Naples Passport 2022 - 2023

Attractions & Things To Do

10 Major Events

20 Shell Guide

56 The Norris Center

58 The Naples Preserve

60 Sunset Times

63 Everglades City

63 Big Cypress Preserve

64 Beaches & Parks

68 Map of 3rd St. S., Old Naples

69 Map of Downtown Naples

70 Map of Estero to North Naples

47 Birds of SW Florida

52 Rookery Bay Reserve

55 The Arts & Music

Welcome to the Naples Area!

72 Map of N. Naples to S. Naples

74 Birds Along Our Shore

75 Map of Marco Island

Inside Back Cover: Go Naples App

Download our app at the App Store

Now that you are in paradise, use the Naples Passport & our Go Naples app to assist you during your visit. There is so much to see and experience in this region, it is hard to put it all in a small book. We have put in the major points of interest that will keep you busy and make your stay a memorable one. The Passport has information on beaches, parks, maps, museums, shopping, restaurants, and the arts. On the Beyond the Beach pages you will find places to go that are unique to this area and are great day trips. Other pages on: Shells, Palm Trees, Shore Birds, Endangered Orchids, Birds of South West Florida and more.

Download our companion mobile app it has much more detail and has GPS navigation to all the points of interest. It’s on the Apple App store and Google Play. It is called “Go Naples”, it’s a great mobile app, and it’s Free! Find us on Facebook at: Naples Area Passport

This is our seventh year publishing the Naples Passport & Go Naples App. I would personally like to thank the many people and sponsors who have helped make the Passport possible: Convention and Visitors Bureau, Jay Staton Photography, Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, the Naples Botanical Garden and The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum. Enjoy your stay in beautiful South West Florida.

Please tell our advertisers that you saw them in the Naples Passport. See you on the beach, Eric Miller, Publisher - CitiMaps.com

To distribute Passports or advertise call: 516-435-7705

Please email us your comments: eric@citimaps.com

BOOK RENTALS

BOOK RENTALS

ONLINE!

BOOK RENTALS

ONLINE!

ONLINE!

SW Florida’ Florida Bicycle Source Including sales, service, & fit.

FEATURING: SPECIALIZED, CERVELO, JAMIS, BMC, ELECTRA BICYCLES

There’s always something happening in SWFL. Please use the list of sites and qr codes on this page to get the most up to date event listing in the area.

How many of these shells have you found?

Shell photos by José H. Leal © The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum

Florida fighting conch 110 mm

Turkey wing 80 mm

Horse conch 500 mm

Eastern auger 65 mm

Northern lion paw 150 mm

Angel wing 180 mm

Florida cone 54 mm

Giant Cockle 125 mm

51mm is approx. 2”

How many of these shells have you found?

Atlantic fig snail 80 mm

Lettered olive 65 mm

Banded tulip 80 mm

Lightning whelk 80 mm

51mm is approx. 2”

Stiff Pen Shell 300 mm

Alphabet cone 90 mm

Crown conch 140 mm

True tulip 200 mm

Shell photos by José H. Leal © The Bailey-Matthews Shell Museum

Jorge Blanco

Karen Barrow

Mila Bridger

Marc Chagall

Mark Dickson

Featured Artists:

Madelon Gorsky

Lily Hatchett

Marcus Jansen

Mary Lingen

R. Litchenstein

Joan Miro

R. Rauschenberg

J. Rosenquist

Frank Stella

Andy Warhol

Jorge Blanco, In the Garden, Powdered-Coated

21” x 13.5” x 7.5”

Discover fine art by local, emerging and renowned artists with a focus on local plein air scenes.

design district FINE art gallery

Every painting tells a story. When you take a painting home from High Tide, you take its story with you.

Private Paint and Sips Workshops

Featured Artists

Experience a unique gallery where artists are working at easels, creating their next canvas right in front of your eyes. You can purchase a painting fresh off the easel or arrange for a commission of your favorite Florida landscape, your beloved pet or loved ones at the beach.

