Overview

Unless you are a recluse or highly dedicated homebody, if you own property here you will likely be out and about in Naples often. There is much to do and see in our little slice of tropical paradise.
 
Considering the importance of the distance and ETA to/from destinations of interest or need for many buyers, we developed our proprietary site feature we call “Destinations, Distances & ETAs.” Every active listing and the 600+ communities within Naples are assigned a GPS waypoint. We then calculate the driving distance and ETA between for sale listings, as well as communities to/from “top” destinations. Naples Abodes also provides a means to conduct custom home and community searches by distance to a beach, downtown and our primary commercial airport, Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW).
 
So, what are the “top” destinations in Naples?

Naples Destinations

Below, please find a host of destinations in Naples listed by category. Beaches, Dining & Shopping, Performing Arts, Hospitals, Airports, and Parks & Recreation are included. Within each category you will find multiple destinations. These align with those provided on every active listing and community page on our site.
 
Please know that while we cover most of the main destinations in the area there are others that might be of interest to you. Should you have recreational interests or otherwise and do not see reference to them here, please contact us. We will let you know if they exist here and provide any detailed information you might seek.

Airports

Marco Island Executive Airport (MKY)

A public airport owned by Collier County. It is located approximately 4 miles from the business center of Marco Island and 12 miles from downtown Naples. MKY caters primarily to private flyers. There are no commercial flights available.

Naples Airport (APF)

Less than 2 miles from our Gulf beaches and a 5-minute drive to downtown Naples is Naples Airport. Owned by the Naples Airport Authority/City of Naples, APF is a public airport. It used to have limited commercial flight services, but now caters primarily to private flyers.

Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)

RSW is the main public airport used by most flying to/from southern points of Southwest Florida. There are many commercial flights available. Located in Fort Myers, FL, drivetime estimates to/from Naples range from 20 minutes to an hour, depending on the specific Naples location.

Beaches

The beaches in/around Naples are some of the very best in the U.S. Our sand is white and is a bit finer than elsewhere. It is often referred to as sugar or powder sand. We have beautiful jade-colored waters. And considering we are on the west coast of Florida, peak afternoon sun through sunset, the sun is over the Gulf of Mexico. We have some of the best multi-colored sunsets on the planet. (An hour or two before sunset you will often see many heading to the beach, picnic baskets in hand, ready to witness the sun setting over our Gulf waters.)

General Beach Information

The below list contains most of the main beaches in the area. These coincide with the beaches referenced on our listing and community pages. Please know that there are more named beaches than appear here.

Barefoot Beach Preserve

Barefoot Beach is the northern most beach within Collier County and a favorite of many. It boasts 342 acres of preserve land on one of the only remaining undeveloped barrier islands in Southwest Florida. Wildlife is aplenty. The beach is 3 miles long. Restrooms are available, but little else. Parking is $10 should you not have a Collier County beach parking sticker.

Bonita Beach

Bonita Beach is in Bonita Springs, FL, just over the Naples/Collier County line. It is lovely beach with many access points along its almost 3-mile length. Parking can be tricky at times and there is often traffic on the 2-lane road it runs alongside during peak season weekends.

Clam Pass Park

Tucked behind the Naples Grande Beach Resort/hotel within the community of Park Shore is Clam Pass Park. This popular beach is about 2 miles long and is one of my personal favorites. An attended gate must be passed to enter the beach parking lot. At the back corner of the lot is an entryway to a ¾ mile boardwalk that leads to the beach. It provides a picturesque and shaded walk, travelling through mangroves and over an Outer Clam Bay inlet before opening to Gulf sands. It is absolutely beautiful. Free shuttles are provided should one not want to walk to/from the beach. Beachside food and restrooms are available.

Delnor Wiggins Pass State Park

As a state park, Delnor Wiggins Pass requires payment to enter and park. Our Naples beach parking sticker is not valid here. The park occupies almost 200 acres. The beach is 1 mile in length and runs along a relatively undisturbed barrier island. The facility includes a boat launch, spot for onshore fishing, a hiking trail and more.

