Naples (Florida)

Introduction

Sunset Gulf of Mexico

© zarmaxia

If a sophisticated enclave bursting with fine art, symphonic concerts and high-end shopping is your cup of tea, book a room at an inn or a resort in Naples. A charming city on the shores of the Gulf of Mexico, Naples exudes stylishness.

Neighbourhoods

• North Naples
• Golden Gate

Sights and Activities

Stroll beautiful pedestrian walks with shops, art galleries and restaurants. See row after row of palatial homes surrounded by tropical landscaping. The area is famous for its beautiful white sand beaches, golf courses, fishing, boating, water sports and spectacular sunsets.

• 'Tin City'. On the river in 'Downtown Naples': A Naples tradition. Originally a fisherman's wharf (it is still used as such) it is now a large collection of shops (all indoor and air-conditioned) offering a huge array of trinkets, clothing, art, and miscellaneous.
• Naples City Pier. One of the most popular Naples Florida attractions! No fishing license is required to cast a line from the Pier! The city of Naples picks up the 'annual tab' for the cost! Watch the dolphins, take amazing photos of the sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico! Lots to see and do at the Pier!
• Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, 1590 Goodlette Rd, ☎ +1 239 262-5409. Daily 9AM-5PM. Rediscover natural fun in the heart of Naples. Explore this nationally accredited zoo with animals from alligators to zebras blended into a historic botanical garden - two attractions in one! See Tiger Forest, Panther Glade, and African Oasis. Enjoy exciting wildlife presentations all day and a cruise past islands of monkeys.

Events and Festivals

Holidays

• New Year’s Eve - The US celebrates the outgoing of the old year and incoming of the New Year quite dramatically. Every state boasts its own parties to ring in the New Year, but none is more extravagant than New York’s Time Square, which sees people overflowing into the neighboring restaurants, bars, parks, beaches, and neighborhoods.
• St Patrick’s Day - March 17 celebrates the US’s large Irish population. Many cities around the country boast boisterous parades and Irish-themed parties, especially New York and Chicago, where the river is dyed green. Be wary of the drunkenness that dominates as this is definitely a party-day.
• Memorial Day - Memorial Day is an important holiday throughout the United States, but not for crazy festivities. Parades commemorating wartime heroes are often held and the day is also the ‘unofficial’ start of summer. Most visitors follow the crowds to parks and beaches, which are capped off with informal BBQs.
• Independence Day - Also known as the Fourth of July, Independence Day celebrates the US’s break from the British during the 18th century. Barbecues, street parties, beach trips, and weekend getaways are commonplace to appreciate freedom.
• Halloween - Halloween is a fun holiday on October 31 for all generations to dress up in costumes and relive their youth. Children walk around the neighborhood trick-or-treating for candy, while adults attend parties. Other seasonal events include haunted houses, pumpkin farms and carving, and corn mazes.
• Thanksgiving - On the fourth Thursday in November, Thanksgiving is held in almost every home in the US. Tourists will have a hard time finding anything to do as the country essentially shuts down in observation. A typical Thanksgiving meal consists of turkey, stuffing, mashed potatoes and pumpkin pie commemorating the original Pilgrim’s feast at Plymouth Rock.
• Christmas - On December 25, Christians celebrate Christmas as the pinnacle of their calendar by attending church and opening gifts from Santa Claus. Almost everything shuts down to promote family togetherness. The northern regions hope to experience a “white Christmas,” with trees and festive lights blanketed by snow.

Sport

• Super Bowl Sunday - the world’s most watched sporting event and one of the highest grossing TV days of the year, Superbowl Sunday is a spectacular extravaganza. Held the first Sunday in February, the Superbowl is the final playoff game between the NFL’s top two teams. The venue rotates every year around America, yet the local parties seem to remain. Pubs, bars and restaurants are great places to enjoy the Superbowl or locals throw their own parties with different variations of betting.

Weather

Naples has a humid (sub)tropical climate with warm conditions year-round though with some distinct seasons. Summers are from May to October when temperatures are mostly between 30 °C and 33 °C during the day and around 20-24 °C at night. This is also the wet season with 70% of the annual precipitation (1,300 mm) falling from June to September (around 200-250 mm a month). This precipitation usually comes in the form of short-lived afternoon thunderstorms, though you will see the occasionally gloomy, drizzling days. Also, the occasional hurricane can strike the area with massive destructions possible. November to April is by far a better time to visit, with days of 24-29 °C and nights in the 13-17 °C range. There is still a shower or two but with around 50 mm a month most of your days will be quiet, sunny and dry.

