Travel Guide to Florida’s Paradise Coast for families

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From city to shore, to tropical wilderness, Florida’s Paradise Coast – Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades – has many family-friendly experiences ideal for a family summer getaway. Whether you’re a family of adventurers, arts and culture lovers, or like to spend the day relaxing on a white sandy beach, there is something for every type of family in Florida’s Paradise Coast.

For nature and wildlife lovers

White sandy beaches, dolphins or swamps?

The Dolphin Explorer: Head out on this dolphin-spotting adventure, the only ongoing dolphin project in the US which engages with, and is supported by, the public. The tours are great for families and run around the impressive Ten Thousand Islands – the majority of which are uninhabited – to study the movement and behavioural patterns of Bottlenose Dolphins. Passengers will serve as citizen scientists by assisting the dolphin researchers by using ‘photo-identification’ as each dolphin is recognised by their ‘fingerprint’ dorsal fins. 

Everglades Airboat Tour: Families who want a little thrill can opt for an airboat tour through the Everglades National Park. Going at speeds of up to 40 miles per hour on open water, gliding over grasslands and weaving through mangrove islets, the airboat ride is filled with exciting moments, not forgetting the occasional alligator sighting. With a guide to talk through the unique flora and fauna of the area, families will also gain a better appreciation for the environment around them. 

Tigertail Beach: Take it easy at Marco Island’s Tigertail Beach. A truly unique spot due to its sand bar shape and access route, the beach boasts pristine white sands and clear waters. Families can choose to relax and stay dry on the coast or rent equipment like kayaks, paddleboards and even jet skis to add some fun in the water. Tigertail Beach is also a popular bird-watching spot, listed in the Great Florida Birding Trail Guide as one of the best all-around birding locations in Southwest Florida.

Educational Eco-Tours: Choose an eco-tour with Everglades Area Tours and take a kayaking tour through mangroves to dolphin, birding and shelling tours around Marco Island. Tours are led by naturalist guides who give insights into the biodiversity.

Florida Coast For inquisitive minds

Families wanting a break from the sun and love arts and cultural attractions in Florida’s Paradise Coast should check these out:

Artis–Naples: Home of The Baker Museum and the Naples Philharmonic, Artis–Naples is the premier destination for the visual and performing arts in Southwest Florida, and hosts a summer programme of events, activities and concerts which are perfect for the whole family. Immerse in the world of Andy Warhol at the recently opened Andy Warhol Portfolios: A Life in Pop | Works from the Bank of America Collection exhibition (until 8 September 2024), featuring rare complete portfolios and individual prints by Warhol. Alternatively, join a Make and Take family workshop to create works inspired by the art on display in the various museum exhibitions. The programme is free with museum admission. 

Revs Institute: Kids and car lovers shouldn’t miss a visit to Revs Institute, named as one of the best auto museums in the world. The Revs Institute houses more than 100 cars built between 1896 and 1995, one of the largest specialised automotive libraries in the world.. Admission is free for children aged 8 and under and $20 (£15.50) for adults.

For food-loving families

Stone Crab Festival: This annual festival, which takes place 25-27 October 2024, is a family-friendly experience not to be missed in Florida’s Paradise Coast. The festival celebrates stone crab season and is held at several connecting locations on the Old Naples Waterfront, kicking off with the ceremonial “Cracking of the Claw” at Pincher’s restaurant. Visitors can look forward to live music and entertainment, kids’ activities, an abundance of stone crab claws and other seafood throughout the weekend.

Where to eat in Florida’s Paradise Coast?

Food with a view: Mango’s Dockside Bistro in Marco Island for great food accompanied by panoramic views of the bay and marina.

Pasta perfect: The recently renovated Ritz-Carlton Naples has unveiled its newest culinary experience, Nolita, which features artisan pastas made in-house alongside hand-tossed pizzas and a menu of familiar Italian classics inspired by traditional family recipes. 

Best for ice cream: Head to Kilwins Naples located along Fifth Avenue South for the best ice cream in town. 

Family-friendly accommodation in Florida’s Paradise Coast

Florida’s Paradise Coast offers a variety of family-friendly places to stay. Luxury LaPlaya Beach and Golf Resort located in Naples, reopened in January 2024 with fully renovated rooms and suites. The resort hosts family-friendly activities poolside and beachside.

Tiki Sunset – LaPlaya Beach and Golf ResortThe JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort hosts a unique “Tiki Day Camp”, featuring whole-family activities and supervised children’s programme for those aged 5 to 12, allowing parents the chance to relax for the day. On select dates, the hotel offers “Tiki Time Tonight”, an evening activity so parents can enjoy dinner without the little ones. 

Later this year, Naples will be welcoming the iconic Great Wolf Lodge which is set to include a 90,000 square-foot indoor water park, a 60,000 square-foot Great Wolf Lodge Adventure Park, 500 rooms, restaurants and retail outlets for families to enjoy. 

For more information on Florida’s Paradise Coast, visit www.paradisecoast.com.