The Top 5 Reasons to Visit Naples, Florida Now
WRITTEN BY 5 REASONS TO VISIT® EDITORIAL STAFF
PUBLISHED JULY 2022 • 5 min read
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A stylish community known for its sophisticated downtown, white-sand beaches and top-rated golf courses on Florida's Paradise Coast—Naples, Florida has an exclusive yet intimate, small-town feel.
Source: Visit Naples CVB
Discover an impressive selection of restaurants, high-end boutiques and art galleries along the tropically landscaped avenues downtown. Just steps away is Naples Beach, perfect for watching colorful sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico. These are the top five reasons why Naples, Florida should be on your bucket list.
1. Luxury Shopping: Fifth Avenue South and Waterside Shops
Naples, Florida is known for the finer things in life and its great high-end shopping is one of the destination's most enticing aspects. From the irresistible mix of glamour and laid-back ease of eclectic boutiques on 5th Avenue South with designer accessories and home goods lining one of the nation’s most exclusive addresses—historic and modern architecture blend for seamless sophistication, while tropical blooms and lush greenery grace the pedestrian-friendly promenades. You’ll discover upscale fashion and jewelry, spas, one-of-a-kind gifts, artwork, and home décor.
Waterside Shops in Naples, Florida is the Gulf Coast’s premier shopping destination where the finest names in luxury retail and fashionable lifestyle stores are set amid a lush landscape of 30,000 tropical plants and flowering shrubs, a 550-foot-long, hand-laid rock wall punctuated by cascading water, and dramatic lightning features. With more than 60 shops, including Saks Fifth Avenue, Anthropologie, Gucci, Hermès, Lilly Pulitzer, Louis Vuitton, St. John, Tiffany & Co., and more—you’ll indulge in the extraordinary while you delight in the everyday.
2. Artistic Oasis: Naples Art District and Galleries
The Baker Museum in Naples, Florida is one of the foremost fine art museums in Southwest Florida. Emphasizing modern and contemporary art, the museum hosts several traveling exhibitions annually to complement installations of works from its permanent collections. Dedicated to stewardship and scholarship, The Baker Museum provides world-class exhibitions and educational opportunities for Southwest Florida’s diverse community. The Baker Museum is also the permanent home to 4 dynamic large-scale Chihuly installations, which include the Blue Icicle Chandelier, Red Chandelier, Red Reeds, and Persian Seaform Ceiling.
The Baker Museum in Naples, Florida
Artis at The Baker Museum is the premier destination for the visual and performing arts in Naples, Florida. They are driven to inspire, educate and entertain by presenting world-class events that enrich the diverse community. Offering a unique range of programs—including music, film, dance, comedy, lectures, and exhibitions featuring internationally acclaimed artists.
3. A Foodie’s Paradise: The Cuisine + Cocktails
Prominently placed on 5th Avenue South in the heart of downtown Naples, Ocean Prime is an ideal place to socialize, talk business, and to celebrate and indulge. Experience stunning interior design and vibrant energy complemented by truly genuine hospitality. Indulge in an impressive menu of seafood and prime cuts of steak, signature cocktails, and a Wine Spectator-honored wine list. For your artisanal cocktail fix, we recommend trying the Berries & Bubbles—concocted with Belvedere Organic Lemon & Basil Vodka, marinated blackberries, fresh-squeezed lemon, Domaine Chandon Brut, and dry ice smoke.
Source: Ocean Prime
Ocean Prime takes pride in sourcing the highest-quality ingredients available and using simple, pure, local and regional flavors in the made from scratch menu. Seafood is selected daily for freshness and they feature wild and naturally harvested fish. Steaks include USDA Prime cuts and are aged for maximum tenderness and flavor. Favorite dishes include Hamachi Crudo with pickled mango, sweet peppers, cilantro, and sesame ginger vinaigrette, Ahi Tuna Tartare with avocado, ginger ponzu, and sesame seeds, Florida Grouper with lobster, gnocchi, spring peas, and lemon jus, as well as Chilean Sea Bass with whipped potatoes, and champagne truffle sauce.
Take the time to indulge your sweet tooth and enjoy one of many decadent desserts such as Ten Layer Carrot Cake with cream cheese icing and pineapple syrup or Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie with peanut butter mousse and bittersweet chocolate ganache. Hungry yet?
4. Botanic Beauty: Naples Botanical Garden
The Naples Botanical Garden is a place of bliss, a region of supreme delight and a state of happiness. The 170-acre, world-class garden paradise features plants from around the world. Gardens you will enjoy are Irma’s Garden, Kathryn’s Garden, LaGrippe Orchid Garden, Lea Asian Garden, Kapnick Brazilian Garden, Kapnick Caribbean Garden, Scott Florida Garden, The Preserve (here you can stroll a mile long paved path along the lakes, venture onto sandy trails, or meander across the Sönne Family Ghost Orchid Boardwalk looking for native orchids and other epiphytes amid the forest canopy), and the Water Garden—reminiscent of Claude Monet’s water lily pool.
Naples Botanical Garden is creating a world class paradise that combines delightful cultivated tropical gardens with beautifully restored natural habitats. The Garden connects people and plants through display, education, conservation and science. The award-winning horticultural design and comprehensive approach to sustainability, Naples Botanical Garden is truly a special place.
5. Beachfront Bliss: Gulf Coast Beaches and Naples Pier
30 miles of wide, white sand and sparkling Gulf of Mexico are calling your name in Naples, Florida. Come experience the award-winning beach beauty of Florida’s Paradise Coast. Sometimes, you want the best of both worlds: a stretch of pristine sand all to yourself and world-renowned shopping and dining that’s just steps away. At Naples Beach, you’ll be steps from downtown, including shopping and dining hubs Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South. Lined with opulent mansions tucked into the dunes, the beach here culminates with Naples Pier. Spot dolphins, manatees and pelicans in the surf, cast a line and celebrate sunset.
Source: Visit Naples CVB
To the North, Vanderbilt Beach sits near the growing North Naples shopping, resort and entertainment district. It’s a local favorite also beloved for its sunsets. An undeveloped portion of an island north of Naples, Barefoot Beach is where you can spot local flora and fauna, including gopher tortoises. With miles of sandy beach and wetlands, Clam Pass Park is perfect for a calm beach day, or to rent a kayak or stroll. Florida's Paradise Coast has long been celebrated as a destination that blends laid-back luxury with coastal chic.
WHERE TO STAY IN NAPLES, FLORIDA
Discover the heartbeat of 5th Avenue South at The Inn on Fifth in Downtown Naples, Florida. Pass the concierge and step out of the front door onto distinguished and exciting 5th Avenue South, where you’ll find yourself steps away from world-class dining, white sandy beaches, and Naples Bay. Walk towards the beach on 5th Avenue South and you will run into 3rd Street South, an extension of the charming Old Naples village. The sophisticated and delightful shops, the renowned fine restaurants and bistros, and the courtyards and antique fountains all await—steps from your guest room or club level suite.
