Located out of the way in southwest Florida, Naples is a gateway to the Everglades and has a different air about it to most other Floridian cities. It is both sophisticated and fun, with superb hotel, shopping and dining options, and also has stunning beaches, an interesting old town and an enviable climate.
Naples has that moneyed look, with its Millionaire’s Row and expensive boutiques, but isn’t pretentious like one might expect. Many people come here as a stop-off on the way through to the Everglades and ultimately Miami, yet you can easily end up getting snagged here longer by its charm and depth of attractions.
Naples’ main highlights include its fine, white beaches and its picturesque waterfront, which is backed by an array of seafood cafés and shops. Old Naples is a delight for wandering, especially along the celebrated Fifth Avenue South, and you can take in turn-of-the-century abodes, loads of museums, and even more boutiques.
Major Naples attractions include the colourful Caribbean Gardens, complete with exotic plants and animals, Naples Pier, and the Marine Marketplace at Tin City. The city is also loaded with museums, such as the Naples Museum of Art at the much vaunted Philharmonic Centre for the Arts, and the Teddy Bear Museum and Children's Museum of Naples for kids.
The chances to get active in Naples are endless and boating is one of the main activities, with popular sightseeing daytrips on cruisers, catamarans, and yachts available. Fishing and golfing are two other very popular pastimes here, while the shopping and dining options can take over your entire holiday. Interesting attractions farther afield in Naples include the quiet beach of Pelican Bay, classy Vanderbilt Beach, Marco Island and of course, the Everglades.
Naples has a good range of accommodation, which includes everything from affordable apartment hotels just out of the main touristy area to full-on five-star luxury in the thick of it and in peaceful beach areas. Old Naples, Tin City and the beaches are the most sought after areas to stay and the high season is from December to April, when hotels must be booked online in advance.
Naples has its own airport just outside town which receives flights from Tampa, Orlando and Miami airports. Without changing flights, you could fly direct to Fort Myers’ Southwest Florida International Airport and then transfer by taxi or hire car. The drive from Miami is about four hours, while I-75 comes in from Fort Myers. Greyhound buses also serve Naples and the main bus station is on Davis Blvd.
Like the rest of Florida, Naples suffers from high humidity, which is constant year-round, although Atlantic Ocean breezes temper things somewhat. You can expect highs of 32°C from May to September (also the wettest time), and winter highs of a balmy 25°C, with averages of 12°C.
As it rains most in Naples during summer and autumn, many people choose to come here in winter or springtime, while also avoiding the June to November hurricane season. Although Naples is a wet city in summer, it tends to rain in fits and starts and not nearly as much as in the nearby Everglades or in Miami. Off season bargains can often be had in late autumn and winter.
