Let's chat about one of my absolute favourite destinations: Naples, Florida! Today, I'm sharing all my top tips for an unforgettable trip to this beautiful slice of paradise. I travel to Naples with my family whenever we get the chance and I am happy to say, we are spending more time there each year. Whether you're a foodie, beach bum, or just looking for some family-friendly fun, Naples has something for everyone. So, grab a piña colada and let's dive in!
MY FAVOURITE RESTAURANTS
Let's start with the good stuff – food! Naples has so many delicious spots, and I've got the insider scoop on the best places to eat. From fine dining at Campiello to casual bites at Rocco's Tacos, there's no shortage of delicious eats to satisfy your cravings. Check out my complete list and let me know if you try any of them…
FINE DINING
Campiello - This is one of my favourite spots in Naples. It offers a modern Italian menu with delicious meats cooked over fire, wood-fired pizzas, and fresh takes on classic Italian dishes. Plus, every month, they highlight different regions of Italy with their "Tour di Italia" menu, showcasing the diverse flavours of Italian cuisine. Typically we’re in Naples for my birthday, and this is always my go-to choice for a birthday lunch or dinner.
Del Mar - Their Chefs draw inspiration from Mediterranean coastal cuisine, incorporating flavours from Greece, Southern Spain, Morocco, France, Italy, and Turkey. Del Mar’s seasonal menu is made from scratch and highlights a variety of seafood, fresh cheeses, olive oil, and spice blends. While the food is amazing, we’ve been to Del Mar a few times and the service is also always out of this world.
CASUAL DINING
Rocco’s Tacos - Rocco’s is just so much fun! You'll experience authentic Mexican flavours in a lively and casual setting. It’s one of our go-tos, especially when we’re travelling with a large group. If I can recommend anything on the menu, it’s the table side guac - it’s a MUST!
Jimmy P’s Charred - They take pride in serving the highest quality meats, expertly cut or smoked by Charred's skilled team of butchers. They offer our guests a special experience where they can select their own hand-cut Wagyu steak and watch it journey from the butcher block to the grill. Joe loves a good steak, so it’s safe to say we’ve tried every and any steakhouse that we’ve ever come by, and this is one of this favourite spots.
Jimmy P’s Burgers - Jimmy P’s Burgers & More carries on this legacy by focusing on the best cuts of beef and Wagyu burgers around. This is our go-to spot for dining in or take out after a long day at the beach. My go-to order is the jalapeno burger, no bun with an extra patty, topped with lettuce and tomato and a side of fries - literally drooling as I right this because it's so darn good.
Bar Tulia - Southwest Florida’s premier Italian gastropub and craft cocktail bar, offering a blend of classic pub fare with a modern Italian twist. Inspired by European "eating bars," their hip yet cozy atmosphere is perfect for mingling over small plates and drinks. I love their fried baby artichokes and their Cacio E Pepe!
Food & Thought 2 - A fresh organic restaurant in North Naples, expanding on the principles of the original market and cafe. Enjoy sit-down breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We often order their pizza for take out because it’s SO delish!
California Pizza Kitchen - From signature, hand-tossed pizzas to handcrafted beverages, California Pizza has a something for everyone! Their gluten-free crust is so good. I don't eat GF, yet I will substitute for it here because it's that delish.
ICE CREAM
Gelato & Co - They craft our gelato with premium ingredients, following authentic Italian recipes. By making it fresh daily on-site, Gelato & Co ensures rich texture and flavour. They embrace the "farm to table" concept, sourcing locally when possible and prioritizing quality from small producers when importing. Their gelato is free from flavourings, GMOs, and preservatives. If you plan on visiting, the pistachio gelato on a stick is my go-to!
Kilwins - Kilwins is a family-run franchise that is passionate about serving the finest confections and ice cream to their community. We visit the Mercato location, since we're here quite often while in Naples, and it’s our go-to spot for dessert after dinner when we’re in the area.
YogurBella - Yogurbella combines refreshing bubble tea, crispy bubble waffles, and delicious frozen yogurt for a delightful treat. It should come as no surprise that this is my kids absolute favourite - it’s like a Menchies and they go crazy for all the toppings!
MY FAVOURITE BEACHES
Now, let's talk about my favourite part of Naples, the beaches! Naples is blessed with some of the most stunning beaches in Florida, and I have yet to come across a beach that wasn’t beautiful, however, here are my top three, including my pros and cons for each…
CLAM PASS
PROS:
- Scenic boardwalk to access the beach (golf cart shuttles available)
- Bathrooms and showers for rinsing off sand
- Restaurant and Beach Bar onsite
- Resort offers daybed, lounge chair, and towel rentals (Naples Grande)
- Provides a secluded atmosphere reminiscent of a tropical vacation in the Bahamas (my fav!)
