It’s not uncommon for those who visit Naples, Florida to eventually come to the realization that it’s just as inviting of a destination to call their permanent home. This decision is one that’s often made for a variety of reasons from the area’s rich, natural beauty and easy access to outdoor adventures of all kinds to the fun shopping and dining scene locals have right at their fingertips too. Naples’ great location along the Gulf of Mexico means residents can enjoy a charming small-town vibe with seamless access to the open water when adventure is calling as well. When you live in Naples, balancing work life with time on the beach is always a viable option. The coastline here invites those who call Naples home to get out on the waves by kayak, boat, or jet ski whenever they’d like, and year-round warm weather means a night of dining out can typically always be something enjoyed on a scenic patio overlooking the waves. Keep reading to find out How to Experience Naples, Florida Like a Local.
Naples hosts an impressive arts and culture scene and is a place packed with history that greatly appeals to those who value opportunities to dive into the past and learn more about those who have come here before. If it’s a bit of luxury you’re after, calling Naples home means you can spend a day out on one of 80 local golf courses, or shop your way to fun downtown. There are plenty of parks here for kids to enjoy and amazing nature preserves to explore when you want to step away from the hustle of life and immerse yourself in nature at its best instead. The Naples lineup of annual events gives access to plenty of opportunities for connecting and celebrating, while performance organizations like the Naples Philharmonic bring residents together in the name of stunning shows. While you might not be at the point where you’re ready to start investing in property here quite yet, that doesn’t mean you can’t still experience Naples, Florida just like a local on your next visit. The following guide is a good place to start when you’re hoping to accomplish exactly that.
Shop like a Local While You’re in The Area
The locals in Naples know that when it comes to shopping, this is a destination on the map that’s difficult to top! Whether you’re here looking for antiques, home décor, upscale apparel, jewelry, or handcrafted items that are one-of-a-kind, there are places where you can find exactly what you’re searching for and so much more. When you’re looking forward to shopping like a local, begin your retail-focused journey over at the Waterside Shops at Pelican Bay. Located at 5415 Tamiami Trail North in Naples, the Waterside Shops at Pelican Bay play host to no less than 60 luxury retailers on-site! It’s an inviting open-air shopping mall that takes advantage of Naples’ beautiful year-round weather, and offers visitors access to a collection of restaurants as well, all generally anchored around Sak’s Fifth Avenue. When you enjoy an afternoon of shopping here, you’ll want to make sure you make time to drop by places like Gucci and Apple as well as Lilly Pulitzer, tory Burch, Ralph Lauren, Anthropologie, Tiffany & Co., Hermes, Louis Vuitton, and LuLulemon as well.
Next up is a stop at yet another terrific and locally loved shopping area known as Mercato. Located at 9118 Strada Place, this Naples-favorite destination boasts a great Nordstrom Rack to check as well as a Whole foods Market for those visitors who are looking to serve up a few home-style meals in their vacation rental and want to stock up on quality ingredients during their stay. You’ll also find the Silverspot Cinema at Mercato sitting alongside a variety of bars and unique restaurants to enjoy. Be sure to check the event calendar here before you head over because Mercato regularly hosts outdoor events throughout the year too.
Your trip to Naples won’t truly be one that you’ve experienced like a local until you head over to spend and afternoon or two shopping at the Village Shops on Venetian Bay. Situated at 4200 Gulf Shore Boulevard North, the Village Shops on Venetian Bay are designed with Mediterranean-inspired architecture throughout, providing a fantastically themed space to explore the more than 45 top-tier retailers within. You’ll also find the Village Shops on Venetian Bay are great when you’re in the mood for an afternoon of art gallery hopping too.
Of course, a luxury shopping experience in Naples is something best enjoyed on Fifth Avenue South. Sitting right in the heart of downtown, this palm tree-lined destination hosts more than 20 restaurants, but it’s often the boutique stores filled with high-end apparel and one-of-a-kind gifts that brings patrons back time and again. Pair your stop here with time on Third Street Sout hand you’ll be able to balance out that world-class luxury with collections showcased at independent fashion boutiques in town too.
Top Activities and Attractions to Check Out to Make the Most of the Great Outdoors
When you’re looking forward to time unwinding and relaxing in Naples, a huge part of the appeal is the sheer number of fantastic places there are to relish time immersed in the beauty of the great outdoors. Take time to head over to Clam Pass Park, which is a local hot spot among outdoor enthusiasts at 465 Seagate Drive. Clam Pass Park offers guests access to a stunning stretch of shoreline in central Naples that encompasses 35 acres of coastal terrain. There’s a charming boardwalk to stroll along and mangrove forests to admire when you aren’t kayaking or swimming with family and friends. Many visitors and locals come here to fish but if you aren’t casting the line, you could always enjoy an afternoon of birding with binoculars in hand from land as well at Clam Pass Park.
