Home to pristine stretches of white-sand beaches, nearly 100 golf courses, a vibrant nightlife, and a bustling downtown corridor, Naples, Florida is a jewel of Gulf Coast living. Located along the Paradise Coast, Naples captivates residents and visitors alike with its charm, vibrant lifestyle, and unbridled access to recreation. And whether you’re a golfer or a foodie, an angler or a history buff, this coastal paradise is a remarkable place to set anchor.
Naples, FL: Location and Geography
Naples is one of the southern-most cities along the Gulf Coast of Florida (Marco Island, just 15 miles south, is the last coastal community before the Everglades and Keys). About 40 miles south of Fort Myers and just over 120 miles west of Miami, Naples offers residents relatively quick access to larger metropolitan areas.
To the southeast, Naples is bordered by Big Cypress National Preserve, a biologically diverse forest and wetland area home to mangrove swamps and hundreds of species of other flora and fauna.
Southwest Florida features a tropical savanna climate, meaning the winters are temperate and dry (average temperatures are in the high 70s), while the summer months are typically hot (average temperatures are in the mid 80s) and wet amidst hurricane season. With nine miles of beaches along the Gulf of Mexico, Naples is a tropical destination for much of the year.
Naples, FL Attractions and Activities
It’s hard to go anywhere in Naples without running into expertly manicured golf courses. In fact, Naples dubs itself the “Golf Capital of the World” owing to its 90 golf clubs in the surrounding area, 30 of which are open to the public.
If you’re not hitting the links, fear not: The parks and pristine beaches along Naples’ nine-mile coast line are numerous, with 40 access points allowing residents to reach the Gulf waters with ease. The signature attraction of these beaches is the historic Naples Pier, which features restrooms, showers, and a concession stand. It is one of the most sought after locations among sightseers in the area.
The Naples Botanical Garden is a favorite for families and individuals alike seeking to learn more about the ecology and natural history of the region. The Garden recently unveiled the 60,000-square-foot Evenstad Horticulture Campus and keeps a robust event and education calendar for community members looking to engage on a deeper level.
Naples is also an ideal port for anyone looking to enjoy themselves off-shore. Several marinas in the city—including at the Naples Bay Resort—offer slips as well as rental opportunities for kayaks and larger vessels. The area is also home to many charter fishing companies for those looking to toss a line in the water.
Community and Lifestyle of Naples, Florida
While Naples’ full-time population hovers around 20,000, it increases amidst “in-season” months as snowbirds flock to Florida. This dynamic gives the city a fervent pulse from November through May, while the summer and early autumn is typically more relaxed.
The heritage of Naples is evident throughout the community, including at the Naples Historical Society where residents and visitors alike talk about the Calusa Indians and other factors that shaped what the area looks like today.
The city also celebrates culture through a busy festival and event calendar throughout the year, including the nationally renown Naples National Art Festival hosted by the Naples Art Institute. Other annual events include the Naples Winter Wine Festival, the Naples Craft Beer Fest, and even Swamp Buggy Races.
In addition to these community events, residents benefit from high-caliber local resources. These include Collier County Public Schools, one of the top districts in the state according to Niche. And the city is home to several highly regarded healthcare facilities, including the Naples Community Hospital which was ranked one of the top 50 facilities in the country.
Dining and Shopping in Naples, Florida
Anyone who has walked 5th Avenue South in Naples’ historic downtown, knows the city offers culinary and shopping experiences that exceed just about any community of its size. Anyone seeking a taste of Naples should start at Mediterrano, a coastal approach to Mediterranean cuisine that is consistently ranked as the best full-service restaurants in the area. The brunch crowd will enjoy The Rooster, which was recently featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives, while Osteria Tulia offers some of the best Italian fare on the block and BALEEN is the ultimate sunset dinner reservation.
People travel far for the shopping scene on 5th Avenue South. For those interested in high-end art The Englishman cannot be skipped, while Kay’s On The Beach and Oh My Gauze! specialize in women’s fashion. Moreover, The Village Shops on Venetian Bay offer a variety of luxurious ocean-side boutiques and Waterside Shops off Highway 41 is home to dozens of additional dining shopping opportunities—especially for folks looking for bigger brands.
Travel and Accessibility
Once you’re in Naples, you may not want to leave. But the entirety of the greater area is accessible by car. Naples is conveniently situated along Highway 41, which connects to Miami, but it’s also very close to Interstate 75, which runs to all points north, including Fort Myers, as well as southeast to Miami. For those staying close to town, Collier Area Transit (CAT) offers convenient bus service throughout the county, including service to Marco Island.
The Naples Airport is near the center of town, but is primarily used by private aircraft. Commercial jets fly into Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers, which is about 40 minutes from downtown Naples by car. For those traveling from out of state, there are many direct flights to Fort Myers from major hubs across the country.
Thinking of Moving to Naples, FL?
Naples, Florida is not just a picturesque beach town but a thriving community that offers a high quality of life, spectacular amenities, and a welcoming atmosphere.
On top of that, its location along the Paradise Coast makes it a world-class destination—whether for a quick visit, a season, or a lifetime.
If you’re thinking about relocating or exploring opportunities in the area, contact a local expert strategist to guide you in your journey.
