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Planning Your Trip

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Like the Italian city for which it is named, Naples attracts visitors with a variety of activities and experiences. From browsing art galleries and boutiques, to exploring the Everglades, to appreciating the relaxation of a golf vacation, here is what should be in your suitcase.

Ritz Carlton Hotel image
Ritz Carlton Hotel image
What To Pack

Naples offers plenty of opportunities to spot a variety of animals, be they alligators and Florida panthers in the Everglades, or dolphins and manatees in the Gulf. Bring a pair of binoculars to keep with you on these outings so you can guarantee a few once-in-a-lifetime sightings.

Weekday Getaway

The beaches are one of Naples’ biggest draws, but you also won’t want to miss out on perusing the boutiques and galleries that line Third Street South and Fifth Avenue in the city’s historic Old Town.

  • Pack a selection of colorful bathing suits and flip-flops for afternoons spent on the sand.

  • Maxi dresses and sarongs (for women) and casual shorts and tees (for men) are versatile pieces to throw on for shopping and gallery-hopping in town.

  • For romantic sunset dinners, women can opt for summery dresses, strappy sandals, and a light shawl, while men can’t go wrong with linen trousers and shirts and a seersucker jacket.
Outdoor Adventure

An hour’s drive south from Naples will get you to the entrance of Everglades National Park, while in and around Naples, there’s a zoo, botanical garden and tons of water activities, like fishing, kayaking and whale-watching cruises.

  • For a day spent out on the swamps, where mosquitoes are rampant, light-colored and loose long pants and long-sleeved shirts are musts (the pests are attracted to dark colors).

  • Hiking shoes are highly recommended footwear for the Glades.

  • Bring a waterproof, durable backpack to carry essentials like water, snacks, insect repellent and sunscreen.
Golf Getaway

There is no shortage of courses to choose from in the self-proclaimed “golf capital of the world,” from the Greg Norman-designed links at Tiburón Golf Club to the Jack Nicklaus-designed hidden gem at Old Corkscrew Golf Club.

  • Bring your own set of clubs (and gloves) if you plan to book multiple tee times.

  • Florida is warm year-round so don’t skimp on the sunscreen, plus appropriate hats or visors.

  • Standard golf attire for men consists of collared shirts, slacks and golf shorts while women may do the same, or wear dresses and skirts that fall below mid-thigh.
Ritz Carlton Hotel image
Ritz Carlton Hotel image
What To Reserve

Equally perfect for family vacations and golf getaways, Naples brings an approachability to its upscale lifestyle. Plan ahead to discover gardens that delight children, courses that engage golfers of every level and rejuvenating spa therapies that impart the perfect, post-vacation glow.

Naples calls itself the “golf capital of the world,” and with good reason. With over 80 courses, it has the second-most golf holes per capita than any other community in the country. The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón is home to the Tiburón Golf Club, which has two championship 18-hole courses designed by Greg Norman (and annually plays host to major tournaments). For the ultimate private club experience, your concierge will pair you with a personal caddie for your rounds.

For active travelers, parasailing, kayaking, paddle boarding and wave-running are just a few of the activities available in Naples. Or simply spend a relaxing afternoon poolside at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón in your own private cabana, which comes with a butler and lunch service.  After a day of water fun, indulge in a cocktail (or two) while overlooking the 18th hole of the Tiburón Golf Club at the resort’s Bella Vista Lounge. The proximity of Naples to Everglades National Park also makes for an ideal day trip. Book a boat tour or rent your own canoe for the best chances of spotting the famous resident alligators.

For active travelers, parasailing, kayaking, paddle boarding and wave-running are just a few of the activities available in Naples. Or simply spend a relaxing afternoon poolside at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón in your own private cabana, which comes with a butler and lunch service.  After a day of water fun, indulge in a cocktail (or two) while overlooking the 18th hole of the Tiburón Golf Club at the resort’s Bella Vista Lounge. The proximity of Naples to Everglades National Park also makes for an ideal day trip. Book a boat tour or rent your own canoe for the best chances of spotting the famous resident alligators.

