Naples Travel Guide

Naples is a luxury beach destination in Southwest Florida, home to a seven mile stretch of white sands, an undeveloped barrier island and several attractions and sites. It’s a place to escape from city life and enjoy the leisurely lifestyle. From the high-end boutique shops to the upscale resorts and hotels, Naples has grown to become a popular destination for luxury travelers and those who want to enjoy another side of Florida living. Chic restaurants, stylish hotels and beautiful yachts floating around the harbor are just a few highlights of this beach vacation destination. Whether you’re a nature lover, hiking enthusiast, gourmet foodie or just want to escape to the coast to explore the local culture and history, Naples has it all.

Naples is just one of a handful of destinations in southwest Florida that make up the “Paradise Coast”. The slow pace and leisurely lifestyle make this an idyllic destination for a romantic getaway, quiet retreat or peaceful family vacation. Naples is steeped in history and you’ll find a number of historical sites and architectural landmarks scattered throughout the area. Since it’s so close to the Everglades, you can enjoy boat tours and other outdoor activities to see some amazing landscapes and lush green territory. The water around this area is also a great choice for fishing, and you’ll find plenty of fishing charters and boat rental providers scattered around the coast.

Naples is actually a fairly small city near the ocean, a sophisticated and upscale setting that has become a leading arts and culture destination. It’s a family-friendly venue for short and long-term stays, and many people come here simply to enjoy the beach. Travel Channel selected Naples as the Best All-Around Beach for 2005, and Naples has also been named on f the 20 Best Beaches in America 2006 by Conde Nast Traveler magazine.

Naples Weather and Best Time to Visit

Peak season in Naples is from December through April when many travelers from northern states head south to enjoy the sunshine and beach lifestyle. Temperatures average between 65 and 85 during these months, and tend to be about 10 to 20 degrees higher the rest of the year. You’ll find that many hotel and vacation rental rates do go up significantly during the peak season, and it may be difficult find lodging at the last minute. Still, Naples promises to be an attractive year-round vacation destination, so if you’re on a tight budget, consider traveling to this area during the summer or early Fall months.

Experience Naples

The beach resort areas in Naples offer easy access to the beach and some of the nature and cultural attractions in Naples. Whether you spend your days exploring the Everglades ecosystem, taking a guided nature hike, visiting Ten Thousand Islands on a boat, or relaxing on the waterfront at a gourmet restaurant, you’re sure to enjoy an unforgettable vacation in this beautiful city.

Boating is part of the Naples lifestyle and many first-time visitors take guided sightseeing boat tours to see the beautiful waterfront homes, wildlife, and mangrove estuaries around the Gulf of Mexico. If you’re a nature or wildlife enthusiast, consider taking a smaller boat tour around the Gulf to see bottlenose dolphin, sea turtles and birds in the area. The spectacular sunsets in Naples are not to be missed, and you’ll find plenty of opportunities to explore the natural parks and nature attractions during any given day.

A number of travelers head to Naples simply to shop. The boutique stores and fine art galleries around Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South in downtown Naples are perfect for finding unique gifts, paintings, sculptures and locally-made crafts. You’ll find luxury retailers in one of the two upscale shopping centers in the city, but there’s also an outlet shopping mall halfway between downtown Naples and Marco Island.

Naples is one Florida city that exemplifies the finer things in life. The rich culture and history of the area are visible everywhere. Catch a performance at the Philharmonic Center for the Arts, a world-class venue that hosts a number of special events throughout the year. You’ll discover over 100 art galleries in the greater Naples area, and can also visit cultural sites such as the Naples Dinner Theatre and the Sugden Theatre.

No place in Florida – or perhaps the entire country – has more golf holes per capita than Naples. You’ll find both semi-private and public golf courses around this city, and many professional golfers do call Naples their home. Naples is also home to a number of public parks, and many community parks have basketball courts, soccer and football fields, tennis courts and picnic areas on site. These can be attractive destinations when you want a break from the beach and tourist areas.

If you’re traveling to Naples with the family, don’t miss the chance to visit the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, a nationally accredited zoo that’s also home to an historic botanical garden. Take the family out on an Everglades boat trip to see the manatees, or enjoy a backcountry fishing trip to see the natural beauty and wildlife.

When you’re renting a boat or bringing your own boat for your trip, you’ll find a number of public boat launches at nearby parks. One of the larger boat launches is located on Golden Gate Community Park, but you’ll also find other boat launches at Bayview Park and Cochatchee River Park. Visit one of the sailing schools to enjoy the waters of the Gulf of Mexico on a chartered sailing trip.

You’ll find that many of the major hotels and resorts in Naples are located on the seven miles of beaches, and are within a short drive of Golden Gate and Immokalee. From Mediterranean-inspired villas to upscale resorts with onsite golf courses, you’ll find a wealth of accommodations and lodging options throughout this beautiful city.

Whether you spend your days golfing, shopping, boating, fishing, exploring the cultural attractions or relaxing on the beach, you’ll find plenty of fun and interesting things to do on your Naples beach vacation.