Your Ultimate Florida Travel Guide: Exploring the Paradise of Naples

Naples, Florida, has been a cherished second home for my family for years, even predating my own memories. It’s a place I’ve grown to love deeply, a true escape where relaxation comes naturally. Having spent so much time exploring this slice of paradise, I’ve received countless inquiries about my favorite spots. So, I’m thrilled to share my ultimate guide to Naples, breaking down the best recommendations across categories like accommodations, dining, nightlife, shopping, and must-do activities. For those seeking the perfect photo opportunities, I’ve marked Instagram-worthy hotspots with a *. Whether you’re actively planning a trip or simply curious about what makes Naples so special, dive into this guide and discover the magic of this incredible destination. Hopefully, you’ll find it helpful, and if you do visit, please tag me in your photos – I’d love to see where your Naples adventure takes you!

Where to Stay in Naples: Hotels and Resorts

Over the years, we’ve had the pleasure of experiencing some of Naples’ finest hotels. One standout is the Naples Bay Resort. Its cottage accommodations offer a wonderful sense of spaciousness and privacy. The main building boasts views of the harbor and the vibrant restaurant and store scene, while the cottages provide a tranquil overlook of the pool area. With its diverse dining options, numerous activities, and even a lazy river, the resort truly feels like an all-inclusive getaway.

Naples Bay Resort Canal Front Room

Image alt text: Serene canal view from a luxurious room at Naples Bay Resort, a top choice in this Florida travel guide.

Another excellent option is the Edgewater Beach Hotel on Gulf Shore. While it is a pricier choice and located a bit further from downtown Naples, it compensates with breathtaking Gulf views and beachfront access on a street lined with opulent homes and hotels.

Panoramic Gulf Views from Edgewater Beach Hotel

Image alt text: Stunning panoramic view of the Gulf of Mexico from Edgewater Beach Hotel, a luxurious beachfront hotel featured in this Florida travel guide.

Other highly recommended hotels we’ve enjoyed include the Hyatt House, Bellasera, Naples Beach Club, and La Playa Resort. If you prefer to be closer to the downtown action, consider the Cove Inn and the Inn on 5th – both are excellent options.

For larger groups or those seeking enhanced privacy, renting a property through Airbnb or Vrbo can be a fantastic alternative.

Naples Dining Scene: Restaurants You Can’t Miss

When it comes to dining in Naples, reservations, especially for dinner, are highly recommended as restaurants tend to fill up quickly. Fortunately, many Naples restaurants utilize OpenTable, making booking convenient and centralized.

Exterior shot of a Naples restaurant patio

Image alt text: Charming outdoor patio dining in Naples, Florida, a key highlight in this Florida travel guide for food enthusiasts.

Here are some of my top restaurant picks in Naples, categorized by price range ($-$$$$):

239: $$ – A local favorite with a diverse menu.
* The Hampton Social: $$$ – A highly Instagrammable spot with delicious food and a vibrant atmosphere.
*Ridgeways on Third: $$$$ – Known for its elegant ambiance and exceptional cuisine.
Turtle Club: $$$ AMAZING GULF VIEWS temporarily closed – (Note: Check for reopening, as it’s known for incredible sunset views).
Bar Tulia: $$ (multiple locations) – Offers a lively atmosphere and delicious small plates.
Caffe Milano: $$$ – A sophisticated choice for Italian cuisine.
The Claw Bar: $$$$ // The London Club (jazz room upstairs! A MUST!) – Indulge in fresh seafood at The Claw Bar, and don’t miss the jazz experience upstairs at The London Club.
* Ocean Prime: $$$$ – A luxurious steak and seafood restaurant with stunning presentation.
The Boathouse: $$ – Casual waterfront dining with great seafood options.
The Dock At Crayton Cove: $$$ – Enjoy fresh seafood with beautiful water views.
Del Mar: $$$ – Mediterranean flavors in a chic setting.
Campiello: (if you come in season try the Club Room! It has a special menu!) $$$$ – Italian fine dining with a special Club Room menu during peak season.
The Continental: $$$$ – Steak and seafood in a refined environment.
The Bevy: $$$ (more for drinks + atmosphere, food was not super impressive) – A great spot for drinks and socializing, with a lively atmosphere.
Capriccio Ristorante Italian Restaurant: $$ – Authentic Italian dishes in a cozy setting.
Tommy Bahamas: $$$ – Island-inspired cuisine with a relaxed, upscale vibe.
Coopers Hawk Winery: $$ (chain winery, super fun for a rainy day) – A fun, casual winery experience, perfect for a relaxed outing.
*Coast (inside the Edgewater Hotel): HIGHLY RECOMMEND! Amazing food and situated on the beach for PERFECT sunsets! $$ – Don’t miss Coast for its exceptional food and unbeatable sunset views right on the beach.
Lake Park Diner: $/$$ – Casual diner with a modern outdoor setting, order at the window.
The Turtle Club: $$$$ – BREATHTAKING sunsets – book months in advance! temporarily closed – (Again, check for reopening and book well ahead for the sunset experience).
Pinchers: for casual seafood $$ – A reliable option for casual seafood.
Yabba island grill: $$$ – Island-inspired grill with a lively atmosphere.
Mercato Center Restaurants: Explore a variety of options at Mercato Center, including Capital Grille, Hampton Social, and 239.