This is a gallery of friends

How many of these palms have you seen? PALM TREES

Palm Tree photos by Renee Waller © Naples Botanical Garden

Chinese Fan Palm

Foxtail Palm

Christmas Palms

Coconut Palm

Saw Palmetto

Washington Palm

Sabal Palm

Royal Palm

Beth Moné Children’s Shoppe

The Baker Museum

Is one of the foremost fine arts museums in Southwest Florida. The Museum hosts several traveling exhibitions annually to complement installations of works from its permanent collections. The internationally recognized holdings of American modern and contemporary art include nearly 3,000 objects and continue to grow. The facility includes 15 galleries encompassing 15,000 square-feet of exhibition space, a glass-dome conservatory, a resource room and a museum store.

Hours: Tues: 10am-8pm, Wed-Sat: 10am-4pm & Sun: noon-4pm, closed Mon & select holidays. General admission is $10 adults, $5 students, 17 and under is FREE.

For more info: artisnaples.org/baker-museum

The Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center

The Museum is open year round, closed major U.S. holidays. Its permanent collection has over 1,000 World War II and Holocaust artifacts, many donated or on permanent loan from Holocaust Survivors and concentration camp Liberators. In addition, there are temporary exhibits and events such as film and book discussions, guest speakers, lectures and community events. Daily Docent-led tours are provided, and private group tours are available by appointment. Through the use of individual stories of local Survivors and Liberators, the Museum “makes history personal”.  Online For info: HolocaustMuseumSWFL.org

The Revs Institute

Recognized by Trip Advisor as one of the Top “Things-To-Do” in Naples and widely regarded as one of the top automotive museums in the world, Revs Institute is dedicated to the study and celebration of the automobile. Revs offers visitors a rare opportunity to view the Miles Collier Collections of over 100 of the most influential automobiles ever created with each car selected for its uniqueness and ability to meet rigid standards of historical, technical, aesthetic or social significance. To enhance the visitor experience, specially designed interactive displays and artifact showcases are presented within four themed galleries. They include many rare and unique items from the extensive Revs library and research collections.

Open: Tues, Thurs & Sat: 10am-4pm • Admission: Advance Reservation

Only at: www.revsinstitute.org or by phone: 239-687-REVS

The only museum in North America entirely dedicated to shells and the shelling capital of the Western Hemisphere. The Museum is the perfect stop for a beforethe-beach visit. The Museum’s 30 exhibits are devoted to shells in art and history, rare specimens, fossils and more. The learning lab features a hands-on play area and a tank with indigenous mollusk. The Museum store offers a wide variety of gifts and books. The Museum also offers daily beach walks and cruises with our marine naturalists. Open Daily: 10am5pm (noon to 4pm on holidays). Admission is $23.95 for adults and $14.95 for youth 12-17. Children under 5 $8.95. Call: 239-395-2233 (toll free: 888-679-6450) or go to shellmuseum.org for more information and a complete listing of programs and events.

* We would like to thank the museum for the use of the shell images in this guide.

The Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples (C’mon)

A brain-building powerhouse fueled by STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math). The Museum is 38,000 sq. ft. of interactive exhibits and hands-on experiences including: Daily programs and activities, Family Science Labs, Mini Wonders Workshops (ages 2-5), Groups & Birthday Parties (by reservation), camps during spring, summer and winter breaks, Sensory Nights for children with special needs. See C’mon exhibit descriptions and list of program and workshops on our calendar page at  cmon.org . Hours:  Monday – Saturday 10am – 5 pm (Closed Wednesdays) Sunday 11 am – 4 pm., Admissions: $15 for Adults, $18 for Children. Family Memberships (ACM reciprocal) begin at $135/year.

