Living in Moorings, Naples, FL, offers residents a slice of paradise with its pristine beaches, luxurious homes, and vibrant local culture. But even in a place as beautiful as Moorings, sometimes you want to explore a little further. Luckily, Southwest Florida is home to numerous scenic and exciting destinations for perfect day trips. Whether you're looking for adventure, relaxation, or cultural experiences, these nearby spots offer something for everyone. Here's a guide to the best day trips from Moorings.
Marco Island
Distance from Moorings: 30 minutes
Marco Island, located just a short drive south of Moorings, is a tranquil retreat known for its pristine beaches, luxury resorts, and wildlife sanctuaries. Spend the day lounging on Tigertail Beach, where you can enjoy shelling, swimming, and paddleboarding, or explore the nearby mangroves by kayak.
For nature lovers, a visit to the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve is a must. This reserve features 110,000 acres of protected land, where you can hike, birdwatch, and learn about the area’s delicate ecosystem. The island also offers plenty of dining options, including fresh seafood at local favorites like Snook Inn.
Marco Island, located just a short drive south of Moorings, is a tranquil retreat known for its pristine beaches, luxury resorts, and wildlife sanctuaries. Spend the day lounging on Tigertail Beach, where you can enjoy shelling, swimming, and paddleboarding, or explore the nearby mangroves by kayak.
For nature lovers, a visit to the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve is a must. This reserve features 110,000 acres of protected land, where you can hike, birdwatch, and learn about the area’s delicate ecosystem. The island also offers plenty of dining options, including fresh seafood at local favorites like Snook Inn.
Sanibel and Captiva Islands
Distance from Moorings: 1 hour 15 minutes
Sanibel and Captiva Islands are a popular day trip destination known for their white sandy beaches and abundance of seashells. The islands’ laid-back atmosphere, combined with stunning natural beauty, makes them perfect for a relaxing getaway from Moorings.
Start your day with a visit to the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, a 5,200-acre sanctuary that’s home to hundreds of species of birds, as well as alligators and manatees. Afterward, hit Bowman’s Beach or Turner Beach for some world-class shelling, or take a stroll along Captiva’s beautiful coastline.
For lunch, dine at The Bubble Room, an iconic eatery known for its whimsical décor and delicious desserts. End your day by watching the sunset at Captiva’s Sunset Beach—one of the most beautiful spots to enjoy this daily spectacle in Southwest Florida.
Sanibel and Captiva Islands are a popular day trip destination known for their white sandy beaches and abundance of seashells. The islands’ laid-back atmosphere, combined with stunning natural beauty, makes them perfect for a relaxing getaway from Moorings.
Start your day with a visit to the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge, a 5,200-acre sanctuary that’s home to hundreds of species of birds, as well as alligators and manatees. Afterward, hit Bowman’s Beach or Turner Beach for some world-class shelling, or take a stroll along Captiva’s beautiful coastline.
For lunch, dine at The Bubble Room, an iconic eatery known for its whimsical décor and delicious desserts. End your day by watching the sunset at Captiva’s Sunset Beach—one of the most beautiful spots to enjoy this daily spectacle in Southwest Florida.
Everglades National Park
Distance from Moorings: 1 hour 30 minutes
If you're looking for an adventurous day trip, head east to Everglades National Park, one of Florida’s most iconic natural attractions. This UNESCO World Heritage Site spans 1.5 million acres of wetlands and is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including alligators, panthers, and wading birds.
Take a guided airboat tour to explore the park’s vast mangroves and sawgrass prairies, or opt for a quieter experience by renting a kayak or canoe to paddle through the Everglades’ winding waterways. Don’t forget your camera, as wildlife sightings are frequent, and the landscapes are awe-inspiring.
For those interested in cultural history, stop by the Gulf Coast Visitor Center to learn about the region’s early Native American inhabitants and the park’s unique ecosystem. On your way back to Moorings, you can visit the nearby small town of Everglades City for some local stone crab and seafood.
If you're looking for an adventurous day trip, head east to Everglades National Park, one of Florida’s most iconic natural attractions. This UNESCO World Heritage Site spans 1.5 million acres of wetlands and is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including alligators, panthers, and wading birds.
Take a guided airboat tour to explore the park’s vast mangroves and sawgrass prairies, or opt for a quieter experience by renting a kayak or canoe to paddle through the Everglades’ winding waterways. Don’t forget your camera, as wildlife sightings are frequent, and the landscapes are awe-inspiring.
For those interested in cultural history, stop by the Gulf Coast Visitor Center to learn about the region’s early Native American inhabitants and the park’s unique ecosystem. On your way back to Moorings, you can visit the nearby small town of Everglades City for some local stone crab and seafood.
Fort Myers
Distance from Moorings: 45 minutes
Fort Myers is a lively city offering a blend of cultural attractions, history, and outdoor recreation, making it an ideal day trip from Moorings. Start your visit with a tour of the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, where you can explore the historic winter homes of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, complete with beautiful gardens and a fascinating museum.
For those who enjoy the outdoors, the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve is a great spot for hiking and wildlife viewing. This peaceful wetland park offers boardwalk trails through lush vegetation, providing opportunities to see birds, otters, and other local wildlife.
After a morning of exploration, head downtown to Fort Myers’ River District, a vibrant area filled with unique boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants. End your day with a walk along the Caloosahatchee River or catch a show at the Florida Repertory Theatre.
Fort Myers is a lively city offering a blend of cultural attractions, history, and outdoor recreation, making it an ideal day trip from Moorings. Start your visit with a tour of the Edison and Ford Winter Estates, where you can explore the historic winter homes of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, complete with beautiful gardens and a fascinating museum.
