When you’re longing to enjoy time away and you’re looking for a vacation destination where you can easily pair gorgeous surroundings with easy access to entertainment of all types and a tranquil ambiance too—Naples, Florida has you covered. There’s no place on the map quite like this stunning getaway destination where visitors come from near and far to enjoy time on the sand and under the sun as well as days on luxurious golf courses, in world-class spas, or out and about immersing themselves in the joys of nature. If you’ve never been to Naples before, it’s very likely that your first trip this way will become one of many in the future. It doesn’t take long for Naples to work its magic on its new guests who are quickly in awe of the nature preserves, incredible shopping options, beautiful beaches, award-winning eateries in town, and the rich history and culture to top it all off. Here’s our First-Time Visitor Guide to Naples FL.
No matter what your interests might be, Naples is a place where you’ll find reasons to embrace the best of it all. Whether you’re strolling along Fifth Avenue South looking to invest in luxury apparel, or you’re taking a family tour of the Naples Botanical Garden, time here is simple to customize according to your preferred travel style. When you can’t wait to make the most of every single moment of your first visit this way, this guide is a great starting point to maximizing your experience.
Know How to Get Here with Ease
Time spent in Naples, Florida is always a treat whether you have a few days to spare in the name of vacation fun or you’re lucky enough to be looking forward to an extended getaway alongside family and friends. When your first time visit here has you flying into town from a point of origin that’s further away, you’ll want to make plans to land at the Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW). This convenient and modern airport is located east of nearby Fort Myers which is just a 35-mile drive from Naples. The Southwest Florida International Airport is served by most major U.S. airlines as well as Air Canada and Air Berlin, making it a primary hub for travelers looking to enjoy time in this sunny and welcoming place. If you have plans to utilize private jet services into Naples instead, you’ll have options to land at the Naples Municipal Airport which serves private aircraft and charter services too. It’s located right in the city of Naples which means that once you land, you’re just minutes away from the vacation fun and adventure ahead.
How to Get Around Once You Arrive
No matter what airport you choose to land at in and around Naples, having a rental car in place to use for the duration of your stay is always a smart choice. Even if you don’t end up using it as much as you thought you would, the option to simply hop behind the wheel and head out when you want to explore surrounding areas offers up the flexibility that can make all the difference in a successful first time visit this way. The Southwest Florida International Airport has a variety of rental car services on-site including National, Thrifty, Hertz, and more. When you’re out and about, you’ll be delighted to find that Naples links up seamlessly with Interstate 75 from the North and the East alike. It’s also a city served by US41, also known as the Tamiami Trail that runs from Miami to Southwest Florida and continues on through Tampa to the North.
On days when you feel like leaving the rental car behind, you can always opt to take advantage of the Collier Area Transit system instead. This system is comprised of eco-friendly buses that serve the vast majority of areas in and around Naples. If your travel plans have you focusing your time on sightseeing between downtown Naples and Vanderbilt Beach, you can always hop on the Naples Trolley too! This is a fun way to get around and it runs every day of the week between 8:30 am and 5:30 pm. You’ll purchase a ticket for the entire day and be treated to options to hop on or off or stick around for the entire two-hour tour instead which comes complete with insider information on local attractions, history, culture, and more.
Beyond a rental car to get around and the trolley for sightseeing fun, Naples does offer guests access to local taxi services, but it’s far more limited than you’ll find in busier cities. Rideshare services like Uber and Lyft can be accessed a bit more easily, but overall, this is a pricier option when you know you’re going to want to be out and about exploring for a large majority of your stay.
The Best Time of Year to Visit Naples for the First Time
Every traveler coming to Naples for the first time inevitably arrives with a one-of-a-kind vision in mind of what they want their trip to look like. There’s no wrong, right, or best time to head this way and enjoy all the fun that awaits, but there are some seasonal considerations to note when you want to customize your trip even more closely to your travel preferences. Many visitors would agree that the timeframe between March and June is a picture-perfect one for those who are looking to experience Naples for the very first time. This time of year, daytime highs have a way of lingering in the 80s, giving travelers every motivation to head out and enjoy the beautiful beaches and time in and on the waves. It’s also a good time to visit if you want to avoid some of the price hikes in the area that come during the peak of summer and around the holidays when school is out and visitors are looking to maximize time on the sand far from the snow and cold back home. A trip here between March and June has you making the most of a vacation right before hurricane season comes around as well. This runs from June to November each year and is good to keep in mind when you’re making travel plans.
