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Discovering the charms of Naples, Florida

yacht night view

Owning property by the beachfront can be a dream – and it can come true for you in Naples, Florida! There’s nothing like having access to a residence in a beach city, where you can head to for a getaway, or invest in a vacation home.

In this article, we’ll   talk about:

  1. The many things to do in Naples, Florida
  2. Where you can stay during your visit and Naples real estate
  3. The activities and attractions that both travelers and locals have the pleasure of experiencing on a daily basis

If you’ve been considering a real estate investment by the sea, learn about why Naples is one of the options for you.

DISCOVERING THE CHARMS OF NAPLES, FLORIDA AS A VACATION GETAWAY

Off the top of your head, what comes to mind when you think of a vacation getaway? Does a pristine beach, a clear horizon, and a relaxing lounge come close to your idea of paradise? If so, Naples just might be the city for you.

Known as one of the gems in the Paradise Coast, Naples has some of the most beautiful beaches you’ll find in Florida, with its stunning white sand, gorgeous sunset views, and large open spaces for all your outdoor activities.

Those looking for a quick escape from life’s everyday business can certainly find it here. Driving is the best way to get around Naples but you can also rent a car (limos included), hop on a city bus, go on a trolley tour, book a taxi, call your favorite ridesharing service, or charter a boat! The options are endless, but with so many things to see and do,  you can simply take a walk and explore what the coastal city has to offer.

Below are some of the best things to do in Naples, Florida:

Things to see

red vintage car

Overwhelmed by the number of Naples, Florida attractions?  We’ve prepared a list of must-see locations that encompass what it’s like to live in the city:

  • Go shopping! Upon arriving in Naples, you may want to do some shopping as you settle into your hotel or vacation home. You can explore chic shops, the Farmer’s Market, and delectable outdoor dining options at the historic Third Street South. There’s also The Village Shops on Venetian Bay, where you can find art galleries, local boutiques,  and well-established restaurants by the waterfront.
  • Discover amazing nature reserves. Visit the Historic Palm Cottage and learn about what the Naples Historical Society does to preserve the history and heritage of the community. There are also nature reserves and gardens you can explore, such as the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, a 110,000-acre habitat tasked to manage wildlife. The facility hugs 40% of the Collier County coastline. Go on their eco-tours to support the state’s research and resource management efforts. Connect with nature in the Naples Botanical Garden, 170 acres dedicated to protecting wild plants, safeguarding threatened species, and restoring natural habitats. That said, the Garden is also a great way to spend time with friends and family. The Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary occupies over 13,000 acres in Southwest Florida, conserving numerous federally protected forests, species, and rare plants within the Western Everglades. It’s another way to reconnect with nature and realize the importance of conserving our natural resources.
  • Immerse yourself in history and culture. Before diving into the watersports and outdoor activities, you may want to check out the following: The Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center began as a Naples, Florida, school exhibit created by the students and teachers before it took on a life of its own as a museum and educational center. The facility houses over 1,000 World War II and Holocaust artifacts and photographs donated or permanently loaned by the residents of Naples. When it comes to Naples’ fascinating prehistory and modern history, the Collier Museum at Government Center and the Naples Depot Museum are great stops in your tour of the coastal city. For something completely different, the Revs Institute houses a collection of 100 historically significant cars from 1896 to 1995. Founded by former race car driver Miles Collier, the Naples museum ranked number 7 in USA Today’s 2023 10Best survey of unique places for car enthusiasts. The publication cited the museum’s collection as  “among the most important and rarest built, almost all meticulously restored to peak operational condition.” The museum is closed for maintenance until September 30, 2023, but you can reserve your tickets here. For young families traveling with kids, the Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples offers an interactive and accessible learning experience.  It features workshops, play environments, storytime, surprise activities, and special events for the little ones.Catch a performance by the Naples Players at the Sugden Community Theater. Founded in January 1953, the theater group just hosted its 70th season for 2023-2024.  Catch full-length productions, children’s shows, sensory-friendly shows, and more.After a full day of cultural stops, head to Naples Pier or Lowdermilk Beach to unwind. You can have a nighttime picnic or visit the nearby restaurants offering a great sunset view.

