20 Attractions to Explore Near Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge

The Cape Romano Dome House, is an architectural wonder that attracts many visitors. From the outside, it looks like six white pods scattered across the sandbar. Constructed in 1981 by Bob Lee, the domes were built to be a vacation home and featured part of an innovative system called “startop homes” which was founded by Lee. Due to its unique design, the house has become a landmark and it remains standing despite efforts to demolish it due to its location on an eroding shoreline.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Tigertail Beach, is a beautiful place to visit. Whether you are looking for a relaxing day on the beach or an exciting adventure such as paddleboarding and kayaking, Tigertail has plenty to offer. The tropical waters provide an inviting spot for hours of swimming and sunning. Onshore, you'll find a picnic area where families can find shade under coconut palms. Anglers will appreciate the calm channels that wind through shallow flats full of fish ready to bite.

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.

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 is an incredible wilderness experience that allows visitors to explore and appreciate the beauty of the Everglades. Spanning approximately 99 miles of protected waterways along the southwestern coast, this unique waterway provides access to some of the most amazing natural scenes in the entire state. Along with calm waters and a variety of wildlife, visitors can also enjoy boat tours as well as terrestrial hikes and bike rides through mangrove forests, sand spits, and islands.

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

This Park is Located along the shores of the beautiful and pristine big Cypress National Preserve, this delightful park offers visitors a tremendous variety of recreational opportunities. People can go for hikes and nature walks through lush hardwood forests, fish or canoe on peaceful Florida lakes, bird watch and appreciate the local wildlife, or take some time to relax by a campfire. Visitors can even find lodging options including camping sites with nearby shower and restroom facilities.

The Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1989 under the Endangered Species Act by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, to protect the endangered Florida panther, as well as other threatened plant and animal species.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 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 .

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).