Explore the Naples Botanical Garden During Your Next Vacation

Many guests in our Naples vacation rentals are curious about what to do in the area besides going to the beach. This incredible city actually has a ton of activities to offer! You can make your way to one of the local museums to learn more about the city, visit the Naplesshopping destinations to pick out a unique souvenir or dine on local Naples cuisine at any of the restaurants around town. But when anyone asks the best things to do in Naples, FL, there’s one attraction that’s always on our list: the Naples Botanical Garden.

The Naples Botanical Garden is one of the most unique attractions in this city, and it’s one that the entire family is sure to enjoy. When you want to take a break from the beach but still get outside and enjoy the beautiful weather in Naples, FL, be sure to visit the Naples Botanical Garden!

Conservation Mission

Visitors to the Naples Botanical Garden love walking around the grounds and gazing at the beautiful plant life at every turn. But what most people don’t realize is that this organization is dedicated to conserving plant species from around the world. The staff of the Naples Botanical Garden, as well as its partners, are always working hard to protect the plant life of Southwest Florida and raise awareness for conservation efforts elsewhere.

The garden, of course, puts a particular emphasis on preserving native plant species. Throughout the grounds, you can find over 50 native plant species that are rarely, if ever, found in any other collections. They share seeds with partnering gardens and work with land managers from around the area to develop continuing and evolving conservation practices. 

The Gardens

The actual grounds of Naples Botanical Garden are sure to impress. The gardens cover 170 acres and is the youngest garden in history to receive the Award for Garden Excellence from the American Public Gardens Association. Founded in 1993, the Naples Botanical Garden has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in the city, welcoming more than 220,000 visitors every year.

Begin your journey at the Chabraja Visitor Center, which combines sustainable building practices with the engaging gardens that this area is known for. You can walk through the LaGrippe Orchid Garden to see vibrant flowers and other plant life, visit Irma’s Garden to witness truly unique plant life that can only be characterized as charismatic or stroll through Kathryn’s Garden to experience the beauty of the lush, tropical atmosphere. 

In addition to housing local plant species, the next Botanical Garden is also home to many global varieties. Visit the Marcia and L. Bates Lea Asian Garden to see beautiful Southeast Asian art and explore the jungle-like landscape. You may also enjoy the two Kapnick Gardens, one of which is dedicated to Brazilian plants, while the other focuses on Caribbean varieties. 

If you want to see more than just plant life, be sure to visit The Preserve. More than 90 acres of land are managed by The Garden and feature some of the most fascinating ecosystems of Southwest Florida, including a pond apple swamp, coastal scrub, and more. You can observe almost 300 native plant species in The Preserve, as well as beautiful local wildlife, including fish, birds, and even the threatened Gopher tortoise. For those who really want to get up close and personal with nature, The Preserve is not to be missed.

Family Activities

Visiting the Naples Botanical Garden isn’t simply about witnessing beautiful plant life; It’s also meant to be an educational experience for the entire family. When you first arrive at the visitor center, you’re encouraged to pick up a W.O.N.D.E.R. pack. These packs encourage you to Walk, Observe, Navigate, Draw, Explore and Read (see where the abbreviation comes from?) as you make your way throughout the garden grounds.

The gardens are also frequently holding fun celebrations that rotate with the months. For instance, in February 2022, special programs were held revolving around super plants and bamboo. Simply check their website for more information about what programs will be happening while you’re in town.

Tickets and Hours

Now that you know all about what you can expect when you visit the Naples Botanical Garden, we can discuss the fine details about how to visit. The Naples Botanical Garden is one of the most budget-friendly attractions in the area, as admission costs just $25 per adult and $10 per child aged 4 to 17. Children ages 3 and under, as well as members get in for free.

The Naples Botanical Garden hours run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. These hours encompass not only the campus grounds themselves but also the Berger Shop in the Garden and the Fogg Café.

Finally, there are a few things to keep in mind during your visit. The Garden recommends that you wear comfortable shoes and bring a reusable water bottle to stay hydrated and comfortable during your time on the premises. If you’re traveling with a furry friend, you can bring them to the garden on Sunday or Tuesday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m.! Just be sure to fill out a dog form prior to your arrival if it’s your dog’s first time at the Garden. Finally, guests are welcome and encouraged to take casual photographs and videos to remember their travels.

Book Your Naples, Florida Rental

Visiting the Naples Botanical Garden is easily one of the best ways to experience the breathtaking nature of the area. Be sure to schedule a trip between your visits to the beautiful beach of Naples, Florida, meals at local restaurants, and shopping sprees! Then, when you’re done exploring the beautiful nature of Naples for the day, you can come back to your vacation rental to relax and unwind for the evening.

William Raveis Rentals is proud to offer a wide range of vacation rentals throughout the area, including popular specialty properties like our Naples beachfront rentals. Guests in our properties can expect to find luxurious amenities including high-speed internet, flat-screen TVs, gorgeous views of the area, spacious bedrooms and bathrooms, fully equipped kitchens, and more. We maintain rental properties big and small, offering an option for groups of all sizes. Additionally, you can find rentals available for a weekend or you can opt for our Naples monthly rentals to truly settle in and begin to feel like a local.

Our team is always happy to help, whether you want to book your stay or you need help deciding on the rental that’s best for your group. We can also provide all the information you need about the Naples Botanical Garden or any of the other fun things to do in the city. At the end of the day, we’ll do whatever it takes to make sure that your perfect vacation becomes a reality.