America’s Military & 1st Responders Museum

The Museum has over 7,000 artifacts on display. Items, from all branches of the military, range from the Revolutionary War, Civil War, through the War on Terror.  Collections include printed materials (letters, books, drawings and posters), weapons, uniforms, medals, helmets and models. Open 7 Days. Naples Municipal Airport at North Road Terminal 500 Terminal Drive

Naples, FL

614-205-0357

amfrm.org

HAPPY HOUR: MON-FRI

3-6pm $2 OFF ALL DRAFTS AND HOUSE WINE $5 SELECT COCKTAILS 1/2 PRICE PIZZAS.

TRIVIA NIGHT: EVERY

THURSDAY 7:30-9pm WIN

TAVERN GIFT CARDS & MORE!

SUNDAY BRUNCH: 11am-2pm

GREAT FOOD SPECIALS & $7 MIMOSAS & $7 BLOODY MARYS

ALL MAJOR DIRECT TV SPORTS

PACKAGES ON 17 HD BIG SCREENS!

OPEN DAILY AT 11 am 489 BAYFRONT PLACE I 239-530-2225

TAVERNONTHEBAY.NET I

The Gordon River Greenway

The Greenway features over 2 miles of trails through pine flat woods and mangrove forests, including two bridges over the Gordon River. It is a multi-purpose pathway used daily by walkers, joggers, bicyclists, skateboarders and rollerbladers. The path is 12’ wide on the asphalt sections and 10’ wide on the elevated boardwalks. It is handicapped accessible, dogs on leashes are permitted, and there is a fishing pier to the south of the large bridge. Parking is available off of Golden Gate Parkway just to the east of Goodlette Road. The larger parking area is reached by entering at the Fleischmann Blvd. light toward the Zoo and proceeding to the back of the parking lot. Both parking lots have restrooms and the parking lot by the Zoo has a playground, a canoe and kayak launch including boats racks. FREE Admission.

The Wonder Garden

The historic site was established in 1936 by the Piper family as a roadside attraction along the then newly-built Tamiami Trail. Since then, The Wonder Gardens has evolved as a haven for rescued, rehabilitated and non-releasable birds and reptiles, and is home to sprawling banyan trees and some of the most beautiful botanical specimens in the area. Designated an historic landmark by the City of Bonita Springs. While preserving the heritage and Old Florida DNA of the Wonder Gardens, the non-profit is caring for more than 300 resident animals, upgrading wildlife enclosures, growing the botanical beauty of the property, adding education programs, booking weddings, parties and other events and further engaging visitors to enjoy the Wonder of this magical place. Since no attraction visit is complete without a souvenir, the Wonder Shoppe is a “must shop” for its unique selection of gifts and other items. 27180 Old 41 Rd., • Bonita Springs, FL • 239-992-2591

Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens

A paved path winds nearly a mile past rare and beautiful animals residing within a historic tropical garden of exotic plants (in 1919). You can see many of your favorite animals: lions, kangaroos, monkeys, and bears. Safari Canyon presentations enable you to understand wildlife in exciting ways through living animals, wildlife video, and live camera close-ups. The Primate Expedition Cruise takes you through islands inhabited by monkeys, lemurs, and apes. You can also enjoy the Meet the Keeper Series, Snake Sunbathing, and Alligator Bay Feeding. Hours: 9am-5pm • Tickets: Adults: 13-64: $22.95 • 65+ $21.95

Children: 3-12: $14.95

• Children: 2 & under: Free. Note: The first Saturday of each month is free for Collier County residents. Free Parking.

