Naples landmark again made USA Today’s 10BEST
One of Naples’ most popular attractions has been awarded this award for the second year in a row.
Naples Zoo It was once again selected in USA Today’s TOP 10 Readers’ Choice Awards of 2026.
And the national news publication rated the Naples Zoo Primate Expedition It ranks sixth among the top 10 zoo exhibits nationwide for 2026.
What did 10BEST say about the Naples Zoo trip?
“Take a catamaran at the Naples Zoo for a 15- to 20-minute cruise around an island where monkeys, gibbons, monkeys, and lemurs linger in their own tropical paradise,” said 10BEST, naming it among the best exhibits in the United States.
“This unique lake habitat features numerous primate-friendly islets, complete with climbing structures, hammocks, and fruit trees. The cruise’s design simultaneously preserves the primates’ privacy and visibility; they can retreat into vegetation or move closer to passing boats. These naturalist-guided tours share insights into each species’ adaptations and social structures, while the boat’s design ensures that every seat is a perfect viewing area.”
Naples Zoo has welcomed a pair of critically endangered mongoose lemurs. The two were genetically matched to create the greatest genetic diversity in the population in accredited zoos. It is critically endangered due to deforestation and the pet trade.
What other zoo exhibits were 10BEST
The Naples Zoo was one of two zoos from Florida to make the list. Rankings:
1. Desert Dome at Omaha’s Henry Doorly Zoo, Nebraska
2. Rocky Mountain Wild at Cheyenne Mountain Zoo (Colorado Springs, Colorado)
3. Hippo Bay at Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden (Ohio)
4. Penguin and Puffin Beach at Saint Louis Zoo (SMissouri)
5. Australian Adventures at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens (Palm Desert, California)
6. Primate Expedition at Naples Zoo in Caribbean Gardens (Naples)
7. Reed Family Elephants in the Zambezi River Valley at the Sedgwick County Zoo (Wichita, Kansas)
8. Toyota Elephant Parade at the Denver Zoo Conservation Alliance (Denver)
9. Mingle the Flamingo at the San Antonio Zoo (Texas)
10. David A. Straz, Jr. Manatee Critical Care Center at ZooTampa (Florida)
What is 10BEST
USA Today recently ranked Naples Zoo’s Primate Expedition eighth among the top 10 zoo exhibits nationwide for 2025.
USA TODAY 10BEST Readers’ Choice Awards highlight the best in travel, food + beverage and lifestyle. Each week, USA TODAY 10BEST invites a panel of industry experts to nominate their favorite attractions and attractions across a wide range of categories.
10BEST editors then review these candidates and select the final group of candidates to be presented to the voting public over a four-week period.
The Naples Daily News is part of Gannett, which publishes USA TODAY and more than 200 local news sites nationwide.
Dave Osborn is regional features editor for the Naples Daily News and The News-Press. Contact him at dosborn@usatodayco.com and follow him on Instagram @lacrossewriter.
This article was first published in the Naples Daily News: What’s the best part of the Naples Zoo in Florida