A long day out on the links demands a proper unwinding. The spa at The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón has services specifically tailored for those overworked muscles, like the Golfer’s Relief Massage, which focuses on the shoulders, lower back and legs, or the Restorative Massage, which incorporates 15 essential oils. Atone for prolonged sun exposure with the Vitamin C Facial, which will stimulate collagen and reduce fine lines and dark spots. Then either unwind in the sauna or get pumped for your next round in the state-of-the-art fitness center.

Ritz Carlton Hotel image
Ritz Carlton Hotel image
Itineraries

Naples inspires an openness to new possibilities. That might mean visiting a compelling art gallery, exploring a newfound passion for kayaking or finding a new favorite golf course. To discover the full breadth of experiences available in this compact city, begin with these sample itineraries.

Morning

Breakfast Beginnings. If a restaurant is dedicated to just breakfast, you know they’re taking your first meal of the day seriously. Poached offers an array of omelets, breakfast paninis and signature dishes like the banana bread French toast. Order enough for the table to share a mix of plates but make sure to get your own glass of freshly squeezed juice from local oranges.

Midday

Tee Up. Get out onto the course for a quick round of nine holes. The Tiburón Golf Club is certified as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary by Audubon International and features two 18-hole courses designed by the legendary Greg Norman. Don’t worry if you didn’t bring your clubs. Guests of The Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón can reserve a new set of Callaway clubs with their tee time.

Afternoon

Unwind With a View. After you’ve nailed your final putt, head to Bella Vista Lounge, overlooking the 18th hole, for lunch and cocktails on the terrace. Linger a little longer with a creative cocktail with fresh herbs and juices. You might even be tempted to stay for the fire pits turning on at night.

Evening

Comfort Food. Head to the stylish Café Lurcat on bustling Fifth Avenue South for a dinner of tweaked American classics. In addition to a choice of over 200 bottles of wine to share with your companions, they also have a bourbon program with 21 options, whether you prefer your drink served neat, on ice or in an old-fashioned.

Craft Beers and Cocktails. HobNob is both kitchen and bar, but head there after dinner to take advantage of a cocktail list jammed with innovative takes on classics and a craft beer selection that focuses on local and regional breweries. Don’t forget to check out the dessert menu, as well, with options like tres leches bread pudding with homemade rumchata ice cream.

Morning

Start With a Stretch. Begin your day by getting centered in a yoga class at nearby Naples Yoga Center. Choose from a variety of classes each morning, and look for special paddle-board yoga classes that take place on the water on the weekends.

Midday

Hit the Pool. Whether you want to swim, soak up the sun or read a book in the shade, there’s something for everyone at the outdoor pool. You can reserve a private cabana for the group for a truly luxe experience, including your own cabana butler, plush lounge chairs and a mini-fridge stocked with cold bottled water.

Dine Poolside. There’s no need to leave the pool if you’re hungry. You can order to your chair and enjoy a selection of Floridian favorites including the signature Poolside Burger, Grouper Tacos and house-made ice cream.

Afternoon

Visit Tin City. Originally built in the 1920s as part of Naples’ busy fishing industry, the charming tin-roofed buildings of Tin City were converted to shops and restaurants starting in the 1970s. Shop over 30 thoroughly modern stores in a historic setting, perched right on the water. Stop at Vicki’s Sweet Shoppe for a freshly baked cookie to nibble on while you stroll.

Evening

Local Taste. 7th Avenue Social specializes in South Florida favorites, which means that chef–proprietor Colin Estrem is constantly changing the menu depending on what’s in season from his network of local farmers and artisan producers. You can expect options like Chicken & Waffles, Ft. Myers Shrimp & Grits and an array of street tacos. Check the events calendar for live music to accompany your dinner and drinks.

Morning

Go Organic. Food and Thought calls itself “the organic general store,” and alongside the garden section and the clothing racks is a juice bar and café knocking out healthy breakfast favorites. Pick from fruit smoothies, veggie juices or full meal options like breakfast burritos.

