What to do and see in Paradise Coast, Southwest Gulf Coast: The Best Nature & Parks

September 11, 2021 Janette Largent

Discover the best top things to do in Paradise Coast, United States including Bird Gardens of Naples, NGALA Wildlife Preserve, Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, Conservancy of Southwest Florida, Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, Clam Pass Park, Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, Lowdermilk Beach, Naples Botanical Garden.
Restaurants in Paradise Coast

1. Bird Gardens of Naples

1060 Purple Martin Dr, Naples, FL 34120-4868 +1 813-841-1911 [email protected] http://www.birdgardensofnaples.org
Excellent
85%
Good
13%
Satisfactory
1%
Poor
0%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 296 reviews

Bird Gardens of Naples

Tours are by appointment only!Tour Information: Tours are held at 11:00am please arrive promptly .Wednesday- Sunday.Go to our website to schedule your tour. About Us: The Bird Gardens of Naples is a organization whose sole concern is parrot welfare in captivity and conservation of wild parrots. We are an outreach and placement program which places into safe custody, parrots which are abandoned, abused, or in need of a home for any reason. Parrots are intelligent, highly social and complex beings with a life span of up to 80 years. The individual bird's best interest and well being of the present flock will determine if a parrot is accepted into the organization. We actively support networking with other parrot welfare groups, animal welfare organizations, the veterinary community, conservation organizations and the general public. Education is of the utmost importance concerning the well being of a parrot and its ability to successfully live with its human companions. What to Expect:

Reviewed By funhunterEdgartown - Martha's Vineyard, United States

This place is a hidden jewel. The owner is an expert in the care and treatment of exotic birds. She shares her expertise in a 2 hour informational tour of the 2 acre grounds. There are all kinds of beautiful, well-kept, exotic birds - macaws, parrots, cockatoos, etc, etc. At one point you can go into a cage with these beautiful macaws who will sit on your shoulder and let you feed them. We brought our grandkids and they loved it. Wear bug spray as this area is a swamp. Worth the trip! You have to sign up for the tour. This was a great experience for all of us. (Bring unsalted nuts but no peanuts!!)

2. NGALA Wildlife Preserve

2755 Inez Rd, Naples, FL 34117-2906 +1 239-353-3572 http://ngala.net
Excellent
100%
Good
0%
Satisfactory
0%
Poor
0%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

5.0 based on 2 reviews

NGALA Wildlife Preserve

3. Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

375 Sanctuary Rd, Naples, FL 34120-4865 +1 239-348-9151 [email protected] http://corkscrew.audubon.org
Excellent
70%
Good
21%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,318 reviews

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

Online reservations only. No walk-ins allowed. Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is a 13,000 acre Preserve. The Sanctuary is open Tuesday-Sunday from 8:00am-3:00pm with last admission at 1:00 pm. Timed tickets are available for 8am-10am, 10:30am-12:30pm, 1pm-3pm. Visitors will find a gentle, pristine wilderness that dates back more than 500 years. A 2.25 mile boardwalk meanders through pine flatwoods, wet prairie, around a marsh and finally into the largest old growth Bald Cypress forest in North America. These impressive trees, relatives of the redwood, tower 130 feet into the sky and have a girth of 25 feet. Their massive branches are draped with mosses, lichens, bromeliads and ferns. The forest is also home to alligators, otters, white-tailed deer and red-bellied turtles. A wide variety of wading birds, songbirds, raptors and the fabulous Painted Bunting can be seen throughout the year. Photo opportunities are available at every turn of the boardwalk trail.

