Active Pursuits

If you thought a gulf coast getaway was all about the water, think again.

By Jeffrey Laign

Need a break from the beach? In Naples, you can play the day away without getting your hair wet. Hone your skills on a golf course or tennis court, set out on a hike, ride a bike, or take the reins of a gentle horse. Explore the wilderness on an ecotour and even learn how to throw an axe. This southwestern Florida playground offers countless ways to have a terrific time on terra firma. So, what are you waiting for? Get out there and go for it!

Bogey Down

If golf is your game, welcome to a putter’s paradise. The city boasts 90 stunning courses — more per capita than any other place in the world — including several that are open to the public: Hibiscus Golf Club, a top-quality par-73 course with numerous lakes and streams that’s also user-friendly for players with less experience; The Links of Naples, a par 61 that’s great for beginners, with challenges for experienced players as well; Valencia Golf & Country Club, a par 72 known for its wide fairways and contoured greens; ArrowHead Golf Club, a challenging and enjoyable par 72 with 16 lakes; Lely Resort Golf & Country Club, home to two par-72 courses for golfers of all skill levels; Eagle Lakes Golf Club, a par 72 bordering Collier-Seminole State Park; and TPC Treviso Bay, a par 72 that tests the skills of even the most accomplished players (open to the public May through October). Each is within a short drive from Naples Grande.

Surf the Nets

Naples serves a bounty of venues for tennis buffs — 155 public and private courts, according to the Global Tennis Network. But if you’re staying at Naples Grande Beach Resort, there’s no need to venture beyond the premises. Naples Grande features 15 championship HarTru courts, perfect for players of all skill levels. Plus, Naples Tennis Academy pros can help you perfect your game, whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned pro. Stop by the Tennis Shop for a wide variety of new demo rackets, shoes, and accessories for men and women.

Spin Your Wheels

Enjoy a bicycle at Naples Grande Beach Resort and pedal through a scenic landscape. In and around Naples are dedicated bike lanes and scores of trails that vary in length and endurance level. The bike-friendly streets of Pelican Bay are perfect for a satisfying tour between Naples Grande at the southern end and The Ritz-Carlton Resort to the north. You’ll pedal past gorgeous homes, dazzling architecture, lush landscaping, and mesmerizing water vistas. Off-road bikers may want to cycle through Collier-Seminole State Park along the 3.5-mile Prairie Hammock Trail that winds through marsh, hammock, and pine flatwood.

Stretch Your Legs

Outdoor adventures don’t have to be laborious or costly. All you need in Naples is a good pair of shoes. Reinvigorate yourself on a hike or run, or enjoy the scenery on a leisurely stroll. Along the 12-mile looped trail at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, hikers may encounter birds, deer, turtles, and more. Hikers will also discover verdant bromeliads and bright-blooming orchids along the Big Cypress Bend Boardwalk at Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park.

With more than 100 trails, Naples also welcomes runners of every caliber. A popular 10-mile round-trip run starts at Lowdermilk Park and ends at Gordon Drive. Cool off under the leafy trees lining Gulf Shore Boulevard.

Even a simple walk is well worth the effort. A 15-minute stroll along the boardwalk at Naples Grande Beach Resort takes you through a protected mangrove estuary abounding with three types of mangroves and a diverse mix of plants and wildlife.

Take a Tour

Naples is a city of sophistication and charm as well as a gateway to the wild and wonderful ecosystem of subtropical Southwest Florida. One of the best ways to get to know this world-class destination is to book a tour. Sign up for one or several half- and full-day excursions.

How about a Segway tour of the city? It’s an out-of-the-box way to see the sights, including historic Naples Pier, Third Street South, Fifth Avenue, and more. A vintage trolley tour is another great way to experience the best of this resort town, with Naples Grande as a stop. Naples Transportation and Tours guides share their local knowledge, and you can hop on and off, depending on your interests.

An ecotour is a must for Naples visitors and nature lovers. Join a tour led by an expert naturalist and discover the diverse animal species and plant flora and fauna that thrive in Big Cypress National Preserve and Everglades National Park, the only expanse of its kind in the United States. You can hike through the wilderness and even explore the wetlands in an iconic swamp buggy, a tractor-like contraption invented here more than a century ago.

Saddle Up

Sightseeing on horseback provides visitors with a unique perspective and memories to last a lifetime. Area stables offer programs for expert equestrians and novices alike. You’ll find wellmaintained riding paths throughout the region. Along the Everglades trails, you’ll be treated to unparalleled scenery and a chance to spot the creatures living in the preserve. Especially popular with riders is the 22-mile-long Belle Meade trail in Picayune State Forest.

Bury the Hatchet

Axe throwing has become an increasingly popular recreation. In Naples, you’ll find several venues to exercise your throwing arm. Imagine dart throwing on steroids. You’re hurling a hatchet at a bull’s-eye on a wooden target. Experts at the Swamp Axe Company and The Axe Lodge are on hand to show you how and keep everyone safe and sharp.