With beautiful white sand beaches, excellent dining and a plethora of outdoor pursuits, Floridian Naples truly has it all, and more awaits outside the city limits at the Everglades National Park downstate or – closer yet – the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Naples is also known for its first-rate golf courses and deluxe boutiques, both of which give the city a well-off, prosperous air.
Floridian Naples is a town beloved by American vacationers and so-called "snowbirds" - residents of the continent's north who head down south come November, when temperatures in many parts of the USA and Canada start rapidly dropping. The fact many choose to spend the winter season in Naples is hardly surprising - with first-class dining, excellent golfing and fishing opportunities, and incredible white sand beaches, Naples is an excellent destination for holidaymakers. Life in Naples revolves around Fifth Avenue South, a street packed with dining spots and upscale boutiques, and one where sounds of live jazz and reggae music fill the air. Apart from the elegant downtown area, both locals and visitors often favour spending time at the beaches and engaging in all sorts of outdoor activities on land and sea. Lovers of the outdoors will not find themselves at a loss either - the Everglades National Park, Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge, and Big Cypress National Preserve are all within easy reach form town.
Beyond the beaches, there is much more to enjoy in Naples. The Golisano Children's Museum of Naples is a must-see, as is the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens with its popular giraffes, black bears, and boat rides to view primates living cage-free on islands in the zoo's Lake Victoria. Cool off at Sun-n-Fun Lagoon water park with five water slides, water fountains and a lazy river. For pursuits in nature, take one of the guided tours through the Everglades National Park and/or Big Cypress National Preserve - all with a short drive from town.
Stroll around Naples' Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South and you'll find an array of gourmet cosmopolitan establishments, from tropical, open-air bistros and Caribbean cuisine to pubs serving traditional Irish fare. Check out Tin City and the Village on Venetian Bay, which both offer casual and upscale fare on the water. In Naples, you can dine with bay-front views or enjoy restaurants at luxurious beach resorts.
There is plenty of competition among coffee shops in Naples, which means there really are quite a few establishments to choose from. There are also some great wine shops and cafes, where you can relax and unwind with a glass of wine and a unique and flavorful local specialty dish.
Nightlife in Naples and the surrounding area means everything from sipping cocktails at trendy lounges on Fifth Avenue South or Mercato to drinking cold beers while listening to the sounds of live music and the water lapping at the dockside restaurants in Goodland and the Isles of Capri. It's playing poker, blackjack, or slots at Seminole Casino Immokalee or dancing the night away at the Burn by Rocky Patel or Noodle’s, with dance parties on Thursdays and Fridays.
Start your shopping itinerary strolling along Fifth Avenue South, the city's main shopping strip packed with stores and boutiques. Afterwards, head over to Third Street South for further shopping opportunities, or head to one of the other shopping locations in the city. Waterside Shops features flowing fountains, Tin City has a nautical flair, and the Village on Venetian Bay provides an elegant waterfront ambiance. Just between Naples and Marco Island you'll find Naples Outlet Center with a full array of quality outlet stores.
