Naples, Florida, isn't terribly big, but it has a high-luxe, small-town feel. It's one of the country's wealthiest cities, something visitors can experience as they stroll down its charming pastel streets. It's a small enclave of crystal waters, bleach-white beaches and fast boats, a place where the shopping is high-end and the vibe is low-key.
Many of the most popular activities in Naples revolve around water and shopping, but unexpected treasures hide among the bistros, boutiques and yachts. The Naples Botanical Garden reveals the area's lush flora, while the Bird Gardens of Naples showcase wild parrots. For an authentic taste of Florida life, visit the Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. Culture comes by way of Opera Naples, where Ramón Tebar is the artistic director. There are museums dedicated to fine arts, automotive history and children's exhibitions. From open-air malls to fine dining done right, there's no shortage of things to do.
Naples boasts accommodations to suit every traveler and budget. For convenience, opt for hotels in the airport neighborhood. Park Shore and Moorings-Coquina Sands make the city feel like home. To get a feel for a Naples from bygone days, set up shop in Old Naples. Park Shore offers hotels with an ocean view, but you can save money in Grey Oaks and Sun Terrace.
Although Naples has a municipal airport, most people fly into the Regional Southwest Florida International Airport, which is 42 miles away in Fort Myers. From there, it's easiest to take a car or taxi from the airport. Once you're in the city, it's all about renting bicycles, but you can rent a car, as well.
