The Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens is a conservation zoo that emphasizes natural animal behavior rather than animals performing tricks. The zoo also stresses education; it allows its visitors to take a hands-on approach to nature. The "Meet the Keeper" series includes informational exhibits with question and answer sessions. Visitors can experience close encounters with alligators at "Alligator Bay", where the alligators swim up to 11 mph and jump out of the water to catch their prey, and with white tigers at Tiger Forest. The Primate Expedition Cruise, a 20-minute ride along several small islands on which many endangered species live, is another crowd favorite. There's also a 52-acre botanical garden on the grounds. Food is available, and there is a picnic shelter, but alcohol, plastic lids and straws are prohibited.

Stroll along a 2.25 mile-long boardwalk through some of the oldest trees in Florida at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. The 11,000-acre sanctuary, run by the National Audubon Society, is the nesting home for wading birds. There's a nature store and picnic area. No food, drinks (except water), or tobacco are allowed on the boardwalk, and no one may be on the boardwalk after dark. The only restrooms are located at the entrance. Admission is $10 for adults, $6 for college students, $5 for Society members, $4 for students 6-18, and free for children under 6. Seasonal hours are as follows: October 1- April 10 7a-5:30p; April 11- September 30 7a-7:30p. Keep in mind that entrance within one hour of closing time is prohibited because it does not allow enough time to leave by closing.  

Got a day to experience all that Naples has to offer? Tour the city the old-fashioned way- on an authentic, all-weather Naples Trolley Tour! Stops range from historical landmarks, such as the Naples Depot, to shopping areas like the Waterside Shoppes. There are eight narrated tours a day, lasting about two hours, but your ticket allows you to get off at any stop along the route and re-board later. Tickets may be purchased online, at the booth location, or on the trolley. A child's ticket is for children aged 4-12; children under 4 are free. There are no wheelchair lifts or ramps on the trolleys. The website often offers coupons and discounted rates, so be sure to check it out before you board.

Just minutes south of Naples, this older layout keeps getting better with every passing year! The fairways of Hibiscus Golf Club are flat but in excellent shape, and are well-lined with a variety of native Hibiscus trees. Although there is water on twelve of the holes, the course is not overly difficult. This public course is fun and fit for your first day of golf. Plus, it's a great value!

Open since 1990, Lely Flamingo Island Club was designed by Robert Trent Jones, Sr. and is Naples' premier resort course. The design features multi-level tees, undulating greens, and hourglass fairways bordered by enormous mounds, pine trees, and Sabal palms. Also characterized by fingered sand bunkers and water on 13 holes, the 14-hole tour is a very memorable one! If you are looking for a less challenging round, play Lely's Mustang course. The Lely Flamingo Island Club also provides headquarters for our resident PGA Tour Player. Lely Resort golf school available.

The Mustang Golf Club is a legend in the making. Lee Trevino has designed a course that follows his philosophy of producing a challenge while remaining fair to the average golfer. This course offers a variety of holes that are difficult to a point, but to where a player can always recover from an errant shot. Punctuated by twelve sparkling lakes, the Mustang generally flows across undulating fairways and winds through strands of towering Florida pines. Strategically placed bunkers will test your decision making prowess as well as your teeing abilities. This course, more forgiving than its neighboring course, Lely's Flamingo, will keep you wanting to play again and again.

The only P. B. Dye course in Naples, The Club at Old Cypress is a private course with very limited outside play. As a member, you have access to the adjoining club house, swimming pool, fitness facilities and tennis arenas. Head to the on-site restaurant to keep hunger pangs at bay. Masterfully carved from a pristine cypress preserve, the 18-hole course winds through a low-density community of 650 homes. This is one of the most beautifully preserved and unique golf experiences in all of Florida. Refer to the website for more details.

The course was designed by legendary Joe Lee and opened in late 1991. In 2003, the Club reopened after a major renovation with Robert Cupp Jr. and Marriott Golf. Surrounded by 240 unspoiled acres of cypress, pines, and mangroves, the course offers 16 holes bordered by water, open and rolling fairways, and well-bunkered greens. Named after what literally means, "bird sanctaury", The Rookery nestles a pristine course into the preserved wetlands that is home to a variety of native birds.

Nestled conveniently between Naples and Ft. Myers in the Southwest Florida countryside, Tiburon is a golf course unlike any other. This facility, carved out of 800 acres of native Floridian foliage, is among the region's most sophisticated and alluring courses. Tiburon Golf Club reflects designer and PGA Tour Professional Greg Norman's appreciation for pristine, natural settings...and his passion for great golf. Norman designed it to play like a British Open links course- firm and fast- but without the frustrating thatch of rough that confounds even pros. Conquer Tiburon's devilishly tricky conquina shell waste bunkers, no rough fairways and stacked sod wall bunkers...if you dare.

An estuary is the habitat that forms where the rivers and streams meet the sea. Located along the Gulf Coast of Florida, the mangrove estuary at Rookery Bay Reserve harbors much biodiversity and is home to 150 bird species and other endangered wildlife. Volunteers, staff and visiting scientists monitor and maintain this delicate ecosystem. In an effort to promote environmental care and awareness, the reserve provides 45-minute educational programs on various topics such as skulls and bones, native plants, and slithering snakes. There are also a number of programs specifically geared towards kids and they're usually free. Check their website for a schedule of times and events and for more information on how to get involved.