Naples

Naples is a city in Collier County in southwest Florida, known as the "Golf Capital of the World" with the second-most golf holes per capita and the most holes of any city in Florida. The beach on the coast of the Gulf of Mexico stretches more than 10 miles (16 km) and is renowned for its cleanliness and pristine white sand. The economy is based largely on tourism, and the city has historically been tied to real estate development and agriculture. Due to its proximity to the Everglades and Ten Thousand Islands, Naples is also popular among ecotourists. The city is known for appealing to retirees, who make up a large percentage of the population of approximately 19,000 (2020 census).

Naples has two basic seasons. From May through October, the hot and wet season brings high temperatures (averaging 92°F / 33°C) and frequent thundershowers. From November through April, the dry season offers sunshine, dry weather, and milder temperatures with daily highs around 74°F (23°C). This dry season is the peak tourist period. Hurricane season runs from June through November. The best time to visit is during the winter dry season when temperatures are comfortable and rainfall is minimal.

By Plane

Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is approximately 30 miles north of Naples in Fort Myers. From RSW, rent a car and drive to Naples via I-75 South, approximately 45–60 minutes. Naples Airport (APF) (formerly Naples Municipal Airport), 2 nautical miles (4 km) northeast of the central business district, serves private aviation and charter flights. Marco Island Executive Airport (MKY) is 15 miles south of Naples. Air charter companies including Naples Air Inc. and Naples Jet Charter offer access to planes ranging from small singles to luxury business jets.

By Car / Road

Naples is accessible via I-75 (north–south) and US-41 (Tamiami Trail) (also north–south). Drive times: approximately 2 hours from Tampa, 3 hours from Orlando, and 2 hours from Miami. Greyhound serves nearby Bonita Springs. RedCoach serves a station on the outskirts of Naples.

The best way to get around Naples is to rent a car. Bike lanes exist on many major roads but are seldom used. If you stay in "Old Naples" (the historic district), shopping centers, the pier, and the beach are easily accessible on foot. CAT (Collier Area Transit) provides local bus service. Ride-hailing apps (Uber, Lyft) are available.

• Tin City — On the river in downtown Naples. Built as a fisherman's wharf (still used as such), now a large collection of air-conditioned shops offering trinkets, clothing, art, and miscellaneous goods.

• Naples City Pier — 25 12th Ave S. One of the most popular attractions in town. The thousand-foot-long pier was destroyed by Hurricane Ian in 2022 and has historically taken about three years to rebuild. No fishing license required to cast a line from the pier (no fishing Sundays or overnight). Dolphins are frequently spotted, and the sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico are spectacular.

• Historic Old Naples — The oldest parts of Naples include many older houses, a museum, and shopping centers near the Naples Pier. The area is walkable and charming, with tree-lined streets and Mediterranean-style architecture.

• Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens — 1590 Goodlette Rd (+1 239-262-5409). Daily 9AM–5PM. A nationally accredited zoo with animals from alligators to zebras blended into a historic botanical garden. See Tiger Forest, Panther Glade, and African Oasis. Enjoy wildlife presentations and a cruise past islands of monkeys.

• Everglades Tours — Many companies offer airboat and kayak excursions to the Everglades from Naples. This is a great day trip and provides access to one of the most unique ecosystems in North America.

• Fishing — Naples has experienced guides for trophy fishing. Marinas and tackle shops offer boat rentals, tackle, and advice. Popular shore-fishing spots include local rivers, canals, and the Naples Pier.

• Dolphin and Manatee Tours — A wide variety of tours are available to see dolphins and manatees in their natural habitat. Check tourist information in Naples for current listings.

• Vanderbilt Beach — Starting at Vanderbilt Drive on the south to Delnor-Wiggins State Park on the north (+1 239-597-6196). Facilities include freshwater showers, lifeguards, grills, picnic tables, boat ramp, observation tower, and restrooms. Additional public parking next to the Ritz Carlton.

• Clam Pass Park / Beach — Seagate Drive & Crayton Rd (+1 239-252-4000). 8AM to sundown. 35 acres of coastal habitat with a three-quarter-mile boardwalk through a mangrove forest to the sandy beach. Tram car available. Full snack bar, lunch restaurant, and bar on deck overlooking the beach.

• Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park — 11135 Gulfshore Dr (+1 239-597-6196). 8AM to sunset. A popular beach destination — arrive early as the wait to enter can take an hour or more.

