Watch dolphins from a boat, chat with parrots, stay forever.
It come as no surprise when my hometown of Naples , Florida was vote act one in the nation for health and happinessyear after year after year after year . The Gulfside city provide everything you could want in a bustlingbeach community : more than 300 days of annual sunshine , boat next to dolphinfish , tropical citrusy seafood , palm tree and seashell - filled hotels , castle - like shopping plaza , and turquoise water system that rivals many spots in theCaribbean .
A significant share of savvy traveller who bump themselves in Naples end up going from tourist to local within a year or two , making my little Florida mystery feel more and more like the fresh “ it”moving terminus . Though you could espouse in their sandy footsteps , if you ’re hanker for a straightaway dip down south , you ’ll be wanting a crash path on the local knowledge .
So muddle up some mint foliage and mix yourself a mojito . If you ’re lucky enough toescape the winter snowand project a trip to the southwest side of the Sunshine State , you ’ll want to check out out these in demand places in Naples .
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Indulge in luxury
Most of us plebeian will be fly directly into Fort Myers’Southwest Florida International Airport ( RSW ) , though if you ’re gush in private ( and a lot of Naples resident do ) , you ’ll be landing inNaples Airportwhere a chauffeured Bentley will likely be taking you to a Port Royal hall as you nosh on caviar , numerate your rhombus , and do everything ridiculously ample masses allegedly do .
jest by , Port Royal is the city ’s most famous vicinity , place in Naples ’ downtown historic territorial dominion . Its street are lined with over - the - top sign and snuggle among distort mangroves and manicured decoration Tree . Gawking at these homes , which are worth well into the X of millions , is an inviolable must , especially if you have an interest in actual land ( or unrealistic arithmetic mean ) .
Looking to copy its architect handbag , bedazzled sunglasses , and sparkling jewelry - beautify inhabitants ? Be sure to murder up theWaterside Shops — an out-of-door mall where you have to interbreed literal moat to get from Louis Vuitton to Prada .
Who’s ready for some shopping?|Mint Images/Mint Images RF/Getty Images
Chat with parrots and walk the boardwalk
Naples ’ manybeachesare its obvious draw , but there is so much more to the Ithiel Town than surf and moxie .
If the weather is n’t cooperating or you ’re desire to head for the hills Florida ’s notorious humidness , take refuge at various museums , include theRevs Institute , with over 100 classic and rare cars , and theNaples Holocaust Museum , whose artefact have been donated or permanently loaned by local subsister and liberator .
If the weather is sensational as usual , but inunct up and getting your tan on just is n’t in the cards , there are plenty of other way to take full reward of the Lord’s Day and the wildlife that thrives in it . Explore the urine lily pond and alive butterfly garden at the beautifully manicuredNaples Botanical Garden , or head to theAudubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary , a 2.25 - mile boardwalk among the marsh that is a bird - watcher ’s dreaming .
So peaceful. I could take a nap here.|Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
To get even more up tight and personal with fauna , be indisputable to also stop at theBird Gardens of Naples(around the turning point from Corkscrew ) to interact with parrots and hear about their conservation . Most of the talkative hoot have names and unique personality , and you could actually feed them almonds through their cage .
When you seafood, eat as much as you can
Aforementioned Fifth Avenue extend an copiousness of craving - specific fare , though newcomerDel Marhas garner most of the recent attention . The stunning two - tarradiddle space with beamed ceilings , industrial light fixtures and plush indoor trees specializes in Mediterranean - style seafood . You ’d be derelict to not enjoin the sea bass filet , paired with a sweet heirloom tomato broth , fennel confit , and citrus fruit labneh that is presently — in my small popular opinion — the full fish dish in Ithiel Town .
Just around the box is another seafood insane asylum , USS Nemo , where you could get aioli sauce - basted yellowtail center , grill branzino with sauteed artichokes , and a fried grouper bowl served with crunchy pineapple plant slaw , candied walnuts , and velvety mango sauce . But the juicy lamb ragu on tagliatelle is my best-loved dish in Naples , find atCampiello — a rustic modern-day Italian spot with paw - made pasta and wood - open fire pizza .
You ’ll also want to take full reward of Naples ’ famous brunch stick : Skilletsfor rich , cheesy , egg - topped potatoes andJane ’s Cafe on 3rdfor healthier choice like smashed avocado toast paired with julienned fresh herbs .
I’ll order the entire menu.|Del Mar Naples
If you ’re looking to fulfill a sweeth tooth , be sure to make upSmallcakesfor lemon - curd - filled cupcake and almond - frosted cookies . Norman Lovehas also developed a religious cult following with handwriting - paint chocolates that resemble valued stones and colorful fruit pastry that are almost too pretty to eat .
And in conclusion , for those who like a little risky venture with their meals , hop aboard theNaples Princessfor a sunset dinner cruise , where you ’ll not only nosh on delectation like wampum , oyster , and the chef ’s famously crisp and refreshing Caesar salad , but dance the night away as the sky turns amber and the dolphins tantalise along the ship ’s hull .
Sleep in a home suite home
Despite significantly pricey oceanside options , there are plenty of hotel to fit every budget . For the money - conscious , eco - certified and family - friendlyHilton Naplesoffers an oversized outdoor syndicate with a convenient beach shuttle , while theInn at Pelican Baypays court to cute but kitschy Florida style with Tommy Bahama - inspire rooms decorated in seashell and decoration frond motifs .
If you have the cash to drop down , look no further than theRitz - Carlton , a tropical relief valve with unobstructed beach views , vibrant gardens , and a world - grade spa with over 30 ( ! ) treatment room . LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort , just down the street , is another sumptuous alternative , having undergone $ 8 million in renovation to update its balcony - adorned suite with sheer plant life and fauna decor that celebrates the region ’s always - in - bloom landscape .
For a more metropolitan vibration , brain downtown toInn on Fifth , which perches above the urban center ’s most democratic shops and eating house on a strip called Fifth Avenue . It ’s also a carapace ’s throw aside from the Pier — a 1,000 - pes , Brazilian hardwood pathway into the ocean that is arguably Naples ’ most iconic landmark , especially during sunsets .
Waking up and seeing this? Count me in.|The Ritz-Carlton Resorts of Naples
