Things to Do in Naples: 10 of Our Fave Art & Culture Events!

While many people associate South Florida with Arts & Culture, the Sunshine State has so much more to offer. The Naples/Ft. Myers area (including Marco Island, Bonita Springs, Sanibel, Captiva and Cape Coral) is a beacon of the arts in Southwest Florida, which is growing every day. Whether it’s strolling through lush and exotic gardens, taking in a theatrical performance, or experiencing art and history, the Naples/Ft. Myers area is chockfull of cultural adventures. With this in mind, what exactly are the best things to do in Naples? It was challenging narrowing our list down, but we’ve come up with some great tips on the best things to do in Naples and the surrounding areas to get your culture fix.

1) NAPLES BOTANICAL GARDEN:

Can you say lush and tropical? The Naples Botanical Garden is a treasure-trove of flora and fauna in the heart of Naples. What better way to relax than by surrounding yourself with gorgeous natural resources, large scale exhibitions, concerts, flower shows, holiday celebrations and family friendly events? And another plus? You can work on your tan at the same time!

4830 Bayshore Drive, Naples
239.643.7275

www.naplesgarden.org

2) NAPLES HISTORICAL SOCIETY:

If you’re looking for something to make the doldrums history, you’ve come to the right place! Featuring educational programs & experiences including tours of historic Palm Cottage, the Norris Gardens, Naples Historic District, etc., the Naples Historical Society provides enriching entertainment for the entire family. In addition to the tours, we would also recommend the Oral History Projects, such as the pioneer stories on film.

Historic Palm Cottage Educational Headquarters
137 12th Avenue South, Naples
239.261.8164

www.napleshistoricalsociety.org

3) FLORIDA REPERTORY THEATRE:

Can’t make it to Broadway? Southwest Florida has you covered! Celebrating 19 years of Award-Winning regional performances, Florida Repertory Theatre is a fully professional company, hailed by the The Wall Street Journal as "One of America's Top Repertory Companies!" Each year, from October to May, over 80,000 visitors flock to the Fort Myers River District. You won’t want to miss the best theatrical experience Southwest Florida has to offer. Encore indeed!

2267 Bay Street, Fort Myers
239.332.4488

www.floridarep.org

4) EDISON & FORD WINTER ESTATES:

No ‘Things to do in Naples’ list would be complete without a visit to The Edison & Ford Winter Estates. This landmark boasts over 20 acres of botanical gardens, nine historic buildings, including Edison’s Botanic Research Laboratory, and the Edison Ford Museum, which contains an impressive collection of inventions, artifacts and special exhibit galleries. Gardens, history and galleries all in one place? Sign us up!

2350 McGregor Blvd., Fort Myers
239.334.7419

www.edisonfordwinterestates.org

5) THE BAKER MUSEUM/ARTIS-NAPLES:

If it’s art and culture you’re looking for, can we just say you’ve found the one-stop shopping spot here? Artis-Naples is the premier center for the performing and visual arts in Southwest Florida. Creating and presenting world-class visual and performing arts, the organization hosts more than 300 concerts, performances, exhibitions and educational events for children and adults from all backgrounds each year.

5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard, Naples
239.254.2620

www.artisnaples.org

6) CORKSCREW SWAMP SANCTUARY:

If you love nature festivals and educational events, you’ll adore this sanctuary for Federal and State listed species! Enjoy an enriching day of exploring a century of conservation history, which is an integral part of Florida’s rich culture and heritage. Guided walks and programs are always available, no matter what time of year. So what are you waiting for?

375 Sanctuary Road, Naples
239.348.9151

www.corkscrew.audubon.org

7) AH-TAH-THI-KI MUSEUM:

When looking for things to do in Naples, you won’t have any reservations about visiting this gem! Nestled in the heart of the Everglades on the Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation, the Ah-Tah-Thi-Ki Museum is home to more than 30,000 unique artifacts, archival items and experiences. Learn about the Seminole people and their rich cultural and historical ties to Florida. A great way to spend the day!

Big Cypress Seminole Indian Reservation
30290 Josie Billie Hwy, PMB 1003 Clewiston
877.902.1113

www.ahtahthiki.com

8) SOUTHWEST FLORIDA SYMPHONY:

If it’s wonderful music you’re looking for, the Southwest Florida Symphony features Masterworks Concerts, Pops Concerts, pre-concert lectures led by conductors and guest artists, as well as a Youth Orchestra encouraging the talents of up-and-coming musicians. A fab cultural outing to experience.

8290 College Parkway, Ste. 103, Fort Myers
239.418.0996

www.swflso.org

9) NAPLES ART IN THE PARK:

Held on the first Saturday of the month from November through April, this art walk gives the others a run for the money! Art in the Park showcases a wide variety of art genres created by members of the Naples Art Association. For art lovers, it’s a casual, fun-filled venue for meeting local artists and becoming acquainted with their work, while enjoying a fun outing with family friends, or that significant other.

Park Street, adjacent to The von Liebig Art Center. Located just a block and a half from historic Fifth Avenue South.

www.naplesart.org

10) EVERGLADES AIRBOAT TOURS:

Want to add an adrenaline rush of adventure to your things to do in Naples list? Airboat tours of the glades and swamp buggy rides through the marshes are a great way to explore the cultural landscape of the Florida Everglades, an area that is rich in history and tradition. There are plenty of tours available, depending on how adventurous you want to be in taking a ride on Florida’s wild side!

www.naples-marco-island-florida.com