5 Reasons to Visit® Naples, Florida
5 Reasons to Visit® · Florida
5 Reasons to Visit Naples, Florida
Pristine beaches, fine dining, and elegant vibes — this is what makes Naples, Florida an unforgettable tropical vacation destination.
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The Top 5 Reasons to Visit Naples Now
Naples, Florida, is a stunning destination known for its pristine beaches and luxurious ambiance. You can stroll along the picturesque coastline, where sugary white sands meet the crystal-clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico, perfect for sunbathing and water sports. The vibrant arts scene boasts galleries and live performances, while the unique shopping experiences at upscale boutiques and open-air markets cater to diverse tastes.
Dining in Naples is unparalleled, with an array of world-class restaurants serving fresh seafood and innovative cuisine. Nature enthusiasts will appreciate the nearby Everglades, offering opportunities for eco-tours and wildlife viewing, making Naples a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure. 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.
Naples at a glance
- Region
- Southwest Florida — the Paradise Coast
- Best for
- Beaches, fine dining, luxury shopping, gardens
- Beaches
- 30 miles of white sand on the Gulf of Mexico
- Don't miss
- Naples Pier, 5th Avenue South, Botanical Garden
- Where to stay
- The Inn on Fifth
1.Where to Eat & Drink in Naples
Prominently placed on 5th Avenue South in the heart of downtown Naples, Ocean Prime is an ideal place to socialize, talk business, and 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, try the Berries & Bubbles — concocted with Belvedere Organic Lemon & Basil Vodka, marinated blackberries, fresh-squeezed lemon, Domaine Chandon Brut, and dry-ice smoke.
Ocean Prime takes pride in sourcing the highest-quality ingredients available, using simple, pure, local and regional flavors in a made-from-scratch menu. Seafood is selected daily for freshness, featuring wild and naturally harvested fish, while steaks include USDA Prime cuts aged for maximum tenderness. 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; and Chilean Sea Bass with whipped potatoes and champagne truffle sauce.
Take the time to indulge your sweet tooth with one of many decadent desserts, such as the Ten Layer Carrot Cake with cream cheese icing and pineapple syrup, or the Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie with peanut butter mousse and bittersweet chocolate ganache. Hungry yet?
2.Luxury Shopping: 5th Avenue South & Waterside Shops
Naples, Florida is known for the finer things in life, and its 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.
Image Courtesy: Visit Paradise Coast
Waterside Shops in Naples is the Gulf Coast's premier shopping destination, where the finest names in luxury retail and 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 lighting features. With more than 60 shops — including Saks Fifth Avenue, Anthropologie, Gucci, Hermès, Lilly Pulitzer, Louis Vuitton, St. John, and Tiffany & Co. — you'll indulge in the extraordinary while you delight in the everyday.
3.Artistic Oasis: Naples Art District & Local Galleries
The Baker Museum in Naples 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 from its permanent collections. Dedicated to stewardship and scholarship, The Baker Museum provides world-class exhibitions and educational opportunities for the region's diverse community. It's also the permanent home to four dynamic large-scale Chihuly installations — the Blue Icicle Chandelier, Red Chandelier, Red Reeds, and Persian Seaform Ceiling.
Artis at The Baker Museum is the premier destination for the visual and performing arts in Naples. Driven to inspire, educate, and entertain, it presents world-class events that enrich the diverse community — a unique range of programs including music, film, dance, comedy, lectures, and exhibitions featuring internationally acclaimed artists.
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. Highlights include Irma's Garden, Kathryn's Garden, the LaGrippe Orchid Garden, the Lea Asian Garden, the Kapnick Brazilian Garden, the Kapnick Caribbean Garden, the Scott Florida Garden, The Preserve (where 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 amid the forest canopy), and the Water Garden — reminiscent of Claude Monet's water lily pool.
Image Courtesy: Visit Paradise Coast
Naples Botanical Garden is creating a world-class paradise that combines delightful cultivated tropical gardens with beautifully restored natural habitats, connecting people and plants through display, education, conservation, and science. With its award-winning horticultural design and comprehensive approach to sustainability, Naples Botanical Garden is truly a special place.
5.Gulf Coast Beaches & Iconic Naples Pier
30 miles of wide, white sand and the 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, with world-renowned shopping and dining just steps away. At Naples Beach, you'll be steps from downtown, including the shopping and dining hubs of 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.
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
Discover the heartbeat of 5th Avenue South at The Inn on Fifth in Downtown Naples, Florida. Pass the concierge and step out the front door onto distinguished, exciting 5th Avenue South, where you'll find yourself steps from world-class dining, white sandy beaches, and Naples Bay. Walk toward the beach on 5th Avenue South and you'll run into 3rd Street South, an extension of the charming Old Naples village — sophisticated shops, renowned restaurants and bistros, and courtyards with antique fountains, all steps from your guest room or club-level suite.
Across the street from The Inn on Fifth you'll find the Club Level Suites, with exclusive amenities in their own luxurious building. The design draws inspiration from the charm and character of downtown Old Naples and the natural aspects of the tropical oasis. Opt for a pool-view room in the main hotel, or pamper yourself in the Club Level Suites, where you'll enjoy access to a private rooftop with jacuzzi and a lounge serving complimentary continental breakfast, evening hors d'oeuvres, and sweets. Relax over a cocktail or glass of wine at the top-shelf, self-service bar, available every evening. We suggest an elegant club-level Terrace Suite, complete with a generous terrace overlooking scenic 5th Avenue South and a bathroom with floor-to-ceiling porcelain marble and a double vanity made from Brazilian quartz. Stay in the heart of it all, where relaxation meets luxury. Book your stay below to reserve your room at the lowest price, guaranteed.
Book your stay at The Inn on Fifth → JW Marriott | Naples, FL | Exclusive First Look →Advertiser disclosure + editorial note
Naples, Florida: FAQ
Is Naples, Florida worth visiting?
Yes. Naples pairs 30 miles of white-sand Gulf Coast beaches and the iconic Naples Pier with world-class dining, luxury shopping on 5th Avenue South and at Waterside Shops, the Naples Botanical Garden, and The Baker Museum — a blend of laid-back luxury and coastal chic on Florida's Paradise Coast.
What are the top things to do in Naples?
Relax on the Gulf Coast beaches and Naples Pier, shop 5th Avenue South and Waterside Shops, dine at spots like Ocean Prime, explore the Naples Botanical Garden, and visit The Baker Museum with its Chihuly installations.
Where should I stay in Naples?
The Inn on Fifth in downtown Naples puts you right on 5th Avenue South, steps from world-class dining, white-sand beaches, and Naples Bay, with Club Level Suites offering a private rooftop jacuzzi and lounge.
What is Naples, Florida known for?
Naples is known for its pristine white-sand Gulf beaches, the Naples Pier, upscale shopping and dining on 5th Avenue South and Third Street South, the Naples Botanical Garden, and its reputation as the heart of Florida's Paradise Coast.