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Rediscover natural fun in the heart of Naples. Explore this nationally accredited zoo with animals from alligators to zebras blended into a historic botanical garden - two attractions in one. See Tiger Forest, Panther Glade, and African Oasis. Enjoy exciting wildlife presentations all day and a cruise past islands of monkeys.
The Naples Zoo is a 43-acre zoo and historic botanical garden in Naples, Florida, United States. The first plantings were made by botanist and ornithologist Henry Nehrling in 1919; the gardens were neglected after his death in 1929. In the 1950s, Julius Fleischmann added new plantings, created lakes and a pathway, introduced parrots and waterfowl, and opened as Caribbean Gardens in 1954. After his death in 1968, the exotic animals were introduced in 1969 by Larry and Jane Tetzlaff, aka Jungle Larry and Safari Jane.
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On the river in Downtown Naples: a Naples tradition. Built as a fisherman's wharf (it is still used as such), it is now a large collection of shops (all indoor and air-conditioned) offering a huge array of trinkets, clothing, art, and miscellaneous.
One of the most popular attractions in town, the thousand-foot-long pier was destroyed by Hurricane Ian in 2022. The pier was built in the late 19th century, and has been rebuilt several times, usually taking about three years to complete. No fishing license was required to cast a line from the pier (no fishing on Sundays or overnight). You can still watch the dolphins and take amazing photos of the sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico from the beach.
Facilities include: freshwater showers, lifeguards, grills, picnic tables, boat ramp, observation tower, restrooms, bath house. Additional public parking in lot next to the Ritz Carlton.
A popular beach destination with limited parking. Get there early, as the wait to get in can take an hour or more.