Breakfast and Brunch Spots in Naples

Start your day right with these fantastic breakfast and brunch locations:

Janes cafe on 3rd: $$ – A popular spot on 3rd Street known for its delicious breakfast and brunch fare.
EJ’s Bayfront: $$ – Enjoy breakfast with a beautiful bayfront view.
Bad Ass Coffee: $ – A casual coffee shop for a quick and easy breakfast.
The French: *$$ – French-inspired breakfast and brunch dishes in a charming setting.
The Bowl: $ – Healthy and customizable breakfast bowls.
Brooklyn Dough in a hole: $ – Delicious and unique donuts.
Cove Inn: $ (CASH/CHECK ONLY) – A casual breakfast spot at Cove Inn.

Restaurants on My Naples “Must-Try” List

Even after numerous visits, there are still restaurants on my list to experience:

Shell drinks at The Hampton Social

Image alt text: Instagrammable shell-shaped cocktails at The Hampton Social in Naples, a must-visit spot in this Florida travel guide.

7th ave social: $$$ – Contemporary American cuisine.
The Bowl: $ – (Trying again for a full experience).
*The French: $$$$ – (Dinner experience to try).
The Restaurants at the Ritz Carlton: – Explore the various dining options at the luxurious Ritz Carlton.
The Med: – Mediterranean cuisine.
Veranda E: – Elegant dining experience.
The Real Mccaw: – A local spot with a unique atmosphere.
Bayhouse: – Waterfront dining.
239: – (Another visit to explore more of the menu).
FISH: – Fresh seafood.
Salt: – Upscale dining experience.
Rocos Taco’s: – Mexican cuisine.
Baleens: (temporarily closed) – (Check for reopening).
Bricktop’s: – American fare.
Sushi at the Ritz: – Premium sushi experience.
Bar Tulia on 5th: – (Another location to try).
The French for dinner: – (Specifically for dinner).
Country House for breakfast: – (Breakfast specific visit).

Shopping Destinations in Naples: From Boutiques to Malls

Naples offers a diverse shopping scene, from upscale boutiques to large outdoor malls.

Fifth Avenue South Naples Shopping Streetscape

Image alt text: Vibrant streetscape of Fifth Avenue South in Naples, a premier shopping destination highlighted in this Florida travel guide.

* Fifth Avenue South: This iconic street is a must-visit, day or night. Lined with palm trees adorned with year-round lights, Fifth Avenue South is home to fantastic restaurants, bars, boutiques, gift shops, and Naples Soap Company. It’s perfect for strolling, shopping, and spotting luxury cars. Nearby, you’ll find Tin City, an open-air market ideal for souvenirs and unique gifts. Audreys of Naples is also worth checking out for designer and vintage finds.
Galleria Shoppes At Vanderbilt: A newer shopping center (15-20 minutes from downtown) featuring Designer Diva’s and True Fashionista’s, two of my favorite thrift stores for designer goods. True Fashionista’s specializes in high-end shoes and bags, while Designer Diva’s has a wider selection of clothing and jewelry – both are worth exploring.

Designer Resale Shopping at Galleria Shoppes At Vanderbilt

Image alt text: Curated designer resale items at Galleria Shoppes At Vanderbilt in Naples, a thrifting gem mentioned in this Florida travel guide.