Getting There

By Plane

Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), also known as Fort Myers International Airport, about 45 minutes north up Route 75, is the main gateway for Naples and the surrounding area, including Cape Coral and Fort Myers. It mainly has connections to other cities in the USA, but there are quite a few flights to Toronto and less so to Montreal and even Düsseldorf.

Getting Around

By Car

Driving is the easiest way to get around town as, except for a small downtown area, Naples is very spread out.

Many international rental companies have a wide selection of rental cars and these include Hertz, Avis, Dollar, Thrifty, Enterprise, Budget and Alamo/National. Most companies will require you are at least 25 years of age, although younger people might be able to rent cars at slightly higher rates and with some insurance differences as well. A national driver's license is usually enough, but an additional international one is recommended. Also note that it usually costs more to include lots of other extra things. For example extra drivers, GPS, the first full tank, SLI (Supplemental Liability Insurance), PAI (Personal Accident Insurance, usually covered already at home), road assistance/service plan, and drop-off costs for one-way rentals.
If you want to book a car, it is recommended that you book your car before arriving in the USA. This is almost always (much) cheaper compared to just showing up. Also, try and book with a so-called 'broker', which usually works together with a few or many car rental companies and can offer the best deal. Some examples include Holidayautos, Holidaycars and Sunny Cars. Some of the cheapest deals to book from Europe, includes Drive-USA, which also has a German version.

For more information and tips about renting cars and campers, additional costs, insurance, traffic rules, scenic routes and getting maps and fuel it is advised to check the USA Getting Around section.

By Foot

Except for downtown Naples, in the 5th Avenue area, Naples is spread very wide and walking is not a very convenient means of travel, especially in the Naples heat.

By Bike

There are many bicycle lanes on the roadways. It is legal to ride a bike on the sidewalk and it may be safer as well.

Eat

If money is not an important issue when it comes to dining, Naples has a lot to offer. Many residents, after travelling to exotic places famous for their foods, are happy to return the quality and selection on offer in Naples. Naples also offers a reasonable selection for those of us on limited food budgets.

• Foxboro Tavern - this bar/restaurant is a great place to watch Boston sports, sometimes. On New England Patriot (American Football) game days, the owner throws huge events that include music and play-by-play commentary by him. It gets a little in the way of watching the game, but many enjoy it. The food here is great. Bar food goes gourmet. High-quality New England favorites and other pub grub is on offer.
• H.B.'s On The Gulf, 851 Gulf Shore Blvd (From North, Take Rt. 41 to Golf Drive, Turn Right to Gulf Shore Blvd.), toll-free: +1-800-237-7600. Naples' only beachfront restaurant, HB's On the Gulf serves fresh regional seafood and creative daily specials for lunch and dinner, indoors or out. Located on the Gulf of Mexico at The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club. 239-261-2222.
• Shula's Steak House, 5111 Tamiami Trail North (From Southwest Florida International Airport: Follow signs from Airport to I-75 South to Naples. Exit # 107 Pine Ridge road Turn right, going West approximately 3.5 miles. Turn left, South on US 41 ( Tamiami Trail) and the hotel is immediately on the right.), ☎ +1 239-430-4999. 6:30AM. Experience the best beef money can buy, Shula's Cut, at America's Steak House. Shula's Steak House is an upscale steak house honoring the 1972 Miami Dolphins Perfect Season. Open for breakfast, lunch or dinner. Located off the lobby of the Hilton Naples. 10PM.
• Cafe and Bar Lurcat, 494 Fifth Avenue, ☎ +1 239-213-3384. Experience serious food and voguish designs are served up in equal measure. From the Chagall-inspired ceiling mural in the cafe to the Italian silk pillows and leather banquettes in the bar, Lurcat is an urban hang out that is modern, cool and loungey for Naples. The food is excellent. In the bar you can order small plates for $7-$15. The cafe menu is a la carte and a little pricier but you will leave happy. Mid-high.
• Tommy Bahamas, 1220 3rd Street, ☎ +1 239-643-6889. 11am for lunch, dinner daily. Eclectic with a tropical twist, Tommy Bahama's Restaurant & Bar offers a relaxed, eegant Island ambience with truly inspired cuisine. Tommy's Famous Coconut Shrimp, San Juan Shrimp and Scallops, and mouthwatering Pin Colada cake tempt the palate while our cocktails slake your thirst. Live entertainment nightly expensive.