Things to do

friends surfing

There’s more to do in Naples than you can fit during a weekend getaway. But you can always return to experience the things that you missed. Choose from some of these top must-try activities:

  • Explore Naples on a bike tour. Get a lay of the land with fellow Naples vacationers and newcomers. There’s so much to explore in the city, and you can take advantage of clear skies and sunny weather on a  bike tour.  Go with a group, rent a moped, or embark on a guided electric trike tour.
  • Join an outdoor adventure in Naples. Outdoor enthusiasts have the best time in Naples, where they can hike, sail, island-hop, swim with the wildlife, and do much more.
    • Get in touch with biologists for a guided hike and airboat ride
    • Spot the local wildlife, such as the manatees, alligators, dolphins, and bull sharks
    • Explore the different islands around Naples and sign up for birding and shelling tours.
  • Try as many fantastic water activities as you can in Naples. Think of any watersport, and chances are, you’ll find it in Naples. Here’s just the tip of the iceberg:
    • Mangrove Tunnels Kayak and PaddleBoard Eco Tour at La Vita è Bella doesn’t just deliver the goods. It also supports local research conservation efforts for the local animal species and their habitat.
    • 2-hour Sunset and Glow Clear Kayak Guided Tour offers a one-of-a-kind experience to view the underwater inhabitants of Naples
    • Sightseeing and Sunset Catamaran Sailing Excursion accommodates large crowds or intimate groups in an experience that showcases Naples is at its finest

Where to stay

Sunset view with two chairs Naples has hosted beachgoers since the 1920s, so you’ll have a wide range of options when it comes to accommodations. Below are some of the most highly rated places to stay in Naples:

Known as an oceanfront haven with a vista of the Gulf of Mexico and Vanderbilt Bay, LaPlaya offers a luxurious resort experience. Enjoy the recently refreshed amenities by booking as early as mid-January 2024 for the resort’s scheduled reopening.

This lovely boutique hotel offers a cozy lakeside dining experience, beach transportation, and an evening by the fire pit. It’s a mile away from Vanderbilt Beach and accessible to the Mercato Shops.

The Staybridge is perfect for long-term and extended stays on the Paradise Coast. It has a 24/7 fitness center, a full-service tiki bar, an indoor and outdoor heated pool, and a business center, should you need one.

As one of the most lavish resorts in the city, the Naples Bay Resort & Marina has top-of-the-line amenities and offers every imaginable resort activity. So, if you want to live your best holiday life, treat yourself to the luxury you deserve.

What’s Florida without golf? Just 15 minutes away from Naples and Marco Island, Ley Resort lets you indulge in your favorite sport. It boasts two championship golf courses, nearby shopping and dining options, and a short drive to the gorgeous coastline. Be sure to check their golf course closures to confirm your itinerary!

This hotel builds its service on “gracious hospitality,” so you can expect nothing less than stellar facilities and services. If your vacation goals are relaxing at a poolside cabana, booking a spacious suite, indulging in interesting eats at the Claw Bar, or meeting fellow guests at the London Club, this hotel is for you.

Every suite in the Edgewater Beach Hotel has views of the sugar-white-sand beachfront. If that isn’t an example of resort-style living, the hotel has also thrown in the comforts of home. So it’s great for a romantic getaway but just as accommodating of families. Here are snippets of what awaits you.

What to eat

rice meal

If the views are good, so is the food. In fact, a lot of places have blurred the lines between feasts, both visual and gastronomic. Some of our recommended restaurants are:

  • Baleen – 9891 Gulf Shore Dr, Naples, FL 34108-2019

Call +1.239.598.5707

Located in LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort, Baleen has a stunning sunset view to go with your dinner. Here, the menu matches the seaside setting. Start with a lobster Cobb salad or a plate of their grouper tacos. Or, opt for a private beach dinner as a special treat for your loved ones.

