Planning a day trip to Ave Maria, Florida and looking for the best things to do and see during your visit?
I have been to Ave Maria many times with out-of-town guests, and I can help you plan your day in this charming town. Each visit reinforces my belief that Ave Maria is a special place. The town offers a serene and spiritual atmosphere for cultural exploration.
From the architectural genius of the Ave Maria Church to the welcoming ambiance of the town center, there’s a lot to uncover in this unassuming yet compelling destination. Join me as I guide you through the best things to do and see in Ave Maria.
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Day Trip to Ave Maria Florida: Best Things to Do
Ave Maria is approximately 50 minutes from downtown Naples and about 90 minutes from Ft. Lauderdale. The town is close to the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge and the Big Cypress Wildlife Management Area.
This is a relatively new town, founded in 2005 by several development companies and Tom Monaghan, founder of Domino’s Pizza. Mr. Monaghan was instrumental in building the Ave Maria University and the church.
When you enter the town center of Ave Maria, parking is available along the street. Also, there is a large parking lot behind the Welcome Center.
1. Ave Maria Trolley Tour
A good way to start your visit to Ave Maria is to take the complimentary trolley tour. The tours are available every Tuesday from mid-January to the end of April at 11am, 12pm, 1pm and 2pm.
You will see the trolley at the Welcome Center on Annunciation Circle. There is a table where you will complete a release form and then you will receive a ticket to board the trolley.
A one-hour narrated journey covers the town’s history, its development, and their future growth plans. Your guide is a local who lives in the community and is generally quite entertaining.
The tour is very interesting and sets the stage for the rest of your day in Ave Maria. At the end of the tour, you will receive a trolley bag filled with swag items, along with coupons for local shops and restaurants. Perfect to use for lunch, coffee break or dinner!
2. Ave Maria Church (Oratory)
The Ave Maria Church is the centerpiece of the town and the main reason why so many people come to visit. It is in the gothic style but with exposed steel on the exterior and interior.
Tom Monaghan, founder of Domino’s Pizza, drew the first sketches of the church based on the architectural style of Frank Lloyd Wright. The church is a masterpiece and everything about it has a purpose and meaning.
Depending on when you visit, there are guided tours on Tuesdays starting at 1:00pm until 3:00pm from mid-January to the end of April. The tour is free, and you will meet outside the front entrance. Tours last about 30 to 40 minutes and reservations are not required. Your guide will provide insights into the history of the church, from conception to present.
If a guided tour does not fit into your schedule, a self-guided is a good option. When you enter the church, on the table to your left are self-guide brochures. It will provide you with all the details about the interior and exterior of the church. You can go at your own pace.
I really like the self-guided tour, the brochure provides lots of information about everything from the baptismal font, floor design, pew ends to the confessionals. Everything is designed with a purpose.
You can visit the church from 9am through 9pm. Self-guided tours are not permitted during Mass. Visiting the church is a great day trip from Naples or Ft. Lauderdale.
3. Mother Teresa Museum
On the Ave Maria University campus is the Mother Teresa Museum. It is across the street from Ave Maria Church, in the Thomas & Selby Prince Building.
This museum was established to commemorate the life of Mother Teresa and her humanitarian work. I have visited the museum many times and I always learn something new about this amazing woman.
“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the water to create many ripples.”
Mother Teresa
The museum provides you with a unique opportunity to delve into the inspiring journey of Mother Teresa through her writings, photographs, artifacts, and multimedia presentations. I recommend starting your visit with the 15-minute video about Mother Teresa and her life in Calcutta.
After the video, follow the path around the museum to learn about her younger years growing up in Albania, her life in India and the process to sainthood. During your visit, you will gain a a deeper understanding of her charitable efforts and the impact she made globally. The museum is a place of reflection and education, inviting you to connect with the remarkable life and philosophy of Mother Teresa.
The museum is open Monday through Friday from 9am to 4pm, Saturday from 10am to 3pm. Free guided tours are available but must be scheduled in advance. Call (239) 304-7954 to arrange a tour.
4. Ave Maria University
I want to give you some background about the university. Ave Maria University is a private Catholic university located in Ave Maria, Florida. It was founded in 2003 by Tom Monaghan, the founder of Domino’s Pizza, and it officially opened its doors to students in 2007. The university is known for its commitment to Catholic teachings and liberal arts education.
While you are in Ave Maria, you should walk around the campus and visit the Adoration Chapel. It is across the street from Ave Maria Church and is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If you want to learn more about the campus, guided tours are available Monday through Friday at 10am and 2pm, and 11am on Saturdays.
5. Veterans Memorial
Located just two blocks from Ave Maria Church on Ave Maria Boulevard, is the Veterans Memorial. It stands as a symbol of honor and gratitude towards those who have served our country.
Dedicated on Veteran’s Day in 2023, this new memorial is a circular monument adorned with six flags, each representing a different branch of the military. As you approach, a striking sculpture of a service member in deep reflection captures the essence of the sacrifices made by our armed forces.
Adjacent to the sculpture, a solemn marble wall bears dedication to the service members, underscoring Ave Maria’s profound admiration and respect for its veterans.
This memorial serves as a poignant reminder of the community’s appreciation for the brave men and women who have served our nation.
Places to Eat and Shop – Day Trip to Ave Maria Florida
Along Annunciation Circle, that goes around Ave Maria Church, are several places to eat and shop. If you are looking for a religious gift, the Ave Maria Religious Gifts store is an ideal spot to check out. It is the largest Catholic gift shop in South Florida.
The following are several food and drink options to visit during your day trip to Ave Maria.
- The Pub & Grill at Ave Maria – offers pub food, pizza, sandwiches, seafood, drinks and more for lunch and dinner.
- The Bean – coffee shop serves breakfast and lunch including ice cream.
- Oasis Kitchen Lounge – serves lunch and dinner, with an afternoon Happy Hour. Breakfast is offered on the weekend.
- Meltz – specialty ice cream creations and crepes.
- Tropical Smoothie Café – serves smoothies, sandwiches, salads and more daily.
- Vicky Bakery – offering Cuban pastries, cakes, breads, and sandwiches. Opening soon!!!
Within the town of Ave Maria, there are additional places to eat such as The Rusty Putter and the Oil Well Craft Beer.
Remember to use your coupon book from the Trolley Tour!
Final Thoughts: Day Trip to Ave Maria Florida – Things to Do
A day trip to Ave Maria offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of Naples or Ft. Lauderdale, presenting a charming small town that is well worth visiting. The heart of this quaint community undoubtedly lies in the Ave Maria Church, which serves as the central focus for your visit.
The town’s peaceful atmosphere, coupled with the unique style of the church, creates a memorable experience for your tranquil getaway. Whether you’re drawn to the spiritual ambiance of the church or the Mother Teresa Museum, Ave Maria leaves a lasting impression.
As I said at the beginning, I have been to this town many times and enjoy every visit. Ave Maria is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered on a day trip adventure.
If you would like assistance in planning your trip to Southwest, Florida, we would be happy to help. Please refer to ourTravel Planningservices for further information or contact us via email with any questions.
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