Country Vacations & Resorts

Sun, sand, boating, fishing, swimming, snorkeling, golf, fine dining, shopping, and hundreds of other activities and attractions nearby. Where can you find this and more?

I’ve lived in Jacksonville, toured St. Augustine, and watched a few great NASCAR races at Daytona. I’ve even driven through Zephyrhills!

But, my favorite destination in Florida is the City of Naples.

Naples, Florida, USA

Naples Historic Pier
Photo: The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce

Naples is nestled on the sun drenched beaches of the Gulf of Mexico in southwest Florida, and is known for world class shopping and fine dining, challenging golf courses, exquisite sunsets, and incredible beaches. What you may not know about metropolitan Naples is that it’s location is only steps away from island seclusion or the untamed tropical wilderness of The Everglades. With it’s beautiful white sand beaches and calm seas, Naples is a favorite of water lovers, their families, and any outdoor explorer.

Naples is also home to some of the most luxurious real estate in the world. This is good news for travelers who want to find an executive rental, as many homes are in-season-use by owners, providing vacationers to this beautiful area, many travel rental options. The private and exclusive Port Royal is the best known luxury neighborhood with estate prices starting at $7.4 million. Look but don’t touch for most of us but hey, this is a vacation and I wouldn’t mind taking it near this neighborhood!

Why Naples?

This city in Collier County, southwest Florida, is not only sunny and beautiful, but is also rich in human and natural history. Thanks to the first sixteenth century European visitor and Spanish explorer, Ponce de Leon, and visits by many famous figures of history since including Teddy Roosevelt, Naples has become a top destination for those wishing to escape a cruel winter or for those who thrive in a warm and sunny outdoor environment – any time of year.

Visit historic Palm Cottage, built in 1895 and reputedly Naples’ oldest house, where guided tours are offered in season. Other historic buildings include the Naples Commissary Building in Olde Naples, dating back to 1903, and the renovated Naples Depot (which was the Naples Train Station), built in 1927 and full of railroad memorabilia and history.

History buffs will also find much of interest at the Collier County Museum, which houses a permanent collection from Prehistoric times through to the present day. You will learn about the early Indian settlements here and may wish to go on to visit an Indian Village in the area, where genuine Indian, hand-crafted artifacts are sold.

The “River of Grass”

Nature lovers will have a field day in the Everglades, which has been called the “River of Grass,” and is the only ecosystem of its kind in the world.

Florida’s state reptile, the American alligator, thrives here, as do raccoons, black bears, panthers, bobcats and marsh rabbits. 300 varieties of birds and butterflies, and over 45 indigenous species of plants and trees complete this nature lover’s world in southwest Florida. Inhabiting the rich salt waters of The 10,000 Islands, are gentle dolphins and manatees, and over 600 different types of fish.

Downtown Naples
Photo: The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce

Attractions – Shopping, Dining, and the Great Outdoors…

Special attractions include the picturesque Naples Trolley Tours, and a luxurious display of mansions along Port Royal. A full list of Florida State Parks will give you info on tours, seasons, and special events.

Shopping in Naples is worth a trip – just for shopping! With a spectacular selection of fashionable centers and plazas to choose – from small boutiques and shops at Bayfront, Crayton Cove, Third Street, Fifth Avenue South, Tin City, and (my favorite), Venetian Village, on the waterfront of Venetian Bay, to the large chain and department stores, you can find just about anything in Naples.

An abundance of sidewalk cafes, chic bistros, and gourmet delis serve up lunch, snacks, and pastries. And don’t forget afternoon tea at the Ritz Carlton, an elegant, piano-serenaded treat offered only in season (October through late April). I have no comment about the recent dust-up over the request by a British couple staying at the Ritz in Naples, to not be served by “people of color.” I wasn’t there…

With over 35 golf courses, Naples has the highest ratio of golf courses to golfers in the USA. But tennis enthusiasts find equally high standards of play here, while water lovers discover pristine white beaches of unsurpassed tropical beauty, complete with splendid shells and a full array of sea sports. Golf, tennis and beautiful beaches – three requirements of many prospective vacations – all met in the City of Naples.

Where is it and how do I get there?

Map – Naples, Florida

Naples is about 922 miles (1484km) from Washington, DC and 1220 miles (1966km) from New York City.

Naples is served by the Naples Municipal Airport for local trips, and by Southwest Florida International Airport for long-distance travel.

For additional local travel and airport information visit the Naples Chamber of Commerce web site.

A metropolitan area with laid-back country charm, scenic beauty and warm weather, history, and enough variety of sights and activities to please almost everyone…Welcome to Naples.

Naples Vacations