Drink

• Sunset Beach Bar, 851 Gulf Shore Blvd. N. (From North, take Rt. #41 to Golf Drive, turn right continue to Gulf Shore Blvd.), ☎ +1 239-261-2222. Catch a fantastic Naples sunset at one of the best places to do so, the Sunset Beach Bar. Recently awarded the title of Naples' "Best Beach Bar" by Travel Channel, live entertainment is available each evening. The Sunset Beach Bar is located at The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club.
• Food and Thought, Gateway Plaza, ☎ +1 239 213-2222. 9AM-8PM. Southwest Florida's ONLY 100% Organic Market and Restaurant! Good service, nice people, great food! Breakfast, lunch and dinner. $6-14.
• Blue Martini, 9114 Strada Place Suite 12105 Naples, Florida 34108, ☎ +1 239 591-2583. 4PM - 2AM 7 days a week. Blue Martini features over 25 superior martinis guaranteed to excite the taste buds and elevate spirits. Listen or dance to the best in live entertainment while enjoying a tapas menu - the perfect complement to their fine wine and spirits selections.
• The Turtle Club at Vanderbilt Beach / Restaurant and Bar, 9225 Gulf Shore Drive (The Turtle Club is located on Vanderbilt Beach in Naples at 9225 Gulfshore Drive North on the grounds of the Vanderbilt Beach Resort. The property is located between the Ritz Carlton Hotel and the La Playa Resort.). Lunch Monday - Sunday ~11AM to 2:45PM (We do not accept reservations for lunch) Dinner Sunday - Thursday ~ 5PM to 9PM Friday and Saturday ~ 5PM to 10PM. Focusing on fresh seafood and fine steaks and chops served in a spectacular beachfront setting, the restaurant quickly became a favorite “secret spot” for local Neapolitans. No longer did exclusive national hotels or private clubs dominate fine waterfront dining. The secret has been out for some time now, and the restaurant has consistently been voted the area’s top restaurant for waterfront dining. With a focus on casually elegant fine dining, hospitable and caring staff, outstanding food and wine, and excellent value, the Turtle Club continues to win rave reviews from both loyal locals and out-of-state newcomers.

