Things to Do in Collier County, Florida

Collier County, nestled on Florida’s southwest coast, is a paradise of pristine beaches, vast nature preserves, and charming coastal towns. Whether you’re exploring the white sands of Naples, the wild beauty of the Everglades, or the family-friendly attractions across the county, Collier offers something for every traveler. Here’s a detailed guide to help you plan the perfect visit.

🏖️ Top Outdoor Activities & Beaches

Collier County boasts some of Florida’s most stunning beaches and natural parks, offering everything from serene boardwalk strolls to adventurous water sports and vibrant wildlife encounters.

🏝️ Clam Pass Park (Naples): A peaceful beach reached via a ¾-mile mangrove boardwalk that feels like stepping into a tropical sanctuary. Along the way, spot crabs, herons, and mangrove snappers. The scenic tram ride makes it easily accessible for families, while the gentle waves are perfect for swimming and paddleboarding. Facilities include showers, restrooms, and a snack bar, making it an ideal full-day destination.
🐚 Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park: Famous for its crystal-clear water and abundant shells, this park attracts snorkelers, anglers, and nature lovers alike. Its offshore reef teems with colorful marine life, making it one of the best places in Southwest Florida for underwater exploration. Visitors can also enjoy shaded picnic areas, nature trails, and kayaking opportunities through coastal mangroves.
🦩 Tigertail Beach (Marco Island): A broad expanse of white sand where adventure meets tranquility. Cross the shallow lagoon to reach the secluded barrier island side, where shorebirds nest and shells collect in abundance. Rent kayaks or paddleboards, or simply wade in the calm waters with your kids. There’s also a playground, café, and observation tower offering panoramic views of Marco Island’s coastline.
🌅 Naples Pier: Built in 1888, this iconic landmark remains a gathering place for fishing, sightseeing, and soaking in spectacular sunsets. Dolphins frequently glide by, delighting onlookers. The pier has public restrooms, showers, and a snack stand, and nearby Old Naples is filled with restaurants and boutiques—perfect for a sunset stroll followed by dinner.

If you crave more coastal exploration, nearby Vanderbilt Beach offers high-end resort amenities and easy Gulf access, while Barefoot Beach Preserve combines soft sand with nature trails through coastal dunes.

💡 Insider Tip: Most beaches require paid parking or a Collier County beach permit. Arrive early during peak season for the best spots! Consider visiting midweek mornings for fewer crowds, and don’t forget to pack reef-safe sunscreen and water shoes for shell-filled shorelines.

🌳 Explore Nature & Parks

Collier County covers part of Florida’s legendary Everglades ecosystem, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts, photographers, and outdoor explorers. The region is a living mosaic of mangroves, wetlands, and pine forests teeming with wildlife, from majestic wading birds to elusive panthers. Here, nature isn’t just scenery—it’s an experience.

🐊 Everglades National Park: Explore by airboat, kayak, or guided eco-tour through the labyrinth of mangrove tunnels and sawgrass prairies. Visitors can spot alligators sunning themselves on banks, manatees gliding through brackish waters, and colorful roseate spoonbills feeding in the shallows. Stop by the Gulf Coast Visitor Center in Everglades City for boat tours into the Ten Thousand Islands. For a quieter adventure, try a sunrise paddle where the morning mist rises over the wetlands, creating an unforgettable view.
🦜 Big Cypress National Preserve: Spanning more than 700,000 acres, this preserve protects a unique freshwater swamp ecosystem. Home to rare wildlife like the Florida panther, bobcats, and black bears, Big Cypress offers opportunities for hiking, scenic drives, and backcountry camping. The Loop Road Scenic Drive is a 27-mile route filled with cypress trees and wildlife viewing pullouts—perfect for photographers. Join a ranger-led swamp walk or take a scenic boardwalk trail for a safe, up-close look at nature.
🌲 Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary: Walk the 2.25-mile boardwalk winding through pine flatwoods, wet prairie, and the largest remaining old-growth bald cypress forest in North America. The sanctuary is a birdwatcher’s paradise, especially during the dry season when herons, egrets, and wood storks congregate around shrinking pools. Interpretive signs and guided tours provide educational insight into the fragile ecosystem. Don’t miss the early morning hours when the forest comes alive with birdsong.
🛶 Collier–Seminole State Park: This 7,000-acre park offers a blend of recreation and history. Paddle the Blackwater River beneath the canopy of mangroves or hike the Royal Palm Hammock Trail to see native orchids and bromeliads. The park also showcases the Bay City Walking Dredge—a National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark that helped construct the Tamiami Trail, linking Tampa to Miami. Picnic areas, campgrounds, and canoe rentals make it a great family-friendly stop.