Midday

Nature Walk. If boating through the swamps of Florida seems daunting, try walking on the meandering wooden boardwalks of the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. The 2.25-mile path goes through pine flatwood, wet prairie and around a marsh, ending in the largest old growth bald cypress forest in North America, towering 130 feet. You’ll spot animals (at a safe distance) from deer to alligators to the striking painted bunting bird.

Afternoon

Relax at the Spa. After a few hours of nature walking, it’s time to relax at the Massage and Facial Center. Choose from signature treatments like the Warm Stone Massage or the Vitamin C Brightening Facial, or everyone in the group can pick their own from the spa menu.

Evening

Surf and Turf. When you’re out with a group or even just a picky eater, you need a menu that excels at variety. With offerings like filet mignon, halibut and duck breast on the menu, The Grille at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples is sure to please your crowd.

Continue the Fun. If you want one more drink after dinner, check out the Signature Bevys menu at the newly opened The Bevy, where just-tweaked cocktails like the Fig Daiquiri and the Bourbon Nut Sour are on order. Don’t miss their selection of mocktails, as well.

Morning

Brunch First. Weekend getaways call for indulgent brunch menus, and that’s just what EJ’s Bayfront Café specializes in. The banana-stuffed French toast is their signature dish, but for those looking for more savory options, they offer a selection of eggs Benedict combinations, skillets, omelets and more. There might be a little wait on the weekends, but the line moves quickly.

Beach Walk. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park offers not only a stretch of pristine beach and panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico, but activities ranging from strolling to canoeing to fishing are available, as well. For a short but beautiful walk, take the shady Observation Tower Trail through a coastal hammock.

Midday

Art Break. Head out of the sun and into the cool rooms of the Baker Museum. Housed within the Artis–Naples complex, which also includes the Naples Philharmonic, the museum mixes pieces from its permanent collection with traveling and curated exhibitions. On top for the coming year are impressionist masterworks and contemporary artists.

Afternoon

Shopping Break. Luxury shopping gets a view at Waterside Shops, where Gucci and Louis Vuitton mingle with other household names in a unique outdoor location. The upscale shopping area offers a mix of well-known designer boutiques for men, women and the home alongside dining options if a snack break is needed.

Evening

Dine Outdoors. Eating outside year-round is one of the highlights of visiting southern Florida. Campiello takes full advantage with its scenic courtyards and balconies off the historic Naples Mercantile Building. Order one of the critically acclaimed homemade pastas and rotisserie-grilled meats, or stay simple by splitting a pizza and a bottle of wine.

Morning

On the Green. Start your day with a quick round of golf on one of the two Greg Norman-designed courses at the Tiburón Golf Club. Certified as an Audubon Cooperative Sanctuary, the courses reflect Norman’s appreciation for pristine natural settings — including no conventional rough.

Midday

Vive La France. The French is a stylish new entry onto foodie favorite Fifth Avenue South from Chef Vincenzo Betulia. The brasserie offers hearty, traditional French cooking with local ingredients in a tile-floored space with warm light and dark wood accents. Linger over desserts like Citron Tart and Cherry Clafoutis, maybe even with an after-meal liqueur.

Afternoon

Stroll Downtown. Strike out after lunch for a walking tour of the city. Downtown Naples is a relatively compact area, with the major shopping streets of Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South acting as guide rails. The historic pier is a highlight of any walking tour with an unparalleled view of the Gulf of Mexico.

Afternoon Tea. If you need a break from shopping and strolling, stop into Brambles, a cheery traditional tearoom. After you have your Devonshire Cream tea with scones, strawberries and clotted cream, peruse the gift shop for fun teapots and bone china mugs to take home as souvenirs.

Evening

Become Timeless. Chef David Nelson is behind Timeless – an MHK Eatery, a bright all-white restaurant with an open kitchen and seasonally driven menu. Choose from coal oven-fired pizzas with unique toppings or local Florida grouper paired with a signature mocktail. 

Sunset Cruise. End your weekend by sailing into the sunset — literally. Sweet Liberty offers nightly sunset cruises out of the Naples City Dock. Relax as the sails go up and the sun starts dipping down to the horizon line of the Gulf of Mexico. The round trip is a little over an hour — plenty of time to snap golden-hour photos to document your perfect weekend.