Positioned on the southeast fringe of the Florida peninsula, the comfortable coastal city of Naples is an excellent alternative on your subsequent weekend escape, romantic getaway or household journey.
The world presents loads of water sports activities, nice eating and upscale buying, though its pristine seashores alone are sufficient for a soothing trip, and the tremendous pleasant individuals listed below are greater than keen to disclose their insider suggestions in regards to the Paradise Coast.
Whereas stories present that Naples is dwelling to among the wealthiest individuals within the US, the price of residing right here remains to be extra inexpensive than different standard Florida cities like Miami or Palm Seashore. And regardless of the rumors that the town isn't essentially the most numerous, I, as a Black girl, really feel very protected and welcomed by the locals.
Right here's what you could know to take advantage of your first time in Naples.
When ought to I am going to Naples?
The most effective time to go to Naples is between March and Might. Notably, it has but to turn into a well-liked spring break spot, so that you'll discover it peaceable this time of 12 months. The climate is at its most nice, and lodging are moderately priced.
From June to September, Naples will get very popular, with a number of rain and common temperatures over 90ºF (32ºC), generally even exceeding 100ºF (38ºC). In the event you go to round this time, remember to convey an umbrella, as hurricane season for the Sunshine State is July by October. Though the climate is dangerous, you'll discover some respectable offers round this time.
Winters in Naples are delicate 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 chook watching and wildlife recognizing.
How a lot time ought to I spend in Naples?
Naples is the right vacation spot for a three-day weekend journey and, for my part, works greatest for anybody on the lookout 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 personal airplanes. In actual fact, when you're within the metropolis, you’ll be able to typically see trendy jets within the sky all through the day.
That mentioned, you'll seemingly need to fly into Southwest Florida Worldwide Airport (RSW), situated in Fort Myers, which is roughly a 35-minute drive to Previous Naples. The common value of a rideshare is roughly $50 or so, relying on the time of day.
Is it straightforward to get round Naples?
Naples is definitely a really walkable city in most areas – particularly close to and across the bustling fifth Ave South. For these trying to hire a automotive, it's additionally a driveable metropolis with out heavy site visitors, and it has an honest 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 experience.
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 Previous Naples, this three-story property presents 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 on the lookout for barely extra budget-friendly inns throughout your keep, attempt the Courtyard Naples (round $114-240 per night time) or the Residence Inn Naples (roughly $118-175 per night time).
There are additionally loads of lodging choices for straightforward seashore entry, such because the Naples Grande Seashore Resort (roughly $197-235 per night time) or the Naples Bay Resort & Marina (round $190-219 per night time.)
Prime issues to do in Naples
Discover the picture-perfect seashores
Southwest Florida's seashores are definitely definitely worth the hype, with loads of attractive white-sand stretches to select from. My private favourite in Naples is, hands-down, Clam Move Park. It's free to entry (aside from a $10 parking price) and open to the general public each day from 8am till sundown. Once 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 among the most fantastically glistening seashells scattered throughout the sands. There's additionally a snack bar, restrooms, bike racks and foot showers. You should definitely convey your personal towels, though, as there aren't any accessible for most of the people to hire; they're reserved for visitors staying at beachfront resorts.
Different standard seashores to go to embody Vanderbilt Seashore, Tigertail Seashore and Marco Island Seashore. In the event you're on the lookout 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 embody 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 crops, 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 known as the Fogg Café.
Common festivals all year long embody the Naples Seafood & Music Pageant, the Naples Craft Beer Fest and Naples Downtown Artwork Truthful.
Take a ship tour
In the event you're on the lookout for enjoyable native boating experiences, La Gondola presents personal excursions within the coronary heart of Naples on genuine Venetian gondolas – good for a romantic date night time within the city. One other enjoyable choice is Naples Princess Cruises. You'll need to ebook each upfront as they promote out rapidly.
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 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 probably the greatest in Florida but additionally probably the greatest within the nation – and rightfully so. Generally often called The Continental, this spot has a menu stuffed with premium steak, seafood and cocktail choices, in addition to a powerful 39-page wine checklist.
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 undoubtedly 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 on the lookout 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 comfortable 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 cup of joe alongside the locals. One thing in regards to the ambiance and setting simply makes me really feel at dwelling irrespective of the place I’m on this planet. EJ's Bayfront Cafe made for a easy but pretty 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's identified for having among the greatest consolation meals on the town. It's 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 prime 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 don't have extra service fees.
You can simply plan a two-night keep for underneath $1000, together with a roundtrip continuous flight from New York Metropolis, for instance.
Common prices:
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Dinner for 2: $80-215 (or extra)
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Brunch for 2: $60-90+
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Mid-range resort off-peak, midweek in summer time: $100-250+
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Beer/pint on the bar: $7-10
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Cocktail: $15-18
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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.