Fort Myers Beach

The most popular beaches for Lee County residents, Fort Myers Beach is also a destination for residents and visitors of Naples alike. Located on Estero Island, the town of Fort Myers Beach has many named beaches along 7 miles of coastal sands. The island was absolutely devastated by Hurricane Ian in 2022. Fortunately, almost all beaches are now reopened. Many of the popular bars, outdoor restaurants and shopping spots remain in the process of rebuilding, but there is enough reopened now to make a trip worthwhile.

Lovers Key State Park

Lovers Key is a barrier island between Bonita Beach and Estero Island/Fort Myers Beach. The beauty of the 2-mile beach and surrounding landscape here have helped it become a beachside wedding destination. As this is state park, a fee to park is required.

Lowdermilk Park

Technically, the beach at Lowdermilk Park is part of Naples Municipal Beach. This beautiful park is located just north of downtown Naples. It offers a beachside children’s playground, volleyball courts, kayak and paddleboard rentals, picnic tables, restrooms and showers. Directly across the street are a handful of shops. Parking can be a bit challenging during peak season weekends. Arrive on the early side and you should have no problems.

Naples Municipal Beach & Pier

Naples Pier is the #1 tourist attraction in Naples. Being just 3 short blocks west of Third Street South – a bustling shopping and dining area – the pier and beach see high visitor counts. This beach happens to by my personal favorite for catching some Florida sunshine when time allows. The pier was severely damaged by Hurricane Ian in 2022. Plans are underway to rebuild it, making it larger, longer and much stronger. We hope to see the rebuild completed by winter of 2026. Food will once again be available. The beach is fully open during pier reconstruction. There is a dedicated parking lot here, but it is a bit small. Parking a block or two away might be required. Restrooms are available.

Pelican Bay Beach (Private)

While a private beach, I have included Pelican Bay Beach here to provide reference to it for those that might have interest in this amazing community. It is also featured on our two proprietary search engines: Advanced Naples Real Estate Search and Community Search. The community of Pelican Bay owns an almost 3-mile span of beach along its coastline. There are two main access points called North Beach & South Beach respectively. There is tram service throughout the community that makes beach stops along its route through this large and amenity rich community. Pelican Bay is just north of Clam Pass Park and just south of Vanderbilt Beach.

Tigertail Beach Park

Tigertail Beach is located on Marco Island. It is the closest beach for some residents of Southeast Naples. There is a range of amenities including concessions, playground, picnic tables, watercraft rentals and restrooms here. Tigertail connects to other Marco Island beaches providing approximately 5 miles of continuous coastline sand. Marco Island sand is a little different than that in Naples. It’s more “traditional” in color and texture. Beaches here are also known for shelling. Some call it the “shelling capital.”

Vanderbilt Beach Park

Vanderbilt Beach is very, very popular. Not only does it attract residents and visitors of Naples, but also many coming from Bonita Springs, Estero and Fort Myers to the north of us. The beach and surrounding real estate were damaged by Hurricane Ian in 2022. The beach has been restored, but some facilities are still seeing repair and/or improvements. The real estate around the beach is seeing major rebuilding and new development. One of the two Ritz Carlton hotels in Naples is on Vanderbilt Beach and offers beachside food and beverage. New development is expected to bring other food and beverage options in time. There is a dedicated parking garage here, but obtaining a spot requires an early arrival during peak beach season. Restrooms are available.

Via Miramar Beach

Via Miramar Beach is in The Moorings community of Naples, between Lowdermilk Park and Clam Pass Park. Via Miramar provides an entryway to a stretch of beach that is approximately 2.5 miles long. Most of this stretch of beach is difficult to access due to the many gated condominium buildings that line the coastline here. If you want a bit more privacy/less crowds, Via Miramar is a great beach choice. It caters mainly to locals.

