Blog Staff Picks

Where we’re headed? Right to the Naples Botanical Garden. In addition to 170 acres of cool gardens featuring tropic and subtropic plants, the botanical garden is home to a number of events throughout the summer. In the month of August, you can catch a part of their music series in the Water Garden. On August 11, Kelly & Mason duo will take the Water Garden Stage with a fun mix of soulful classics and pop songs. And on August 25, catch Roy Schneider & Kim Mayfield for a sweet and soulful blend of folk and rock music. Each show goes from noon to 2 p.m.—don’t forget to bring your own seating!

In the morning, join locals and visitors alike at the City of Naples July 4th Parade. Taking off at Broad Avenue to Third Street, then proceeding north to Fifth Avenue, the parade is an upbeat march with music and performers that reflect the close-knit community of Naples. Local restaurants will be decked out with their best red, white and blue gear and at night, get ready for an exciting fireworks display. Every year, bright and colorful fireworks of all varieties explode into the night sky 1000 feet out from the Naples Pier. No matter where you spent your USA day, you’ll be hard-pressed to find a better way to wrap up the memorable holiday.

Likely once the village area for the Calusa Indians, the shell mound created a tropical hardwood hammock over time—be sure to look up at the canopy of tall trees above. And due to fast development in the area, Otter Mound is one of the few remaining tropical hammocks in South Florida. You can feel the history of the site as you wind through the nature preserve’s tropical trails, or even as you soak up your surroundings on one of the many benches that dot the path along the way. However you like to take in nature, it’s impossible to ignore the beauty of Otter Mound.

People travel from all over the country to join in on the fun, whether that’s participating in the race or watching it all go down from the dock. This year’s theme of “Reel or FantaSea” will have contestants thinking outside of the box to create fun, colorful costumes and headgear for the showdown and the theme parade. From experts to first-timers, the event awards racers across all categories including Practically Professional, Ambitious Amateurs, and Truly Tenacious. And whether this is your first time at the race or a family tradition, it’s impossible not to connect with the strong sense of community and joy that this event evokes in all of Naples.

Held on April 8, 11 a.m. – 5 p.m., the Esplanade will come to life with the island’s top restaurants and chefs, live music from Marc Kircher and the Greg Miller Band, and bubbling atmosphere. Kickback with cool drinks including beer and wine, and dig into flavorful dishes prepared by the area’s very best. Awards will be handed out, like the popular People’s Choice award, Best Theme, and more. This community event has been a favorite for years and all proceeds benefit the Marco YMCA Scholarship Fund. Take part in activities including kids games, giveaways, raffle prizes, and live entertainment to make your trip to Marco Island one-of-a-kind.

Individual tickets: $8, Children under 12: Free. Food, drink, and game tickets: $1 increments

If you’re looking for an exhilarating, informational activity fit for the whole family, Everglades Excursions might be the perfect solution. Cruising through the exciting Ten Thousand Islands, you’ll wind through mangrove tunnels and old Native American trails, spot alligators and manatees, and take in the serene, natural beauty of the area. Choose from a half day or full day tour—which includes an Everglades luncheon—depending on your schedule, and walk away with a ton of information and a deeper understanding of this unique eco-system. Every tour is led by a knowledgeable, park-trained guide who’ll ensure you see all the wildlife you can and leave with an experience you’ll look back on for years.

M Waterfront Grille

Modern, refined, innovative…these are just a few words to describe this upscale surf ‘n’ turf waterfront restaurant. With fresh seafood, steaks, and pastas made in-house, M Waterfront sets the bar high with a tasty menu and an unbeatable view of Venetian Bay.
4300 Gulf Shore Blvd, 239-263-4421

USS Nemo

This award-winning restaurant’s underwater-like atmosphere will provide an impressive ambience to the expertly-crafted seafood dishes. Enjoy local favorites like miso-broiled sea bass, prime tuna, and seared scallops.
3745 Tamiami Trail N, 239-261-6366

The French

If anyone knows a thing or two about crafting a romantic dinner, it’s The French. Dig into country and coastal items like Coq Au Vin and Poisson du Marché while taking in the charming Parisian décor.
365 5 Avenue South, 239-315-4019

It still remains the ideal secret getaway, but now it’s fortunately a whole lot easier to get there (thank you boardwalk and tram)! As one of four barrier islands, Lover’s Key is a tranquil home to shimmering waters, marine life like manatees and dolphins, and soft sand that seems to go on forever. Can’t get enough of the water? We don’t blame you. The two of you can also rent canoes and paddle boards, or set up a kayak tour to explore the marine wildlife. With over 700-acres, there’s always a place for lovebirds at Lover’s Key.

With a main path that wraps through tropical gardens, it’s easy to feel lost in paradise in this local favorite. Spot all kinds of endangered and protected animals in spacious enclosures such as American alligators at Alligator Bay, both black and spotted leopards at Leopard Rock, Malayan tigers in Tiger Forest, and many more. Plus, the Primate Expedition Cruise provides a close-up view of the primate exhibit while cruising along Lake Victoria in a catamaran. With so many incredible species to see, there's no better place to admire their beauty than at the Naples Zoo.