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Easy Escapes

Find Paradise, Only a Short Drive Away

Festival of Birds 2025 Photo
Festival of Birds at Rookery Bay
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Florida’s Paradise Coast

A natural and cultural gem tucked away in Southwest Florida, the Paradise Coast is where the Gulf of Mexico's sparkling water meets white sand, wild islands and downtowns filled with artful treasures, culinary delights and countless other discoveries. Explore Naples, Marco Island, Everglades City, Immokalee and Ave Maria and find your most idyllic Florida vacation.

Explore the Beaches of Naples & Marco Island

30 miles of wide, white sand and sparkling Gulf waters beckon. Come experience the award-winning beach beauty of Florida’s Paradise Coast.
With more than 30 miles of jewel-toned Gulf shoreline, Florida’s Paradise Coast beckons all year long with heavenly beaches. While each one promises hours of seaside bliss, the beaches here aren’t one-size-fits-all – each has its own allure, from pristine hideaways like Keewaydin Island to luxury beachfront resorts.

30 miles of wide, white sand and sparkling Gulf waters beckon. Come experience the award-winning beach beauty of Florida’s Paradise Coast.

Exploring Nature in Naples

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Black bears are just one of the species kids can see up close at Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens.

Visit the for a look at rare and exotic animals including cheetahs, giraffes and black bears – you can even ride a boat through islands filled with monkeys. There are also three children's play areas, live-animal presentations, a café and gift shops. Naples Botanical Garden is also perfect for a family outing with more than 600 plant species and a children’s garden.

At Clam Pass Beach Park, a mini-tram carries passengers from the parking lot through a pristine coastal habitat stretching along a winding boardwalk showcasing birds and marine life. While the beach is equipped with facilities, the estuary is perfect for paddling and fishing with the family.

Beach Days & Water Fun on Marco Island

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Everyone in the family will find the fun in a boat trip to the area's secluded beaches.

Head south from Naples to the shores of Marco Island for some beach time on Florida’s Paradise Coast. Splash through the tidal pools of Tigertail Beach Park or wade on the offshore sandbar. Schedule a shelling excursion to the outer islands off Marco Island's coast for sailing, swimming and shelling. Companies like Cool Beans Cruises offer guided tours for groups and private outings.

The surrounding Ten Thousand Islands offer fascinating views of untouched wildlife with a wealth of seashells, dolphins, manatees and bird sightings. Take a guided WaveRunner® eco-tour of the mangrove jungles with Marco Island Ski & Watersports, or island hop via kayak.

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The natural splendor of Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades is yours to behold.

Exploring Nature in Naples

If your kids love adventure, visiting Everglades National Park will likely be the highlight of their vacation. One way to see the Everglades and its wildlife – alligators, wild boars and all types of birds – is by airboat. These boats speed through mangrove tunnels and skim alongside the "River of Grass." Check out Speedy's Airboat Tours for a ride through mangrove tunnels.

For some insight into Old Florida, visit the Historic Smallwood Store in Chokoloskee. The general store was established in 1906, and when it closed its doors in 1982, 90 percent of the original goods remained inside. The store was later reopened as a museum.

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Find Your Way To An Oasis

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Ave Maria
Home to Ave Maria University, this master-planned community features a mix of restaurants, shops and services, as well as signature events such as the Winter Festival in January, Blues Brews & BBQ Festival in February and the Margarita & Taco Festival in March. From trolley tours to arts and craft festivals and seasonal farmers markets, there's plenty to discover in Ave Maria.
Immokalee
As the largest inland community in Collier County, it has a thriving agriculture industry, producing a significant amount of the nation's fresh produce. Immokalee's walkable downtown features authentic Mexican restaurants and local shops as well as First Street Zocalo, a half-acre park with benches and shaded areas. Anglers will enjoy first-class fishing at Lake Trafford, with largemouth bass, black crappie and bluegill waiting to be caught.
Naples
Stroll leisurely through the palm-lined streets of Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South and you’ll encounter inviting art galleries, cafes and boutiques. Just steps from this historic downtown is Naples Beach, featuring the iconic Naples Pier where you can watch marine life frolick amidst the waves and witness one of the greatest Gulf sunsets the coast has to offer.
Marco Island
Offering diverse natural habitats, thrilling outdoor activities and picturesque waterfront restaurants, this island community is brimming with local treasures. Catch your dinner on the coast, or spend the day golfing at one of many pro-designed courses. Or, of course, there's always 6 miles of soft, sandy beaches to enjoy, with some of the best shelling you’ll find anywhere.
Everglades City
Aside from the renowned Everglades National Park, the area boasts various preserves such as the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge, Big Cypress National Preserve, and more. Known as the "Stone Crab Capital of the World," visitors can savor the delicious claws of this crustacean at rustic seafood eateries during stone crab season, running from October 15 to May 1.

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