Wonderful Outdoor Attractions to Check Out During Your Visit
Your first-time trip to Naples is something that will leave memories that last a lifetime in its wake. For many travelers, the most difficult part of it all is simply narrowing down the initial list of options when it comes to fitting as many natural attractions and outdoor activities as possible onto the itinerary. One of the simplest yet memorable experiences you can gift yourself while you’re here is enjoying at least one sunset over at the iconic Naples Pier. This historic stop is found at 25 12th Avenue South and has earned its reputation for scenic excellence around the amazing Gulf views it offers in every season. While some come here to fish and others to spot dolphins in the distance, it’s the sunsets that are particularly spectacular and worth hanging around to see for yourself.
Yet another great destination to make time for while you’re in Naples for the first time is Lowdermilk Park. Located at 1301 Gulf Shore Boulevard North, Lowdermilk Park is a beachfront locale that’s loved by locals and visitors alike. There’s a public park with volleyball courts to check out when you’re in the mood for a bit of friendly competition, and great playgrounds for the smallest in your traveling crew too. The gorgeous on-site gazebos are great for making the most of a beach picnic while the concession area is convenient if you’ve come by intent on spending as much time swimming and sunbathing as possible. Lowdermilk Park is designed with ADA-compliant access mats in place, so wheelchairs can make their way onto the shoreline here too. Lowdermilk Park is open daily from 5:00 am until 11:00 pm making it a convenient addition to even the most packed to-do list of attractions in Naples.
If you’re heading to Naples for the first time with little ones in tow and you’re looking to add a stop to your lineup that’s equal part impressive and educational, the Rookery Bay Environmental Learning Center is just the ticket. You’ll find it at 300 Tower Road and it’s part of the greater Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. Every moment spent here is an immersive one as visitors dive deep into the local coastal ecosystems that make up Southwest Florida. There are interactive exhibits including touch tanks and aquariums to check out as well as mangrove forests to explore on-site and enjoy wildlife watching along the way. Guided kayak and boat tours can be booked here upon request and the nature trails are open all year long. Be sure to check the event calendar before you go because they frequently host great educational programs that are inspiring for guests of all ages. Another mesmerizing nature preserve in the area for first time visitors with a heart for the great outdoors to enjoy is the Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. Sprawling across 13,000 acres of protected terrain, this swamp sanctuary houses the largest remaining virgin bald cypress forest in all of North America. Visitors are invited to drop by and explore the 2.25-mile boardwalk that showcases pine uplands and wetlands alike. Be sure to take a close look everywhere you roam because there’s a good chance you’ll be able to spot otters, deer, and alligators here living among the more than 200 species of birds.
Elevate the Luxury
When you’re looking to balance out all that exciting time in the great outdoors with some well-deserved luxury and style too, Naples is just the place to do it. Head on over to Fifth Avenue South and you’ll find you have a wonderful mix of high-end galleries and brand-name boutiques at your fingertips. This is the place to be when you want to shop ‘til you drop, and when you need to refuel, there’s no shortage of inviting and delicious cafes to check out. The sidewalks are lined with towering palm trees and the storefronts boast impeccable displays making your day out and about an experience that’s unforgettable.
Third Street South is another must-visit area in town for those who find their vacation state of mind most easily when retail therapy is included in the lineup. Third Street South hosts a variety of fun locally owned shops to explore as well as luxury stores, boutiques and galleries. The historic architecture here gives it added fun and flair, as well as reasons for those with a passion for pursuing the past to learn more about the buildings they’re spending the day exploring.
Can’t Miss Restaurants
No matter when cravings come calling in Naples, your first visit this way is designed to be a treat thanks to the fact that the city is brimming over with terrific options to choose from! No matter what you’re in the mood for, you’re sure to find it here. If you’re longing for authentic Cuban fare served up in a casual setting, head over to Rumba Cuban Café at least once. Jimmy P’s Butcher shop is the place to be for dishes showcasing everything from lamb and pork to wagyu beef and exotic game. This family-owned and operated business has two on-site smokehouses and they’re renowned for producing their own deli meats as well as a variety of other gourmet options spanning beef jerky and smoked sausages you’re definitely going to want to try when you drop by. BHA! BHA! Persian Bistro is a must-visit restaurant in Naples when you’re looking for bold flavors to top off a day of sightseeing, while Baleen is a beloved local restaurant for those looking for romantic and high-end waterfront dining options in town.
Book Your Luxury Stay in Naples Today
We hope you enjoyed our Naples FL first time visitors guide. There’s never been a better time than now to turn your Naples-bound travel plans into a reality for the first time. Solo travelers, couples, friend groups, and families alike will love the natural beauty, attractions, and flavors they find upon arrival. At Naples Vacation Properties, we’re here to make sure your first trip this way includes the luxurious accommodations you deserve to match the moment. Reach out today to learn more about our versatile offerings in some of Naples’ most exciting neighborhoods and how we can help you take your trip to the next level of excellence with every booking.
