From time to time, we all need a break—the chance to get away from everyday life. We might not always have the time to travel, however, and that's when it's great to take a staycation and take a moment to enjoy what’s around you. Fortunately, living in Naples, there are so many ways to enjoy some downtime here on the Paradise Coast. 

If you're in need of a staycation, here are the best ideas for slowing down and playing tourist in your own town.

Spend a Day at the Beach

Many people who live along the coast don't actually visit the beach as often as they could or should! 

You can remedy that during your staycation (or anytime) by visiting one of Naples' world-renowned beaches. 

Mediterra residents can also enjoy a private beach club on the Gulf of Mexico that includes a clubhouse, pool, cabana service, and casual dining. You can also get your "Vitamin Sea" at the beach by Naples Pier or at the popular Lowdermilk Park.

Go Fishing

One of the best ways to spend a beautiful day in Southwest Florida is to get out on the water and go fishing. 

Take your boat and some friends offshore to catch grouper, tarpon, or snook. Or, hire a charter service like Naples Fishing Guides, Capt. Joey D Charters, or any of Naples' other charter fishing boats.

Take an Airboat Tour Through the Everglades

For a different kind of boating adventure, how about an airboat tour? Right at Naples' backdoor is the Everglades and Ten Thousand Islands—and one of the easiest ways to see the backcountry is to explore by airboat. 

These fan-driven boats blow across the water and can get to places other boats can't. One of the closest places is Corey Billie's Everglades Airboat Tours, right on Tamiami Trail. 

You'll find additional airboat tours about another half-hour drive to the east, in and around Everglades City.

Visit a Garden

Sometimes you just want to be surrounded by the beauty of nature and—in Naples—there’s plenty of natural beauty to go around. 

Walk through the peaceful grounds of Naples Botanical Garden and Everglades Wonder Gardens. The award-winning Naples Botanical Garden's 170 acres include separate gardens with plants from around the world in a tropical setting. You can take a guided tour through the garden and spend some time in the cafe. 

The smaller Everglades Wonder Gardens in Bonita Springs is popular with visitors who like to feed the flamingos, get close to peacocks, and enjoy tea in the tea room.

Go to the Zoo

If you're an animal lover, you might like taking your break at the Naples Zoo. Here, you can get close to several species of animals, including lions, cheetahs, tortoises, and native Florida wildlife like the fabled Florida panther. 

Visitors enjoy the 20-minute Primate Expedition Cruise on Victoria Lake and live animal presentations in the open-air theater. Then, relax at the cafe for a bite to eat.

Explore Local Nature Centers

Naples is blessed with miles of natural areas and three excellent nature centers where you can learn about Southwest Florida's environment. 

Along the coast, Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve protects the mangrove shoreline. Its environmental education center displays exhibits and leads to nature trails. You can also arrange a sunset boat cruise or a guided kayaking tour. 

Another place to take a guided kayaking tour: the Gordon River, with the Conservancy of Southwest Florida. Visit the wildlife hospital, tour exhibits in the Dalton Discovery Center, or show up for daily wildlife talks with naturalists. 

For an unforgettable experience, head an hour east to the Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. Enjoy the nature center's art exhibits before heading out on the boardwalk through the swamp, where you can roam just a bit or all 2.5 miles to see birds and alligators.

In addition to all there is to do around Naples, there's more in nearby Marco Island, Fort Myers, Sanibel and Captiva Islands, and beyond.

Naples is a wonderful place for a year-round staycation. Take advantage of the Southwest Florida lifestyle at the best luxury home community, Mediterra. Residents revel in the luxurious clubhouse, championship golf, tennis, sports club, and many more amenities. Download our brochure and see why you need to call Mediterra home.