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Most of the time, I write about family friendly getaways, and fun things to do with kids. Yes, I visited Vegas with just hubby, and Minneapolis and Baltimore with some girlfriends, but little man and baby girl do prove to be my best travel companions. Traveling with a 5 and 7 year old can be fun but busy and hectic. However, on our recent two-week trip to SW Florida, I realized there are a lot of unique things to do in Naples, Florida for the grown ups! Here are my best picks for unique things to do in Naples, Florida!
Unique Things to do in Naples, Florida
As a family, we hit some great spots in Naples, Florida. In fact, I recapped our favorite family activities in this post, Things to do in Naples Florida with Kids. But since we visit so often, we have done some cool stuff here! And I did sneak away to do a few restorative activities myself. Here are my recommendations for unique things to do on your next Naples Florida vacation.
Stand-Up Paddle board Yoga with Naples Kayak Company
I caught the SUP Yoga bug last summer when I tried it in Hawaii and then found a friend who teaches it locally. Since it’s been too cold here in NY to be out on the water, I knew I wanted to look into doing some SUP yoga in Florida. I found Naples Kayak Company and booked a Saturday morning class through them.
I paid $38 for the class that met behind the Naples Zoo at the mouth of the Gregory River. That area is called the Naples Greenway and there is a parking lot (with a restroom) that you meet the instructor at. He had the boards and into the river we went. Unlike SUP Yoga in both Hawaii and Long Island, we were sticking to low poses to ensure not falling into the river. I do not think you wanted to be in that water. All the other times I’ve done SUP yoga, I have fallen in trying to do standing poses!
This was such a great experience, paddling through the mangrove trees, so low in some places you had to sit or lay on your board. The lagoon where we dropped our anchors was shady and picturesque. Simon the instructor was so calming and the yoga practice challenging but manageable. I highly recommend this experience, even if you are new to Stand Up Paddle or new to SUP Yoga.
Yoga on Vanderbilt Beach
I don’t usually write about things I haven’t actually done, but I was planning to attend Simon’s Wednesday morning yoga class at Vanderbilt Beach, but it was pouring rain the one Wednesday I was in town. From taking Simon’s SUP Yoga, I knew I really missed out and that his class would have been excellent. This is a must-do for next time! Vanderbilt Beach is one of my favorite Naples Florida beaches!
Wine Tasting at Cooper’s Hawk
Last spring, a Cooper’s Hawk Winery and Restaurant opened in North Naples. We actually ate here on Easter 2016. This year, we returned to do a wine tasting and to have dinner. Hubby, mom and I ubered over to Cooper’s Hawk to spend about 30 minutes doing a wine tasting in the designated tasting area. The tasting costs $7 and included 8 tastes. Hubby and I split one, since I like white and he likes red. Each month the tasting changes. And the bartender was so sweet, she let me taste an additional wine, the Prosecco when she heard me proclaim how much I love Prosecco!
I love experiences like these where you can try new things and figure out what you like! You can then order that wine (or others) at dinner, at the bar, or buy something to take home in the retail restaurant. And for what its worth, the gnocchi I had at dinner that night was one of the best restaurant meals I have had in a long time! Plus this restaurant is actually very family friendly.
Pro-Tip: Book early if you want to dine here, reservations fill up fast!
Read this post on how I scored a 14 cent Uber Ride, and how YOU can save money on Uber too!
Enjoy a Southwest Florida Over Water Sunset
If you are on the East Coast of the United States, the only place to see an overwater sunset is on the Gulf Coast of Florida. SW Florida is famous for its beautiful sunsets and I highly recommend going to see one if you are in this area!
One night we took the kids down to Vanderbilt Beach around 5:30 for a 6:21 sunset. This is a very popular sunset watching spot, so the kids were able to play in the sand while us grown-ups took in the gorgeous views from our beach chairs. Lots of folks bring picnics or wine. You can park in the Collier County garage for $8, which allows cars to enter up until sunset, and then lets you to stay until 10pm.
On a different night, hubby and I scored a date and started with drinks at the Gumbo Limbo bar at the Ritz-Carlton (one of the best resorts in Naples Florida) right on Vanderbilt Beach. We hung out here until a few minutes before sunset (we were lucky enough to grab seats) and then headed onto the sand to see the actual sunset. This was a great spot to have a cocktail with a beautiful view. In fact there are a whole bunch of beachfront restaurants in Naples Florida with a great sunset view. Be sure to book a reservation for your next Naples vacation.
Pro-Tip: Go early to snag a seat at the bar.
Buy a day pass to a high end Naples Resort
Even if you are not staying over night, you can spend the day like a high roller, lounging by the pool or on the beautiful beach. How? By purchasing a day pass to a local resort! We did this with the kids to the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point (There is a full water park there) and resortpass.com offers day passes to The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples Grande Beach Resort, and Vanderbilt Beach Resort.
When you purchase a day pass, you can use the hotel facilities just like you would if you were a full-on hotel guest!
