48 Hours in Naples, FL

48 Hours in Naples Florida might seem too short, but there are so many ways to make it the perfect weekend. There are so many things to do, beautiful beaches to visit and delicious food to eat.

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We have created the perfect packing list to get everything you need for your small town getaway into one lightweight personal item. Flights are getting more expensive, and carry-ons have become a charge for almost every flight. Getting everything you need into the perfect personal item is one of the best tricks to keep costs low.

Public transit in Naples, consists of buses, taxis and ride shares. I would recommend renting a car from the airport, as that will be the quickest way to get around.  Naples has tons of free parking, usually near all the areas you would like to be. It is very common for hotels and restaurants to provide valet parking, but you likely won’t need it unless it is raining cats and dogs, or you are pressed for time.

Hotel options are plentiful in off-season, but can get completely booked out in high season (October-May). There are a couple of nice options if you are willing to spend a little more, The Inn on Fifth is lovely, and is in the heart of the downtown walking area. The Ritz-Carleton Beach and the Naples Grande are both beach-front, but can get very pricey especially in high season. If you are looking to do Naples on the cheap, you can find a hotel further away from the downtown area.

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Assuming you land in the afternoon, grab your car and head to your home away from home, and get ready for dinner. Before you head to dinner, go to the Naples Pier for sunset, it’s a must hit and if you keep your eyes pealed you might see the resident dolphins.

If you are already at the pier, you are one block away from the amazing restaurants on Third Street. For some amazing diverse foods, visit Sea Salt and have the fresh whole fish experience, or visit Barbatella for Neaoploitian style pizza and gelato.  If you are more in the mood for traditional French cuisine head down the road a bit to Blue Provence.  If you are still ready to party after dinner, head up to Mercato. While it is a 20 minute drive, it has the most late night options (notice not really late night everything closes at 2am), with a Cigar Bar, The Pub, Cavo, and Blue Martini. All offer a unique atmosphere for drinking, dancing, and socializing.

Naples, Florida is known for its beautiful beaches and day 1 is all about the beach, get up early to get a good parking spot, and beat the heat (please don’t forget sunscreen). Here are 3 of the best options, Lowdermilk Park, is closer to downtown and has all the amenities you will need, on site bathrooms, rinse off stations, and pay to park.

Clam Pass is also a great option, this has a boardwalk and a free tram that takes you down the boardwalk. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is a state park and has a fee to enter, they offer bathrooms, and have shady picnic areas, and grills. This is a great option if you want to pick up groceries and grill out at the beach. All three beaches are beautiful and relaxing, I recommend you don’t spend more than 4 hours at the beach (I can not stress enough…. Do not forget to reapply the sunscreen).

Lunchtime is the best time. Head back to your hotel and clean up quick, or just use the showers at the beach to rinse off quick and throw a cover up on, then head out to eat at a fun local place. Slicers Hoagies is a great option! All their meat is sliced fresh and their specials will be totally original (hint: be sure to check their website for the latest secret menu).

If you are in a more brunchy mood, EJ’s Bayfront Café is where you want to go. With their tasty fresh fruit and eggs benedict, always a satisfying visit. If you are in the mood for a hamburger (or chicken or veggie patty), head to Brooks Burgers and try one of their amazing creations. Celebration Park is also a nice option, support small business with multiple food truck options, and a bar that sits waterfront.

In the afternoon, we recommend Naples Botanical Gardens for a nice nature option, or head over in the evening if you come during the winter they might have the lights in the garden at night.

If you are into shopping, 5th Avenue or Waterside Shops are great for window-shopping, Mercato or Coconut Point for more reasonably priced options.

If you are into a beautiful nature option, set up a boat tour. We recommend Ecoendeavors https://ecoendeavors.org/ They are wonderful, and if you chose the 3 Hour private boat tour, they will customize it to your wants. We recently went out with them, and enjoyed the private island, shelling, and seeing the dome homes. This is so worth your time and an experience you will not soon forget.

If you have time, head to one of the beautiful beaches and hit sunset again, remember no two sunsets are the same, and you might just catch the green flash. Any of the above options for dinner you didn’t hit last night are a good option for dinner tonight, and if you are up for it head out to one of the clubs for some late night fun.

Brunch in the morning of your final day, you have a couple of nice options, we recommend The Rooster Naples if you are close to downtown, or True Food Kitchen if you are more mid-town. If you have time before you head out, hit the beach again, or hit one of the other beautiful shopping destinations on your way out of town.

We hope you enjoyed your time in beautiful Naples, Florida!

Other highlights to hit:

Rent Kayaks and tour the Rookery Bay Estuarine

Sightseeing Tour on the Naples Princess

Local Breweries (RipTide, Naples Beach Brewery, Ankrolab, Bone Hook)

Head down to Marco Island and live the island life for the day

Swamp tour in the Everglades (don’t forget the bug spray)

Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary walk (don’t forget the bug spray)

Revs Institute (classic cars, call ahead for hours and availability)

Visit the Baker Museum

Restaurant Recommendations:

Lowbrow Pizza

The Crust Pizza

Namba Sushi

The Rooster Naples

21 Spices

Kareem’s Lebanese Kitchen

Desserts:

Norman Love Confections

Royal Scoop Ice Cream

Sub Zero Nitrogen Ice Cream

Vampire Penguin

Nothing Bundt Cakes