Dining & Shopping

If there is one thing that people in Naples do often, it is to dine out. I’ll tell you that quite often when showing real estate, I marvel at 5, 10, 15 and even 20 + year old ovens that look like they may have reheated some pizza 5 years ago, and that is about it. For many, kitchens are for easy made meals only. Dining out in Naples is a very, very popular activity. While second to our beaches in all the things we are known for, Naples is also known for the large variety of restaurants we have and large number of them. If fact, Naples was rated years back as a Top 20 “best place for foodies” in the entire country. (With apologies, I do not recall the publication that named us so.)
 
Shopping in Naples is also a popular activity for residents and tourists. From tourist-aimed beachwear and tchotchke shops to the finest women’s clothing available, Naples has plenty of places to shop.
 
Dining and shopping establishments are often within the same locations. Let’s briefly review 10 of the most frequented and popular spots to both dine and/or shop in the area. As asterisk indicates a “hot spot” in Naples specifically.

Coastland Center

I refer to Coastland Center as the “every person mall.” It is an indoor mall. What can be said about a typical indoor mall? (Maybe I have said enough already.) Current anchors are Macy’s, Dillard’s and JCPenney. H&M and Forever21 are sub-anchors. A new, state-of-the-art CMX CinéBistro movie theater replaced Sears a few years back. There’s a typical food court, as well as a handful of outparcels dedicated to standalone restaurants. Coastland Center is fairly large with approximately 125 shops and places to eat.

Coconut Point

Approximately 5 ½ miles north of Naples is Coconut Point. This large outdoor mall, located in Estero, FL, shares its name with a large residential community to the east of it. Anchors are a Super Target, Dillard’s and Best Buy. There are approximately 25 restaurants, a movie theater and over 75 shops at Coconut Point. The restaurants here run the gamut from your typical large national brands to a handful of local establishments that approach “better dining.”

Fifth Avenue South*

Welcome to Naples! To visit Fifth Avenue South is to experience much of why so many love Naples. The main commercial portion of this primary downtown City of Naples strip is approximately ½ mile long and has over 200 businesses. There are apparel shops, gift stores, jewelers, ice cream parlors, banks, a hotel, a performing arts theater and many dining establishments. Restaurants and cafes total about 30. All are well-regarded and many have indoor/outdoor dining. The street is lined by palm trees that are lit beautifully every night. The western tip of the commercial section of Fifth Avenue South is a short 3-block walk to the beach.

Galleria Shoppes at Vanderbilt

Located in North Naples West, Galleria Shoppes is a mixed-use development comprised of restaurants, shops and professional services. Within this outdoor mall are approximately 12 places to eat, from branded basics to full-service local dining establishments. Retail shops and professional services providers number about 50.

Gulf Coast Town Center

Running alongside I-75, you might take note of Gulf Coast Town Center if travelling to/from Southwest Florida International Airport. This large outdoor mall is in Fort Myers, FL. Costco, Super Target, Bass Pro Shops, Belk and Regal Cinemas are anchors. There are about 25 dining establishments here. Retail shops and otherwise number over 50.

Mercato*

Mercato is a mixed-use development comprised of restaurants, night clubs, retail shops, residential condominiums and some business offices. Our sole Whole Foods is also located here. Most restaurants in Mercato are higher quality local establishments or small “better dining” chains. Retail shopping exists here, but it is limited. Dining out and the nightclub scene is the Mercato strong suit. The area has many outdoor events including concerts, outdoor movies, car shows and the like.

Miromar Outlets

This outdoor outlet mall is in Estero, FL, about a 15-minute drive from the border of Collier County. Approximately 100 outlet shops are located here. H&M, Saks Off 5^th, Chico’s and Polo are draws for many. There are also about a dozen spots to grab a bite.

Third Street South*

The original downtown strip of Naples, before Fifth Ave. South was developed, Third Street South comprises about 3 short blocks, as well as several side streets lined with restaurants and shops. There are about a dozen restaurants in total. A favorite casual affair is the original Tommy Bahama restaurant. There are also many art galleries here, as well as high-end shopping. Naples Beach & Pier is a very short walk to the west.

