Weekends in Naples, Great Culture, Sunsets, Restaurants, and Beachfront Hotels

This is a one-of-a-kind beachfront city that is loaded with scenery. We love the beautiful beaches, long beach walks, and the myriad of watersports.

For all parents, this is a Southwest Florida Destination Getaway that is perfect for families with children. The water slopes very gradually from the beach on into the water, making it nice for Moms and Dads to play with the little ones. Older children are thrilled by the chance to swim, float, and play in the Gulf.

Naples plays host to a great group of annual festivals, events, and hosted celebrations. One of those annual events we enjoyed recently was the Naples Art Show at 5th Avenue South, shown here. This was a super time for all and admission was free. The downtown area has plenty of parking and is just the most charming place to host a special event.

You get your choice of great Naples Florida Beaches to visit, so do see them all! You see here the Main Public Beach Access Area, at 12th Avenue South. We love to walk the beach, going miles down the beach. If we tire a bit, a quick dip in the water for refreshment and we are on our way again. If you have children, do bring your beach toys.

Oh yes, if you are coming down for a Naples Florida Beach Vacation, you are in for a treat! The Gulf Waters are typically gentle with lush-white sand, it is just the best. The Naples area shores provide visitors with endless hours of entertainment and relaxation. Pick between the core area beaches, or try one each day. The big ones are Vanderbilt Beach Park, Clam Pass, Delnor Wiggins, and Barefoot Beach Park.

Ah, here we are heading out to see the very popular Vanderbilt Beach Park. Located in North Naples at the end of Vanderbilt Beach Road, this beach park is surrounded by fine hotels, shopping and waterfront restaurants. You can easily spend days or weeks in the area exploring the beach scene, famous landmarks, and local attractions.

The coastal views are fantastic, between the nature and the beautiful hotels and homes lining the beachfront. Really, no trip to Naples is complete without a stop along the scenic coastline. Even better, your vacation experience will be greatly enhanced if you select a beachfront hotel. It is such a pleasure to begin and end each day strolling along with your feet in the water.

Just how fun it is to buzz around on some bicycles exploring different parts of the City of Naples. The area is really special for bike riding, as it seems like every single street has nice sidewalks to ride along. These bikers were heading out from the beach on the path between the condominiums of Seagate and North Gulf Shore Boulevard. This is an example of the many Gulf access spots you can use.

One of the more famous landmarks in the area is Fifth Avenue South Entertainment District. This is a distinctive and unique area filled with fine shops, stylish galleries, diverse restaurants, and sidewalk cafes. This is a Naples must see, where you will find a small town friendliness mixed with upscale sophistication.

During your visit, you really need to make time and enjoy the waterfront dining off the Naples Shoreline. I would recommend the Sunset Dining Experience at the Turtle Club Restaurant (9225 Gulf Shore Drive North). This is the location to get panoramic views out onto the water. Do call ahead (239-592-6557) and enjoy a great waterfront setting.