5 minute read
The Active Vacation
Naples offers an array of thrilling land activities for all ages, so get ready to have a sporting good time.
By Jeffrey Laign
From the moment you arrive in Naples, you’re afforded seemingly endless opportunities to play on and off the beaches of this Southwest Florida gem of a city. While you’ll likely make the most of the Paradise Coast, a wealth of sporting options awaits you on land. In fact, you won’t go wrong if you feel like taking a break from your aquatic adventures to enjoy some of the thrilling experiences for landlubbers. Here are just a few to add to your list.
Tennis
Rather swing a racket than a club? Naples Grande Beach Resort is a favorite of tennis players — and for good reason. Just check out the tennis
Biking
Hop on a bicycle at Naples Grande Beach Resort and explore a city that features a trove of paths that vary in length and difficulty. The Gordon River Greenway is a 12-foot-wide trail that winds through pine flatwoods, scrub land and wildlife-rich wetlands. The trail offers sections of elevated boardwalk where you can enjoy birdwatching and look for other wildlife. You’ll also find benches to stop and take a break, as well as opportunities for fishing.
Hiking
Naples Grande Beach Resort is a great place to stretch your legs. You’ll encounter three types of mangroves and a range of other plants and critters as you make your way along the 23-acre resort. Take the Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk that cuts through the heart of Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park, and you’ll be rewarded with close-up views of verdant bromeliads and bright-blooming orchids. You can also explore Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, where the nature trail winds through the hammock near the observation tower.
Golf
If puttering through a fl awless, sunny day suits you to a tee, hit the greens at Naples Grande Golf Club. The par-72 course designed by master golfer Rees Jones showcases deep bunkers and 18 challenging holes spread across 240 acres of pine hammocks, live oaks and grand cypress trees. It’s one of the city’s 90 fi rst-class courses and ranks high on North America’s Top 100 list. If you’re new to the game, there’s no need to worry. Trained PGA professionals who have taught at some of the top clubs in the country are on hand to off er golf lessons and clinics so you can perfect your swing in no time. A vast selection of golf equipment and apparel from some of the top names in golf are also available at the Pro Shop.
Ecotours
Naples is a gateway to Everglades National Park, the only expanse of its kind in the United States. Local tour operators organize excursions led by expert guides, who will help you discover the diverse animal and plant species that thrive in this unique ecosystem. Bird-watchers fl ock to nearby Big Cypress National Preserve for informative walks as knowledgeable naturalists reveal hidden secrets. The guides at Naples Transportation and Tours off er half-day morning and afternoon Everglades excursions that include an airboat ride, alligator show and a visit to the wildlife sanctuary, where you will see more alligators than you can count.
Horseback Riding
What better way to explore a shore or tackle an Everglades trail than from the back of a noble steed? Area stables will have you sauntering along the well-maintained trails emblazoned with unparalleled scenery. Saddle up and marvel at the wildlife you encounter during a trail ride through the Picayune State Forest.
Motoring
Feel best when operating a motorized vehicle? Along the Paradise Coast are several options for revved-up fun. Sign up for a Segway tour of beautiful downtown Naples. Tours are off ered several times per day, and highlights include the famous Naples Pier, Third Street South, Fifth Avenue and other points of interest. Hop on and off the vintage trolley off ered by Naples Trolley Tours and enjoy a narrated tour of the city. You can also explore the wetlands in an iconic swamp buggy or get behind the wheel of a Slingshot — a futuristic-looking roadster just waiting for a driver like you!
Fitness Centers
You’re on holiday, so it’s okay to spend a lazy day at the beach or go for that extra dessert. But that doesn’t mean you must abandon your fi tness regimen while you travel. This gulfshore holiday hub boasts more than 40 gyms and exercise centers. One of the best is right outside your door. The 8,000-square-foot fi tness center at Naples Grande Beach Resort off ers stunning coastal views as you get your blood pumping with state-of-theart spin bikes, treadmills and climbers. You’ll also fi nd dumbbells and free weights, a locker room and more. Schedule a private personal training session with advance notice.
Axe Throwing
If you want to try something new, check out The Axe Lodge — Southwest Florida’s largest upscale axe throwing venue. Here you don’t just throw axes. You throw and stick them to targets, so no axes are coming back at you. They use anti-bounce borders and safety-designed targets for a fun, stress-free experience. The venue has 10 lanes, so you can bring your friends and family along; but you must be 13 or older to throw axes.
