Naples, Florida, nestled in the southwest corner of the Sunshine State, is more than just a vacation destination; it’s a slice of paradise that feels like a true home away from home. Known as the Paradise Coast, this gem, bordering the Everglades and the Gulf of Mexico, offers a unique blend of natural beauty, sophisticated charm, and laid-back coastal living. For those seeking an authentic Florida experience beyond the theme parks, Naples provides an idyllic escape. Whether you’re planning your first trip or returning to explore further, this Florida Travel Guide to Naples will unveil the best places to stay, dine, shop, and experience the magic of this Gulf Coast haven.
Naples and its surrounding areas, including Marco Island, Fort Myers, Bonita Springs, and Sanibel Island, offer a diverse range of experiences. From pristine beaches and championship golf courses to upscale shopping and world-class dining, the Paradise Coast caters to every taste. This guide focuses specifically on Naples, sharing insider tips and recommendations to make your visit unforgettable. Consider this your personal roadmap to navigating the best that Naples has to offer, ensuring you capture the essence of this special place.
PLACES TO STAY: Finding Your Perfect Naples Retreat
Choosing the right accommodation is key to a relaxing vacation. Naples offers a spectrum of options, from luxurious beachfront hotels to cozy, private rentals. Whether you prioritize resort amenities, stunning views, or a home-like setting, Naples has something to suit every preference and budget.
For a resort experience that feels all-inclusive, consider Naples Bay Resort. Its spacious cottages offer privacy while still being steps away from multiple dining options, activities, and even a lazy river – perfect for families or those seeking on-site entertainment.
Image: Serene canal view from a room at Naples Bay Resort, a top accommodation choice in Naples, Florida.
If breathtaking Gulf views are a priority, the Edgewater Beach Hotel on Gulf Shore delivers. While slightly pricier and further from downtown, its beachfront location on a street lined with luxury homes offers unparalleled scenery and direct beach access.
Image: Panoramic Gulf of Mexico views from Edgewater Beach Hotel, showcasing the stunning coastal scenery Naples is famous for.
Other highly-rated hotels include the Hyatt House Naples 5th Avenue, Bellasera Resort, Naples Beach Club, and La Playa Beach & Golf Resort. For those desiring to be closer to the downtown action, the Cove Inn on Naples Bay and Inn on 5th are excellent choices, offering convenient access to shops, restaurants, and nightlife.
For larger groups or those seeking more privacy and space, exploring rentals on Airbnb or Vrbo can be a great alternative. You’ll find a wide selection of condos, houses, and villas, often equipped with kitchens and private pools, providing a home-like experience during your Florida travel adventure.
DINING & RESTAURANTS: A Culinary Journey Through Naples
Naples’ dining scene is as diverse and vibrant as its landscape. From fresh seafood and upscale steakhouses to casual beachfront eateries and international flavors, there’s a restaurant to satisfy every craving. Reservations, especially for dinner, are highly recommended, as popular spots fill up quickly. Many Naples restaurants use OpenTable, making booking convenient.
Must-Try Naples Restaurants:
- The Hampton Social (**$$$):** An Instagram-worthy hotspot known for its rosé all day vibe and delicious coastal cuisine. Perfect for brunch, lunch, or dinner.
- Ridgeways on Third (**$$$$):** An elegant and established choice for refined American cuisine and a sophisticated ambiance.
- Turtle Club Restaurant (**$$$):** (Temporarily Closed) Famous for its breathtaking Gulf views and beachfront dining experience. Keep an eye out for its reopening!
- Bar Tulia (**$$):** (Multiple Locations) A local favorite for Italian-inspired small plates, craft cocktails, and a lively atmosphere.
- Ocean Prime (**$$$$):** An upscale steak and seafood restaurant offering stunning views and a sophisticated dining experience.
- The Dock at Crayton Cove (**$$$):** A waterfront institution serving fresh seafood in a casual, Old Florida setting.
- Del Mar Naples (**$$$):** Mediterranean-inspired cuisine in a chic and stylish setting, perfect for a special night out.
- Campiello (**$$$$):** Rustic Italian fare in a charming courtyard setting on 3rd Street South. Check out the Club Room for a special menu during season.
- The Continental (**$$$$):** A sophisticated chophouse and craft cocktail bar in the heart of Old Naples.
- Coast (**$$):** Located inside the Edgewater Beach Hotel, offering exceptional food and unparalleled sunset views right on the beach.
- Lake Park Diner (**$/$$):** A casual, retro-style diner with outdoor seating, serving classic American comfort food.
Image: Signature shell-shaped cocktails at The Hampton Social Naples, highlighting the trendy and visually appealing dining experiences available.
Breakfast & Brunch Spots:
- Jane’s Cafe on 3rd (**$$):** A charming spot for breakfast and brunch on Third Street South.
- EJ’s Bayfront Cafe (**$$):** Waterfront dining with beautiful bay views, perfect for a relaxed breakfast or brunch.
- The French (**$$):** A Parisian-style bistro offering classic French fare for breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner.
On the “To-Try” List:
Naples’ culinary scene is constantly evolving. Explore these highly-rated restaurants for your next visit: 7th Ave Social, The Med (at La Playa), Veranda E (at Hotel Escalante), FISH Restaurant, and Baleen (at La Playa, temporarily closed).
SHOPPING: Retail Therapy in Paradise
From upscale boutiques and designer brands to unique local shops and art galleries, Naples is a shopper’s paradise. Whether you’re seeking high-end fashion, coastal décor, or the perfect souvenir, Naples’ shopping destinations offer a delightful retail experience.
