The 8 Best Things to Do in Naples Maine
Naples is a beautiful lake town in western Maine that should be on every Maine bucket list for those who love spending time on the water! Although summer is one of the best times to visit and enjoy boating on its lakes, there are things to do in Naples year-round for the entire family!
You can enjoy boating on the lake, taking a scenic seaplane tour, hiking in beautiful preserves, or skiing at nearby resorts. This guide has everything you need to know about visiting Naples, including the best things to do in Naples, Maine!
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Best Time to Visit Naples Maine
Spring
Spring is a great time to visit Naples if you want to enjoy the area with fewer crowds. Spring is a great time to hike nearby trails, enjoy a boat ride (even though it may be chilly!), or go spring skiing! The only downside to visiting in the spring is many restaurants and shops in the Naples Causeway don’t open until May or June, but some places are open year-round in nearby towns!
Summer
Summer is the most popular time to visit Naples because the weather is perfect for boating! Since one of the best things to do in Naples is boating, the area is busy in the summer. You can take a scenic cruise ride or rent a boat to enjoy your days on the water! All the restaurants and shops are open in the summer, so there are plenty of things to do for the entire family!
Fall
Fall is one of the best times to visit Naples because the vibrant foliage takes over the landscape and is a beautiful thing to see! You can also enjoy boating at the beginning of fall before the cold temperatures arrive. If you love hiking, you are in luck because Naples is near many stunning fall hiking trails. And the best part of it all? There are fewer crowds in the fall!
Winter
Winter is an underrated time to visit Naples if you don’t mind the cold. Many restaurants and shops in downtown Naples close in the winter, but don’t let that stop you from visiting! You can enjoy ice skating, ice fishing, skiing, and snowshoeing in Naples and nearby towns. Winter is one of the quietest seasons in Naples, allowing you to enjoy a beautiful winter getaway with fewer crowds.
Where to Stay Near Naples Maine
Best Hotels Near Naples
Best Campgrounds Near Naples
The Best Things to Do in Naples Maine
Long Lake
If you visit in the summer, one of the best things to do in Naples is to explore its lakes! Naples has easy access to Long Lake, or you could drive a short distance to enjoy Sebago Lake. If you don’t have a boat, you can rent one! Naples has many boat rental companies, including Dingley’s Wharf and Long Lake Marina.
If boating isn’t your thing, you can rent jet skis, kayaks, or canoes to explore the lakes. One of my favorite things to do in Naples is kayak during sunrise on the lake. No matter how you want to explore Long Lake, you will quickly fall in love with the beautiful lake!
Songo River Queen II
Do you want to explore Naples by boat without renting a boat? The Songo River Queen II is the perfect thing to do in Naples for you! This beautiful boat offers a scenic cruise in Long Lake during the summer, where you can learn about the area and enjoy stunning views of the lake and mountains.
And the best part? The public cruises do not require tickets! All you have to do is find a time that works best for you on their schedule and show up at the entryway on the causeway. The Songo River Queen II also has themed cruises to enjoy, including ones with live music! If you visit Naples, you will love cruising around Long Lake on the Songo River Queen II.
Seaplane Rides
One of the most unique things to do in Naples is to take a scenic seaplane ride! Naples Seaplane Adventures has a variety of seaplane tours you can choose from and leaves right from the Naples Causeway. You can enjoy a scenic ride over the lakes or near the White Mountains. All the rides are incredible and will quickly become one of your favorite things to do in Naples!
Naples Causeway
The Naples Causeway is where everyone goes to eat, drink, and be merry! In the summer, it is the go-to place to enjoy delicious food, drinks, and live music. The causeway also has cute shops and beautiful views of Long Lake. You can enjoy walking along the beautiful trail through the causeway, which is also the perfect place to watch the sunset over the lake!
Holt Pond Preserve
If you want to hike, cross-country ski, or snowshoe, Holt Pond Preserve is the perfect place! The beautiful preserve has over 400 acres and a few miles of trails to enjoy year-round. It’s also a fantastic place to see wildlife! No matter what season you visit, Hold Pond Preserve is one of the best places to visit in Naples.
Sebago Lake State Park
Sebago Lake State Park is a quick drive from Naples and has over 1,400 acres of beautiful scenery. You can enjoy swimming at its beaches, hiking through its trail system, or wildlife watching. It also has a 250-site campground that is perfect for the entire family!
If you want to hike, there are plenty of opportunities! The trail system travels through its forest, bogs, rivers, and ponds, giving you a variety of things to see in the park. And the best part? Sebago Lake Park is open year-round, making it one of the best things to do in Naples every season!
Hacker’s Hill Preserve
Although Hacker’s Hill Preserve is one of the smallest preserves in the area, with only 27 acres, it will quickly become one of your favorite places to visit near Naples! The preserve offers some of the best views, overlooking the White Mountains and Lakes Region. One of the best things to do is watch the sunset from the preserve. I don’t think there is a better area to watch the sunset near Naples, so make sure to visit Hacker’s Hill Preserve!
Pleasant Mountain
Pleasant Mountain is a short drive from Naples and offers things to do year-round! In the warmer months, you can enjoy hiking a 3.3-mile roundtrip trail to the top of Pleasant Mountain to get stunning views of the surrounding area. In the winter, Pleasant Mountain offers over 47 trails and glades for skiing and snowboarding. No matter what time of year you visit Naples, I highly recommend visiting Pleasant Mountain to enjoy fun outdoor activities!
If you are visiting Naples, this guide is the perfect place to start planning your trip! It has everything you need to know, including the best things to do in Naples, Maine!
Hey, I’m Nichole!
I am the creator behind Nichole the Nomad, the home of my explorations around the world, mountain hikes, and beautiful pictures taken along the way. I have a deep passion for capturing the world in a beautiful light and sharing my experiences.
I created this blog to share my travels, show how beautiful the world is, provide tips and tricks for traveling, and encourage you to explore. Whether you want to travel across the world or explore what’s in your backyard, I hope this blog inspires you to get outside and find your adventure!
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