Perfect Vacation in Naples, Florida

Maybe you are the type of traveler who likes to pre-plan every aspect of your vacation before traveling to Florida. Or maybe you like to go with the flow and see what life has in store for you on your journey! No matter your travel type, we put together some tips to help you get the most of your Naples Florida vacation.

A few tips before you visit Naples Florida:


Schedule a few extra days for your Naples adventure

Plan on staying a few days longer! Why? Depending on where you are traveling from there is a good chance you will be experiencing jet lag. So you might need a day or two extra to adjust to the time difference. Throw in a few days of serious relaxation and a day or two of fun and its time to go to the airport for your trip back home again. It is possible, block our a few extra days for your Naples vacation. You will be happy you did!

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Learn about Naples Florida pre-arrival

It’s beneficial to learn the names of the neighborhoods, beaches, and communities in Naples before arriving. Locations in Naples are explained in terms of North Naples, Olde Naples, South Naples, East Naples, and Marco Island.

Get a feel for the Naples community

Subscribe to a local newspaper for a month or two before your vacation, so you can get a feel for Southwest Florida’s arts, culture, and politics. The Naples Daily News, for example, can be found on newsstands as well as online.

Connect with the locals

What sort of activities do you enjoy at home? There’s probably a group of people in Naples that enjoys the same thing! With a bit of research and a Facebook account, you can connect with island societies and clubs devoted to a huge variety of interests, including fishing, paddleboarding, kayaking, hiking, automotive, and others.

Do your research

Even if you’re a non-planner, it’s a good idea to research some activities before you travel. Some things in Naples — tarpon fishing, bird watching and swamp buggy racing, for example — are seasonal, and you’ll need to schedule your trip accordingly if you want to experience them. A bit of planning can also ensure you don’t miss certain year-round activities.

The Ideal times to Visit Naples Florida:


Planning A Trip To Naples Florida? Read This First!

The best time to visit Naples is between March and May. Average temperatures are between 70s – 80s, which is ideal weather for going to the beach, shopping outdoors or golfing. On a financial note, if you visit between these months, you’ll dodge the winter price increases. Despite the price spikes, December – February is peak season thanks to high average temperatures when compared to the rest of the United Sates.
Summer, while hotter but cheaper, is still a busy time thanks in part to school being out. But for some the high humidity and temperature can feel uncomfortable. But if it is tolerable for your family you will find wide-open beaches and accommodation rates far below the average cost of peak season. September – October features a brief decline in rates and crowds but it can still feel like summer.

Getting to Naples Florida:


Full List of Nonstop Flights to Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)

Anybody who’s ventured this far south in Florida knows there is no easy way to get here other than flying.
The most obvious choice is Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers. Air travelers bound for the beaches of Naples and Marco Island often choose to fly into RSW, because it’s the closest airport. It’s only a painless 45 minutes south to the Naples area by way of I-75. One of the top 50 U.S. airports for passenger service, RSW last year had more than 7.9 million travelers flying through.
Frontier Airlines has a daily nonstop service between RSW and Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport. This expands Frontier’s nonstop service. Already, the Denver-based airline offers nonstop flights between Fort Myers and 7 other U.S. cities, including Chicago, Cleveland, Denver, Milwaukee, St. Louis, Trenton, New Jersey, and Washington, D.C.
More news: Spirit Airlines begins daily nonstop service between RSW and Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
If you’re renting your own transportation, there are 12 car rental companies to choose from: Advantage, Alamo, Avis, Budget, Dollar, Enterprise, EZ Rent-A-Car, Firefly, Fox Rent-A-Car, Hertz, National, and Thrifty.

Where to Stay in Naples Florida:


5 Reasons to Choose a Vacation Rental Instead of a Hotel in Florida

Hotels are easy to find in Naples Florida, finding the right room for you is a different story. Where you stay is going to depend on which neighborhood you prefer and how much you want to spend.
Old Naples is the more popular destination because it’s where most of the tourist attractions are. It is also one of the more expensive areas, but there are some good budget-friendly accommodations available. Maybe the price isn’t an issue, but the location is. If you want to stay somewhere with a view of the beach, you’ll find great places to choose from there as well.
You do have other options. Some visitors find that short-term vacation rentals are the best value. This is particularly true if you’re staying for three nights or more and may want to cook instead of eating out.

What to Do in Naples Florida:


Biking Naples: Bicycle Trails and Events in Naples, FL

Here, you’ll find the winners for our Best of Naples section. Just browse the article to see some of our favorite things to do in Naples, Florida.
It doesn’t matter how much time you’re spending in Naples, it’s safe to say that you want to take in as many sights and sounds as possible. Fortunately, there are things to do in Naples (and the surrounding area) for every visitor.
Like many, you may be visiting Naples to spend time at the beach. From the pearly white sand to the clear blue water, beautiful sunsets, you can rest assured of an experience you’ll remember for the rest of your life.