Venetian Village*

In the heart of the Park Shore community of Naples is Venetian Village (AKA The Village Shops on Venetian Bay). This dining and shopping area is located across the street from the beach, built alongside beautiful Venetian Bay. The bay is lined with luxury homes and condominiums. And the area is beautifully landscaped and lit at night. Restaurants total ½ dozen or so. They are all waterside and popular. The shopping here is comprised of about 30 stores. Most are unique and locally owned.

Waterside Shops*

Waterside Shops is an outdoor, mainly high-end shopping and dining destination. “Waterside” refers to several beautiful water features at the center of the mall. Tile-lined fountains are aplenty. The shopping here is primarily (not all) very high-end, with some the world’s leading luxury clothiers present. Saks Fifth Avenue is the anchor. There are five dining establishments in total. Proximity to Artis-Naples (see below) makes this an ideal spot to dine before a show.

Hospitals

While I hope hospital visits will not be a frequent occurrence for you, at some point I suppose most of us will find a visit inevitable.
 
Naples has a rapidly growing medical/health business community. We have two hospital providers with five locations in total. We also have several large medical complexes throughout the area containing medical facilities, offices, etc. New satellite care centers, as well as privately owned walk-in clinics, immediate/urgent care and other specialty medical facilities seem to open every year. With an expanding population comes need. I am happy to report that Naples is keeping pace with demand. The quality of care available in the area has also benefitted significantly from an influx of medical talent from larger metropolitan areas well north of us. As Florida steadily grows in population, its crown jewel, that of Naples, reaps the rewards.
 
Naples is home to Arthrex, a global medical device company that is a leader in orthopedic product development and manufacturing, as well as medical education. They draw thousands of doctors to the area every year to be trained in orthopedic procedures at their new state-of-the-art facilities here. Their presence in Naples has made the area strong in the field of orthopedics overall should a need ever arise.
 
Located on the grounds of NCH North (see below) is a brand-new Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS.) HSS is headquartered in NYC and is considered by many to be the world’s leading academic medical center specializing in musculoskeletal health. They are ranked very highly in the fields of orthopedics and rheumatology.
 
Naples is also particularly strong in the field of cardiac care. (See NCH below.)
 
Brief commentary on our two hospital providers follows.

NCH Healthcare System

Naples Comprehensive Health (NCH) is a locally governed non-profit with two area hospitals containing approximately 710 beds in total. They also own many other medical facilities in the area. They have associations with over 1,100 local physicians.
 
NCH was named “One of Americas Best 100 Hospitals” by Healthgrades for 2024. It has also been named one of “America’s Top 50 Hospitals for Surgical Care.” NCH is ranked within the top 2% of hospitals nationwide for clinical performance according to Healthgrades.
 
NCH has earned a particularly strong reputation within the field of cardiac care. This is certain to grow upon completion of a $200M heart and stroke institute currently underway. Expected completion is 2027 or later.
 
The two main NCH locations are:

NCH Baker Downtown

NCH Baker is located within walking distance of 5^th Avenue South in downtown Naples. This is the oldest hospital in the area but has seen expansion and updates over time. The coming heart and stroke institute is being built here.

North Naples Hospital

NCH North is in North Naples West. With approximately 260 beds, it is the smaller of the two NCH hospitals. The new Hospital for Special Surgery being built now is located on NCH North grounds.

Physicians Regional Healthcare System

Physicians Regional began operating in Naples after taking over a Cleveland Clinic satellite location in 2006. Since then, they have rapidly expanded throughout the area. Currently, they own/operate three local hospitals with a total of approximately 360 beds and more than 500 physicians. Physicians Regional offers services related to cardiology, neurovascular care, stroke care and orthopedics.
 
The three Physician Regional Locations are:

Physicians Regional Pine Ridge Rd.

Located in Central Naples East, just off I-75, Pine Ridge Rd. is the first location of Physicians Regional. After taking over the former satellite location of Cleveland Clinic, Physicians Regional upgraded the facility and opened its doors in 1999. This facility houses approximately 180 beds.

