Finding places that pique your interest enough to leave your own home, and nearby surroundings can be daunting. It must be well worth it if you are going to invest your time, energy, and gas and fun money. Afterall, there are world-famous beaches in our own backyard and certainly plentiful shopping and highly rated dining establishments. But what makes Naples special and unique even amongst a sister city like Sarasota is its overall beauty intertwined with incredible amenities and of course, the abundance of billionaires. Sometimes we get so accustomed to just how amazing our own area is that we are taken aback when another city is so stunning. If you are looking to explore the best of Florida and be home in time to lay your head on your pillow at the end of the day, a visit to Naples is in order. Exquisite beaches, historical treasures, boutique shopping, and exceptional dining are on the agenda for this one-tank day trip.
Beaches for Days
Naples beaches are known for their soft, snow-white sand. After recent beach renourishment projects, they are as expansive as ever. With over 16 beach and park accesses, there is plenty of room to spread out and a variety of activities to fill your day. What is unique about many of Naple’s beaches is they are tucked between mangroves and open waterways so playing in tidal pools and exploring the different types of marine life is fun for all ages. Most of the beaches are a bit more secluded than you will find in the Sarasota area and even have access to small residential areas. Kayaking, beachcombing and relaxation without crowds is the main draw for Naples beautiful beaches. https://www.visitnaplesfl.com/beaches.
Naples’ Art District
After some time at the beach, you may want to peruse Naple’s Art District where over 100 artists sell their wares and provide classes and fun events for visitors to enjoy. This neighborhood of artists provides the perfect places to look for unique one-of-a-kind home decor and specialty gifts. Or, if you are feeling crafty, sign up for a pottery or jewelry making class. Open Studio events and much more can be found on their website to begin planning your visit to this unique artist enclave. https://naplesartdistrict.com/plan-your-visit/our-unique-neighborhood/.
5 Star Dining
Naples has a number of fine-dining establishments with 5-star ratings. Voted Top Seafood Restaurant in Florida, Swan River Seafood https://www.swanriverseafood.com/ is sure to appeal to everyone in your party. Situated on the beach in front of the Ritz Carlton, Gumbo Limbo https://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/rswrz-the-ritz-carlton-naples/dining/ is a favorite amongst locals. Of course, a city known for its billionaires is going to have a fair number of pricey restaurants, but there are also a ton of smaller diners and healthier restaurants that feature fresh, locally sourced seafood, meats and produce. There are several chains and local diners to grab a light lunch and go without feeling compelled to spend a lot of money.
Old Florida Charm at Tin City
A visit to Tin City will leave fond memories of its uniqueness and fun atmosphere. Known as the “waterway to Naples”, Tin City is a collection of waterfront shops and restaurants, a museum and so much more. Beginning with the Calusa Indians in the 1500s being the first inhabitants of what is known as the Tin City area now, and steeped in rich local tradition, the area has grown tremendously and stands as a “must see” destination locals always share with visitors. This is the place to wine, dine, and enjoy the sunshine with a variety of watersports for your active enthusiasts and plenty of shops and restaurants for everyone else to enjoy, all right on the water. For more information on Tin City, please visit https://www.tincityofnaples.com/.
5th Avenue Shopping
5th Avenue South is the area of Naples known for some of the most luxurious shopping in the world. Dozens of shops, both with international names and mom-and-pop owners, are the places to both window shops and work out some major retail therapy. Whether you are looking for a wonderful spa or a weekend away with amazing eats and treats and great seats for an amazing theater, your desire for a wonderful time aligns perfectly with the many offerings on 5th Avenue. For more information on Naples 5th Avenue including a complete list of stores, restaurants, and upcoming events, please visit https://www.fifthavenuesouth.com/shop/.
Back Home in Time for Bed
We hope you have enjoyed this tour around Naples and can plan your next one-tank trip in the near future. Whether you decide to picnic on the beach and leisurely stroll the beach in search of great shells, or stop by Tin City for some seafood chowder, sailboat rental and souvenir shopping or maybe just land at 5th Avenue and splurge on a great lunch, a fabulous coffee, and some eye-candy window shopping…a day in Naples is not far but definitely top notch.
Photos courtesy of Naples 5th Avenue South, Naples Tin City and Naples Art District Facebook pages.
Dining and Cooking