1590 Goodlette-Frank Rd

• Naples FL • 239-262-5409

• NaplesZoo.com

Historic Crayton Cove - City Dock – Old Naples

This unique waterfront village-style destination is a picturesque place to stroll and discover artist studios like Phil Fisher’s, as well as a variety of other galleries, shops, boutiques and restaurants. The Cove Inn Hotel features views of the Naples City Dock and its large fishing and sailing charter boat fleet. Art After Dark events are held the second Saturday evening of each month. Crayton Cove is conveniently located on both the Naples Trolley and Naples Water Shuttle routes. 12th Avenue South & 8th Street S., on Naples Bay

Naples Botanical Garden

A 170-acre world-class garden paradise that features the plants and cultures of the tropics and subtropics including Brazil, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia and Florida. Interactive Children’s Garden along with 90 acres of beautifully restored natural habitats, walking trails and a Butterfly Garden offer educational entertainment and enjoyment for people of all ages. The new Welcome Center will include a Garden Store, meeting spaces, an auditorium, a café and additional visitor amenities. Hours: 9am-5pm daily, 8am every Tues

4820 Bayshore Dr • Naples, FL • 239-643-7275 • naplesgarden.org

Historic Palm Cottage™

Under the preservation of the Naples Historical Society, the Palm Cottage™ house museum lets visitors experience the rustic, hand-crafted charm of Old Naples through guided tours where trained docents share unique insights, historic facts and colorful tales about this local architectural gem and the community surrounding it. The oldest house in Naples (built in 1895) is constructed of tabby mortar, a hand-made concrete consisting of sand, shells and water. This two-story home was built by one of Naples founding residents, Walter N. Haldeman, and boasts 3,500 square feet of original and donated artwork, furnishings and tools spanning over 100 years. No Reservations Necessary for Tours of Historic Palm Cottage 137 12th Ave. South • Naples, FL 34104 • One block east of Naples Pier 239-261-8164 or visit www.NaplesHistoricalSociety.org

Audubon’s Corkscrew

Swamp Sanctuary

Get Unplugged!

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary’s pristine, 500-year old wilderness is the cure for nature deprivation. A 2.25-mile boardwalk meanders through a majestic forest of ancient bald cypress, mighty trees that soar into the sky and provide habitat for a spectacular variety of bird species, mammals, reptiles, plants and flowers. Our Blair Audubon nature center is the gateway to the boardwalk, and features a nature store, tearoom, art exhibits and classrooms. 15 miles east of 1-75, exit 111 • Open daily: 8:00am-3:00pm • General admission: $17, Full-time college student: $10 (with valid school ID), Children 6 to 14: $6, Children under six: FREE, Friends of Corkscrew members: FREE, Members of the US Military (with ID): $14, National Audubon Members: $14 • 239-348-9151

Corkscrew.Audubon.org

Conservancy of Southwest Florida

For more than 50 years, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida has been a leading environmental advocacy organization dedicated to protecting the water, land, wildlife and future of our five-county area. Tours of the Conservancy Nature Center last up to three hours and include new experiences throughout all 21 acres. There are 100 native animals and new exhibits in the Dalton Discovery Center. Visit the nursery at the von Arx Wildlife Hospital for a peek at some of our “patients” to learn about wildlife care. Continue to the Christopher B. Smith Preserve, home to protected gopher tortoises. Finally, enjoy a narrated electric boat cruise on the Gordon River where you may spot a manatee or two! Bring your lunch or snack and enjoy an outdoor picnic, observe visiting wildlife at the Shotwell Wavering Family Filter Marsh and explore the trails on your own to complete your visit. Tours: 239-262-0304

1495 Smith Preserve Way Naples, FL • conservancy.org

$17.95 Adults $9.95 - Children 3 to 12 • Closed Sundays May through October 44

Tea Room

• Full lunch menu and Afternoon Tea served all day.

• A selection of fine wines, champagnes and beer.

Gift Shop

• Stocked with a wide variety of giftware including Dunoon fine china mugs, teapots & cups.

• Over 50 teas to choose from.

