Laura’s guidebook

Laura

Joined in 2015

Laura’s guidebook

City/town information

Naples

Naples, perched on the Gulf of Mexico in Southwest Florida, is famous for its high-end shopping, world-class culture and sophisticated dining. But Naples is also an affordable family destination that appeals to nature lovers and beach aficionados. Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South are the focal points for Naples shopping in the historic downtown area, with numerous art galleries, chic clothing boutiques and home decor shops. When it comes time for lunch or drinks and dinner, enjoy your meal with a water view, whether you choose a swank Naples beachfront resort or a funky bayside bar.

174 locals recommend

Naples

174 locals recommend

Naples, perched on the Gulf of Mexico in Southwest Florida, is famous for its high-end shopping, world-class culture and sophisticated dining. But Naples is also an affordable family destination that appeals to nature lovers and beach aficionados. Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South are the focal points for Naples shopping in the historic downtown area, with numerous art galleries, chic clothing boutiques and home decor shops. When it comes time for lunch or drinks and dinner, enjoy your meal with a water view, whether you choose a swank Naples beachfront resort or a funky bayside bar.

Bonita Springs

Bonita Springs, a welcoming beach community in Southwest Florida between Fort Myers and Naples, is home to the Conservancy of Southwest Florida Nature Center. Fishing and outdoor activities are popular in Bonita Springs, as are the sparkling beaches. Bonita Springs also harbors Lovers Key State Park, a place so named because it once was an island so remote only lovers went to the trouble to seek its privacy. Today, you don’t need a boat to get to the beach. It’s easy to reach, but still not as well known as many other state parks. The 2.5-mile beach is lined with natural vegetation and is perfect for beachcombing and birding. For some off-leash excitement there’s the rightly named Dog Beach Park. It’s one of Florida’s only no-leash beaches and a big hit for both locals and visitors. The secluded shoreline and shallow waters make Dog Beach Park one of our best pet-friendly beaches, and when you get the chance, there are even more spots to explore.

51 locals recommend

Bonita Springs

51 locals recommend

Bonita Springs, a welcoming beach community in Southwest Florida between Fort Myers and Naples, is home to the Conservancy of Southwest Florida Nature Center. Fishing and outdoor activities are popular in Bonita Springs, as are the sparkling beaches. Bonita Springs also harbors Lovers Key State Park, a place so named because it once was an island so remote only lovers went to the trouble to seek its privacy. Today, you don’t need a boat to get to the beach. It’s easy to reach, but still not as well known as many other state parks. The 2.5-mile beach is lined with natural vegetation and is perfect for beachcombing and birding. For some off-leash excitement there’s the rightly named Dog Beach Park. It’s one of Florida’s only no-leash beaches and a big hit for both locals and visitors. The secluded shoreline and shallow waters make Dog Beach Park one of our best pet-friendly beaches, and when you get the chance, there are even more spots to explore.

Food scene

The Turtle Club Restaurant

Fine-dining destination dishing out area-sourced seafood plus steaks in a scenic beachfront setting.

137 locals recommend

The Turtle Club Restaurant

9225 Gulf Shore Dr

137 locals recommend

Fine-dining destination dishing out area-sourced seafood plus steaks in a scenic beachfront setting.

BHA! BHA! Persian Bistro

Elegant, white-tablecloth restaurant offering Persian specialties such as kebabs & duck fesenjān.

22 locals recommend

BHA! BHA! Persian Bistro

865 5th Ave S

22 locals recommend

Elegant, white-tablecloth restaurant offering Persian specialties such as kebabs & duck fesenjān.

The French Brasserie Rustique

The French Brasserie Rustique is one of the top Naples restaurants, boasting an expansive menu of Parisian classics and a full-service bar.

15 locals recommend

The French Brasserie Rustique

365 5th Ave S

15 locals recommend

The French Brasserie Rustique is one of the top Naples restaurants, boasting an expansive menu of Parisian classics and a full-service bar.

BRAVO!

Upscale-casual Italian chain serving pasta, grilled dishes, pizza & cocktails amid Roman-ruin decor.

25 locals recommend

BRAVO!

9110 Strada Pl

25 locals recommend

Upscale-casual Italian chain serving pasta, grilled dishes, pizza & cocktails amid Roman-ruin decor.

M Waterfront Grille

Upscale New American dining with full bar, wine list & Sunday brunch for indoor or outdoor dining.

13 locals recommend

M Waterfront Grille

4300 Gulf Shore Blvd N

13 locals recommend

Upscale New American dining with full bar, wine list & Sunday brunch for indoor or outdoor dining.

Coffee Bar

Nicest staff and owners ever and such good food and coffee in Naples

Coffee Bar

960 Immokalee Road

Nicest staff and owners ever and such good food and coffee in Naples

Mercato

370 locals recommend

Mercato

9110 Strada Pl

370 locals recommend

First Watch

25 locals recommend

First Watch

1000 Immokalee Rd

25 locals recommend

The Cheesecake Factory

11 locals recommend

The Cheesecake Factory

2090 Tamiami Trail N

11 locals recommend

Caffè Milano

23 locals recommend

Caffè Milano

800 5th Ave S

23 locals recommend

Sushi-Thai of Naples

23 locals recommend

Sushi-Thai of Naples

869 103rd Ave N

23 locals recommend

Rocco's Tacos & Tequila Bar

34 locals recommend

Rocco's Tacos & Tequila Bar

9123 Strada Pl

34 locals recommend

Beaches

Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park

Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is a Florida state park located on a barrier island on Florida's southwest coast near Naples, Florida, 6 miles west of I-75 in North Naples. The Cocohatchee River and the Gulf of Mexico are accessible from the park, which contains a hard-bottom reef.

142 locals recommend

Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park

142 locals recommend

Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is a Florida state park located on a barrier island on Florida's southwest coast near Naples, Florida, 6 miles west of I-75 in North Naples. The Cocohatchee River and the Gulf of Mexico are accessible from the park, which contains a hard-bottom reef.