Physicians Regional Collier Blvd.

The Collier Blvd. location opened in a brand-new facility early in 2007, bringing needed medical care to portions of both South Naples and Southeast Naples. The hospital has 130 beds and is focused on acute care.

Physicians Regional North

Physicians Regional took over Landmark Hospital in 2022. Landmark had specialized in long-term critical care. Now Physicians Regional North, the hospital has 50 beds in total that are split between spine and orthopedic surgery patients, and inpatient rehabilitation patients. There are 4 operating rooms.
 
Please note, Naples Abodes does not include Physicians Regional North on our listing and community pages. Considering its proximity to NCH North we believe it to be no benefit to our site feature sets that use hospital locations. As an example, the proximity of a listing or community to a hospital in North Naples are served by the location of NCH North alone given its proximity to Physicians Regional North.

Parks & Recreation

There is no shortage of outdoor activities off the beach in Naples. Below, please find several prime outdoor destinations to take in the sun, a nice walk, an outdoor event or otherwise.

Baker Park

Opened in October 2019, Baker Park is one of our newest parks. Within walking distance of downtown Naples, the park is 15 acres and runs along the Gordon River. There’s a nice 1.3-mile walking trail around the park and there is a connection to our 2.5-mile Greenway. (See below.) There is a playground, picnic area, fitness facility and more. Some onsite facilities are available for events. Baker Park is a small, local park that was beautifully designed.

Big Corkscrew Island Regional Park

This is another new recreational complex in the area that opened in 2023. It has lots to love. There is an 8,700 sq. ft. aquatic center with water slides and diving boards. And the largest playground in Collier County was built here. There is a sizeable lawn for outdoor events, as well as 6 pickleball courts, 2 tennis courts, 2 outdoor basketball courts, 2 softball fields, 2 concession pavilions, 2 natural turf multi-purpose fields, 2 artificial turf multi-purpose fields and a handful of walking paths. A 22,000 sq. ft. community center suitable for multiple events also resides within this 150-acre regional park.

Cambier Park

Cambier Park is lovely park of 13 acres in downtown Naples. It runs directly parallel to the eastern end of Fifth Avenue South, just one block to the south. Much of the park is fully shaded with beautiful trees, park benches, a playground and a bandshell for outdoor performances. Also located here is a community center, covered pavilion, shuffleboard courts, softball field and a tennis facility. There are art shows, various community gatherings and many outdoor performances in Cambier Park. Just grab a beach chair, some snacks and a cooler for a nice afternoon enjoying the outdoors in Naples at Cambier Park.

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary

Our Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is an Audubon facility. It is billed as a “gateway into the heart of the Everglades ecosystem.” This 13,000-acre primarily wetlands sanctuary is truly awe inspiring. Walking along the 2.25 mile raised boardwalk you might see wildlife including alligators, otters, white-tailed deer, gopher tortoise and red-bellied turtles. A panther or black bear might also come into view. Beautiful birds abound, some of which endangered, like Wood Storks. The sanctuary is also home to the largest Virgin Bald Cypress forest in the world. Rare plants found here include the elusive Ghost Orchid. It is an amazing place to visit.

Fred W. Coyle Freedom Park

This 50-acre park is located just north of downtown Naples. It contains a 5-acre lake, short ½ mile boardwalk, and other walking trails. Several lookout pavilions and water fountains provide great views of restored wetlands. There is also an education facility onsite.

Gordon River Greenway Park

Our Greenway is spectacular. The park provides a corridor through a wonderous 140-acre preserve in the heart of Naples. 2.5-miles of walking trails including a raised boardwalk meandering through 6 native plant communities. Walking, jogging, biking, rollerblading and skateboarding are welcome. There is typically an abundance of wildlife on view.

