $22 per person. There are also free self-guided tours on select holidays.

Near the Gordon River Bridge on 5th Avenue South, the old corrugated waterfront warehouses are now a shopping-and-dining complex known as the Old Marine Marketplace at Tin City, to which tourists throng and which local residents assiduously avoid. It does, however, look cool from the outside.

A Nature Preserve

Experience Southwest Florida’s abundant natural life without leaving town at the Conservancy of Southwest Florida’s Naples Nature Center, 14th Avenue North, east of Goodlette-Frank Road (tel. 239/262-0304; $17.95 adults, $9.95 ages 3-12; Tues–Sat 9:30am–4pm), one of two preserves operated by the Conservancy. Here, you’ll find nature trails and an aviary (with bald eagles and other birds). You can take guided, 45-minute boat rides along the Gordon River on the hour, between 10am and 3pm, weather permitting. The wildlife is interesting, including an occasional monkey escapee from the Naples Zoo next door (see “Museums & Zoos,” above). An excellent nature store carries gift items. There’s also a multimedia exhibit dedicated to the imperiled Florida panther, showcasing it in its natural environment, and a “touch tank” with plants, animals, and marine life on display. Admission includes boat rides.

The Performing Arts in Naples

The Club & Bar Scene in Naples