Open Monday thru Saturday at 11:00am

bramblestearoomnaples.com

Jay Staton, Photographer - Capturing Nature’s Beauty for over 30 Years

I have spent much of the past 40 years exploring Florida’s unique natural wonders. The primordial feel one gets exploring the mysterious swamps of Big Cypress, or hiking the river of grass of the Everglades, or floating down one of Florida’s meandering rivers, like Fisheating Creek, all attract my lens. I venture deep into Florida’s untouched sanctuaries to capture her natural beauty on film, using an old 8x10 Deardorff large format camera. It helps me capture every natural detail in my fine art landscapes, allowing me to produce images as large as ten feet wide with no loss of detail, from a single sheet of film. When photographing a subject, I want to capture on film the feeling and the mood of the moment so that the viewer of my work experiences the same feeling as though they were experiencing it first hand.

We graciously thank Jay for the use of his orchids and bird photographs on the previous two pages. All of his images seen in this book and on Jay’s site are available for purchase, please support his efforts in protecting SWFL plants and wildlife. For more info: jaystatonphotography.com

Defending Southwest Florida’s Natural Resources & Wildlife

Highlights of our Chapter:

• 25 Adult Bird Outings Annually free to members

• Swamp Buggy Nature Trips

• Burrowing Owl Watch Program, Marco Island

• Shorebird Stewardship Monitoring Program, Lee & Collier Counties

• Audubon Explorers Children’s Workshops

• Community Lectures, HOA’s, Libraries & Museums

• Program Speaker Series 7 times annually

995 8th Ave. S.

Naples, FL

239-643-7822

For more info & donations go to:

www.audubonwe.org

Located between Naples and Everglades National Park on the Gulf of Mexico, the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve protects 110,000 acres of coastal lands and waters that provide important habitat for wildlife and people. It is  managed by the Florida DEP’s Florida Coastal Office and is part of a nationwide network of 29 research reserves overseen by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Exploration of this semi-pristine, estuarine environment can begin with a visit to the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center, located off Collier Boulevard between Naples and Marco Island. Enjoy a variety of interactive exhibits such as the new Estuary Encounter marine life exhibit, which invites the curious to engage with conchs, whelks, crabs, sea stars and other unique species found in local waters. The center also includes an art gallery, creekside picnic patio and chickee, windows into working research labs and the Palmetto Patch Nature Store, where a variety of books, souvenirs, environmental gifts and more can be purchased. Educational programs, art classes and special events are offered monthly, and guided boat and kayak tours are available all year. Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center is open Monday – Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission is $8

(free for Friends of Rookery Bay members) and $5 for kids 6-12.

300 Tower Road, rookerybay.org

239-530-5940

The Arts

Known as the #1 Small Art Town in America. Naples is also home to approximately 100 area art galleries featuring local artists as well as museum quality collections that are available at the retail level. Start your experience at 5th Ave South, 3rd Street South or Crayton Cove.

Artis—Naples

Home to the Naples Philharmonic and The Baker Museum, Artis—Naples hosts more than 300 concerts, performances, exhibitions and educational events for children and adults each year in support of its mission to create and present world-class visual and performing arts. In a season that extends from September through July, Artis—Naples offers a broad array of artistic and educational opportunities to audiences of all ages, backgrounds and interests. 5833 Pelican Bay Boulevard • Naples, FL • 239-597-1900 For more information: artisnaples.org

The Naples Philharmonic

Performs over 140 orchestral and chamber music concerts, as well as opera and ballet and special event concerts annually between September and June in the 1,425-seat Hayes Hall, the 283-seat Daniels Pavilion and around the Southwest Florida region. Now in its 35rd season, the Naples Philharmonic was founded in 1982. For more info: artisnaples.org/naples-philharmonic

Opera Naples

Dedicated to presenting high-quality opera productions and concerts featuring internationally renowned performers and directors, Opera Naples is an artistic powerhouse. An advocate of community service and education outreach, Opera Naples has introduced opera to more than 60,000 children since its inception through its in-school education and resident artist programs. Opera Naples’ upcoming season is sure to invigorate and inspire. www.OperaNaples.org