  • Mediterrano – 336 13th Ave S, Naples, FL 34102-7200

Call +1.239.261.7498

The Mediterrano knows exactly what it is and who it wants to serve, which means people who appreciate delicious Mediterranean cuisine. Be transported from Naples, Florida, to the coasts of Spain, Greece, or Italy, with the delectable dishes to try.

Seventh South strikes the perfect balance between comfort food and a unique dining experience, thanks to its craft food menu. If you want to meet friends after work, Seventh South is the place for you. They’re open Monday to Saturday from 4:30 p.m. to 1 a.m.

  • Rumba Cuban Cafe – 1265 Airport Rd S Promenade Plaza, Naples, FL 34104-4816

Call +1.239.659.2996

Enjoy authentic Cuban cuisine in a welcoming atmosphere. Sample the dishes that guests have raved about, including the lechon asado (“to die for”) and the sangria that “brings the Cuban experience to life.” Also recommended: the Cuban sandwich, ropa vieja, and boiled yuca. Plus, all guests were one in praising the cafe’s hospitality and service. It’s open Monday to Friday, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

  • Pho An – 4850 Davis Blvd Naples, FL 34104

This hole-in-the-wall may have just recently opened, but some of their early patrons have given it a thumbs up. They’ve called the signature noodle soup “so flavorful and delish” and have delighted in discovering a place that satisfies cravings for Vietnamese flavors, including Pho An’s spring rolls. Also available are egg rolls, vermicelli salad, and boba tea.

BUYING AND INVESTING IN NAPLES HOMES FOR SALE

aerial view of Naples lake

Home to almost 20,000 people, Naples is rated as the second-best city to live and raise a family in Collier County. Residences have a median value of $795,000 in August 2023, with 81% of locals owning their own houses. This urban coastline city also ranks as the 18th best place to retire in the state, with some of the best public schools in the county and an all-around great place to live nationwide.

Professionals also prefer living in Naples because of the work-life balance it offers, thanks to the many activities and amenities available within the city. Any busy workday can always be made better by meeting friends for drinks, eating out, or heading to the beach to de-stress.

Why buy residential real estate in Naples, FL

Considering investing in Naples real estate? We’ve listed the best reasons why buying a home in Naples may just be for you as a permanent resident or vacation homeowner:

  • 60% of Naples homebuyers are established locals looking for property to stay within the metropolitan area. If anyone can vouch for the city, residents have tried and tested what it’s like to live here.
  • Long-term living by the beach has significant health benefits, including the well-being experienced when exposed to natural environments. No wonder both young professionals and retirees enjoy the Naples experience.
  • A thriving arts and culture community enhances the quality of life in Naples. Regular art and cultural events and festivities are the norm in the community, becoming a catalyst for creative opportunities for Naples residents.
  • The value of Naples homes has been on the rise, which suggests how you can profit from your investment when you decide to resell in the future.
  • With more than 270,000 people visiting the Paradise Coast in March 2023, there’s no doubt about the potential for investing in Naples real estate. A vacation home can be lived in and rented out part-time or turned into a rental altogether.
  • Florida’s vaunted tax break is reason enough. Living in a gorgeous location like Naples and not paying any income tax, thanks to the state’s tax benefits, is hard to resist.
  • Naples is the second most livable city in Florida. In its 2023-2024 report, U.S. News and World Report placed Naples as #2 among the top 4 best cities to live in Florida based on good value, desirable location, strong job market, and a high quality of life.

Homes for sale in Naples, FL

To give you an idea of your housing options in Naples, check out the following listings:

Naples Proper

WORK WITH REAL ESTATE EXPERT TO DISCOVER THE PERFECT NAPLES HOME FOR SALE

If buying a home in Naples, Florida is what you’ve been waiting for, consult a real estate professional with impeccable credentials. Realtor Mel Biondi is a bonafide expert in Naples real estate and a member of the Naples Board of Realtors, Florida Association of Realtors, National Association of Realtors, and member of the Institute for Luxury Home Marketing.

Consult with Mel today. Call 720.934.3843 or contact him here.



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