If you want to go beyond the main parks, visit Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park, known as the “Amazon of North America,” to search for the rare Ghost Orchid. The Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge offers guided boat tours and fishing expeditions, while Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve provides kayaking, educational exhibits, and nature trails through pristine coastal habitats.

🌤️ Pro Tip: Visit between November and April for cooler weather and fewer mosquitoes. Wear light-colored clothing, bring binoculars for birdwatching, and always carry water—especially on longer hikes or paddling routes. For the best experience, consider joining a guided nature tour to learn about local ecology and ensure you see the hidden wonders most visitors miss.

🏛️ Cultural & Historical Attractions

Collier’s history comes alive through its museums, preserved buildings, and charming downtown districts, offering a fascinating glimpse into the area’s transformation from a rugged pioneer settlement to a sophisticated coastal community. Visitors can experience everything from Native American artifacts to restored 19th-century homes and elegant art galleries that reflect the region’s evolution.

🏺 Collier County Museum (Naples): Learn about pioneer life and Native American heritage through exhibits showcasing ancient tools, Seminole crafts, and early settler cabins. The museum’s outdoor village includes authentic wagons, a 1910 steam engine, and a recreated trading post that paints a vivid picture of old Florida life. It’s a must-see for history buffs eager to understand how the area developed into modern Naples.
🚂 Naples Depot Museum: Housed in a beautifully restored 1920s Seaboard Air Line Railroad station, this museum takes you back to the days when Naples was connected to the rest of Florida by train. Exhibits include antique locomotives, model railways, and interpretive displays about the impact of transportation on the city’s growth. Families love the hands-on railcar experience and the adjacent train-themed playground.
🏞️ Museum of the Everglades (Everglades City): This small but engaging museum chronicles the early days of Everglades City, including its role in the development of the Tamiami Trail and its colorful history of fishing, pioneering, and even smuggling. Photographs, maps, and personal stories highlight the resilience of early settlers who braved swamps and hurricanes to build their community.
🗿 Marco Island Historical Museum: A treasure trove of local archaeology, this museum showcases Calusa Indian artifacts dating back over a thousand years, including the famous Key Marco Cat sculpture discovered by archaeologist Frank Hamilton Cushing. Immersive dioramas and multimedia displays tell the story of the Calusa’s advanced society and how their culture shaped the region long before European contact.
🏡 Palm Cottage (Naples): Built in 1895, this lovingly preserved house is Naples’ oldest home and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Operated by the Naples Historical Society, it offers guided tours that reveal the craftsmanship, architecture, and stories of early residents. The surrounding Norris Gardens are equally charming, filled with native plants and period-accurate landscaping.

In addition to museums, visitors can stroll through Historic Third Street South, where quaint architecture and shaded courtyards evoke the town’s old-world charm. Stop by the Naples Historical Society for walking tours of Old Naples, where vintage homes and citrus groves meet boutique-lined streets.

🎨 Art lovers shouldn’t miss Artis—Naples, home to the Baker Museum and Naples Philharmonic, or the galleries along Fifth Avenue South, where fine art, sculpture, and photography fill elegant showrooms. The Baker Museum regularly features national and international exhibitions, while smaller galleries like von Liebig Art Center and DeBruyne Fine Art showcase regional talent. Seasonal art fairs and live performances add even more vibrancy to Collier’s cultural landscape. Artis—Naples, home to the Baker Museum and Naples Philharmonic, or the galleries along Fifth Avenue South.

