While South West Florida is certainly known for its beautiful beaches, the Marco Island and Naples area are also fabulous places to explore for their vibrant art and rich culture.
Naples is just plentiful with museums and more than 100 art galleries, which has helped it earn the title of “The No. 1 Small Art Town in America”. The Paradise coast boasts a most active performing arts community as well with a resident orchestra, both community and professional theater productions that range from intimate to Broadway shows. People travel far and wide for its top-ranked art festivals, zoo and botanical gardens. The area is also rich in history. Mastodons, fierce saber cats, Calusa and Seminole Indians, and rugged pioneers have all called the region home.
So, take the opportunity to learn about the rich history of Southwest Florida and visit one of its many museums and exhibits that tell the story of how the area developed. You’re sure to enjoy all the engaging attractions that Naples and Marco Island have to offer.
Marco Island Historical Museum, 180 South Heathwood Dr., Marco Island, 239.642.1440 – colliermuseums.com
Explore the museum complex designed to portray a Calusa Indian Village. Located on a shell mound featuring unique Marco area pioneer artifacts, historical information and displays. Grounds include a lagoon with fishing pier, natural wetlands, and observation platform and gift shop.
Open Tuesday – Saturday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Historic Palm Cottage – Naples Historical Society’s Historic Palm Cottage137 12th Avenue South, Naples, 239.261.8164 – napleshistoricalsociety.org
Take a step back in time and learn about Naples history on a docent-guided tour. The Cottage is Naples oldest house and is listed as a Landmark in the National Register of Historic Places.
Tues-Sat 1-4 pm.
The Holocaust Museum & Education Center of SW Florida, 4760 Tamiami Trail North, Naples, 239.263.9200 – HolocaustMuseumswfl.org
View meaningful exhibits of over 1,000 donated artifacts, documents and original photographs from the Holocaust and World War II. Admission includes a docent-led or self-guided audio tour. See an authentic WW II era railway boxcar exhibit on loan to the museum.
Open Tuesday – Sunday from 1 to 4p.m.
Naples Art Association at The von Liebig Art Center, 585 Park Street, Naples,239.262.6517 – naplesart.org
This cultural resource and community art center located in downtown Naples features art exhibitions, adult and children’s art classes, top ranked art festivals, informative lectures, an extensive art library and gift shop.
Open Monday – Friday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Naples Botanical Garden, 4820 Bayshore Drive, Naples,239.643.7275 – naplesgarden.org
This 170-acre tropical garden oasis showcases designs of world-renowned landscape architects featuring cultivated gardens of Florida, Brazil, Asia, and the Caribbean. Enjoy the Water Garden filled with water lilies, lotus, and papyrus. Explore 90 acres of restored natural habitats and trails. The Smith Children’s Garden is a delight.
Naples Pier, 25 12th Avenue South, Naples, 239.213.3062
A community landmark since 1888. The beach and the Pier extending 1,000 feet into the Gulf of Mexico is a hub for activity and gathering to watch sunsets. Fishing from the Pier 24 hours a day. Frozen shrimp bait available, no license required. Concessions and restrooms available.