Coconut Point: A large outdoor mall with a wide variety of stores, including everyday favorites. Delicious Raw Kitchen Juice Bar is a great stop for a healthy juice or smoothie.
Waterside Shops: An upscale outdoor mall featuring designer boutiques, department stores like Nordstrom, and favorites like Anthropologie and Free People. Tru Food and Brio are excellent dining options within Waterside Shops.
Gulf Coast Town Center: Another large mall, located further out towards Fort Myers. It offers a comprehensive shopping experience.

Naples Nightlife: Bars and Entertainment

Naples offers a vibrant nightlife scene, with options ranging from lively bars to sophisticated lounges.

Nightlife scene at Mercato in Naples

Image alt text: Energetic nightlife atmosphere at Mercato in Naples, a popular destination featured in this Florida travel guide for evening entertainment.

Mercato: A trendy and bustling area, especially on weekends, with a great bar scene. Blue Martini is popular every night, especially for Ladies Night on Wednesdays. Cavo is a fun pre-game spot with an open-air bar and dance floor. Seed to Table is a newer hotspot, a grocery store by day that transforms into a lively bar upstairs at night.
Downtown Naples (5th Ave): While generally more relaxed after 11 PM, downtown Naples has some great bars open until 2 AM. Vergina offers hookah, live music, and a great atmosphere. Bar Tulia is a cozy wine bar perfect for conversation. Hob Knob Bar + Grill and Parrot Bar + Grill (a casual, open-air bar at Tin City) are local favorites. DelMar provides a hip rooftop-style bar scene. The Vine Room is a trendy speakeasy with unique cocktails. Sidebar is a newly discovered trendy spot for mingling downtown.

Downtown Naples 5th Avenue at night

Image alt text: Illuminated Fifth Avenue South in Naples at night, showcasing the vibrant downtown nightlife options in this Florida travel guide.

Fun Activities and Things to Do in Naples

Beyond the beaches and shopping, Naples offers a variety of activities for all interests.

Boating in Naples Florida waterways

Image alt text: Enjoying a boat day in Naples, Florida, a top activity recommended in this comprehensive Florida travel guide.

Boating: Exploring the waterways is a must in Florida. Cruise the Gulf to Marco Island or Goodland, visit dock bars, and discover Keywadin Island, Cape Romano, and the Thousand Islands. Water sports are abundant. Naples Bay Hotel offers boat rentals, paddleboarding, kayaking, and jet skis. Take a cruise with Naples Princess, Double Sunshine, or Miss Naples Catamaran. Rent a boat from Boatsetter or getmyboat.
Beaches: Naples boasts beautiful beaches. Naples Pier Beach (access restricted, check current status) is a main public beach with amenities. Clam Pass Beach (currently open) is another option. Doc’s Beach offers volleyball, parasailing, and dining at Doc’s Beach House Restaurant (cash only, limited parking, arrive early). Tigertail Beach in Marco Island provides a more private beach experience (parking fee).

Sunset at Tigertail Beach in Marco Island near Naples

Image alt text: Tranquil sunset at Tigertail Beach near Naples, a peaceful beach destination highlighted in this Florida travel guide.

Other Favorite Activities:

Beach or Dock Picnics: Coast & Mingle offers incredible picnic setups, perfect for special occasions.
Breweries/Wineries: Visit Rip Tide Brewing and Coopers Hawk Winery.

Outdoor bar at Celebration Park Naples

Image alt text: Lively outdoor bar and food truck scene at Celebration Park in Naples, a fun and casual spot in this Florida travel guide.

*Celebration Park: An Instagrammable outdoor bar with food trucks and games.
*Naples Beach Pier Sunset: A prime location for watching the sunset.
Sugden Park + Beach: A park and beach with lake access, dog-friendly in the park area.
Explore 5th Ave and 3rd Street: Don’t miss the farmers market on 3rd Street every Saturday (7:30-11:30 AM) with live music, food trucks, and local vendors.

Farmers Market on 3rd Street South Naples

Image alt text: Bustling farmers market on 3rd Street South in Naples, a weekend must-do recommended in this Florida travel guide.

Naples Botanical Gardens: Explore beautiful gardens.
Naples Zoo: Visit the local zoo.
Walk Downtown Fifth Ave or Third Street South: Enjoy the charm of downtown Naples.
Sanibel Island or Marco Island: Take day trips to nearby islands (see my Sanibel Travel Guide for Sanibel).
Key West Day Trip: Consider a day trip to Key West via the Key West Express.

If you visit Naples and explore any of these recommendations, please tag me in your photos and share your favorite experiences!