For those who enjoy the outdoors, the Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve is a great spot for hiking and wildlife viewing. This peaceful wetland park offers boardwalk trails through lush vegetation, providing opportunities to see birds, otters, and other local wildlife.
After a morning of exploration, head downtown to Fort Myers’ River District, a vibrant area filled with unique boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants. End your day with a walk along the Caloosahatchee River or catch a show at the Florida Repertory Theatre.
Naples Botanical Garden and Keewaydin Island
Distance from Moorings: 15 minutes (Botanical Garden), 20-minute boat ride (Keewaydin Island)
For a shorter yet equally enriching day trip, stay close to Moorings and visit Naples Botanical Garden, a stunning 170-acre garden featuring a wide variety of tropical plants and themed gardens. It’s a peaceful retreat where you can spend hours wandering through the different garden areas, from the Brazilian Garden to the Caribbean Garden, all while soaking in the beauty of Naples' unique flora.
After visiting the garden, take a boat tour or rent a boat to explore Keewaydin Island. This barrier island between Naples and Marco Island is only accessible by boat and offers a pristine, uncrowded beach experience. Spend the afternoon sunbathing, swimming, and collecting seashells, or simply enjoy the solitude and natural beauty of this hidden gem.
For a shorter yet equally enriching day trip, stay close to Moorings and visit Naples Botanical Garden, a stunning 170-acre garden featuring a wide variety of tropical plants and themed gardens. It’s a peaceful retreat where you can spend hours wandering through the different garden areas, from the Brazilian Garden to the Caribbean Garden, all while soaking in the beauty of Naples' unique flora.
After visiting the garden, take a boat tour or rent a boat to explore Keewaydin Island. This barrier island between Naples and Marco Island is only accessible by boat and offers a pristine, uncrowded beach experience. Spend the afternoon sunbathing, swimming, and collecting seashells, or simply enjoy the solitude and natural beauty of this hidden gem.
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
Distance from Moorings: 40 minutes
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is a must-visit for those interested in nature and wildlife. Located just a short drive from Moorings, this 13,000-acre sanctuary is part of the Everglades ecosystem and features a 2.5-mile boardwalk trail that winds through ancient cypress forests, marshes, and pine flatwoods.
Along the boardwalk, you’ll spot wildlife such as alligators, wood storks, and even the elusive Florida panther. The sanctuary is especially beautiful in the early morning or late afternoon when the lighting makes for breathtaking photo opportunities. It’s a peaceful and educational day trip that brings you close to Florida's natural wonders.
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is a must-visit for those interested in nature and wildlife. Located just a short drive from Moorings, this 13,000-acre sanctuary is part of the Everglades ecosystem and features a 2.5-mile boardwalk trail that winds through ancient cypress forests, marshes, and pine flatwoods.
Along the boardwalk, you’ll spot wildlife such as alligators, wood storks, and even the elusive Florida panther. The sanctuary is especially beautiful in the early morning or late afternoon when the lighting makes for breathtaking photo opportunities. It’s a peaceful and educational day trip that brings you close to Florida's natural wonders.
Lovers Key State Park
Distance from Moorings: 50 minutes
Lovers Key State Park is a tranquil coastal retreat located just north of Moorings. Known for its secluded beaches and wildlife, the park offers plenty of activities for nature enthusiasts, including kayaking, hiking, and birdwatching.
Rent a kayak or canoe to explore the park’s network of waterways, or hike one of the scenic trails that wind through mangrove forests and coastal dunes. For a relaxing beach day, head to the main beach area, where you can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, or simply watching the dolphins and manatees that frequent the waters.
Lovers Key is also a fantastic spot for picnicking, with several shaded areas available for a peaceful lunch by the water. It’s the perfect day trip for anyone looking to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in Florida’s natural beauty.
Lovers Key State Park is a tranquil coastal retreat located just north of Moorings. Known for its secluded beaches and wildlife, the park offers plenty of activities for nature enthusiasts, including kayaking, hiking, and birdwatching.
Rent a kayak or canoe to explore the park’s network of waterways, or hike one of the scenic trails that wind through mangrove forests and coastal dunes. For a relaxing beach day, head to the main beach area, where you can enjoy sunbathing, swimming, or simply watching the dolphins and manatees that frequent the waters.
Lovers Key is also a fantastic spot for picnicking, with several shaded areas available for a peaceful lunch by the water. It’s the perfect day trip for anyone looking to escape the crowds and immerse themselves in Florida’s natural beauty.
Plan Your Next Adventure with The Nordyke Team
Living in Moorings means you’re surrounded by some of the best destinations in Southwest Florida, all within a short drive. Whether you’re looking for an outdoor adventure, a relaxing beach day, or a cultural experience, these day trips offer something for everyone.
If you’re considering buying a home in Moorings, The Nordyke Team is here to help you find the perfect property to suit your lifestyle. With their extensive knowledge of Naples and its surrounding areas, they’ll guide you through every step of the home-buying process, ensuring that you find the ideal home for your needs. Contact The Nordyke Team today to learn more about the homes available in Moorings and start planning your future in this stunning coastal community!
If you’re considering buying a home in Moorings, The Nordyke Team is here to help you find the perfect property to suit your lifestyle. With their extensive knowledge of Naples and its surrounding areas, they’ll guide you through every step of the home-buying process, ensuring that you find the ideal home for your needs. Contact The Nordyke Team today to learn more about the homes available in Moorings and start planning your future in this stunning coastal community!