Reviewed By saintnick76 - Southampton, United Kingdom

We were recommended the corkscrew swamp by one of the tram drivers at the Naples Grande hotel and really enjoyed our visit so much that we went back the following day (ticket price is for 2 consecutive days) During our visits we saw 600 year old cypress trees, woodpeckers, alligators, herons, anhingas and even a snake, towards the end of our 2nd visit we had the lovely sight of 3 raccoons running along the boardwalk right in front of us. Staff are knowledgeable and very welcoming and it is a worthwhile visit if wildlife is of interest

4. Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

300 Tower Rd, Naples, FL 34113-8031 +1 239-530-5940 [email protected] http://www.rookerybay.org/
Excellent
68%
Good
22%
Satisfactory
7%
Poor
2%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 396 reviews

Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve

The Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve represents one of the few remaining undisturbed mangrove estuaries in North America. Rookery Bay's Environmental Learning Center is a state-of-the-art, air conditioned 16,500 square-foot facility with four research laboratories, classrooms, a 140-seat auditorium, and two story visitor center. The Environmental Learning Center offers a variety of hands-on experiences, including a 2,300-gallon aquarium and a marine life touch tank. Other displays in the learning center address coastal research, local history and ongoing conservation efforts within Rookery Bay. There is also a number of nature trails, a scenic overlook bridge, unique gift store, art gallery, and picnic area. Guided boat and kayak tours are offered seasonally from November to May. Check our website for more information.

Reviewed By R6735CZbobk - West Chester, United States

There are numerous educational exhibits in the information center, with docents explaining many items and live aquatic species. Outside there are several walking trails.

5. Conservancy of Southwest Florida

1495 Smith Preserve Way Admission Cost, Naples, FL 34102-3500 +1 239-262-0304 [email protected] http://www.conservancy.org/nature-center/plan-your-visit
Excellent
69%
Good
23%
Satisfactory
6%
Poor
1%
Terrible
1%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 393 reviews

Conservancy of Southwest Florida

At the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, we believe the more we can connect people with nature, the more willing they are to protect it. And our Nature Center helps us to do just that! At the Nature Center, guests get connected to conservation through hands-on interactive experiences in the Dalton Discover Center, on our famous electric boat tours and in our Little Explorer Play Zone. The Conservancy Nature Center is also listed as Site #69 on the Great Florida Birding Trail. Here you will learn about the importance of our resources, understand the role the Conservancy of Southwest Florida plays in protecting those treasures and get inspired to take action to help protect our water, land, wildlife and future.

Reviewed By 908cathyh - Watertown, United States

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida is a very informative place to visit and learn about the environment of the area. My husband and I spent about two and a half hours there, which included a 45 minute boat ride. The cost of the boat ride is included in the entrance fee, but you do need to sign up for it when you arrive. We took the boat ride with Captain Stan and enjoyed our conversation with him. We thought that there was plenty of information for both adults and children. Many of the exhibits are hands-on. Many of the staff are volunteers and they were friendly and helpful. We would recommend a visit to the Conservancy!

6. Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens

1590 Goodlette Rd N, Naples, FL 34102-5260 +1 239-262-5409 [email protected] http://www.napleszoo.org/
Excellent
52%
Good
33%
Satisfactory
10%
Poor
3%
Terrible
2%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 3,630 reviews

Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens

This historic tropical garden and nationally accredited zoo features wildlife experiences to inspire people of all ages to respect, value and help conserve wildlife and our natural world. Visit today to enjoy your favorite animals like lions, monkeys, and giraffes. Ask those questions you've always wondered about at the Meet the Keeper Series. Be fascinated by rare creatures during premier wildlife shows. Cruise through islands of monkeys, lemurs, and gibbons. Watch our professional staff hand-feed American alligators while dispelling popular myths. The zoo is nationally accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums, the organization that sets the highest standards for wildlife care, education, and conservation.

Reviewed By Q5114VCpatriciat - Naples, United States

Great animal exhibits ~ my grandson luved feeding the giraffes ~ informative shows were great .....but I especially enjoyed the boat ride around the monkey island !!!..... Fun day for all !!!

