It may be just two hours from Miami, but the upscale resort town on the Gulf of Mexico feels like another world entirely. From serene beaches to top-notch dining to some of the most gorgeous sunsets we’ve ever seen, here’s everything you need to know for the perfect weekend escape.
The Ultimate Weekend Guide to Naples
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Published Jun 15, 2018
Where To Stay
This one’s a no-brainer: The perfect place to stay during a quick getaway to Florida’s west coast is the Naples Grande. About ten minutes from downtown Naples, this affordably priced hotel (rates start at $119 per night) includes everything you’ll need for the ultimate vacation. The sprawling property features more than 400 beautiful rooms, three glistening pools, stellar restaurants and bars (The Catch of the Pelican and Mantra) and even a waterslide for the kids. It’s only a short walk to a gorgeous private beach, complete with cabanas and an oceanfront Greek restaurant. If the Grande is full, check out the Ritz-Carlton, which runs two properties in Naples (a beachside resort and another on a golf course).
Where To Eat
Naples Beach may be sleepy, but its food scene is bustling. No matter what, you need to have brunch at Jane’s Garden Café on 3rd. Luckily, this spot serves all-day breakfast and lunch seven days a week, which means you can pop in anytime for a mimosa, gluten-free avocado toast and a stack of sweet pancakes. Speaking of breakfast, swing by Brooklyn Dough with a Hole for an authentic New York—style bagel stuffed with egg, cheese and bacon. It’s a perfect grab-and-go snack before you hit the beach. Otherwise, consider dinner reservations at Caffé Milano, a charming Italian trattoria; Barbatella for wood-fired pizza; or Tulia, a rustic-chic farmhouse restaurant in Old Naples. Or, you know, squeeze them all into your visit. You won’t regret it.
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Where To Drink
It’s impossible to go wrong with a Strawberry Maple Fizz (infused with whiskey and lemon juice, and finished with cracked black pepper) at 7th Avenue Social. Make some time to visit the Naples Beach Hotel, a historic property that has been around for more than a hundred years. Inside, you’ll find the award-winning Sunset Beach Bar & Grill, the most perfect place in town to catch the sunset with a chilled brew.
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Explore
We promised beaches, so here you go: Right behind the Naples Grande, you’ll find Clam Pass Park. Walk through a gorgeous mangrove estuary preserve (about half a mile) until you reach a white sandy beach. (There’s also a trolley that winds by every few minutes if you’re feeling lazy.) Otherwise, Vanderbilt Beach and Barefoot Beach are popular tanning and swimming spots. Don’t forget to visit the Naples Pier, which offers striking views of the Gulf of Mexico. If the weather is a bit rainy, spend a few hours inside at the Baker Art Museum until it clears.
