Located on the southeast edge of the Florida peninsula, the cozy coastal town of Naples is a wonderful choice for your next weekend escape, romantic getaway or family trip.
The area offers plenty of water sports, fine dining and upscale shopping, though its pristine beaches alone are enough for a relaxing vacation, and the super friendly people here are more than willing to reveal their insider tips about the Paradise Coast.
While reports show that Naples is home to some of the wealthiest people in the US, the cost of living here is still more affordable than other popular Florida cities like Miami or Palm Beach. And despite the rumors that the city isn’t the most diverse, I, as a Black woman, feel very safe and welcomed by the locals.
Here’s what you need to know to make the most of your first time in Naples.
The best time to visit Naples is between March and May. Notably, it has yet to become a popular spring break spot, so you’ll find it peaceful this time of year. The weather is at its most pleasant, and accommodations are reasonably priced.
From June to September, Naples gets very hot, with lots of rain and average temperatures over 90ºF (32ºC), sometimes even exceeding 100ºF (38ºC). If you visit around this time, be sure to bring an umbrella, as hurricane season for the Sunshine State is July through October. Although the weather is dicey, you’ll find some decent deals around this time.
Winters in Naples are mild but still offer an escape from the cold weather, as average temperatures linger around the mid-70s Fahrenheit (around 24ºC). This is also an ideal time for birdwatching and wildlife spotting.
How much time should I spend in Naples?
Naples is the perfect destination for a three-day weekend trip and, in my opinion, works best for anyone looking for a quick solo or romantic getaway to experience the white sandy beaches and great food. Stay longer, and you can make time for day trips to nearby destinations like Fort Myers and Everglades National Park.
Although Naples does have its own airport, it’s primarily reserved for those flying on private airplanes. In fact, while you’re in the city, you can often see stylish jets in the sky throughout the day.
That said, you’ll likely want to fly into Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), located in Fort Myers, which is roughly a 35-minute drive to Old Naples. The average price of a rideshare is roughly $50 or so, depending on the time of day.
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Is it easy to get around Naples?
Naples is certainly a very walkable town in most areas – especially near and around the bustling 5th Ave South. For those looking to rent a car, it’s also a driveable city without heavy traffic, and it has a decent number of both paid and free parking options.
From personal experience, rideshares are your best bet for getting around, especially for short weekend getaways. Uber pick-up times are fast, with average waits of three to five minutes, and prices range from roughly $7–16 per ride.
The AC Naples Marriott opened its doors in 2023 and is a great option for a cozy yet luxurious stay. It’s just a five-minute drive to 5th Ave South, where you’ll find plenty of luxe boutiques and dining options. In the heart of Old Naples, this three-story property offers an intimate and boutique-like experience with excellent service, modern rooms, a rooftop pool and Mediterranean bar, Limón. A one-night stay will cost roughly $160–200.
If you’re looking for slightly more budget-friendly hotels during your stay, try the Courtyard Naples (around $114–240 per night) or the Residence Inn Naples (approximately $118–175 per night).
There are also plenty of lodging options for easy beach access, such as the Naples Grande Beach Resort (roughly $197–235 per night) or the Naples Bay Resort & Marina (around $190–219 per night.)
Top things to do in Naples
Explore the picture-perfect beaches
Southwest Florida’s beaches are certainly worth the hype, with plenty of gorgeous white-sand stretches to choose from. My personal favorite in Naples is, hands-down, Clam Pass Park. It’s free to access (except for a $10 parking fee) and open to the public daily from 8am until sunset. When you first arrive, you’ll need to walk down a three-quarter-mile wooden boardwalk, which is more easily covered on the free tram service. The 35-acre beach features plenty of marine life and coastal birds. There’s also no shortage of activities like nature walks and fishing.
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Despite the slightly overpriced beach chairs and umbrellas, this family-friendly beach has calm, blue waters and some of the most beautifully glistening seashells scattered across the sands. There’s also a snack bar, restrooms, bike racks and foot showers. Be sure to bring your own towels, though, as there aren’t any available for the general public to rent; they’re reserved for guests staying at beachfront resorts.