Take a Naples Segway Tour
A Naples Segway Tour is something I am itching to do! Unfortunately you have to be over 14 years old to drive the Segways, so we have not done this activity – yet! Maybe I will book this tour on my next kid-free visit to Naples, Florida!
EDIT: Looks like this Segway company has tours for families – kids age 7 and up!
Spend the day at Barefoot Beach
I find sitting on the beach so relaxing. But of course some beaches (like Vanderbilt) are very crowded and can be loud. The times we have visited Barefoot Beach, it has been less crowded and so relaxing.
This beach is a little hidden. You have to drive west down Bonita Beach Road until you come to a small sign pointing you to turn left into a private community. It’s not a public road, but you are allowed to drive it the 1.5 miles to access the beach. I think this secret entrance keeps the crowds away.
You can read more about Barefoot Beach here, it was one of our favorite Naples activities!
AND FOR MORE GREAT NAPLES ACTIVITIES – CHECK OUT THIS POST BY THE EPICUREAN TRAVELER – Five Things To Do In Naples
WANT MORE FAMILY NAPLES FUN? CHECK OUT MY INTERVIEW WITH THE VACATION MAVENS, AN EPISODE ABOUT SW FLORIDA
What are you favorite unique activities in Naples, Florida?
Planning a trip to Naples Florida? Then reach out for all your Florida Travel Planning needs!
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I don’t know about SUP. I’m too chicken, but I do love some secret beaches. Thanks for the scoop on that!
The How-to Guru
I love the Naples area, there’s so much to do and it’s really pretty. We’re looking at heading that way for a quick trip this summer. I’ll have to save this list 🙂
I could use a nice beach sunset today!! Already dreaming of our next vacation!! I love that you do Yoga on vacation. I think that is great. I have seen the Stand Up Yoga but never tried it. Ill have to see if they have any around me.
its getting much more popular (Stand Up Paddle) here on Long Island. I hope to do it alot this summer.
I have never heard of paddle board yoga, I will certainly try it if I get the chance.
I still haven’t tried paddleboarding! This looks so fun. Naples is beautiful. Wine tasting is a must. After this weekend’s trip, I fell in love with Florida sunsets.
I want to try yoga on the beach!!
I know! I was so bummed it was raining that day!
This sounds like a fun trip! Were in the Tampa area but could totally get down there for a weekend getaway!
Looks like you guys had a lot of fun and saved some money
I just started practicing yoga. I can’t imagine doing it on a paddle board. But, I’m going to add it to my bucket list! Thanks for sharing!
Looks like alot of fun.
Holy tons of awesome things to do! Not too sure about paddle board yoga, but yoga on the beach sounds amazing! The wine tasting sounds like a nice, relaxing activity for parents. Great ideas! Love it!
Such a great list of activity! I haven’t heard about SUP Yoga, and I wanna try it!
Its amazing! I can do it near where I live, but only in the summer is it warm enough here in NY
Wine tasting sounds fun and inviting the way your pics talk :)..!… You must have had a great time there :)…
You are right, secret ones are the best 🙂
Ew, were there alligators in that river??? I have yet to try SUP or SUP yoga, but I really want to!
we kept to low poses, I didnt want to find out the answer to your question!
Wow I’ve never seen SUP yoga before! It looks amazing.. but so difficult!
its hard. when I did it at home and Hawaii I fell into the water. In Florida, I am pretty sure there were some scary creatures in that water so we didnt try standing positions
STand up paddle boarding looks like so much fun! How long were you there for? I’d love to go to Florida but have no idea how long to go for!
Im so lucky because this trip we were there for 2 weeks! we could stay with my parents, so free accomodations. But I have gone for a long weekend too!
Woah, have never heard of Yoga being done on a stand-up paddle board – how unique! Would love to experience that. Also, thanks for the tip on the hidden beach – looks like you had a great time 🙂
This trip looks like the perfect mix of fun and relaxation! I want to try SUP, but between my shaky balance and poor swimming skills, I’m not sure that’s the best idea lol
its one of those things that is just as hard, if not harder than it looks, but you can do alot of low poses. sviasina on the board is amazing!
Such fun photos! Loved them. I’m embarrassed to admit that I thought there was only one Naples (the one in Italy). Have clearly been missing out on this really cool place so I’m really glad I came across your post!
I know, the funny thing is there is this whole contingent of older, Italian folks who hang out on Vanderbilt beach, I imagine like the real Naples!
Naples is beautiful!!! My cousin used to live there. The sunsets are just as beautiful as the city. I did a sunset cruise and had a great time! I’m glad you all enjoyed your stay in Florida ?
sunset cruise — I’m gonna save that idea for next time, I love being on the water!
The SUP Yoga looks so cool. I am gonna give it a shot for sure. I always knew Naples was a paradise for wine lovers but your post does give a varied insight into this place altogether. Great work.
Having a chuckle at the paddle board yoga. I’d end up in the drink quite quickly.
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