If you set aside some time on the itinerary for an afternoon at the Naples Botanical Garden, you’ll find it’s a place that’s often frequented by locals too. The Naples Botanical Garden can be accessed at 4820 Bayshore Drive and when you arrive, you’ll find you have 170-acres of gardens and nature preserves to explore at your own preferred place. The Naples Botanical Garden is truly a breathtaking place in town where you’ll have the opportunity to set your sights on collections of greenery and florals hailing from across the globe. There are themed gardens to check out while you’re here and natural habitats to admire along the way. Don’t leave without visiting the butterfly garden and if you’re dropping by with little ones, the children’s garden is a must as well. From the tranquil walking paths to stroll to the beautiful water features to admire, a day at the Naples Botanical Garden is always well spent.
Must-Visit Beaches
Days spent basking in the sunshine is a right every Naples resident has earned and visitors looking to experience Naples like a local will want to take full advantage of the rays. That means making it a point to set aside time on the itinerary to visit some of the top beaches in town while you’re here. When you’re looking to keep your beach-going fun centered around North Naples, Vanderbilt Beach is calling your name. This breathtaking stretch of shoreline is a place many locals come regularly to enjoy a great sunset, but during the daytime hours, it’s equally appealing and enjoyable. Vanderbilt Beach is close to local restaurants and shops, yet far enough away that you can still make the most of time with your toes dug into the sand watching the waves roll in without a care in the world. It’s a fun place to enjoy a beach picnic or build sandcastles with the little ones as well.
If you have plans to spend time shopping the many luxury stores along Fifth Avenue South in Naples, you’ll be delighted to find that there’s a stretch of beach nearby that makes for a terrific follow-up to your retail-focused outing. Treat yourself to a relaxing moment on the shoreline here after you’ve invested in all the apparel and accessories you were hunting for. It’s an easy beach to reach that works as a nice downtime spot between shopping and heading out to make the most of local nightlife in the area later on.
Hidden Gems
Just like any travel destination on the map, Naples has its fair share of stops that tend to beckon to tourists in greater numbers. Then there are places that locals know about that are more hidden gems on the list. Among them is the Collier County Freedom Memorial and Park which sits along Golden Glade Parkway. You’ll likely first notice the large U.S. flag along the route, but if you turn in, you can take time to stroll along the half-mile raised boardwalk. Below your feet, you’ll see gators and fish thriving in protected wetlands. Additionally, this destination plays host to a large exhibition hall on-site as well as the memorial which honors those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, in the attacks on the World Trade Center.
When you’re looking to dive further into local history during your Naples visit, make sure to make time for a visit to the Historic Palm Cottage. Located at 137 12th Avenue South, the Historic Palm Cottage dates back to a construction year of 1895. It’s earned its title of oldest home in Naples and is truly a treasured landmark among residents. Today, the home is managed by the Naples Historical Society through which you can book guided tours or take part in educational programs hosted here throughout the year. The nearby Norris Gardens are also a part of the home tour, adding further to the fascination of this piece of the past that continues to thrive in Naples today.
Another fun place to check out that many visitors don’t necessarily know about is the Gordon River Greenway Park. This scenic destination can get overlooked easily by visitors heading to the Naples Zoo who don’t realize the park has many nearby access points. When you visit, you’ll be treated to time exploring a 1-mile boardwalk that hoists you up and over lush wetlands to admire. The park is home to sawgrass and a variety of bird species as well as a plethora of diverse fish and alligators too. If you enjoy cycling, you’ll be pleased to learn that there’s a great bike trail that runs right through the Gordon River Greenway Park as well.
Neighborhoods to Explore Like a Local
It’s tempting in new places to stick exclusively to the areas you’ve heard most about, but the beauty of Naples is that it’s packed with unique neighborhoods to explore! When you want to experience it all like a local, having an idea of their differences is a good place to start before you head out to see it for yourself. North Naples is a great place to be for family-friendly adventures and is home to Barefoot Beach, Vanderbilt Beach, Mercato, and Pelican Bay alike. North Naples is often loved for its pairing of natural beauty and upscale living making it a place where you can enjoy a day of shopping that also includes time kayaking on the nearby Cocohatchee River.
In Old Naples, visitors will find a blend of rich history and downtown fun to enjoy. This is a perfect place to be when you want to take time to admire charming beach cottages sitting alongside impressive mansions—all of which might just be surrounded by banyan trees and palms. It’s an extremely walkable section of town that hosts the iconic pier, the Historic Palm Cottage, and a slower pace of life that many will find endlessly inviting.
If it’s golf that makes your heart beat fast, Treviso Bay is designed just for you. This golf community in Naples is a place where you can enjoy amazing scenery as well as 18-holes of challenging fun before heading over to the 15,000-square-foot amenity center and clubhouse. There are resort pools in this community as well as pilates studios to enjoy and gorgeous lakefront homes within a space that’s brimming over with welcoming neighborhood vibes.
Marco Island is another Naples area neighborhood to explore when you love wildlife and outdoor adventures. Locals come here to enjoy waterfront dining, an afternoon of shelling, or fantastic fishing fun in good company.
Book a One-of-a-Kind Stay Today
Living like a local in Naples means enjoying the comforts, conveniences, and luxuries you deserve to feel right at home while you’re here. At Naples Vacation Properties, we can help you book just the ideal vacation rental to meet your needs and exceed your expectations during your stay. Reach out today to learn more about our inviting options, and to start planning your next trip to Florida!
