20 Attractions to Explore Near Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge

Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve, is a unique and beautiful park. Home to the last remaining stands of Cabbage Palm and Royal Palm forests, the preserve is also home to many rare species of birds, manatees, you can even spot an endangered Florida panther if you’re lucky! Exploring its 2000-acre network of marshlands and flatwood swamps is a great way to take in the stunning sights of nature in the Sunshine State. Boating and kayaking are permitted on several bodies of water within the park.

This Forest is a unique ecosystem combining wetland and pine flatwoods with cypress strands and dome swamps. Spanning over 115,000 acres of subtropical wilderness, the forest provides miles of trails for hiking and cycling, camping spots for enthusiastic adventurers, ample opportunities for swimming in rivers, lakes, and beaches as well as world class fishing. For nature watchers, Picayune Strand won't disappoint; there are plenty of species to explore from alligators to panthers.

At the Collier-Seminole State Park you can picnic, hike, bicycle, canoe, camp, view wildlife, fish, and boat. Among the facilities are an RV park, four pavilion picnic shelters, a boat ramp, and a campground with youth, group, and primitive campsites.

Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary offers visitors an incredible opportunity to explore some of the most pristine natural areas in the state. Home to some of the oldest Bald Cypress trees in existence, a 13-mile boardwalk stretching through the swamp, and a variety of wildlife species and plants. It is also home to research facilities conducted by various universities, as well as local artist studios where visitors can join classes to channel their creative energies.

During the 1940s and 1950s, extensive logging was occurring in Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, destroying many bald cypress and pond cypress trees. The sanctuary was established to protect these remaining trees.

Big Cypress National Preserve is a stunning destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Spanning over 720,000 acres, it is the largest national preserve in the United States East of the Rockies. Within its vast expanse, visitors can experience varied habitats like swamps, estuaries, pinelands and prairies teeming with an abundance of wildlife. This treasureland of natural beauty also boasts spectacular views such as watery grasslands and cypress strands that will mesmerize any visitor.

Big Cypress National Preserve is a United States National Preserve located in South Florida. borders the wet freshwater marl prairies of Everglades National Park to the south, and other state and federally protected cypress country in the west. became the first national preserves in the United States National Park System when it was established.

Located in Naples, Florida, Naples Botanical Garden covers 170 acres (69 ha).

The Gordon River Greenway Park in Collier County, Florida is a 185-acre park located in Naples, just off the coast of the Gulf of Mexico. While visiting, one can find walking paths, bike trails and wildlife observation points around every corner. The natural beauty of the park is astounding and pairs perfectly with its educational offerings. Inside the park are a number of areas dedicated to local history displays, presentations about various natural habitats and a butterfly garden .

The Gulf Coast Visitor Center provides visitors and locals with a wealth of information about the area. From boat tours and mangrove eco-adventures, to archaeological sites and hands-on programs for children, this visitor center has something for everyone. The center also provides local shoppers with expert advice on which shopping area is best suited to their needs. With regular activities like kayaking, seining, fishing trips, bird walks and much more.

Naples Zoo has about 70 species, but not all of them are on display at any given time. Around a mile-long path winds past the main animal exhibit and through the 1919 tropical garden.

The Gordon River is a popular destination for nature lovers, wildlife enthusiasts, and eco-tourists alike. Tucked away in the Everglades, this 8-mile river has been attracting visitors since the early 1970s. Meandering peacefully through Florida's natural landscape complete with mangrove forests and endemic species of birds and fish, this tranquil river also provides spectacular views of both its natural surroundings as well as the coastline of Marco Island near Naples.

Naples City Dock is one of the most beloved attractions located right at the heart of the downtown area and situated along the Gordon River, it's a popular spot for locals and visitors alike. Here, they can cast off into the Gulf Coast waters or kayak up and down the river. There’s a host of eateries nearby as well, ranging from seafood restaurants to cafés serving up some of the finest coffee around. The dock also regularly hosts events like movie screenings, live concerts and yoga classes.

The Naples Historical Society is dedicated to preserving the area's rich heritage. Established in 1959, the society works to protect local landmarks and historical artifacts while providing education and research opportunities related to Collier County's past. From hosting interesting events that connect people with their history to its invaluable library and archives, the Naples Historical Society champions its community's heritage through fascinating stories and memories.

Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve is a Florida State Park, which is open between 8 a.m. and sundown every day of the year (including holidays).

Nestled at the tip of Naples in Collier County, lies the breathtaking Naples Pier. This pier gives visitors a front-row seat to some of the most spectacular Gulf Coast sunsets. From the pier you can watch as colorful fishing boats drift by, or even try your hand at reeling in your own catch for dinner. It's also a great spot for seaside leisure activities like yoga, tai chi and beach volleyball. There are plenty of nearby shops, restaurants and other attractions to explore too.

Clam Pass Beach is the epitome of a beach paradise. With spectacular waters and its own boardwalk. There are plenty of amenities such as showers, restrooms and lifeguards on duty at all times; making it as safe as possible. From swimming to kayaking to fishing, Clam Pass Beach offers an array of activities for everyone. Along with the stunning white sand beaches and flourishing mangrove trees along the coastal wetlands, Clam Pass Beach entices beachgoers with opportunity for exploration.

The Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge is a spectacular place to observe native wildlife. Home to over 230 bird species, boats are the perfect way to go wildlife viewing on a pleasant day. The refuge also houses over 10 species of frogs and salamanders, along with numerous reptiles and mammals including dolphins and manatees. With its network of exotic waterways, it's an amazing spot for fishing and kayaking – as well as relaxing walks through miles of wild beaches and swamps.

Chokoloskee Island is one of the most beautiful places in Collier County, Florida. Located in the Ten Thousand Islands area near Marco Island, this small island sits on the doorstep of some of the best fishing, birding and exploration in Southwest Florida. Visiting Chokoloskee Island is a great opportunity to soak up all that Florida’s river and coastal ecosystems have to offer: mangroves and mudflats, bald eagles and ospreys, dolphins and manatees.

Ted Smallwood Store is not only an interesting historical landmark but also a popular tourist attraction. Located near the Everglades National Park and Ten Thousand Islands, Ted Smallwood Store was originally constructed in 1906 as a trading post and served as the primary general store for miles around. It is now recognized as one of the oldest standing structures in Collier County as well as being listed on the US National Register of Historic Places.