Positioned on the southeast fringe of the Florida peninsula, the comfy coastal city of Naples is a superb alternative to your subsequent weekend escape, romantic getaway or household journey.
The realm affords loads of water sports activities, fantastic eating and upscale purchasing, although its pristine seashores alone are sufficient for a calming trip, and the tremendous pleasant individuals listed below are greater than prepared to disclose their insider ideas in regards to the Paradise Coast.
Whereas studies present that Naples is dwelling to a number of the wealthiest individuals within the US, the price of residing right here continues to be extra reasonably priced than different common Florida cities like Miami or Palm Seaside. And regardless of the rumors that town isn’t probably the most numerous, I, as a Black lady, really feel very protected and welcomed by the locals.
Commercial
Right here’s what you want to know to benefit from your first time in Naples.
When ought to I am going to Naples?
One of the best time to go to Naples is between March and Could. Notably, it has but to grow to be a preferred spring break spot, so you may discover it peaceable this time of yr. The climate is at its most nice, and lodging are moderately priced.
From June to September, Naples will get very popular, with numerous rain and common temperatures over 90ºF (32ºC), typically even exceeding 100ºF (38ºC). When you go to round this time, be sure you carry an umbrella, as hurricane season for the Sunshine State is July by October. Though the climate is dicey, you may discover some respectable offers round this time.
Winters in Naples are gentle however nonetheless provide an escape from the chilly climate, as common temperatures linger across the mid-70s Fahrenheit (round 24ºC). That is additionally a perfect time for birdwatching and wildlife recognizing.
How a lot time ought to I spend in Naples?
Naples is the proper vacation spot for a three-day weekend journey and, for my part, works greatest for anybody searching for a fast solo or romantic getaway to expertise the white sandy seashores and nice meals. Keep longer, and you may make time for day journeys to close by locations like Fort Myers and Everglades Nationwide Park.
How do I get to Naples?
Though Naples does have its personal airport, it’s primarily reserved for these flying on non-public airplanes. In truth, when you’re within the metropolis, you may typically see trendy jets within the sky all through the day.
That mentioned, you’ll doubtless wish to fly into Southwest Florida Worldwide Airport (RSW), positioned in Fort Myers, which is roughly a 35-minute drive to Outdated Naples. The typical value of a rideshare is roughly $50 or so, relying on the time of day.
Is it straightforward to get round Naples?
Naples is actually a really walkable city in most areas – particularly close to and across the bustling fifth Ave South. For these seeking to lease a automotive, it’s additionally a driveable metropolis with out heavy site visitors, and it has a good variety of each paid and free parking choices.
From private expertise, rideshares are your greatest wager for getting round, particularly for brief weekend getaways. Uber pick-up occasions are quick, with common waits of three to 5 minutes, and costs vary from roughly $7–16 per journey.
Commercial
The place to remain in Naples
The AC Naples Marriott opened its doorways in 2023 and is a superb choice for a comfy but luxurious keep. It’s only a five-minute drive to fifth Ave South, the place you’ll discover loads of luxe boutiques and eating choices. Within the coronary heart of Outdated Naples, this three-story property affords an intimate and boutique-like expertise with glorious service, fashionable rooms, a rooftop pool and Mediterranean bar, Limón. A one-night keep will price roughly $160–200.
When you’re searching for barely extra budget-friendly accommodations throughout your keep, strive the Courtyard Naples (round $114–240 per evening) or the Residence Inn Naples (roughly $118–175 per evening).
There are additionally loads of lodging choices for straightforward seashore entry, such because the Naples Grande Seaside Resort (roughly $197–235 per evening) or the Naples Bay Resort & Marina (round $190–219 per evening.)
Prime issues to do in Naples
Discover the picture-perfect seashores
Southwest Florida’s seashores are actually well worth the hype, with loads of beautiful white-sand stretches to select from. My private favourite in Naples is, hands-down, Clam Cross Park. It’s free to entry (aside from a $10 parking price) and open to the general public every day from 8am till sundown. If you first arrive, you’ll must stroll down a three-quarter-mile wood boardwalk, which is extra simply lined on the free tram service. The 35-acre seashore options loads of marine life and coastal birds. There’s additionally no scarcity of actions like nature walks and fishing.
