Exploring Naples, Florida: Best Areas To Travel And Explore

Naples, Florida, is a charming coastal town known for its unique combination of luxe living and laid-back vibes. Located on the Gulf of Mexico in Southwest Florida, Naples offers a dynamic city life with glorious beach landscapes, a proud art culture, and a thriving food scene. The city is famous for its white sandy beaches, top-rated restaurants, high-end shopping, and world-class golf courses.

The best time to visit Naples is between January and April, when the weather is pleasant, and the water temperatures are ideal for a swim. The peak season falls between December and March, attracting snowbirds looking to escape the cold winters.

There is no shortage of things to do and see in Naples. From exploring the beaches, catching a sunset, shopping on Fifth Avenue South, visiting coffee shops, and dining at top-rated restaurants, to kayaking, paddleboarding, and exploring the city's cultural attractions, Naples has something for everyone.

With its natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant cultural scene, Naples, Florida, is a fantastic destination for those seeking a perfect blend of relaxation and excitement.

Naples' beaches

Naples, Florida, is known for its pristine beaches, calm turquoise waters, and breathtaking sunsets. The city boasts an extraordinary coastline that spans nearly 9 miles, with 40 beach accesses, offering a variety of experiences for visitors. Here is an overview of some of the best beaches and beach areas in Naples:

Naples Pier and Beach

The Naples Pier is an iconic landmark that stretches 1,000 feet into the Gulf of Mexico. It is a popular spot for fishing, watching sunsets, and soaking in the coastal atmosphere. The beach surrounding the pier is easily accessible and provides a picturesque backdrop of vibrant seashells and the sparkling waters of the Gulf. It is within walking distance from downtown Naples, making it a convenient spot for visitors.

Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park

Located about 12 miles north of Old Naples, this state park is one of the best beaches in Southwest Florida. It covers 166 acres of land, including a mile-long beach with soft, white sands. The park offers excellent shelling opportunities, flora and fauna along the sand, and shady areas created by pine trees. It has great facilities, including bathrooms, food stands, beach wheelchairs, and picnic spots. The water is clear and serene, making it perfect for swimming and snorkelling at a reef just offshore.

Lowdermilk Park

Lowdermilk Park is a premier beachfront destination park that caters to visitors of all ages. It features sand volleyball courts, a playground, picnic tables, and gazebos available for rent. The park has convenient amenities such as restrooms and a concessions area. It is open daily from 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM and offers ADA-compliant beach access mats to ensure accessibility for everyone.

Vanderbilt Beach

Vanderbilt Beach is a well-loved public beach located in North Naples. It offers a wide sandy beach perfect for sunbathing and beachcombing. The park has ample parking, including a dedicated parking garage, and is equipped with restrooms and outdoor showers. Various water sports gear rentals are available nearby, making it an ideal spot for those seeking both relaxation and recreation.

Clam Pass Park

Clam Pass Park is a natural oasis located in central Naples. It features a three-quarter-mile boardwalk that meanders through a lush mangrove forest, leading to soft, white sands and tranquil waters. The park offers essential amenities such as restrooms and a restaurant. A complimentary shuttle service is provided between the parking area and the beach, making it convenient for guests.

Barefoot Beach Preserve

Barefoot Beach Preserve is a stunning natural area situated on Little Hickory Island, just north of Naples. It offers a beautiful stretch of beach, ideal for safe swimming and sunbathing. The preserve includes a one-mile boardwalk through coastal habitats, where visitors can observe diverse wildlife, including sea turtles and gopher tortoises. It has amenities such as picnic areas, restrooms, and equipment rentals.

Naples Pier

The Naples Pier is an iconic landmark in the city, attracting over a million visitors annually. It is located on the Gulf of Mexico at the west end of 12th Avenue South. The pier is a popular spot for sightseers, anglers, and those looking to socialise, exercise, or view wildlife. It features restrooms, showers, ADA beach access mats, and a concession stand with a covered eating area and beach supplies. The pier is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and access is free.

The pier is a great place to watch the sunset, with the concession stand serving beer and wine. It is within walking distance of downtown Naples' shopping and restaurants. The Naples Pier is also a popular spot for fishing, although fishing is currently prohibited due to damage from Hurricane Ian in September 2022. The hurricane caused significant damage to the pier, with approximately 460 feet of it being significantly damaged and about 140 feet of the end sitting at the bottom of the Gulf. The pier has been rebuilt several times after hurricanes throughout its history, with the most recent reconstruction taking place in 2015.

The Naples Pier is a great place to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the Gulf of Mexico. It is a favourite destination for both locals and tourists, offering stunning views of the water, nearby islands, and the Florida coastline. The pier is also a great spot for photography, with its unique architectural features and iconic flare.

