If you happen to be a traveler who can most easily access their vacation state of mind in places where beautiful beaches, lovely year-round weather, and stunning views are within reach at all times, Naples, Florida is a destination designed just for you. Here, there’s no shortage of world-class golf courses to explore, amazing restaurants to check out, or world-class shopping stops to experience. While a trip this way any time of year is a treat, there’s something extra refreshing about a journey this way in the fall. When the slower pace, diminished crowds, and access to mild weather that define shoulder season travel are exactly your style, a fall getaway to Naples is a must. Daily highs this time of year linger in the 70s through October and November, making it easy to plan a trip around just about anything you’re looking forward to enjoying along the way. Here’s what to expect on a Fall Journey to Naples.
Day 1: Enjoy a Day Exploring the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
Your fall journey to Naples should start with a trip to the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary when you’re someone who appreciates time in nature. With beautiful fall weather on your side, this is the perfect time of year to explore this pristine and protected destination that’s set up as an outdoor classroom for visitors of all ages. Avid nature lovers and those just looking to observe beautiful local landscapes alike will find reasons to linger at the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary during their fall getaway to Naples. You’ll want to be sure to set aside enough time to wander along the boardwalk which takes you through no less than six different habitats right on-site. If you’re a bird-watching enthusiast, you’ll find fall is a fantastic time to have your binoculars handy here and turn your eyes toward the skies. Whether you’re spending time in the Cypress swamps, the pine flatwoods, the oak hammocks, the swamp ponds and lakes, or the wet prairies, The Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is a one-of-a-kind look at what makes the nature of Naples so fascinating.
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
375 Sanctuary Road West, Naples, Florida
239-348-9151
Day 2: Spend Quality Time Investing in Well-Deserved Retail Therapy
When you’ve had your fill of time in nature this fall and you’re looking to enjoy some well-deserved city-center fun too, Naples is packed with places to enjoy retail therapy. Grab your shopping bags and head over to places like Fifth Avenue South in Naples when you’re on the hunt for trendy finds ranging from upscale apparel to jewelry. Luxury brands can also be found in abundance over at the Village Shops on Venetian Bay which hosts more than 45 boutiques on-site as well as delicious restaurant options to refuel before you head out once more. Mercato is a must-visit when you’re looking for handcrafted goods for yourself or as souvenirs for family and friends back home.
The Village Shops on Venetian Bay
4200 Gulf Shore Boulevard North, Naples, Florida
239-261-6100
Day 3: Attend the Stone Crab Festival
If your Naples fall getaway happens to occur in October, you’ll be right on time to take part in the highly anticipated and annual Stone Crab Festival. It’s a must-experience event for those who have an unwavering passion for seafood. Those who love fresh-caught fare gather together at the Stone Crab Festival each year to make the most of three days of fantastic food, seafood-themed activities, and live music as well. Many local restaurants participate in the festival and offer special discounts on special menus. Attending this festival is also an opportunity to pair your seafood tasting sessions with time exploring the best of the Tin City Waterfront Shops.
Stone Crab Festival at the Tin City Waterfront Shops
1200 5th Avenue South, Naples, Florida
239-262-4200
Day 4: Check Out the Naples International Film Festival
Film buffs from near and far will be delighted to find that a trip to Naples in October is also a chance to incorporate the Naples International Film Festival onto their fall getaway itinerary. This renowned local event is a chance each autumn for those who love cinema to get together in the name of celebrating the art of film, exchanging ideas, networking, and enjoying one-of-a-kind entertainment too. The festival typically lasts four days and on average, sees over 60 films screened during that timeframe. It’s an exciting platform for talented established and up-and-coming filmmakers to showcase their work in the field of independent cinema in front of live audiences. The Naples International Film Festival is presented by Artis and is always a carefully curated program that infuses both international and domestic short films, narratives, and documentaries into the screening lineup.
Naples International Film Festival Presented by Artis at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
9118 Strada Pl. #8205, Naples, Florida
239-427-4463
Book Your Autumn Getaway to Naples Today
We hope you enjoyed our Naples fall journey guide. The next time travel plans bring you to Naples in the fall, make sure you have luxurious accommodations in place to enjoy starting on day one. The team at Naples Vacation Properties is here to help you get settled into an ideal home-away-from-home while you’re in town, so reach out today to learn more and to start planning your next adventure to Florida!