🎓 Family-Friendly Adventures

Collier County is full of attractions for families and children, offering fun that blends education, outdoor adventure, and pure recreation for all ages. From hands-on museums and sprawling playgrounds to wildlife encounters and water fun, every corner of Collier has something exciting to offer families.

🦁 Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens: A beautifully landscaped zoo that doubles as a botanical garden, featuring tropical foliage, winding trails, and shaded picnic areas. Take a guided boat ride around primate islands to see monkeys and lemurs leaping through the trees. Daily animal shows, alligator feedings, and conservation talks provide both entertainment and education. Kids love the giraffe-feeding platform, while parents can enjoy a leisurely stroll through lush gardens filled with orchids and flamingos.
🧩 Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples (CMON): This interactive 38,000-square-foot museum is a paradise for curious young minds. It’s packed with hands-on exhibits that combine play and learning—children can climb a banyan tree, explore a pretend farmers market, or create art in the Imagination Lab. Rotating seasonal exhibits and sensory-friendly programs make it a welcoming destination for all families. Don’t miss their outdoor Discovery Garden, which offers nature play and water experiments.
🌈 Big Corkscrew Island Regional Park: One of Collier’s newest parks, this state-of-the-art facility spans over 150 acres and includes an enormous shaded playground, splash pads, soccer and baseball fields, and walking trails. The park’s modern design features picnic shelters, workout stations, and the adjacent Collier County Aquatic Complex with water slides, lap pools, and family swim areas. Weekend events and local food trucks make it a community favorite.
💦 Sun-N-Fun Lagoon: The county’s only dedicated waterpark and a summer essential for local families. Featuring five thrilling water slides, a lazy river, lap pools, and a massive splash playground, it’s ideal for cooling off on hot Florida days. Lifeguards are stationed throughout, and shaded cabanas can be rented for the day. There’s also a café serving snacks and ice cream, ensuring families can spend the entire day without leaving the park.

Families visiting Collier can also enjoy smaller gems like the Naples Train Museum, which delights kids with model trains and miniature displays, or take a dolphin cruise from Naples Bay for an unforgettable experience spotting marine life. Seasonal events such as outdoor movie nights, holiday parades, and local farmers markets add even more reasons to explore together.

🍽️ Dining, Nightlife & Local Flavor

From fine dining to laid-back seafood shacks, Collier County’s culinary scene shines with a delightful mix of coastal flavors, international cuisine, and waterfront ambiance. Whether you’re looking for a romantic date night, a lively bar scene, or a relaxed lunch with ocean views, there’s something to satisfy every craving.

🍝 Fifth Avenue South & Third Street South (Naples): Trendy restaurants, wine bars, and street cafés line these charming avenues. You’ll find everything from upscale Italian trattorias to chic seafood bistros serving fresh-caught grouper and snapper. Enjoy open-air dining under twinkling lights as street musicians play jazz or acoustic tunes. Don’t miss happy hour at the wine bars or the locally loved gelato shops for a sweet finish to your evening.
🦀 Tin City Waterfront Marketplace: A Naples classic for casual dining and shopping with waterfront views. Sit along the docks and savor crab claws, peel-and-eat shrimp, or the catch of the day while boats drift by. Inside, boutique stores sell nautical souvenirs and local crafts. Tin City restaurants often feature live music on weekends, creating a festive atmosphere that’s perfect for families and groups.
🍸 Mercato (North Naples): A stylish open-air plaza that blends dining, nightlife, and entertainment. Choose from upscale steakhouses, sushi bars, and lively taverns before catching a movie at the state-of-the-art cinema. After dinner, enjoy handcrafted cocktails at Blue Martini or rooftop drinks under the stars at The Pub. Mercato frequently hosts outdoor concerts, car shows, and seasonal events, making it a hub for both locals and visitors.
🍕 Coastal Cafés and Beachfront Dining: Venture beyond downtown Naples to find hidden gems like Vanderbilt Beach’s seaside restaurants or Marco Island’s tiki bars offering sunset views and live island music. Many beachside spots feature menus focused on fresh seafood, tropical drinks, and local ingredients—perfect for a laid-back afternoon or romantic evening.
🍷 Local Favorites: Foodies can explore farm-to-table eateries using ingredients from nearby Immokalee farms, or try craft breweries offering locally brewed ales. Weekend brunches at Naples’ garden cafés or champagne brunch buffets along the Gulf are also beloved traditions.