Naples' shopping districts

Naples, Florida, is known for its upscale shopping, with a variety of options, from designer brands to homemade goods and antiques. The best Naples shopping districts include:

Fifth Avenue South

The heart of the shopping and dining scene in Naples, Fifth Avenue South in downtown Naples, combines historic and modern shop facades with pedestrian-friendly promenades lined with royal palm trees. It offers everything from casual beachwear to high-end designers and home furnishings. National retailers include Chico's, Vineyard Vines, and White House Black Market, while local favourites include Best of Everything, Arabesque, Blue Mussel, and Wind in the Willows. It's also one of the busiest shopping areas in Naples.

Third Street South

Just a few blocks from downtown Naples, Third Street South is a bit more relaxed and casual than Fifth Avenue. It's home to the Saturday morning Third Street Farmer's Market and is just two blocks from the Naples Pier. It features fashion boutiques, art galleries, jewellers, and antique shops. Fashion retailers include Tommy Bahama, Eileen Fisher, and Lilly Pulitzer, while popular restaurants include Campiello, Jane's Garden Café on 3rd, and Sea Salt.

Waterside Shops

This open-air mall has lush landscaping, bubbling fountains, and covered walkways. It's home to high-end retailers like Saks Fifth Avenue, as well as restaurants like True Food Kitchen. It's tucked behind the Barnes & Noble and the Artis-Naples complex off Route 41 in central Naples.

The Village Shops on Venetian Bay

Designed to resemble the canals of Venice, this waterfront shopping centre is home to over 45 top-tier retailers, art galleries, and restaurants. It features a Tommy Bahama store, a Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream shop, and boutiques offering unique gifts, like A Horse of a Different Color and Sukie's Wine Shop.

Mercato

Anchored by Whole Foods Market, Nordstrom Rack, and Silverspot Cinema, Mercato offers over ten unique restaurants, bars, and nightlife options, as well as upscale retailers and outdoor events. It's located in North Naples.

Naples Zoo

Naples, Florida, is a charming coastal town known for its unique combination of luxury and laid-back vibes. The Naples Zoo is a great place to visit to get up close and personal with animals and learn about conservation efforts. Here is some more information about the Naples Zoo:

History

The Naples Zoo started as a personal garden for botanist Henry Nehrling in 1919. Over the years, it has grown into a 43-acre plant and animal haven, with naturally designed habitats.

Animals

The zoo is home to 70 species, including African lions, Malayan tigers, giraffes, and rare and endangered animals from Africa like honey badgers and fossas. You can also see Florida natives such as alligators and Florida panthers. One of the highlights is the opportunity to feed giraffes romaine lettuce!

Visitor Experience

The Naples Zoo offers a wonderful boat ride and an awesome playground for younger children. It is recommended to visit early in the morning to see the animals at their most active before the heat and humidity of late spring and summer set in.

Naples' golf courses

Naples, Florida, is a popular destination for golfers, with a wide variety of courses to choose from. Here is a guide to some of the top golf courses in the area:

LaPlaya Golf Course

LaPlaya Golf Course is located in North Naples and offers a beautiful setting for a round of golf. The course is well-maintained and provides a challenging yet fun experience for golfers of all skill levels. The clubhouse also offers fabulous dining options, with excellent service from the staff.

Tiburón Golf Club

Tiburón Golf Club, also in North Naples, features fast greens and well-maintained fairways and bunkers. The course presents a good mix of challenges and is suitable for golfers of all skill levels.

Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club

The Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club offers a good golf experience, but some visitors have noted that the attention to detail could be improved, and additional costs for certain amenities can add up.

The Rookery at Marco

The Rookery at Marco is located in the Fiddler's Creek development and is known for its beautiful course and friendly staff. The clubhouse also offers a nice restaurant with a simple menu.

Naples Grande Golf Club

The Naples Grande Golf Club features a wonderful course and helpful golf staff. However, the clubhouse has received mixed reviews for its food and service.

Arrowhead Golf Course

Arrowhead Golf Course is a well-maintained course with plenty of room and challenges to keep golfers honest. The greens are very fast, and the fairways are in good condition.

Valencia Golf Course

Valencia Golf Course is one of the best public courses in the Naples area, offering a good variety of holes and generous fairways. However, it is priced higher than similar courses in other parts of the country.

Raptor Bay Golf Club

Raptor Bay Golf Club is a well-maintained course with friendly and high-quality staff. It offers a fun experience for golfers of all skill levels.

Flamingo Island Course - Lely Resort

Flamingo Island Course is a fun and beautiful course with excellent staff and layout. However, for the price, some visitors expect more pristine fairways.

Naples, Florida, offers a range of golf courses to suit different preferences and skill levels. These courses provide opportunities for golfers to enjoy the outdoors, challenge themselves, and socialise with other golfers at the clubhouses.

Frequently asked questions