2408 Linwood Avenue - Naples, 239-963-9050

Gulfshore Playhouse

Passionately committed to enriching the cultural landscape of the region by producing professional theatre to the highest artistic standards. Gulfshore Playhouse’s work is inspired by a belief in the magic of theater to expand the imagination, challenge the senses, provoke discussion, and revitalize in the audience an understanding of common humanity. For more information, please visit: www.gulfshoreplayhouse.org or call 239.261.PLAY(7529)

COME FIND OUT WHY WE ARE NAPLES BEST KEPT SECRET

THE NAPLES PRESERVE

0.5 mile-long, accessible boardwalk, with a mulched, winding path will take you through a natural occurring garden which is filled with labeled, native flora. View birds, gopher tortoises and butterflies.

Admission & Parking is FREE

Scrub Garden

Picnic tables and labeled native scrub plants

Flatwoods Garden

Picnic tables and labeled native flatwoods plants

Pollinator Garden

a.k.a. “Butterfly Garden”

Benches & labeled plants

Eco-Center

Nature talks, information about nature destinations in Collier County

1690 Tamiami Trail N., Naples, FL • 239.261.4290

Everglades City

American settlement began after the Civil War, The first permanent settler was William Smith Allen, who arrived on the banks of Potato Creek (later renamed the Allen River) in 1873. After Allen retired to Key West in 1889, George W. Storter, Jr. became the principal landowner in the area. He opened a trading post in 1892, and gained a post office, called “Everglade”, in 1895. Storter also began entertaining northern tourists who came to Everglade by yacht in the winter to hunt and fish. His house eventually grew into the Rod and Gun Club, visited by US Presidents and other notables.

The old Florida of bygone days still exists in the Everglades region. Everglades City, the western gateway to Everglades National Park, is known as the “Stone Crab Capital of the World.” Stone crab season is October 15 through May 15. Everglades City and nearby Chokoloskee Island give visitors a glimpse into Southwest Florida’s past, with museums and small-town charm. They are favorite launch locations for boaters, anglers and paddlers exploring the Everglades Wilderness. Everglades Area Chamber of Commerce Welcome Center • 32016 Tamiami Trail S, Everglades City, FL • 239-695-3941

Text courtesy of Wikipedia & ParadiseCoast.com

Big Cypress National Preserve

Wildlife is abundant in the preserve. Most notable and regularly seen, the American Alligators can be up to around 12 feet in length. Another notable and endangered animal, the Florida Panther calls the Preserve home. Though both generally relatively timid, wading through the cypress country requires constant alertness. Rangers often lead swamp walk hikes in the dry winter months, as well as canoe trips, and boardwalk talks. There are many campgrounds for tents & RVs.

Big Cypress Swamp Welcome Center

33000 Tamiami Trail East, Ochopee, FL 239-695-4757

Naples Pier

The historic Naples Pier stretches 1,000 feet into the Gulf of Mexico. The first Pier was built in 1889 and was badly damaged or destroyed by Hurricanes in 1910, 1926, 1935, 1944 and 1960. The Naples Pier is a favorite location for sightseers and fishermen. The Pier features restrooms, showers and a concession stand, also there are a number of benches on the Pier to sit on. Fishing from the pier does not require a fishing license, as the City of Naples has purchased a bulk fishing license for the Pier. The beach at the Pier also features volleyball nets and is one of the best places to catch a spectacular Naples sunset. There is no admission fee to the Pier or beach. West end of 12th Avenue South, Naples

Freedom Park

Has a 2,500 square foot Exhibition Hall with restrooms and a 3,500 foot boardwalk. The entire park is accessible by wheelchair. The park is a beautiful recreation site for visitors. Pathways circle the marshes and wind through areas restored with native plant species. Signs posted along the pathways identify the plants. Many types of wetland-dependent birds can be seen foraging within the marshes, including great white herons, ibis, green herons, and great blue herons. Native wildlife is also regularly spotted by visitors along the boardwalk, include red shouldered hawks, barred owl, pileated woodpeckers, green and great blue herons, little blue herons, great white herons, raccoons, gray squirrels, marsh rabbits, river otter, armadillos, alligators, turtles, snakes and frogs.