🍤 Don’t Miss: Fresh Gulf shrimp and seasonal stone crab (October–November) are local specialties. For an authentic taste of the region, order stone crab claws with mustard sauce at waterfront restaurants, or sample Key lime pie and grouper sandwiches—two true Florida classics that perfectly capture the coastal vibe.

🛒 Shopping, Markets & Art Walks

Collier County’s shopping scene perfectly blends luxury with local charm. Visitors can spend the morning browsing high-end designer boutiques and the afternoon exploring colorful farmers markets or art fairs beneath the palms. Whether you’re a fashion lover, collector, or casual browser, there’s something for every taste.

🛍️ Fifth Avenue South & Third Street South: Upscale boutiques, galleries, and jewelry stores line these walkable streets in Old Naples. Shoppers can find designer apparel, fine art, handcrafted jewelry, and elegant home décor. Cafés and gelaterias tucked among the shops make it a pleasant place to stroll, especially during the evening when the palm-lined avenues sparkle with lights. Seasonal sidewalk sales and art walks add to the vibrant atmosphere.
💎 Waterside Shops: Luxury brands like Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and Rolex come together in a palm-lined open-air mall known for its tranquil fountains and sleek modern design. Visitors enjoy an elevated shopping experience with valet parking, concierge services, and restaurants like Brio and True Food Kitchen for a refined lunch break. The landscaped setting creates a peaceful escape from the city bustle.
🎁 Tin City: Souvenir shops and nautical-themed gifts fill this historic waterfront marketplace. Beyond typical trinkets, you’ll find handmade shell jewelry, coastal art, and unique Florida memorabilia. Watch boats drift along the Gordon River as you shop, then stop by the dockside eateries for seafood or tropical drinks. The mix of nostalgia and maritime flair makes Tin City a must-visit stop for families and first-time visitors.
🥕 Farmers Markets: Visit the Third Street South Farmers Market for fresh produce, seafood, and artisanal goods. Sample local honey, organic vegetables, and homemade pastries while listening to live music. Marco Island and Immokalee also host lively markets where visitors can purchase regional specialties, handwoven crafts, and flowers from local growers. These markets not only showcase Collier’s agricultural heritage but also support small businesses and artisans year-round.
🎨 Art in the Park: Held seasonally in Cambier Park, featuring regional artists and live music. It’s the oldest outdoor art festival in Naples and showcases paintings, sculptures, and photography from Florida artists. Stroll under shady trees as you browse original pieces and chat directly with the artists. The event often coincides with downtown’s art nights, creating an energetic community vibe that celebrates creativity and culture.

🎉 Annual Events & Festivals

Collier County’s annual events and festivals showcase its lively community spirit, coastal culture, and tropical charm. From seafood feasts and art celebrations to family fairs and music-filled nights, these gatherings bring locals and visitors together throughout the year to celebrate Florida’s vibrant Paradise Coast.

🦞 Everglades Seafood Festival (Everglades City): A February tradition featuring fresh seafood, crafts, and live entertainment. This festival has been a local favorite for over 50 years, transforming the small fishing village of Everglades City into a lively hub of music, food, and fun. Sample shrimp, crab, and oysters straight from local waters while enjoying carnival rides and performances by regional bands. Don’t miss the craft vendors and maritime exhibits that celebrate the area’s fishing heritage.
🎠 Collier County Fair (Immokalee): A March family favorite with rides, games, and agricultural exhibits. The fairgrounds come alive with livestock shows, rodeo events, and nightly concerts that highlight local talent. Families can enjoy classic fair foods like funnel cakes, corn dogs, and lemonade while exploring educational displays about Florida’s farming traditions. The Collier County Fair also hosts a demolition derby and fireworks shows that light up the night sky.
🍷 Naples Winter Wine Festival: A world-class charity event each January, recognized internationally as one of the most prestigious wine auctions in the world. Held at The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, it attracts winemakers, chefs, and philanthropists from across the globe. Guests enjoy exclusive wine tastings, gourmet dinners, and live auctions that raise millions for children’s charities in Collier County. Even if you don’t attend the gala, local restaurants often host satellite events and tastings during festival week.
🎅 SnowFest: A December celebration at Paradise Coast Sports Complex with real snow, holiday fun, and movies under the stars. Families can enjoy ice skating, snow slides, and visits from Santa Claus—all under the Florida sunshine. There are also food trucks, craft markets, and seasonal performances, making it one of Collier’s most magical winter experiences. Locals love taking family photos in the snow without ever leaving the tropics.
🎨 Naples Artcrafters Fine Art & Craft Show: Held several times a year in Cambier Park, this juried art show features talented artists from across Florida. Visitors can browse paintings, ceramics, jewelry, and photography while enjoying live music in the heart of downtown Naples.
🎶 Marco Island Seafood and Music Festival: A spring highlight featuring live bands, local brews, and plenty of Gulf seafood under the palm trees. It’s a perfect mix of coastal flavor and community celebration.

