This coastal city in Florida is known for its white-sand beaches, upscale shopping, and golf courses. It has a warm climate and is a popular retirement destination.
Naples, Florida, sits on the Gulf of Mexico in Southwest Florida. In this coastal city, you can walk along white sand beaches, shop at boutiques on Fifth Avenue South, and tee off at one of the many golf courses. Naples serves as a gateway to the Everglades, where you can spot alligators and birds in their natural habitat. The warm climate makes it possible to enjoy outdoor pursuits year-round, from fishing at Naples Pier to kayaking through mangrove forests.
Beaches and Coastal Activities
Naples has over 10 miles of white sand beaches along the Gulf of Mexico. You can sunbathe, swim, or search for seashells. At Naples Pier, a 1,000-foot-long fishing pier, you can cast a line or watch the sunset. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park has areas for snorkeling and kayaking. For a quieter experience, walk the boardwalk through a mangrove forest to reach Clam Pass Beach Park.
Downtown Shopping and Dining
Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South form Naples' downtown area. These streets have high-end boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants. You'll find designer clothing stores and local artisan shops. Naples has over 700 restaurants to choose from. Many serve fresh seafood, including stone crab claws when in season. You can dine with a view of Naples Bay at one of the waterfront restaurants.
Golf and Pickleball
Naples has more than 90 golf courses in the area. While many belong to private country clubs, you can also play on public courses. Pickleball has become increasingly popular in Naples. The city hosts the annual U.S. Open Pickleball Championships, and you'll find courts in many local parks.
Natural Areas and Wildlife
Just outside Naples, you can explore Big Cypress National Preserve and Everglades National Park. Northeast of Naples, Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary has a 2.25-mile boardwalk through North America's largest old-growth bald cypress forest. You might see alligators, otters, and various bird species here. At the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, you can observe animals in a tropical setting.
Arts and Culture
Naples has a thriving arts community. Artis—Naples, a cultural complex, houses the Naples Philharmonic and The Baker Museum. Here, you can attend concerts, see exhibitions, and watch performances. In downtown Naples, particularly in the Gallery Row area, you'll find numerous art galleries. The Collier County Museums provide information about the region's history, from prehistoric times to the present day.
Getting Around and Best Times to Visit
A car is the most convenient way to explore Naples and its surroundings. The city is spread out, and public transportation is limited. Visit Naples between March and May for pleasant temperatures and smaller crowds than during the winter peak season. Remember that hurricane season runs from June to November, which may affect your travel plans.
