This ultimate guide to experiences in the enchanting city of Naples is perfect for travelers of all fun cravings, featuring a variety of beachfront adventures, relaxations at luxury resorts and spas, upscale shopping at Mercato, and captivating things to do off the beaten path in Bonita Springs. Whether planning a weekend getaway or extended vacation, explore our take on how to experience the fullest this slice of subtropical paradise has to offer.
Naples, the jewel of Southwest Florida, glitters and shines like the captivating waves of the Gulf of Mexico. It offers a plethora of activities, from its vibrant arts scene to its picturesque beaches and Everglades backyard. This guide provides an inside look at the best ways to experience the diversity that Naples has to offer in a short amount of time. Though Hurricane Ian caused extensive damage in September 2022, this article has been updated to reflect the most current status of its beaches, accommodations, restaurants, and attractions.
Relax and Rejuvenate at Naples Grande Beach Resort & Spa
Nestled in the heart of North Naples, Naples Grande Beach Resort & Spa is an oasis of relaxation and rejuvenation. This vibrant destination appeals to those seeking culture, shopping, and beach activities, drawing an energetic and family-friendly crowd. The resort boasts high-tech spa treatments such as NuCalm and Cryolift Facials, designed to reduce stress and improve sleep quality. Guests can also take advantage of swimming pools, a nature boardwalk to the beach, sports programs, and delicious restaurants and bars. Naples Grande stands as a testament to luxury and leisure, providing an unforgettable experience for all who visit.
Shopping and Dining in North Naples
Mercato in North Naples is a proudly vibrant shopping and entertainment destination, with over a dozen restaurants and nightlife spots to choose from. Chains are available, but you can also find local favorites like Narrative Coffee Roasters and Bar Tulia, a spinoff of the downtown darling with an Italian pub atmosphere. Experiences like Silverspot Cinema offer dinner and a movie all in one place, while art galleries, shops, and megastores like Nordstrom Rack and Whole Foods provide an array of shopping options. For serious shoppers, Waterside Shops features name-brand fashion boutiques such as Gucci and Lilly Pulitzer. In addition, Bonita Springs meets North Naples almost seamlessly along Tamiami Trail, where an eclectic blend of restaurants, lounges, and craft breweries await exploration off the beaten path.
Artis–Naples Complex
North Collier Regional Park is the perfect place to cool off and get wet in Naples. With a plethora of activities, it offers something for all ages. The Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples (CMON) provides an educational experience with interactive exhibits that sharpen spatial skills and allow visitors to explore nature like never before. After the museum, Sun-n-Fun Lagoon is the perfect way to beat the heat with its lazy river slides and water features.
The Artis–Naples complex was instrumental in beginning Naples’ journey to becoming an artful destination. Home to both the Naples Philharmonic and the Baker Museum, it offers film, educational programming, traveling exhibits, and even a rooftop bar. The success of these venues has inspired the creation of other performing art venues such as TheatreZone and art galleries throughout town, including the Naples Art District midtown, Naples Design District in Old Naples, and Gallery Row on Third Street South.
Luxurious Accommodations at Inn On Fifth
Downtown Naples, more commonly known as Old Naples, is a neighborhood renowned for its luxurious dining and shopping options, as well as its cultural attractions. At the heart of the town are Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South, where visitors can explore Gulfshore Playhouse and Sugden Theatre. Inn On Fifth is the perfect place to start discovering all that downtown has to offer. This esteemed inn boasts a spa, two seafood restaurants, and a rooftop pool with a bar. Adjacent to the original inn is The Club Suites at Inn on Fifth, which features luxurious accommodations and complimentary breakfast, beverage, and nosh service.
A Taste of Naples: Experience the City’s Diverse Culinary Scene
From the heart of Italy-inspired Naples to the tastes of Middle Eastern cuisine, the restaurant scene in this city has something for everyone. Bha! Bha! Persian Bistro serves up classic and innovative dishes from the Middle East, while 21 Spices by Chef Asif offers a selection of Indian food that has earned its chef a Bobby Flay Throwdown championship. Sea Salt Naples on Third Avenue South also presents a Mediterranean flair thanks to Chef Fabrizio Aielli’s Venetian roots. And don’t forget about the iconic Naples Pier, where you can take a stroll, despite it being partially open due to damage from a hurricane.
Lowdermilk Park
Lowdermilk Park is a favorite among families visiting the Old Naples area. The park has a playground, beach volleyball court, and a lagoon that attracts a lot of birds. It also has picnic shelters and barbecue grills, making it a great spot to spend the day. Not far away is Tin City, one of the most popular places to eat waterside. Riverwalk is a well-known restaurant there, serving seafood with a Cajun twist. To explore further, visitors can take Pure Florida’s fishing and sightseeing tours.
Explore the Lush Setting of Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens is an awe-inspiring destination that began as gardens dedicated to tropical flora. As it transitioned to Naples Zoo, it kept its lush setting and added features such as a primate island, allowing visitors to take boat rides past the habitat and watch playful monkeys and lemurs in action. Visitors can also feed the giraffes for a small fee of $5 while taking in presentations from the wildlife exhibits at specified times. With four hours to explore the daily shows, visitors won’t want to miss this opportunity. A bonus is the Gordon River Greenway, where guests can find additional parks and attractions, including the Conservancy of Southwest Florida with live animals and interactive exhibits for children.
Explore the Natural Habitat
The breathtaking Naples Botanical Garden is a stunning display of the subtropical vegetation and cultures of Africa, the Caribbean, Asia, and Florida. Spanning an impressive 90 acres, this natural Florida habitat is home to wild orchids, including the rare ghost orchid for a short time each summer. Enjoy QR-code guided tours and take the time to fully explore the garden; plan to spend at least two hours taking in all that this paradise has to offer.
Boat Tours and Kayak Rentals
Explore the vast wilderness of Florida with a visit to Everglades National Park, Big Cypress National Preserve and Ten Thousand Islands, and Florida Panther national wildlife refuges. Spanning thousands and thousands of acres of mangroves, wetlands, and highland acreage, these parks offer a unique experience for those looking to spot alligators, birds, and manatees. To maximize your adventure, take advantage of boat tours and kayak rentals from Everglades City, or enjoy hiking, paddling, and camping with the help of rangers in the area. Don’t miss the opportunity to visit this unparalleled part of the world!
This guide has provided an immersive look at the eclectic treasures of Naples while showcasing the very best it has to offer in a short amount of time. From iconic beach resorts to shopping and entertainment hot spots, tourists can experience it all in one charming region that effortlessly welcomes you with open arms. With eight notable beaches accessible aboard Tamiami Trail, nature and relaxation will radiate serenity throughout your visit to this beloved paradise. Whether it’s a soothing escape or a bustling adventure that you seek, Naples promises to captivate you with its beauty and culture. Now go! The magic awaits!