Naples Botanical Garden

One of the finest tropical gardens in the U.S.A., the Naples Botanical Garden is a true local treasure. The facility is beautiful. It features numerous gardens, a restaurant, educational center, gift shop, etc. Many special events are hosted here throughout the year. The backdrop of gorgeous gardens seems to make every event special. There are a handful of evening events that are truly sensational. The gardens are lit perfectly. A beautiful Naples winter evening at our Naples Botanical Garden is a highly recommended experience.

Naples Zoo

Our local zoo is an award winning, nonprofit charitable facility aimed at recreation and conservation education. It is nationally accredited as both a zoo and historic botanical garden. The zoo has been in existence in some form since the early 1900s and all funding comes from visitors and donations alone. There is a variety of animals and gardens to see here, much along a 1-mile path transversing a portion of the 44-acre grounds.

North Collier Regional Park

At 213 acres, North Collier Regional Park is our largest park containing a plethora of recreational opportunities. The park has an exhibit hall, fitness center, “Sun-N-Fun Lagoon” water park, playground, 8 soccer fields, 5 tournament softball fields, picnic pavilions and a butterfly garden. Additionally, there is a 2.5-mile walking trail and boardwalk. The fitness facility requires paid membership.

Paradise Coast Sports Complex

This is one of our newest outdoor facilities. The Paradise Coast Sports Complex is a privately owned sports and special events destination. The first phase of the complex opened December 2020. Since then, it has rapidly expanded to currently feature a 3,500-seat multipurpose stadium, 9 full-sized sports fields (expanding to 21), outdoor fitness center, Great Lawn for outdoor events, and a walking trail. There is also an onsite restaurant. Outdoor evening events have been gathering steam here.

Sugden Regional Park

Sugden Regional Park is home to our 60-acre Lake Avalon. This is one of the only natural freshwater lakes within the county. The park offers water skiing and sailing lessons, paddleboard rentals, picnic areas, a lakeside “beach,” playground and gazebo.

Performing Arts

If you are a fan of the performing arts, local theaters can easily fill your calendar with sensational performances and events in Naples. Performing arts are very popular here and supported heavily through memberships, special events and charitable donations.

Artis-Naples

This is our premiere destination for visual and performing arts. Music, film, dance, comedy, lectures and exhibitions featuring world-class, traveling performers and otherwise are on offer year-round. The facility is on 8.5-acres and located in Central Naples West, just north of downtown Naples. There are 2 performance halls, the largest having 1,477 seats. The 30,000 sq. ft. Baker Museum is right alongside the theater and the facility has a dedicated learning center with many events. Artis-Naples is home to the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra.

Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall

Located on the campus of Florida SouthWestern State College in Fort Myers, the Barbara B. Mann Performing Arts Hall was arguably the leading force in bringing the performing arts to Southwest Florida as it grew in population. Considering the larger number of immediate area residents the theater can attract a bit more nationally recognized talent, but facilities in Naples are gaining ground quickly. This theater has 1,874 seats. The Gulf Coast Symphony performs approximately 15 shows here each year.

Gulfshore Playhouse

With a brand new, state-of-the-art facility that opened November 2024, Gulfshore Playhouse is a local gem. This 40,000 sq. ft. theatre and educational facility is just a short walk from Fifth Avenue South in downtown Naples. The main theatre seats 368. A second theatre, 125. The organization both creates and produces Broadway caliber performances with local talent, as well as that hired from Broadway and otherwise directly.

Music & Arts Community Center

Located in Fort Myers, this community center is home to the Gulf Coast Symphony. They perform most of their shows in a 300-seat hall located in this relatively new (2021) facility. Additional performances here are by the Gulf Coast Chamber Orchestra and Gulf Coast Jazz Collective. Many special events are conducted here, and educational programs are numerous and diverse.

The Naples Players / Sugden Theatre

The Sugden Theatre is right on Fifth Avenue South in downtown Naples. It is home to The Naples Players, a performance group founded in 1953. The 45,000 sq. ft. facility completed a $22M renovation October 2024. The building houses three theaters. The main theatre is 450 seats. The 2 others, 104 seats each.