This reserve protects 110,000 acres of coastal lands and marine estuaries at the northern end of the Ten Thousand Islands, just south of Naples and north of Marco Island. A two-story learning center features an auditorium where guests watch an excellent video, along with a marine touch tank and 2300-gallon aquarium with a climb-in bubble. From there, popular activities include kayak and boating tours, a nature walk and birding excursions.
Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
23.15 MILES
The crown jewel in the National Audubon Society's sanctuary collection, the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary provides an intimate exploration of six pristine…
5.93 MILES
This outstanding botanical garden styles itself as ‘a place of bliss, a region of supreme delight.’ And after spending some time wandering its 2½-mile…
13.1 MILES
The pride of Naples, this engaging, sophisticated art museum is part of the Artis–Naples campus, which includes the fabulous Philharmonic Center next door…
23.68 MILES
For a break from the outdoors, don't miss this small museum run by volunteers who have a wealth of knowledge on the region's history. Located in the town…
21.5 MILES
The Fakahatchee Strand, besides having a fantastic name, also houses a 20-mile by 5-mile estuarine wetland that looks like something from the beginning of…
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
17.71 MILES
This lovely state park and beach extends for a mile from the mouth of the Cocohatchee River. It boasts gorgeous white sands, which are protected during…
22.98 MILES
One of the best ways to experience the serenity of the Everglades – somehow desolate yet lush, tropical and forbidding – is by paddling the network of…
Golisano Children's Museum of Naples
15.2 MILES
Designed by kids (and child psychologists) for kids, this interactive children's museum is devoted to learning through play. A trolley takes kids to…
Nearby attractions
5.93 MILES
This outstanding botanical garden styles itself as ‘a place of bliss, a region of supreme delight.’ And after spending some time wandering its 2½-mile…
6.28 MILES
Home to charter boats and a sightseeing fleet, and also the jumping-off point for boat tours, a pirate cruise and fishing trips.
7.53 MILES
This white-sand, family-friendly beach is ideal for shelling, tide-pool exploration and hanging out at the playground. It also happens to be a fantastic…
8.55 MILES
The oldest home in Naples and last remaining tabby-mortar cottage in Collier County, this quaint abode was built in 1895 for Henry Watterson, the editor…
8.63 MILES
Naples' city beach is a long, dreamy white strand that succeeds in feeling lively but rarely overcrowded. At the end of 12th Ave S, the 1000ft pier is a…
9.62 MILES
One of Florida's premier nature-conservancy and advocacy nonprofits, the Conservancy of Southwest Florida is a must-visit destination for anyone…
8. Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
9.85 MILES
Caribbean Gardens is an Old Florida attraction that's been updated into a modest zoo. It has narrated boat rides in a lake to visit free-roaming, island…