Bucket list: 5 things to do in Naples includes cars, creatures, nature, art, more
Rare cars. Rare animals. Rare art. And rare spaces in nature. There's plenty to love about Collier County, so where to begin?
For indoors, there's plenty include one of the top auto museums in the world. And for breathing in some fresh Southwest Florida air, head to one of many parks, preserves and more.
There's also restaurants to try and other things to do. To help out, here's a bucket list of places to consider.
5. Naples Botanical Garden brings beauty to light
Sitting on 170 acres, this botanical garden founded three decades ago in East Naples offers a respite from hectic days. The Garden is actually made up of smaller, separate gardens that represent various natural habitats and ecosystems. And Naples Botanical Garden features exhibits throughout the year. More at (239) 643-7275 or naplesgarden.org.
4. Baker Museum showcases treasures from near and far
Take a stroll through the Baker Museum in Naples, and do it soon. The "George Gershwin and Modern Art: A Rhapsody in Blue" explores the musician's art collection, which has never been shown in a museum until the exhibit opened in February at the Baker Museum at Artis―Naples. The exhibit runs through June 16 at the museum, 5833 Pelican Bay Blvd. Admission: (239) 597-1111 or artisnaples.org/baker-museum.
3. Wild Florida: Rookery Bay, Fakahatchee, Corkscrew
The Sunshine State is so much more than Disney and pink flamingoes. It's an exotic place so venture out to savor the swamps, mangroves and more while visiting Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Fakahatchee Strand State Park and Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center.
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, 375 Sanctuary Road, has a 2.5-mile boardwalk to see nature up close and personal. More at corkscrew.audubon.org or 239-348-9151.
Ancient escape: 2024 marks 70 years for timeless Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, 300 Tower Road, offers boat tours, kayaking and more. The environmental center reopened in November after being closed when Hurricane Ian rolled through in September 2022. rookerybay.org or 239-530-5972.
Fakahatchee Strand in Copeland, about an hour drive from downtown Naples, is worth the trip. The largest state park in Florida at 120 square miles, it offers a unique look at wild Florida and the winter is the best time to go, with wonderful weather and fewer bugs. orchidswamp.org or 239-695-1023
2. Revs Institute is auto heaven in Naples
It's getting hotter outside so now's the best time to visit the Revs Institute, 2500 Horseshoe Drive S. Auto Trader recently named it the No. 5 best auto museum in the world and No. 1 in Florida. The latest exhibit features the Ford GT40, with the highlight the 1967 Ford GT40 Mark III, one of only seven ever constructed, on loan from the Margie and Robert E. Petersen Collection at the Petersen Automotive Museum in Los Angeles. See these rare and beautiful cars through July 2024. Reservations required. revsinstitute.org or 239-687-7387
Rare racers: Revs Institute in Naples unveils Ford GT40 exhibit to run through summer 2024
1. Naples Zoo offers animals close up
What I love about the Naples Zoo is the animals are close up, right there in front of you. I've been to zoos from San Diego to my native Detroit, and the Naples Zoo ― 1590 Goodlette-Frank Road ― is just different. And it's also the perfect size, offering a morning or afternoon well spent. And if you're tired of walking, take the boat cruise among islands home to various primates. For express entry, buys tickets online. Zoo hours are 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m., with last timed entry at 3:30 p.m. napleszoo.org or 239-262-5409
Dave Osborn is the regional features editor of the Naples Daily News and News-Press. Follow him on Instagram and Threads @lacrossewriter and on Twitter @NDN_dosborn.
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Bucket list of things to do in Naples includes Revs, Baker Museum