- Ample parking available
CONS:
- Lengthy walk/drive from the parking lot
LOWDERMILK BEACH
PROS:
- Close proximity to parking lot
- Bathrooms and showers available
- Onsite Restaurant/Beach Bar (although food not personally tasted)
- Playground for children
CONS:
- Parking lot may fill up during high season, requiring street parking which can be difficult to find
- Potential for crowding during busy times
WIGGINS PASS
PROS:
- Close to parking lot
- Less crowded atmosphere
- Preferred option when avoiding the hike to Clam Pass
CONS:
- Parking challenges; full lots may necessitate parking elsewhere, with limited availability
- Portable restroom facilities available
MY FAVOURITE SHOPPING SPOTS
When I'm in Naples, I don't do much shopping aside from my daily Target runs. However, I do enjoy visiting stores like Anthro, Free People, and Evereve at Waterside Shops, a stunning outdoor mall that also features luxury brands like Gucci and Louis Vuitton. I've only been to the Coastland Centre mall in Naples once, and I don't recommend it unless you're looking for stores like Victoria's Secret, H&M, or department stores like Macy's or Dillard's. The outlets in Fort Myers are also worth a visit if you're in the mood for shopping.
If you're staying in an Airbnb and need groceries, there are Publix stores everywhere. Trader Joe's and Whole Foods are conveniently located close to each other, and there's also a Costco if you're planning an extended stay. Food & Thought is a charming boutique grocery store, while Seed to Table is truly impressive—it's massive and even has a food court in the middle. I've heard they host events in the evenings, although I've never attended myself.
PLACES TO STAY
Since we have our own accommodations, I don't have many recommendations for places to stay. However, we have stayed at a few, and we've purchased day passes to others that I would consider if I were in need of lodging.
NAPLES GRANDE BEACH RESORT
Experience unparalleled guest service and attention to every detail of your stay at Naples Grande Beach Resort. Explore our inviting beachfront property and enjoy an all-inclusive getaway filled with nature, leisure activities, and nearby attractions. Our resort's convenient central Naples location ensures that all the area's attractions are just a short drive away, allowing you to experience everything Naples has to offer.
RITZ CARLTON TIBURON
I've never spent a night at the Ritz Carlton Tiburon, but I have purchased day passes on several occasions. The grounds are breathtaking! While it's primarily a golf resort, they also offer amenities such as two water slides, a beautiful lazy river, and a splash pad/playground for younger children. I appreciate that it's never overly crowded, and everything is conveniently close by, allowing me to comfortably supervise my children while they enjoy the lazy river and water slides on their own. Additionally, the food is excellent.
HYATT REGENCY COCONUT POINT
I've also never stayed at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point, but I would love to! Located in Bonita Springs, just outside of Naples, it has been newly renovated and looks incredibly inviting. The grounds are stunning, but the resort is quite large and bustling, which makes me hesitant to let the girls roam freely.
The resort has multiple pools, numerous water slides, a lazy river, mini-golf, lawn games, and poolside ping pong. The girls even had their hair braided and wrapped during our visit. It almost feels like an all-inclusive resort, although it's not. There's an abundance of activities to enjoy, including organized events for the kids like treasure hunts by the pool area.
AIRBNB
Lastly, my bff has an Airbnb in Naples which I have stayed at on a girls trip and it's lovely! They have two daughters, so it’s equipped for young children/ families too. Her fully renovated 3-bedroom, 2-bathroom home is nestled in the heart of Central Naples. It has a pool and a spacious screened pool area, which makes her place perfect for family fun or peaceful relaxation. It also has prime access to Naples Beach, the Naples Zoo, and 5th Avenue South, all just a short drive away.
THINGS TO DO WITH KIDS
Travelling with little ones? Naples is such a great spot for families! Spend a day exploring the Naples Zoo, which in my opinion is the perfect size because my girls can walk the entire zoo. They also offer interactive experiences such as giraffe feeding which is always so fun.
Or let your kids unleash their creativity at the Golisano Children's Museum. The closest thing I can compare the kids museum to is the Science Centre, but smaller and a bit different. I love it here and so do my kiddos! They have so much for the kids to do, including exhibits that they change every so often to keep things interesting.
Lastly, we love playing a round of mini golf at Coral Cay Adventure Golf. They have two different courses, both of which are so fun! Stella always asks to go here on her birthday, and it's now become our little tradition on her big day.
So there you have it – my ultimate guide to Naples! Whether you're a first-time visitor or a seasoned Naples enthusiast, I hope these tips help you make the most of your time in this charming coastal gem.
Xo
Caroline
