Why Go to Naples
YOUR DESTINATION AT A GLANCE
Naples, Florida, takes its name from the Italian city, but its charm is all its own: relaxed, refined and quietly luxurious. On Florida's southwest Gulf Coast, it's known for white-sand beaches with gentle waves, world-class golf and, these days, a love of pickleball; it even calls itself the Pickleball Capital of the World.
Naples is one of the most relaxing and romantic beach towns in the country. Instead of nightlife and crowds, you'll find upscale restaurants, elegant hotels and beautiful sunsets. Stroll the historic Naples Pier, browse the shops and galleries of Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South, and enjoy waterfront dining. Nature lovers will be in their element, with easy access to the Everglades, mangrove kayaking, dolphin cruises and the boardwalks of Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary.
Naples is perfect for couples and families looking to unwind. Fly into Fort Myers or Naples. I'll match you with the right beachfront resort and plan your Everglades and nature excursions.
BEST FOR
Couples, beach lovers, golfers, foodies and nature-loving families
BEST MONTHS
March to May and November to early December
EXPLORE
- Old Naples: The historic heart of town, with Fifth Avenue South, Third Street South, the beach and the pier.
- Naples Bay & Crayton Cove: Waterfront dining, marinas and Tin City's shops and boat tours.
- Park Shore & Pelican Bay: Upscale residential areas with beach resorts, Clam Pass and the Waterside Shops.
- Vanderbilt Beach & North Naples: Big resorts, beach bars and Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park.
- Marco Island & Everglades City: Easy day trips south for shelling, boating and the Ten Thousand Islands.
SIX18 SIGNATURE DESTINATION GUIDE
Naples, FL
North America › Southeast › USA › Florida
Gulf sunsets, sugar-white sand and Old Florida charm with a polished edge.
Coastal & Harbor
Luxury
Golf
Shopping
SIX18 INSIDER TIP
Stone crab season runs October 15 to May 1. Order them the local way, chilled with mustard sauce, at a dockside spot on Naples Bay.
Experiences Worth Exploring
THINGS TO DO
Parking near the pier fills quickly in season; arrive before 10 a.m. or walk over from Third Street South.
Naples Beach & the Naples Pier
The beach around 12th Avenue South is the heart of Old Naples beach life, with soft sand, gentle Gulf water and a nightly crowd gathering for sunset. The historic pier, first built in 1888, is being rebuilt after Hurricane Ian, with the city targeting a reopening around mid-2027.
Come after 6 p.m. for the best atmosphere, and reserve dinner ahead from January through April.
Fifth Avenue South
Downtown Naples' signature street is lined with boutiques, art galleries and patio restaurants under the palms. It's lively but never loud, and it's at its best in the evening when the sidewalk tables fill and the lights come on.
Go on a Saturday morning for the Third Street South farmers market, then walk to the beach.
Third Street South
Naples' original shopping district has a village feel, with courtyards, upscale shops and some of the city's most beloved restaurants, all just a few blocks from the beach.
Visit right at opening; the garden is cooler, quieter and full of birds in the early morning.
Naples Botanical Garden
A world-class garden celebrating tropical plants, with themed gardens inspired by the Caribbean, Brazil and Asia, plus water-lily pools, orchids and a native Florida preserve with boardwalks and birding.
Bring binoculars and go in the dry season (December through April) for the best wildlife viewing.
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
Audubon's 2.25-mile boardwalk winds through the largest old-growth bald cypress forest in North America, past wading birds, alligators and, if you're lucky, the rare ghost orchid. It's a real slice of wild Florida about 45 minutes from downtown.
Naples' grande dame sits right on Vanderbilt Beach, with Gulf-view rooms, a renowned spa, several pools and polished service. A classic choice for a special-occasion beach stay.
The Ritz-Carlton, Naples
Vanderbilt Beach
Hotel Tags
The newest luxury resort in town, set on a large beachfront estate on the site of the historic Naples Beach Hotel, with golf, a spa and easy access to Old Naples.
Naples Beach Club, A Four Seasons Resort
Gulf Shore Boulevard North
Hotel Tags
A stylish beachfront resort between the Gulf and Vanderbilt Bay, with a lively pool scene, water sports and access to its own 18-hole golf club a short drive away.
LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort
Vanderbilt Beach
Hotel Tags
A large full-service resort next to the mangrove preserve at Clam Pass, with a boardwalk to the beach, family-friendly pools and plenty of space to spread out.
Naples Grande Beach Resort
Park Shore / Pelican Bay
Hotel Tags
A boutique stay in the middle of Fifth Avenue South, with a rooftop pool and an easy walk to dinner, shopping and the beach. Ideal if you'd rather walk than drive.
The Inn on Fifth
Fifth Avenue South / Old Naples
Hotel Tags
Curated Accommodations
WHERE TO STAY
November in Naples, FL
High 81°F · Low 61°F · Rain 2 in
Snowbirds return and the season restarts. Early November offers great weather before peak rates, while Thanksgiving week is busy.
The best times to visit Naples are March through May and November to early December, when days are sunny and warm without the full winter crowds. January through April is peak season, with perfect weather but the highest rates and busiest restaurants. Summer is hot and humid with afternoon storms, and hurricane season runs June through November, though late summer brings the year's best hotel deals.
Best Times to Visit Naples
WHEN TO GO
Where to Dine
DINING
Naples dines well, from white-tablecloth Italian to barefoot seafood shacks on the bay. Stone crab claws are the local treasure in season, and fresh grouper turns up on nearly every menu.
- Old Naples classics: Campiello on Third Street South is a longtime favorite for Italian food on a palm-shaded patio.
- On the water: The Dock at Crayton Cove serves seafood with Naples Bay views, just steps from the city dock.
- Fifth Avenue South: Dozens of sidewalk restaurants make this the place for a lingering dinner and a stroll afterward.
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Walking & Biking
Old Naples is flat, shady and made for walking, and bike rentals make it easy to cruise between the beach, Third Street South and Fifth Avenue South. The Gordon River Greenway adds a scenic car-free path.
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Rideshares & Taxis
Uber, Lyft and local taxis are widely available, and they're handy for dinners downtown and airport transfers from RSW.
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Collier Area Transit
Collier Area Transit (CAT) buses run along the main corridors, but service is limited for visitors; most travelers rely on a car or rideshare.
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Parking
Old Naples has public garages and lots near Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South. Beach-access parking is metered and fills early in peak season, so plan to arrive in the morning.
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Driving & Car Rentals
A car is the easiest way to explore, especially for day trips to Marco Island, Corkscrew Swamp and Everglades City. I-75 and US-41 (the Tamiami Trail) are the main routes through town.
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Flying In
Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers is the main gateway, about 35–45 minutes north of downtown Naples. Naples Airport (APF) mainly serves private and charter flights. Miami and Fort Lauderdale are about two hours away across Alligator Alley.
Most visitors fly into Fort Myers (RSW) and rent a car, which is the best way to reach the beaches, Marco Island and the Everglades. Once you're in Old Naples, you can walk or bike between the beach, Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South, and rideshares fill in the gaps.
Getting Around Naples
GETTING AROUND
KEEP EXPLORING
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