If you’re looking for a slowed down beach style contrary to the high-paced and packed beaches of Ft. Lauderdale and Miami, have we got the destination for you. Having your aircraft ready to fly at all times as a Ridge Landing resident means that you can quickly jet away to a quiet paradise you never knew you needed.

Pack a weekend bag for the ultimate beach getaway to Naples, Florida, on the Gulf coast of Florida. You can fly into the Naples Municipal Airport, which touts the Naples Jet Center, a segment priding itself on its amenities and services for private pilots just like you. Just an easy 111 statute miles southwest from Ridge, and you’re at your destination.

What is there to do in Naples, you ask? Here are the top seven things to cross off your list while in town.

  1. Naples Zoo

Got some family on the trip with you? Take them to the zoo, where little ones can test their courage feeding gators and jump up with excitement when they take a boat to see monkeys. The Naples Zoo has fun for all, so check out the website to see ticket information and hours of operation.

  1. Naples Pier

Maybe you’re a big fan of the beach breezes, but you’re not so big a fan of the hot sands. Consider taking a stroll down the Naples Pier; it’s an ideal fishing spot, and if you happen to get hungry, there’s a little shop for you to buy a burger.

naples pier

  1. Palm Cottage

If you’re an architechture lover and/or history buff, jaunt over to the historic Palm Cottage, which is located in Naples’ historic district. Full of interesting antiques and a prime example of tabby mortar construction, the Palm Cottage is a point of interest popular amongst all kinds of visitors. You can schedule a tour here.

  1. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park

Enjoy the sunshine and good times on one of the nation’s best beaches. If you were hoping for some quiet respite, you’ll find it here. At Delnor-Wiggins, you won’t find high-rises along the shoreline, just serene waters and smooth sands. And you can take the nature trail to an observation deck for a new view.

things to do in naples

  1. Naples Museum of Art

Otherwise known as the Baker Museum, you can find a very diverse art collection in the three-story building that houses this establishment, which is part of the Artis-Naples campus. The facility is 30,000 square feet, so put your art viewing glasses on for an extensive visit!

  1. Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

Nothing is quite as Floridian as a nature walk through a swamp. Some people just love the nature and forests Florida has to offer, and if you’re one of those people, you’ll enjoy this well-maintained boardwalk that winds through a nature preservation boasting lots of wildlife. You can even spot some owls here.

  1. Naples Botanical Garden

If there is a such thing as sea legs, there’s got to be air legs, too. So with that being said, give those ole’ air legs a nice walk through one of the most beautiful places in Naples. The Naples Botanical Garden is 170 acres of pure botanical paradise, but not to worry — you can stop by the on-site Fogg Cafe to grab a refreshment.

4fl5 to naples