Naples is a resort city in Southwest Florida worthy of a place on the Paradise Coast. The white sand and green, glassy water are an enduring draw, but the best colors of Naples are often found inland. This artsy city embraces its creative culture at every turn from year-round shops and galleries to annual art fairs and festivals. While most things to do in Naples will require a layer of sunscreen, you needn’t overpack swimsuits. Golf courses, Native American archaeological sites, bubbly bars, a lovely zoo, and botanical gardens await.
February and March are great times to visit Naples if you’re looking for more than a beach vacation. The National Art Fair takes place in February, followed by the annual Downtown Art Fair in March, both of which showcase local talent. As March comes to a close, semi-permanent residents called “snowbirds” tend to go back up north while spring/summer vacationers have yet to arrive—giving you more space to stretch out on the beach with pleasantly cool weather.
Most locals and tourists get around Naples by car—that could be a private car, rental car, taxi, or rideshare. Public transportation is limited to bus routes that aren’t completely protected from the elements; instead of waiting in the heat, prearrange transportation whenever possible. You could also use the Naples Bay Water Shuttle to travel between City Dock, 10th & 10th, Naples Bay Resort, Hyatt House Hotel, Bay Front, Boat House Restaurant, and The Dock Restaurant.
Naples is a great golfing and tanning destination, especially with Marco Island and Fort Myers close by. You can spend a rewarding vacation relaxing by the water day and night, but many people forget that Naples is only an hour’s drive from Florida’s wildly diverse ecosystems. Swamps, wetlands, forests, marshes, and more contain thousands of endemic—and a surprising number of exotic—species. Hiking, cycling, kayaking, and air boating through these areas showcase true “Old Florida” life.