• Tiburon Golf Club — 2620 Tiburon Dr (+1 239-594-2040). Daily 7AM–6PM. PGA Tour golf course — even non-golfers can drive through to view the course and beautiful homes.

Naples' dining scene ranges from casual waterfront spots to upscale establishments. Stone crab claws (in season October–May) and fresh Gulf seafood are specialties.

• Truluck's Seafood, Steak, and Crab House — 698 4th Ave South (+1 239-530-3131). Semi-casual restaurant offering fresh, high-quality stone crab claws.
• McCabe's Irish Pub & Grill — 699 5th Avenue South (+1 239-403-7170). Authentic Irish pub with great food and lively music.
• Shula's Steak House — 5111 Tamiami Trail North (+1 239-430-4999). 6:30AM–10PM. Upscale steakhouse honoring the 1972 Miami Dolphins perfect season. Located in the Hilton Naples.
• Tommy Bahama's Restaurant & Bar — 1220 3rd Street (+1 239-643-6889). 11AM lunch, dinner daily. Eclectic with a tropical twist. Try the coconut shrimp, San Juan shrimp and scallops, and piña colada cake. Live entertainment nightly. Expensive.
• Mel's Diner — 3650 Tamiami Trail N (+1 239-643-9898). Su–Th 6:30AM–9PM, F-Sa 6:30AM–9:30PM. Classic diner fare at reasonable prices.
• Food and Thought — Gateway Plaza (+1 239-213-2222). 9AM–8PM. Southwest Florida's only 100% organic market and restaurant. $6–14.

• Sunset Beach Bar — 851 Gulf Shore Blvd N, in the Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club (+1 239-261-2222). Awarded Naples' "Best Beach Bar" by Travel Channel. Live entertainment nightly. Great for sunsets.
• Blue Martini — 9114 Strada Place Suite 12105. Upscale cocktail lounge with live music.
• Food and Thought — 9AM–8PM. Southwest Florida's only 100% organic market and restaurant, also serving fresh juices and healthy beverages.
• Tap water in Naples is safe to drink.

• Budget: La Quinta Inn & Suites Naples East I-75 — 3055 Enterprise Ave. Basic, clean rooms near I-75. Rates from approximately $100–160/night.
• Mid-range: Edgewater Beach Hotel — 1900 Gulf Shore Blvd N (+1 239-392-1511). Beachfront suites with kitchens. Rates from approximately $200–350/night.
• Upscale / heritage: Inn on Fifth — 699 5th Ave S (+1 239-403-8777). Boutique hotel in the heart of 5th Avenue South shopping district. Ritz-Carlton, Naples — 280 Vanderbilt Beach Rd (+1 239-598-3300). Gulf-front luxury resort with spa and fine dining. Rates from approximately $500–1,000+/night.

5th Avenue South — The premier shopping district in central Old Naples, with unique stores, sidewalk cafés, hotels, galleries, and fine dining along palm-lined streets just a few blocks from the water. Third Street South features some 100 fine clothing stores, gift boutiques, restaurants, and galleries. Mercato — 9123 Strada Place (+1 239-594-9400). M-Sa 10AM–9PM, Su noon–6PM. Combines upscale shopping, dining, and entertainment. Waterside Shops — 5415 Tamiami Trail N (+1 239-598-1605). Su noon–6PM, M-Sa 10AM–7PM. Over 60 shops and restaurants including Saks Fifth Avenue and Nordstrom, set amid 30,000 tropical plants. Miromar Outlets — I-75 Exit 123 (+1 239-948-3766). Sa 10AM–9PM, Su 11AM–6PM.

• Marco Island (20 miles south, 30 minutes) — Florida's largest barrier island, with 6 miles of beaches, excellent fishing, and the Marco Island Historical Museum.
• Everglades National Park (50 miles east, 1 hour) — The largest subtropical wilderness in the US, best explored by canoe, airboat, or walking boardwalks.
• Fort Myers (30 miles north, 45 minutes) — The winter home of Thomas Edison and Henry Ford, with the Edison and Ford Winter Estates.
• Sanibel Island (45 miles north, 1 hour) — World-famous shelling beaches and the J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge.
• Naples Botanical Garden — 1825 Triple Diamond Blvd (+1 239-643-7275). World-class botanical garden featuring tropical plants from around the world.