Where to Eat in Naples Florida:


In the Naples food guide you’ll find or list of the must eat restaurants in Collier County that I can almost guarantee will satisfy your taste buds.
Despite its size, when compared to places like New York or Miami, Naples diversity of people bring a melting pot of cultures and tastes into its food and all within a short drive of each other.
If you are visiting Naples, love to eat, this guide on some of the best food in Naples is written for you.
From French classics to date night Italian, there’s a place to eat it in Naples.

What to Pack for Naples Florida


5 Tips for Packing for a Trip


Wondering what to pack for a trip to Florida? We have a few suggestions, based on your travel style. When packing your bags for your trip to Naples — as with most tropical vacations — don’t overdo it.

For the Beachcomber

Beach chairs and beach towels come with your Naples Florida Vacation Home rental. You can even purchase a convenient beach parking pass when booking your vacation rental online.  You can rent a stand-up paddle board at many beach access points including popular Vanderbilt Beach (or splurge on a handcrafted surfboard at The Old Naples Surf Shop).

  • bathing suit
  • board shorts or sarong
  • t-shirts
  • flip-flops or huaraches
  • faded denim jacket

For the Outdoor Adventurer

Your Naples Florida Vacation Home is the perfect base for explorations of the Everglades, the Gulf, and Corkscrew Swamp. Bringing (or renting) a car or SUV? You’ll never have to worry about hotel parking fees — your vacation home comes complete with a private garage or driveway (or a condo parking place).

  • sun-protective shirt and pants
  • Coolibar hat
  • ventilated hiking boots
  • Polaroid sunglasses
  • lightweight daypack
  • binoculars and camera

For the Spa Seeker

With your Naples Florida Vacation Home rental, you have peace, privacy and complete control of your schedule. The swimming pool is there for brisk morning laps or a luxurious moonlight dip. Stock up on healthy foods at nearby Whole Foods or Trader Joe’s and prepare meals to suit any diet in the convenience of your private kitchen (complete with blender for your favorite smoothies). You’ll find plenty of yoga, Pilates, and zumba classes nearby.

  • swimsuit
  • yoga outfit
  • travel yoga mat
  • journal
  • your most comfortable resort wear

For the Luxury Traveler (His and Hers)

Naples not only has the best beaches on the Florida Gulf Coast — it also has some of the best dining and shopping. Your Naples Florida Vacation Home is convenient to everything, including Vanderbilt Beach, The Mercato, and the elegant Waterside Shops. Most of our vacation homes are a short drive to Naples’ renowned Fifth Avenue, with boutiques, galleries, and local and international cuisine.

  • bathing suits and cover-ups
  • large rolling suitcase (with room to pack your purchases)
  • gauzy summer shirts and lightweight dressy shorts
  • casual sandals or loafers for urban strolls
  • Him: linen trousers with a linen or seersucker jacket for an elegant dinner
  • Her: sleeveless summery dress, strappy sandals, and a light shawl or sweater

For the Family Ready for Fun

There’s plenty in your Naples Florida Vacation Home to keep everyone occupied — from free Netflix and free WiFi to board games and a private pool. If the kids get bored after too much fun in the sun, pop over the nearby Wal-Mart to pick up some kids crafts or a puzzle the family can enjoy.
You can also rent bikes for kids of all ages (complete with baskets, locks, and helmets) at the Naples Cyclery near Vanderbilt Beach. For families with tiny ones, Naples Florida Vacation Homes has a variety of baby gear for rent, including cribs, high chairs, booster seats, pack-n-plays, and strollers. Order your baby gear while making your reservation online using our Additional Options page (Step 2 in the booking process).

  • swimsuits
  • play clothes for everyone
  • sturdy shoes and sandals for outdoor adventure
  • a few toys (don’t forget that favorite stuffed animal)

Packing in a Hurry?

Just bring yourself and a suitcase with the basics. Once you get to your Naples Florida Vacation Home you’ll have easy access to affordable shopping to pick up anything that you may have forgotten. Walgreens, Wal-Mart, Target, and a wide array of drugstores, grocery stores, and clothing shops are just short drive from any of our vacation rentals.

Stay in a Naples Vacation Rental

More than just a beach town, Naples offers cosmopolitan attractions, like 5th Ave. If you prefer more outdoorsy options, try a visit to an Everglades nature center or a deep-sea fishing excursion.
Conveniently, Naples is near a major airport (RSW), making it easy to book a flight from almost anywhere. Naples Florida Vacation Homes are only minutes away from some of the best beaches in Florida (listed here).