A narrated tour of the city aboard a trolley takes the stress out of driving in a new place and allows you to take in the scenic surroundings and local history. The Calusa Indians ruled Southwest Florida for thousands of years before the arrival of famed Spanish explorer Juan Ponce de Leon in the early 1500s. Naples itself was founded during the late 1880s by former Confederate general John Stuart Williams and Walter N. Halderman, the publisher of the Louisville Courier-Journal. The name Naples caught on when promoters described the bay as “surpassing the bay in Naples, Italy.”

Water tours invite you to observe Southwest Florida’s marine life and sub-tropical plants. One of the area’s most popular residents is the West Indian manatee; commonly known as sea cows. These harmless animals can grow up to 10 feet long and weigh as much as 1,200 pounds! Take a cruise or kayak trip to observe these gentle giants in the wild.

Whether by land or sea, there are a myriad of options for exploring and observing the region.