1515 Golden Gate Pkwy, Naples, open: 8 am to dusk daily. Free parking.

Lovers Key State Park

A haven for wildlife, the islands and their waters are home to West Indian manatees, bottlenose dolphins, roseate spoonbills, marsh rabbits, and bald eagles. The two mile long beach is accessible by boardwalk or tram and is popular for shelling, swimming, picnicking and sunbathing. Black Island has over five miles of multiuse trails for hiking and bicycling. Anglers and boaters can launch their vessels from the park’s boat ramp. The park’s concession offers kayak tours, as well as bicycle, canoe, kayak, paddleboard, beach chair and umbrella rentals. Beach, Bicycling, Canoeing and Kayaking, Concessions & Food, Fishing, Hiking and nature trail Picnic Pavilion, Playground, Restroom Facilities, Shelling, Showers, Swimming, Tours and Wildlife Viewing. 8700 Estero Blvd., Bonita Springs, FL

Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park

This is one of the most beautiful and unspoiled beaches in the world. You will see shore birds and many forms of wildlife, at the north end of the park there is and area for fishing. There is a boat launch area into Turkey Bay. Rangers do guided tours of the estuaries of the Cocohatchee River, call 239-597-6196 for info. The concession is open in parking Lot #4. Reserve paddleboards, kayaks, canoes, umbrellas, beach chairs & more 239-597-6196. Hours: 8am to sunset - Fees: $6.00 a car, $4.00 Single Occupant Vehicle. $2.00 Pedestrians & bicyclists. The boat ramp fee is $5.00 + Admission Fee. 11135 Gulfshore Drive, Naples, Florida 34108 239-597-6196

Tigertail Beach

Experience 32 acres of one of the world’s most important habitats for wintering and nesting shorebirds. One of the best all-around birding locations in southwest Florida. Explore the tidal lagoon that separates the TigertailBeach Park from the state managed Big Marco Pass Critical Wildlife Area popularly known as the Sand Dollar Spit. The lagoon is home to a wide variety of wildlife. There is an $10 daily beach parking fee, 6 boardwalks ADA accessible. Tigertail Beach Café is full service, serving breakfast & lunch. 239-642-8414, Stand-up paddleboards, Kayaks, Electric Seaquirts, Water Trikes, Electric Boats. Hours: 8 a.m. to sunset. 239-252-4000 • 490 Hernando Dr. - Marco Island

The CREW Trust (Corkscrew Regional Ecosystem Watershed)

There is fun for people of all ages on over 36 miles of hiking trails, with more planned in the future. The CREW project now has four trail systems open to the public, two located off of Corkscrew Road one off of Bonita Beach Rd and one located off of Immokalee Rd. The CREW Trails are perfect places to visit year round. Each season brings dramatic changes to the plants and animals due to variations in water levels. Come see baby alligators and pine lilies blooming during the fall, hawks and flycatchers nesting in the spring, the graceful swallow-tailed kites in summer and the dramatic red maples in winter. The CREW Land & Water Trust provides guided walks for the public, environmental ed programs for all ages, special events for members, teacher workshops, presentations to community groups and more. For more info on trail locations, weekly hikes and events crewtrust.org • 239-657-2253

Barefoot Beach Preserve Park

The Park has 356 parking spaces, one-mile nature trail, showers, picnic area and a concession area where equipment may be rented and food and drink is available for purchase. The preserve also offers handicapped beach wheelchair access. The Preserve has 342 acres of unspoiled natural land. Park Rangers offer a number of programs at the Barefoot Beach Preserve Park including lectures and interpretive programs. Park Rangers educate the public about the importance of the environment and wildlife in Southwest Florida. Subjects include a guided walk through the preserve, where visitors learn about the many habitats in the preserve as well as flora and fauna. Rangers also provide a free recreation guide where they take visitors to look at the natural history of the Loggerhead Sea Turtle, some of which reside at the preserve. Open: 8am-sundown, $10 Parking fee.