Regardless of the marginally overpriced seashore chairs and umbrellas, this family-friendly seashore has calm, blue waters and a number of the most superbly glistening seashells scattered throughout the sands. There’s additionally a snack bar, restrooms, bike racks and foot showers. You should definitely carry your individual towels, although, as there aren’t any out there for most people to lease; they’re reserved for company staying at beachfront resorts.
Different common seashores to go to embrace Vanderbilt Seaside, Tigertail Seaside and Marco Island Seaside. When you’re searching for dog-friendly seashores, take your pup to Bonita Seaside Canine Park, Gulfside Metropolis Park Seaside and Lighthouse Seaside Park. Varied water-based actions to strive at native seashores embrace parasailing, jet snowboarding and dolphin recognizing.
Take pleasure in some off-the-beach actions
When you’re a nature lover, head to the Naples Botanical Gardens to see rainforest vegetation, succulent shows and waterlily-laden swimming pools in tropical-themed gardens. In addition they host common kid-friendly occasions and have a restaurant with backyard views referred to as the Fogg Café.
Common festivals all year long embrace the Naples Seafood & Music Pageant, the Naples Craft Beer Fest and Naples Downtown Artwork Honest.
Take a ship tour
When you’re searching for enjoyable native boating experiences, La Gondola affords non-public excursions within the coronary heart of Naples on genuine Venetian gondolas – good for a romantic date evening within the city. One other enjoyable choice is Naples Princess Cruises. You’ll wish to e book each prematurely as they promote out shortly.
Eat and drink at Naples’ high eating places
Campiello: If there’s one spot that can make you mistake Naples, Florida, for its Italian namesake, it’s Campiello. This award-winning Italian restaurant contains a rustic up to date menu with wood-fired meats and pizzas – get the Margherita.
D’Amico’s Continental Naples: This upscale butcher steak home restaurant was ranked not solely among the best in Florida but additionally among the best within the nation – and rightfully so. Generally generally known as The Continental, this spot has a menu stuffed with premium steak, seafood and cocktail choices, in addition to a formidable 39-page wine checklist.
Jane’s Café on third: Included in practically each Naples meals information and raved about by all of the locals, the celebrated brunch spot Jane’s Café on third positively lives as much as the hype, from its “lobster smashed avocado Benedict” to its French toast.
Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar: When you’re searching for one thing extra informal, Rocco’s Tacos is a superb alternative for tacos, birrias, quesadillas and taco burgers. For anybody touring on a price range, it additionally has common completely happy hours and Taco Tuesdays specials.
My favourite factor to do in Naples
As a restaurant lover, I get pleasure from frequenting espresso retailers all over the place I journey to get pleasure from a very good cup of joe alongside the locals. One thing in regards to the ambiance and atmosphere simply makes me really feel at dwelling regardless of the place I’m on this planet. EJ’s Bayfront Cafe made for a easy but beautiful expertise on a latest journey to Naples.
There’s typically a brief wait to get in, however the menu is a brunch lover’s dream, and it is identified for having a number of the greatest consolation meals on the town. It is simply steps away from the ocean and has loads of outside seating. A fan favourite is the banana-stuffed French toast platter with thick-cut challah bread, filled with sliced bananas and rolled in cinnamon and sugar. The meals arrives extraordinarily quick, and the service is top-notch.
How a lot cash do I want for Naples?
Regardless of Naples being one of the prosperous cities in America, journey lodging are pretty cheap – particularly for those who restrict excursions. Buying at native boutiques will set you again probably the most, particularly alongside fifth Ave South. Meals and drinks are pretty priced, and nearly all of eating places haven’t got extra service fees.
You possibly can simply plan a two-night keep for beneath $1000, together with a roundtrip continuous flight from New York Metropolis, for instance.
Common prices:
-
Dinner for 2: $80–215 (or extra)
-
Brunch for 2: $60–90+
-
Mid-range lodge off-peak, midweek in summer season: $100–250+
-
Beer/pint on the bar: $7–10
-
Cocktail: $15–18
-
Ice cream: $6–8
Mariya traveled to Naples on the invitation of Marriott Bonvoy. Lonely Planet doesn’t settle for freebies in trade for optimistic protection.