Together, these festivals highlight Collier County’s unique blend of art, culture, and coastal living—offering something exciting to experience in every season.

🌍 Hidden Gems & Travel Tips

🌸 Fakahatchee Strand Preserve: Florida’s largest state park and home to the rare Ghost Orchid. Drive or hike Janes Scenic Drive for a true wilderness experience, surrounded by towering cypress trees and diverse wildlife such as black bears, otters, and wading birds. The park also offers guided swamp walks and tram tours that provide deeper insight into this remarkable ecosystem. Photographers and birdwatchers will find it a paradise for capturing unique flora and fauna.
🐟 Goodland: A quirky fishing village on Marco Island known for waterfront bars and Sunday live music. It’s the kind of place where you can order fresh grouper straight from the docks, chat with local fishermen, and dance barefoot at the famous Stan’s Idle Hour bar. The town’s laid-back vibe, colorful houses, and small-town hospitality make it a hidden gem away from the crowds.
🛥️ Ten Thousand Islands: Perfect for kayaking, fishing, or eco-tours through a maze of mangrove islets. These islands form a vast wildlife refuge where you can spot dolphins, manatees, and countless seabirds. Join a guided kayak tour for a serene paddle through mangrove tunnels, or take a motorboat tour from Everglades City to explore remote beaches where shells and sea stars line the shore. It’s one of the most peaceful and awe-inspiring experiences in Collier County.
🏝️ Barefoot Beach Preserve: Though better known, it still feels like a secret escape. Visitors can walk scenic nature trails, spot gopher tortoises, and unwind on the quiet sands surrounded by untouched coastal habitat.
🪶 Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve: A research and education center offering guided kayak tours, interactive exhibits, and observation platforms. It’s an excellent stop for travelers who want to learn about local ecology and conservation efforts.

📅 Best Time to Visit: November–April (dry season) for pleasant temperatures, low humidity, and vibrant wildlife activity. This is also peak season for outdoor festivals and art events, so book accommodations early. For budget-friendly travel and quieter experiences, consider visiting in late spring or early fall when hotel rates drop but the weather remains warm.

🚗 Transportation: Renting a car is recommended; public transit is limited. Driving allows you to explore off-the-beaten-path destinations like Fakahatchee Strand, Immokalee, and rural scenic byways that reveal Florida’s agricultural heartland. Be mindful of toll roads and wildlife crossings, especially near Everglades and Big Cypress.

🧴 Traveler Tips: Bring sunscreen, water, and insect repellent. Many beaches and parks charge small parking fees, so carry cash or a credit card. Lightweight clothing, a hat, and comfortable shoes will help you handle the subtropical climate. Download offline maps before venturing into rural areas where cell service may be weak. If you plan to explore natural parks, start early in the morning for cooler temperatures and better wildlife sightings.

📍 In Summary

Collier County offers a mix of coastal elegance, natural adventure, and small-town charm. From Naples’ sophisticated dining and art scene to Marco Island’s pristine beaches and the wild Everglades, every visitor can find their slice of paradise here.

Pack your sunscreen, grab your camera, and get ready to explore the best of Florida’s Paradise Coast!