Key Shopping Destinations:
- Fifth Avenue South: The heart of Naples, lined with palm trees, twinkling lights, and an array of boutiques, art galleries, jewelers, and restaurants. Don’t miss the Naples Soap Company for locally made bath and body products. Nearby, explore Tin City, an open-air waterfront marketplace with unique shops and souvenirs, and Audrey’s of Naples for designer and vintage finds.
Image: Vibrant street scene on Fifth Avenue South, Naples, showcasing the upscale shopping and dining atmosphere.
- Galleria Shoppes at Vanderbilt: Home to designer consignment boutiques like Designer Diva’s and True Fashionista’s, perfect for finding pre-owned luxury goods.
- Coconut Point: A large outdoor mall with a wide variety of stores, from everyday retailers to department stores. Don’t miss Delicious Raw Kitchen Juice Bar for a healthy treat.
- Waterside Shops: An upscale outdoor mall featuring designer boutiques, department stores like Nordstrom, and popular retailers like Anthropologie and Free People. Enjoy lunch at True Food Kitchen or dinner at Brio Italian Grille.
- Gulf Coast Town Center: Another large outdoor mall located closer to Fort Myers, offering a wide range of stores and dining options.
BARS & NIGHTLIFE: Naples After Dark
Naples nightlife offers a mix of sophisticated lounges, lively bars, and waterfront venues. While traditionally known for a more mature crowd, Naples boasts a growing and vibrant nightlife scene, particularly in areas like Mercato and Downtown Naples.
Hotspots for Nightlife:
- Mercato: A modern entertainment complex with a variety of bars, restaurants, and shops. Popular spots include Blue Martini, known for its live music and lively atmosphere, especially on Ladies Night (Wednesdays), and Cavo Lounge, a covered open-air bar with a dance floor.
Image: Lively bar scene at Blue Martini in Mercato, Naples, a popular nightlife destination with live music and cocktails.
- Downtown Naples (5th Avenue South): While things tend to quiet down earlier downtown, there are still several great bars open later. Vergina offers hookah, live music, and a vibrant atmosphere. Bar Tulia (downtown location) is a cozy wine bar perfect for conversation. Del Mar has a hip bar scene with a rooftop vibe. For a trendy speakeasy experience, visit The Vine Room. Sidebar is another recently discovered trendy spot for mingling downtown.
Image: People enjoying the evening atmosphere in downtown Naples, highlighting the blend of dining and nightlife options.
- Seed to Table: A unique and newer nightlife spot located inside a large grocery store in North Naples. The upstairs bar becomes a lively destination in the evenings.
FUN ACTIVITIES: Beyond the Beach in Naples
Naples offers a wealth of activities beyond its beautiful beaches. From boating and water sports to cultural attractions and natural wonders, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Must-Do Naples Activities:
- Boating: Explore the Gulf Coast waterways by boat. Rent a boat from Naples Bay Resort or services like Boatsetter or GetMyBoat. Cruise to Marco Island, Goodland, Keewaydin Island, or explore the Ten Thousand Islands. Enjoy watersports like paddleboarding, kayaking, and jet skiing. Consider a sightseeing cruise on the Naples Princess or a catamaran tour with Double Sunshine or Miss Naples Catamaran.
Image: A boat cruising through the waterways of Naples, Florida, emphasizing the popular boating and water activities available.
- Beaches: Naples is renowned for its pristine beaches. Naples Pier Beach is a popular public beach with amenities (currently with restricted access). Clam Pass Beach is another excellent option (currently open). Doc’s Beach on Vanderbilt Beach offers volleyball, watersports rentals, and Doc’s Beach House restaurant. For a more secluded beach experience, head to Tigertail Beach on Marco Island.
Image: Tranquil shoreline of Tigertail Beach, Marco Island, near Naples, showcasing the natural beauty of the beaches in the area.
- Celebration Park: An Instagrammable outdoor bar and hangout spot on a canal, featuring food trucks and lawn games.
- Naples Beach Pier: A classic spot to watch stunning sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico.
- Sugden Regional Park: Offers a park and beach with lake access for boating and swimming.
- Third Street South Farmers Market: (Saturdays) Explore a vibrant farmers market with local produce, seafood, flowers, artisan goods, and food trucks.
- Naples Botanical Garden: Discover beautiful themed gardens and natural habitats.
- Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens: Encounter animals from around the world in a lush tropical setting.
- Day Trip to Sanibel or Marco Island: Explore nearby islands with unique charm and attractions (refer to a dedicated Sanibel Travel Guide for more).
- Key West Express Day Trip: Take a ferry to Key West for a day of island hopping and exploring the southernmost point of the United States.
Image: Outdoor ambiance at Celebration Park in Naples, a popular spot with food trucks and canal views, perfect for casual gatherings.
Image: Bustling scene at the Third Street South Farmers Market in Naples, highlighting the local produce and community atmosphere.
Unique Naples Experiences:
- Beach or Dock Picnic: Elevate your dining experience with a beach or dock picnic. Consider using services like Coast & Mingle for curated picnic setups.
- Brewery/Winery Visits: Sample local craft beers at Rip Tide Brewing Company or enjoy wine tasting at Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurants.
Your Naples Adventure Awaits
Naples, Florida, truly embodies the essence of the Paradise Coast. From its luxurious accommodations and diverse dining scene to its stunning beaches and array of activities, Naples offers an unforgettable Florida travel experience. Use this guide to plan your perfect Naples getaway and discover why this Gulf Coast gem holds a special place in the hearts of visitors and locals alike. Don’t forget to share your Naples adventures and tag your favorite spots!
