Naples

Naples Travel Guide

Naples, located on the Gulf of Mexico in Southwest Florida, is known for its high-end shopping, dining, white sand beaches, and stunning sunsets.

Best Time to Visit:

The best time to visit Naples is between December and April. During these months, the weather is generally pleasant, with mild temperatures and lower humidity, ideal for outdoor activities and beach visits. This is also the peak tourist season, so attractions, restaurants, and accommodations might be busier and prices may be higher due to increased demand.

If you prefer fewer crowds and are looking for lower accommodation prices, consider visiting in the shoulder season, which is late April to June, but be prepared for higher temperatures and humidity.

The summer and early fall months are usually the least crowded, but this is also the rainy season and the period with the highest risk for hurricanes.

Getting There and Around:

• Airport: The nearest major airport is Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers, approximately 35 miles north of Naples.

• Car Rentals: Available at the airport and within the city, having a car is recommended for exploring Naples and its surroundings.

• Public Transport: Collier Area Transit (CAT) provides bus services around Naples and Collier County.

• Bicycling: Naples is bicycle-friendly, with many bike rental shops and paths available.

Top Attractions:

• Naples Pier: An iconic landmark, perfect for fishing, bird watching, and enjoying breathtaking sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico.

  
  

• Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park: Known for its untouched white-sand beach, offering snorkeling, bird watching, and fishing opportunities.

• Naples Botanical Garden: A 170-acre world-class garden paradise, showcasing plants from around the world.

• Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary: A 13,000-acre Preserve home to the largest remaining stand of old growth bald cypress in North America, with a 2.5-mile boardwalk for bird watching and exploring.

• The Baker Museum: A premier visual arts museum focusing on modern and contemporary art, and featuring traveling exhibitions.

• Third Street South: A historic area offering fine dining, shopping, and entertainment, known for its beautifully maintained landscapes and architecture.

• Fifth Avenue South: The heart of Naples, offering upscale shops, restaurants, art galleries, and theaters.

• Vanderbilt Beach: A pristine beach known for its white sand and clear waters, popular for sunbathing, swimming, and water sports.

• Clam Pass Park: A beautiful beach park accessible by a boardwalk, offering beach access, and areas for kayaking and paddleboarding.

• Lowdermilk Beach Park: A family-friendly beach park with amenities like volleyball courts, picnic tables, and concessions.

• Mercato: A lifestyle center providing a mix of retail, dining, and entertainment options, including a movie theater.

• Collier County Museums: Offering a rich sampling of the local history, culture, and nature of Southwest Florida.

• Tin City: An historic waterfront area with a collection of eclectic, locally-owned shops and eateries.

• Golisano Children's Museum of Naples: A museum offering interactive exhibit galleries and a range of programs for children of all ages.

Neighborhoods & Areas:

• Old Naples: Historic downtown area with picturesque architecture, luxury boutiques, fine dining, and art galleries, home to famous Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South.

• Pelican Bay: Well-planned residential community with luxurious homes and condos, private beaches, upscale dining, and recreational facilities.

• Park Shore: Coastal area known for high-end real estate and beachfront properties, and home to Venetian Bay's waterfront shopping and dining.

• Vanderbilt Beach: Popular area known for its pristine beach, offering a range of accommodations and close to various shopping and dining options.

• Port Royal: Prestigious neighborhood known for luxurious waterfront estates with exclusive access to private beach clubs and other amenities.

• Aqualane Shores: Waterfront community featuring a mix of old and new homes with proximity to the shopping and dining options in Old Naples.

• Moorings: Residential community with its private beach park, offering a mix of homes and condos and located near downtown Naples.

• Coquina Sands: Family-friendly area adjacent to Old Naples, offering homes and condos close to Lowdermilk Beach Park and various amenities.

• Royal Harbor: Ideal for boating enthusiasts, this waterfront community offers homes with private docks and access to Naples Bay, and it’s close to downtown Naples.

• Pine Ridge: Non-gated community known for its large lots and diverse architectural styles, centrally located with easy access to beaches, shopping, and dining.

Food Scene:

Naples boasts a diverse culinary scene, from casual eateries to gourmet dining, with a focus on fresh seafood, Italian cuisine, and innovative fusions.

• Diverse Cuisines: Naples boasts myriad dining options, offering cuisines including Italian, Seafood, American, Asian, and Mexican, catering to all palates whether you're in the mood for sushi, pasta, tacos, or a gourmet burger.

• Seafood: Given its coastal location, Naples excels in seafood, with many restaurants offering fresh, locally sourced dishes like grouper, snapper, shrimp, and stone crabs, prepared in a variety of styles.

• Fine Dining: The city is home to numerous upscale restaurants where top chefs serve innovative and refined dishes, often accompanied by impressive wine lists and meticulous service for a premium dining experience.

• Casual Eateries: Naples offers plenty of casual dining spots, from beachfront cafes to lively burger joints, all with a friendly, laid-back vibe perfect for a leisurely meal.

• Outdoor Dining: The pleasant weather in Naples allows for a plethora of outdoor dining options with numerous restaurants featuring patios, terraces, or outdoor seating areas.

• Bakeries and Coffee Shops: Naples is home to an array of bakeries and coffee shops, serving freshly baked pastries, artisanal bread, and gourmet coffee.

• International Flavors: Reflecting the city’s multicultural character, Naples offers an extensive selection of international restaurants, from authentic Cuban cuisine to refined French fare.

Where to Stay:

Naples offers a variety of accommodations, from luxury resorts and boutique hotels to vacation rentals and budget-friendly options.

• Old Naples: Best for proximity to upscale shopping, dining, art galleries, and the beach, offering a mix of luxury hotels, boutique inns, and vacation rentals in a historic and picturesque area.

• Fifth Avenue South: Located in the city's main street, it's ideal for those wanting to be at the heart of action, offering easy access to stylish boutiques, cafes, restaurants, entertainment, and nightlife.

• Third Street South: Similar to Fifth Avenue South but with a charming mix of shopping, dining, entertainment, and proximity to the beach, with accommodations ranging from luxury hotels to charming bed and breakfasts.

• Park Shore: Ideal for those looking for tranquility and relaxation, offering options for beachfront hotels and resorts with stunning views and a range of amenities.

• Vanderbilt Beach: Known for its pristine beach and a range of accommodations from luxury resorts to condos, suitable for different budgets.

• Pelican Bay: Offers exclusive resorts and hotels in a well-planned residential community with private beaches and upscale dining options.

• Marco Island: A good base for exploring with beautiful beaches, resorts, and vacation rentals, and proximity to the Ten Thousand Islands.

• North Naples: A more residential area with a variety of budget-friendly hotels and vacation rentals, close to shopping centers and restaurants.

• Naples Bay: Offers waterfront hotels near downtown with easy access to boating and water sports, and proximity to city center shopping and dining.

• Bonita Springs: Known for its beautiful beaches, parks, and recreational activities, offering a range of accommodations to the north of Naples.