The land that currently makes up Naples, Florida was once inhabited by the Calusa Native Americans. In 1513, thousands of years after the Calusa first settled the land, Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de León led an expedition to the area. Ponce de León made several attempts to establish a colony. However, he was met with formidable resistance from the Calusa. This conflict would last for almost 200 years. The Calusa would eventually be driven away by 18th-century European slave raids.
After the Florida Purchase Treaty was signed and established in 1819, the United States took possession of the Florida territory, which would include present-day Naples. In 1886, United States Senator John Stuart Williams and newspaper publisher Walter Newman Haldeman decided to create a new settlement in Naples. Throughout the late 1800s, word quickly got around about the town’s beautiful weather and the bountiful fish population. By 1930, the town boasted a railroad extension, a major highway, and nearly 400 residents. Today, Naples is home to over 19,000 citizens and several stunning sandy beaches.
Take a stroll along Naples Pier, and experience the outstanding beauty of the area. This historic landmark provides fishing opportunities, views of the Gulf of Mexico, and occasional dolphin sightings. Next, check out the Naples Zoo. The zoo features a gorgeous tropical garden, African lion exhibits, cheetah exhibits, spider monkey exhibits, and alligator feeding activities. Spend the day browsing or shopping at the Venetian Village. The waterfront shopping center includes dozens of upscale retailers, eateries, and art galleries.
Naples has no shortage of delectable Italian restaurants. If you’re a fan of ritzy and luxurious atmospheres, you will enjoy both Campiello’s and Alberto's on Fifth. Menu options include everything from wood-fired pizza and house-made pasta to fish fillets and red wine. If you get a taste for an American-inspired dish, head over to The Bevy or Hob Nob. Between these two welcoming restaurants, you can enjoy marinated skirt steak, jumbo lump crab cakes, blackened salmon, coconut rice, and much more.
Campgrounds Near Naples, Florida
Located just a short distance from the Gulf of Mexico, Fort Myers Beach RV Resort is the perfect place for beach and water lovers. The campground itself offers full hookups, pull-through sites, a swimming pool, adequate cell reception, and an activities center.
Because W.P. Franklin North COE sits along the Caloosahatchee River in the town of Alva, Florida, it provides plenty of chances for boating, fishing, and kayaking. Campground amenities include back-in sites, pull-through sites, shower facilities, cell reception, and covered picnic tables.
Gulf Waters RV Resort is conveniently located near Cape Coral, Florida. This pet-friendly campground provides full hookups, a fishing lake, a swimming pool, shower facilities, and tennis courts. There are also lots of nearby attractions, including Sanibel Island, Bunche Beach, and Zoomers Amusement Park.
State Parks Near Naples, Florida
Koreshan State Park is a modest state park in Lee County, Florida. The 135-acre park was once home to the Koreshan Unity religious colony. During their occupation of the land, the Koreshans imported and cultivated a variety of plants from around the world. Many of these plant species still flourish throughout the park, including sausage trees, Japanese bamboo, and eucalyptus. Bald eagles, bobcats, and river otters are just a few of the animal species that occupy the park. Available recreational activities include hiking, canoeing, fishing, and kayaking.
Stretching across 37,000 acres of land, Myakka River State Park serves as one of Florida’s biggest state parks. The park contains a variety of beautiful natural features, including pine forests, woodlands, prairies, wetlands, and rivers. If you want to view rare bird species, Myakka is an ideal destination. Here, you may encounter the roseate spoonbill, the blue-winged teal, or the great blue heron. Recreational opportunities include horseback riding, hiking, and biking.
Oscar Scherer State Park is a 1,400-acre park located in Sarasota County, Florida. The park features a healthy plant and animal population. Plant species include blueberries, cabbage palms, and mangrove trees. Animal inhabitants include foxes, alligators, tortoises, and bobcats. Lake Osprey, which is also located in the park, is stocked with largemouth bass, catfish, and bream. Oscar Scherer provides plenty of recreational opportunities. These activities include everything from fishing and hiking to swimming and kayaking.
National Sites Near Naples, Florida
The Big Cypress National Preserve protects more than 720,000 acres of freshwater wet prairies. Some of the animals that populate the preserve include black bears, alligators, cottonmouth snakes, and coyotes. The Florida National Scenic Trail provides both hiking and sightseeing opportunities. Hunting is another popular activity at the preserve. You will have a chance to hunt turkey, deer, and hogs. Alligator hunting is not permitted within the preserve.
Located in Manatee County, about five miles west of Bradenton, the De Soto National Memorial commemorates conquistador Hernando de Soto and his exploration of the American Southeast. This unique memorial provides an experience that is entertaining, hands-on, and immersive. For instance, you will have the opportunity to take a stroll along a nature trail that was similar to the ones encountered by Hernando de Soto and other European explorers of the past. You can even try on armor and view living history presentations.
Established in 1975, the 57,000-acre Canaveral National Seashore consists of beaches, wetlands, an abundance of plant species, and hundreds of bird species. Located between the towns of New Smyrna Beach and Titusville, the main beaches housed within the park are Apollo Beach, Playalinda Beach, and Klondike Beach. This popular National Seashore also features portions of the Mosquito Lagoon, a notable lagoon that has been referenced in several movie films. Fishing opportunities abound within the Canaveral National Seashore. The shorelines are filled with bluefish, redfish, whiting, speckled trout, and more.
National Forests Near Naples, Florida
The Ocala National Forest is a massive forested area that covers more than 430,000 acres of land. Ocala, which serves as one of the country’s oldest national forests, contains a whopping 600 lakes, making it an attractive destination for swimmers, anglers, and snorkelers. The land also features several pine communities, blackwater rivers, wet prairies, swamps, and ponds. Alligators, gray foxes, white-tailed deer, and bobcats are some of the animals that inhabit this fascinating forest.
Osceola National Forest is a 190,000-acre forest that was named after a native Seminole warrior and was established in 1931. The forest includes swamps, Flatwoods, and dozens of animal species, including gopher tortoises, black bears, and the red-cockaded woodpecker. Available recreational activities in the forest include hiking, horseback riding, fishing, hunting, and camping.
The 632,000-acre Apalachicola National Forest is Florida’s biggest national forest. There are several wilderness areas and special purpose areas, including the Bradwell Bay Wilderness and the Camel Lake Recreation Area. During your visit, you will spot a variety of animals, including wild turkeys, red foxes, gray foxes, coyotes, woodpeckers, alligators, and black bears.