Sleep

• Bellasera Resort Luxury Hotel, 221 Ninth Street South, toll-free: +1-888-627-1595. A four diamond luxury hotel featuring studio and three room suites with fully appointed kitchens, business meeting facilities, and onsite Zizi Restaurant.
• Doubletree Suites. This all-suites hotel is set on a peninsula overlooking the Cocohatchee River and Wildlife Preserve just two miles from Florida's Gulf beaches. Just 12 miles from Naples Municipal Airport (APF) and 25 miles from Fort Myers–South West Florida International Airport (RSW), this hotel features 101 suites, an outdoor heated pool, a 24-hour fitness center and an on-site restaurant which serves lunch and dinner.
• Hilton Naples Hotel (Naples Hilton Hotel), 5111 Tamiami Trail North, Naples FL 34103 (From Southwest Florida International Airport. Follow signs from Airport to I-75 South to Naples. Exit # 107 Pine Ridge road Turn right, going West approximately 3.5 miles. Turn left, South on US 41 ( Tamiami Trail) and the hotel is immediately on the right), ☎ +1 239-430-4900. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: 12PM. Shula's Steak House is the hotel's signature dining facility.
• The Inn on Fifth, 699 5th Avenue South, toll-free: +1-888-403-8778. This resort-style hotel with 87 rooms is in the heart of the city. Has 7,879 square feet of meeting space, Wi-Fi, two restaurants: McCabe's Irish Pub & Grill and Truluck's Seafood, Steak, and Crab House.
• The Inn at Pelican Bay, 800 Vanderbilt Beach Rd (Toll Free: 800-597-8770), ☎ +1 239-597-8777. Check-in: 3PM, check-out: noon. Minutes from Southwest Florida International Airport. Ft. Myers, the Inn at Pelican Bay is part of the Florida Green Lodging Program, and is within walking distance to Gulf beaches, golfing, tennis, and boating. Enjoy our complimentary breakfast, business center, fitness center, heated swimming pool, and complimentary wireless Internet access.
• Hawthorn Suites Naples, 3557 Pine Ridge Road, ☎ +1 239 593-1300.
• Lemon Tree Inn, 250 Ninth Street, ☎ +1 239-262-1414, fax: +1 239-262-2638. Designed with the architectural influence of Old Florida and set against a backdrop of landscaped tropical foliage. Two blocks from Fifth Avenue South and eight blocks from the beach, features a heated swimming pool, courtyard garden, and 34 guest rooms. Complimentary lemonade and continental breakfast daily. $89-$200.
• Marco Island Marriott Beach Resort, Golf Club & Spa (Marco Island, Florida Resort), 400 South Collier Boulevard, ☎ +1 239 394-2511. Pristine beaches, superb dining, golf, and the spa.
• Naples Bay Resort, 1500 5th Avenue South. Located in Old Naples, along Southwestern Florida's Gulf Coast, adjacent to the 5th Avenue District. Along with the resort Naples Bay has cottage accommodations and a private club. Both facilities also include a Euro-style spa, fitness center/aerobics studio, 6 tennis courts, 97-slip marina, yacht club, and kids club activities.
• The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club, 851 Gulf Shore Blvd. North, Naples, FL 34102 (From North Take Tamiami Trail, Rt. #41 to Golf Drive, Turn Right, Continue to Gulf Shore Blvd. N.), toll-free: +1-800-237-7600. 318 rooms and suites, a spa and fitness center, championship golf course, six Har-Tru tennis courts, beach, variety of water sports and complimentary Beach Klub 4 Kids.
• Park Shore Resort, 600 Neapolitan Way, toll-free: +1-888-627-1595. One and two bedroom suites with relaxing natural surroundings like lush gardens, waterways and serene, botanical walkways. Onsite restaurant and provides online reservations and special packages.
• Quality Inn Naples, Gulf Coast Hotel, 2555 9th Street North (U.S. 41 North), ☎ +1 239 261-6046.
• The Ritz Carlton, Naples, 280 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples, FL 34108, ☎ +1 239 598-3300. Featuring good views of the Gulf of Mexico, three miles of pristine beaches on the Paradise Coast, good restaurants and good service. Pricey at about $600 per night.

View our map of accommodation in Naples, FL

Keep Connected

Internet

There is a very small internet bar/cafe culture in the USA. Even then most of the internet bars/cafes tend be located in major urban centers. Accessible WiFi networks, however, are common. The most generally useful WiFi spots are in coffee shops, fast-food chains, and bookshops, but also restaurants and hotels more and more have a network to connect on. Some of them might require you to buy something and you might need a password too, especially in hotels.

Phone

See also International Telephone Calls

The general emergency phone number is 911. The USA has a great landline phone system that is easy to use. The country code for the U.S. is +1. The rest of the telephone number consists of 10 digits: a 3-digit area code, and a 7-digit number. Any small grocery store or pharmacy has pre paid domestic or international phone cards. These phone cards are very cheap and offer good rates. The once ubiquitous pay phone is now much harder to find. Likely locations include in or near stores and restaurants, and near bus stops. The cellphone network in the states is slowly getting better but is still not as good when compared to other western countries. Cell phones tend to operate using different frequencies (850 MHz and 1900 MHz) from those used elsewhere in the world (2100 MHz). This used to prevent most foreign phones from working in America. Phones must be tri- or quad-band to work in the U.S. Fortunately, technology has meant that most phones should now be able to pick up one of the U.S. networks. Prepaid phones and top-up cards can be purchased at mobile phone boutiques and at many discount, electronics, office supply and convenience stores. A very basic handset with some credit can be had for under $40.

Post

The US Postal Service is a very good and well priced mail system. There are post offices in every small and large town for sending packages internationally or domestically. Although some might keep longer hours, most are open at least between 9:00am and 5:00pm. If wanting to send a letter or postcard it is best just to leave it in a blue mail box with the proper postage. First-class international airmail postcards and letters (up 28.5 grams) cost $1.10. There are also private postal services like FedEx, UPS, TNT and DHL, which might be better value sometimes and are generally very quick and reliable too.

External Links

• Official Governmental Website