A primary-time information to Naples, Florida

Positioned on the southeast fringe of the Florida peninsula, the comfy coastal city of Naples is an excellent alternative on your subsequent weekend escape, romantic getaway or household journey.

The world gives loads of water sports activities, tremendous eating and upscale procuring, although its pristine seashores alone are sufficient for a soothing trip, and the tremendous pleasant individuals listed below are greater than prepared to disclose their insider ideas concerning the Paradise Coast.

Whereas reviews present that Naples is dwelling to a number of the wealthiest individuals within the US, the price of dwelling right here continues to be extra reasonably priced than different in style Florida cities like Miami or Palm Seashore. And regardless of the rumors that the town isn’t essentially the most various, I, as a Black lady, really feel very protected and welcomed by the locals.

Right here’s what it’s good to know to benefit from your first time in Naples. 

When ought to I’m going to Naples?

One of the best time to go to Naples is between March and Might. Notably, it has but to develop into a well-liked spring break spot, so you will 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 plenty of rain and common temperatures over 90ºF (32ºC), generally even exceeding 100ºF (38ºC). In the event you go to round this time, make sure you convey an umbrella, as hurricane season for the Sunshine State is July by way of October. Though the climate is dicey, you will discover some first rate 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 great 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, in my view, works finest for anybody searching for a fast solo or romantic getaway to expertise the white sandy seashores and nice meals. Keep longer, and you can also 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 actual fact, when you’re within the metropolis, you may typically see fashionable jets within the sky all through the day.

That mentioned, you’ll possible wish to fly into Southwest Florida Worldwide Airport (RSW), situated in Fort Myers, which is roughly a 35-minute drive to Outdated Naples. The typical worth of a rideshare is roughly $50 or so, relying on the time of day. 

Is it simple 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 trying 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 finest guess for getting round, particularly for brief weekend getaways. Uber pick-up instances are quick, with common waits of three to 5 minutes, and costs vary from roughly $7–16 per experience.

The place to remain in Naples

The AC Naples Marriott opened its doorways in 2023 and is a superb choice for a comfortable 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 gives an intimate and boutique-like expertise with glorious service, trendy rooms, a rooftop pool and Mediterranean bar, Limón. A one-night keep will value roughly $160–200.

In the event you’re searching for barely extra budget-friendly lodges throughout your keep, attempt 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 Seashore Resort (roughly $197–235 per evening) or the Naples Bay Resort & Marina (round $190–219 per evening.)

High issues to do in Naples 

Discover the picture-perfect seashores

Southwest Florida’s seashores are actually well worth the hype, with loads of attractive white-sand stretches to select from. My private favourite in Naples is, hands-down, Clam Go Park. It’s free to entry (apart from a $10 parking price) and open to the general public day by day from 8am till sundown. While you first arrive, you’ll have to stroll down a three-quarter-mile picket boardwalk, which is extra simply coated 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 fantastically glistening seashells scattered throughout the sands. There’s additionally a snack bar, restrooms, bike racks and foot showers. Be sure you convey your personal towels, although, as there aren’t any accessible for most people to lease; they’re reserved for visitors staying at beachfront resorts.

Different in style seashores to go to embrace Vanderbilt Seashore, Tigertail Seashore and Marco Island Seashore. In the event you’re searching for dog-friendly seashores, take your pup to Bonita Seashore Canine Park, Gulfside Metropolis Park Seashore and Lighthouse Seashore Park. Varied water-based actions to attempt at native seashores embrace parasailing, jet snowboarding and dolphin recognizing.

Get pleasure from some off-the-beach actions

In the event 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. Additionally they host common kid-friendly occasions and have a restaurant with backyard views known as the Fogg Café.

Common festivals all year long embrace the Naples Seafood & Music Competition, the Naples Craft Beer Fest and Naples Downtown Artwork Honest. 

Take a ship tour

In the event you’re searching for enjoyable native boating experiences, La Gondola gives 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’ prime 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 includes a rustic modern 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 finest in Florida but in addition among the finest within the nation – and rightfully so. Generally often 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 record. 

Jane’s Café on third: Included in almost 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: In the event 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 funds, it additionally has common pleased hours and Taco Tuesdays specials.

My favourite factor to do in Naples

As a restaurant lover, I take pleasure in frequenting espresso outlets in all places I journey to take pleasure in a very good cup of joe alongside the locals. One thing concerning the ambiance and atmosphere simply makes me really feel at dwelling irrespective of the place I’m on the planet. EJ’s Bayfront Cafe made for a easy but beautiful expertise on a current journey to Naples. 

There’s typically a brief wait to get in, however the menu is a brunch lover’s dream, and it is recognized for having a number of the finest consolation meals on the town. It is simply steps away from the ocean and has loads of out of doors seating. A fan favourite is the banana-stuffed French toast platter with thick-cut challah bread, full of 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 some of the prosperous cities in America, journey lodging are pretty affordable – particularly should you restrict excursions. Purchasing at native boutiques will set you again essentially the most, particularly alongside fifth Ave South. Meals and drinks are pretty priced, and nearly all of eating places do not have further service fees.

You might 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 resort 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 change for optimistic protection.