505 Barefoot Beach Blvd • North Naples, FL • 239-252-4000

For more info: www.colliergov.net/index.aspx?page=455

Bonita Beach Park

Located near the beautiful Northern tip of Bonita Beach. Amenities of the park include grills and tables, shelters, restrooms, and a sand volleyball court. Notice: Lee County Parking Stickers are not accepted at this park. Notice: A Saltwater Fishing License is required to saltwater fish from shore. There is no fee for Florida residents. Parking is available for $2 per hour.

Open: 7am-dusk, 7 days a week • 27954 Hickory Blvd • Bonita Springs, FL 239-949-4615 • For more info: leegov.com/parks/facility?fid=0112

Clam Pass Park

This park boasts 35 acres of coastal habitat and preserves that habitat by providing beach access from a three-quarter-mile boardwalk to the sandy beach. The board walk is a destination itself for those who love a quiet nature walk. The boardwalk runs through a mangrove forest of salt tolerant red, white and black mangroves. The Park abounds with wading shorebirds, eagles, hawks and osprey. The Conservancy of Southwest Florida offers a free nature walk Dec-April (Mon-Sat, excluding holidays) at 9am along the boardwalk and the beach. No reservations, just be at the tram stop. $10 Parking fee.

Hours: 8am-sundown

465 Seagate Drive • Naples, FL • 239-252-4000

For more info: colliergov.net/index.aspx?page=458

Vanderbilt Beach Park

The Park is one of the most popular beach accesses. It offers generous space for its visitors, gorgeous white sand, sea oats and rest room access. During tourist season it can be difficult finding a spot on the beach. If you arrive before 10am Jan to March, you’re sure to find plenty of room. Vanderbilt Beach also is the place for great early morning shelling and all day bird watching. Parking is free with a beach parking sticker. Otherwise there is a daily parking fee of $10. The Park now includes a new 375-space public parking garage. The garage is just west of the Ritz Hotel entrance and a few steps from the beach. Open: 8am-sundown • 239-252-4000 For more info: colliergov.net/index.aspx?page=465

Lowdermilk Park

One of Naples’ premier beach-front parks. The park has plenty of metered and unmetered parking spaces, a concession stand, sand volleyball courts, two children’s playgrounds, picnic tables, benches, restroom and shower facilities. Lowdermilk Park and the Naples Pier are the only lots that offer the pay-by-space option $0.25/5 minutes, $3.00/hour, Cash accepted: Quarters Only and major credit cards. 257 Banyan Blvd Naples, FL 239-213-3029 For more info: naplesgov.com/parksrec/page/lowdermilk-park

Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park

The “largest Strand Swamp in the world” at 19 miles long, 3 to 5 miles wide and about 3 to 4 feet deep it has been called the “Grand Canyon of the Everglades”.  A strand swamp is a shallow valley in the limestone substrate of South Florida eroded by natural acids in rainfall over the past 5,000 years. Visit the boardwalk at Big Cypress Bend located 7 miles west of the intersection of SR29 and U.S.41 meander through 215 acres of old-growth Bald Cypress swamp. The Park has many endangered or threatened animal species. The Park also provides habitat for the American Bald Eagle, Florida Black Bear, River Otter and Bobcat. Unique facts of the Fakahatchee: The Orchid, Bromeliad and Royal Palm Capitols of the U.S. The Park is 45 minutes to 1 hour from the Naples area.

Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park

137 Coastline Drive • Copeland, FL • Park Office: 239-695-4593

Info

How many of these Birds Along Our Shore have you seen?

© E. Miller

© E. Miller

© E. Miller

© Rookery Bay Reserve

239.643.3833

Open 7 Days a Week!