7. Clam Pass Park

465 Seagate Dr, Naples, FL 34103-2413 (239) 252-4000 http://www.colliergov.net/index.aspx?page=458
Excellent
63%
Good
27%
Satisfactory
8%
Poor
2%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,130 reviews

Clam Pass Park

Reviewed By podrozniczka60 - New Jersey, United States

To enter and park we had to pay $8 fee. Large parking lot. About a kilometer walk on a lovely boardwalk to get to the beach or instead of a walk a comfortable ride on a trolley or rather a form of an extended golf cart quickly transporting people to the beach. Very efficient service, not much wait, no additional fees. The trolley stops near the restaurant by the entrance to the beach. The beach itself is lovely, wide, the golden sand is delicate, beautiful shells. We did not see any picnic tables or natural shade but most visitors have their own beach umbrellas. The beach extends to the Clam Pass itself. Best place for fishing is not in the pass but from the bridge about half way between the parking lot and the beach. We had a great beach day, impressed with the beauty of the area.

8. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park

11100 Gulfshore Drive, Naples, FL 34108 +1 239-597-6196 http://www.floridastateparks.org/parks-and-trails/delnor-wiggins-pass-state-park
Excellent
69%
Good
25%
Satisfactory
5%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 1,627 reviews

Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park

Reviewed By bahamasgirlatnheart - Irwin, United States

This is our favorite beach when visiting Naples, parking areas for enough cars, short walk over the dunes to the beach, lots of shells, bathrooms and rinsing stations. not crowded, either!

9. Lowdermilk Beach

1301 Gulf Shore Blvd N, Naples, FL 34102
Excellent
67%
Good
28%
Satisfactory
4%
Poor
1%
Terrible
0%
Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 2,318 reviews

Lowdermilk Beach

Reviewed By stammtischflorida - Montreal, Canada

You can walk for miles along the beach Sandy beach with lots of places for your chairs and umbrella There's a great little snack bar for the usual fast food and ice cream Bathroom and a place outside for washing off the sand from feet and body especially if the kids have played at burying one another. Lots of parking including for handicap Water in the gulf was a little cold but it was still a great place to swim since the waves are a lot smaller than the Atlantic side Saw lots of dolphins and Pelicans There is also a place for the kids to play or grown ups wanting to play volleyball Beach patrol helps keep things safe as there is no alcohol permitted So have a good time since this is one of the favourite places to enjoy the beach in naples

10. Naples Botanical Garden

4820 Bayshore Dr, Naples, FL 34112-7336 +1 239-643-7275 [email protected] http://www.naplesgarden.org/
Excellent
77%
Good
19%
Satisfactory
3%
Poor
1%
Terrible
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Overall Ratings

4.5 based on 4,323 reviews

Naples Botanical Garden

Naples Botanical Garden is a 170-acre world-class garden paradise that features the plants and cultures of the tropics and subtropics between the latitudes of 26 degrees North and 26 degrees South including Brazil, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia and Florida. A hands-on interactive Children’s Garden along with 90 acres of beautifully restored natural habitats, and walking trails offer educational entertainment and enjoyment for people of all ages.

Reviewed By margatemensch2016 - Coconut Creek, United States

On a very pleasant late November Sunday,I spent a delightful day savoring the fine plants and ambience of the Naples Botanical Garden.Due to the Corona Virus in Naples ,a few parts of the garden were closed.It had an impressive collection of plants associated with the African country of Madagascar such as;Alluaudia(a source of food for lemurs),Madagascar Palm Tree,and the Baobab Tree,among others.I especially relished the Brazilian Garden which featured Santa Cruz Water Lilies and a delightful mosaic by Roberto Burle Marx,a very prominent Brazilian Landscape Architect.I liked its collection of orchids very much. At this time,there is a fine group of works by Steve Tobin,an American Contemporary Artist.I especially liked Tobin's"Head in the Clouds","Bamboo',and "Steel Root".. I walked around its nature trails featuring Florida plants and I liked the way the staff has organized this botanical garden.The Fogg Cafe on its premises has a special charm and great views of the garden's beautiful grounds.

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