Naples, Florida
Known for its mild climate, abundant fish and upscale environment, Naples, Florida was named after the famous sunny city of Italy and was actually described as “surpassing the bay in Naples, Italy” in the late 18th century. Today, Naples is known for its high-end shopping, world-class culture, sophisticated dining and is still known for its pristine, white-sand beaches.
Naples has consistently been rated as among the best places in the United States for boating, beaches, sidewalk café dining, entertainment, golfing and the arts. In Old Naples, be sure to stroll the historic Third Street and Fifth Avenue South for shopping and restaurants where Neapolitans enjoy a variety of styles and tastes from upscale chic to trendy boutiques and casual flavors to fine dining. Naples is also famous for having the most golf holes per capita in the nation so there’s no surprise that you will find some of the best golfing experiences in the area.
Naples Area Information
Shopping, Dining & Nightlife
Naples is fully equipped with restaurants, shops and hot spots for social gatherings. There are several areas that cover the entirety of entertainment such as the very popular Mercato of Naples where you will find chic shops like Bio New York, Coldwater Creek, Bobby Chan, Sportalm Fashion, Jos. A. Banks, Gigi’s Children’s Boutique, Kreiss, Sur La Table, Z Gallarie, Vogue Couture, and much more. You can also enjoy some of the best dining experiences at the Mercato at The Capital Grille, AZN Restaurant, McCormick & Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant, Yogurbella, Piola and Stage 62 Delicatessen. The nightlife of the Mercato is just as popular as the shops and restaurants with hot spots like Blue Martini, Pure Urban Oasis, The Pub and even live music in the courtyard. If you are interested in a unique cinema experience the Silverspot Cinema is a state-of-the-art movie theater where you can pick out your seats, have dinner or a glass of wine all in the luxury of lush leather seats that make you feel like you are in the comfort of your own home.
One of the most popular areas of Naples to wine, dine, gather and shop is Fifth Avenue South with its irresistible mix of high-end and casual restaurants, shops, art galleries and events such as Abbott’s Frozen Custard, Bellini on Fifth, BICE Ristorante, Brambles English Tea Room & Gift Shop, McCabe’s Irish Pub and Grill, Yabba Island Grill, New River Fine Art, Random Acts of Art, The von Liebig Art Center –which conducts outdoor festivals, exhibitions and educational programs, The Lady from Haiti, Marilyn’s European style boutique, That’s Pretty on 5th, Anthony Verderamo – Custom Goldsmith, Port Royal Jewelers, and so much more. Fifth Avenue South is especially popular in December for strolling couples who find the glow of delicate twinkle lights, the pop of lush holly and the fragrant Christmas trees a uniquely romantic experience whether on foot or in a cozy, horse-drawn carriage.
Some other great places for eating, shopping and socializing are the Coastland Center Mall located on Tamiami Trail N and Golden Gate Pkwy, Tin City Waterfront Shops & Dining at Fifth Avenue South and Goodlette-Frank Rd, and the Waterside Shops on Tamiami Trail N and Pine Ridge.
Art & Culture
Naples is also well known for its cultural venues and some 130 art galleries. The Naples Museum of Art is a 30,000 square foot visual arts center with 15 galleries, a glass dome conservatory, and entrance gates by renowned metal artist Albert Paley, breathtaking chandeliers, and a Persian ceiling masterfully designed by awe-inspiring glass artist Dale Chihuly.
Right in Naples’ backyard, in the Everglades, is the inspiring canvas for Clyde Butcher – an acclaimed artist whose black and white fine art photographs of Florida’s natural beauty is simply dream-like and dramatic. His own personal appreciation and love for Florida’s artistic landscape shows in every photograph. His Big Cypress Gallery is located on thirteen acres in the center of the Everglades on Tamiami Trail in the Big Cypress National Preserve.
People from all over Southwest Florida come to Naples for a night of premier performing arts at the Philharmonic Center for the Arts. The Phil hosts more than 400 events a year ranging from world-class dance, opera, classical and popular music, and Broadway musicals. The Philharmonic Performing Arts Center also features four museum-quality art galleries, which showcase traveling and exclusive exhibitions.
Communities of Naples and Bonita Springs
The communities of Naples and Bonita Springs are some of the most upscale and exclusive communities you will find in all of Southwest Florida.
Port Royal
Port Royal is the world-renowned, elite community of Naples with homes up to $21 million and many homes with their own private beach. This community is highly sought after by some of the worlds most privileged because of its beachfront, direct access to Naples Bay and the Gulf of Mexico as well as its overall grandeur. The Port Royal Club has been providing exceptional amenities since 1959 with a topnotch heath and recreation center that offers spa treatments, tennis, a heated beach-side pool, casual and formal dining as well as the club’s private beach. Port Royal is located south of Fifth Avenue South on Gordon Drive.
Aqualane Shores
Aqualane Shores is an established waterfront and gulf access neighborhood nestled between Fifth Avenue South and Port Royal. With homes built in the ‘60s to 2011, the home styles are eclectic, yet stunning with available homes ranging from the low $500s to over $5 million. Aqualane Shores is within walking distance of Naples beach and Third Street – a hot spot for upscale shopping and great restaurants. This community is located off of Gordon Drive just south of Fifth Avenue South.
Mediterra
If you ever dreamed of living in a small town in Tuscany, you’ll find the intimacy and design of the homes in Mediterra have the ability to transport you. Whether you live in a coach home, villa or custom built estate, every day you will wake up in Tuscany. Mediterra is a unique and intimate community in Naples, Florida that is spread across 1,697 acres that encompasses two 18-hole championship golf courses, a 25,000 square foot clubhouse, fitness center, spa and aesthetic services, tennis pro-shop, 5 Har-Tru tennis courts, swimming pool and serene renaissance style parks. Another amazing privilege you are sure to want to take advantage of as a resident is Mediterra’s private beach club on the warm sands of Bonita Beach – where you can ride the salty waves, refresh yourself in the private pool, soak up the sun on the sundecks and take in a spectacular sunset as you dine. Mediterra is located in north Naples off of Livingston Road just north of Immokalee Road.
Quail West
Quail West is an elite golfing community located in Naples, Florida that enchants residents and visitors with its gorgeous views and pristine Old Florida design. There is a timeless beauty captured in every carefully crafted archway, blossoming courtyard and intricate ironwork that makes each estate a stunning piece of artwork. The elegant splendor of Quail West spans over 1,180 acres of residences, lakes and waterways, lush preserve and two 18-hole, Arthur Hills golf courses which use the natural obstacles to create a challenging golf experience. Gorgeous estates and breathtaking views are not the only things you will find at Quail West, they also offer first class amenities from fitness classes, spa, salon, tennis, casual and formal dining and a unique feature – the solarium pool. Quail West is located in north Naples off of Bonita Beach Road just east of I-75.