Other popular beaches to visit include Vanderbilt Beach, Tigertail Beach and Marco Island Beach. If you’re looking for dog-friendly beaches, take your pup to Bonita Beach Dog Park, Gulfside City Park Beach and Lighthouse Beach Park. Various water-based activities to try at local beaches include parasailing, jet skiing and dolphin spotting.
If you’re a nature lover, head to the Naples Botanical Gardens to see rainforest plants, succulent displays and waterlily-laden pools in tropical-themed gardens. They also host regular kid-friendly events and have a restaurant with garden views called the Fogg Café.
Popular festivals throughout the year include the Naples Seafood & Music Festival, the Naples Craft Beer Fest and Naples Downtown Art Fair.
Take a boat tour
If you’re looking for fun local boating experiences, La Gondola offers private tours in the heart of Naples on authentic Venetian gondolas – perfect for a romantic date night in the town. Another fun option is Naples Princess Cruises. You’ll want to book both in advance as they sell out quickly.
Eat and drink at Naples’ top restaurants
Campiello: If there’s one spot that will make you mistake Naples, Florida, for its Italian namesake, it’s Campiello. This award-winning Italian restaurant features a rustic contemporary menu with wood-fired meats and pizzas – get the Margherita.
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D’Amico’s Continental Naples: This upscale butcher steak house restaurant was ranked not only one of the best in Florida but also one of the best in the country – and rightfully so. Commonly known as The Continental, this spot has a menu full of premium steak, seafood and cocktail options, as well as an impressive 39-page wine list.
Jane’s Café on 3rd: Included in nearly every Naples food guide and raved about by all the locals, the celebrated brunch spot Jane’s Café on 3rd definitely lives up to the hype, from its “lobster smashed avocado Benedict” to its French toast.
Rocco’s Tacos and Tequila Bar: If you’re looking for something more casual, Rocco’s Tacos is a great choice for tacos, birrias, quesadillas and taco burgers. For anyone traveling on a budget, it also has regular happy hours and Taco Tuesdays specials.
As a cafe lover, I enjoy frequenting coffee shops everywhere I travel to enjoy a good cup of joe alongside the locals. Something about the ambiance and environment just makes me feel at home no matter where I am in the world. EJ’s Bayfront Cafe made for a simple yet lovely experience on a recent trip to Naples.
There’s often a short wait to get in, but the menu is a brunch lover’s dream, and it’s known for having some of the best comfort food in town. It’s just steps away from the ocean and has plenty of outdoor seating. A fan favorite is the banana-stuffed French toast platter with thick-cut challah bread, stuffed with sliced bananas and rolled in cinnamon and sugar. The food arrives extremely fast, and the service is top-notch.
How much money do I need for Naples?
Despite Naples being one of the most affluent towns in America, travel accommodations are fairly reasonable – especially if you limit excursions. Shopping at local boutiques will set you back the most, especially along 5th Ave South. Food and drinks are fairly priced, and the majority of restaurants don’t have additional service charges.
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You could easily plan a two-night stay for under $1000, including a roundtrip non-stop flight from New York City, for example.
Average costs:
Dinner for two: $80–215 (or more)
Brunch for two: $60–90+
Mid-range hotel off-peak, midweek in summer: $100–250+
Beer/pint at the bar: $7–10
Cocktail: $15–18
Ice cream: $6–8
Mariya traveled to Naples on the invitation of Marriott Bonvoy. Lonely Planet does not accept freebies in exchange for positive coverage.
South Florida fans of Bad Bunny come together ahead of Super Bowl performance
MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — A Miami Beach rooftop has become a haven for Bad Bunny fans counting down the days until the Super Bowl, all while playing one of America’s oldest and longest running pastimes.
High above the neon glow of Lincoln Road, the vibe isn’t just cinematic, it’s Un Verano Sin Ti.
Rooftop Cinema Club South Beach is known for its skyline views and wireless headphones, but on Wednesday, the speakers were pumping 100% Benito.
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The prizes for Bad Bunny Bingo ranged from free movie tickets to themed merch, but for most, the real win is the atmosphere and a community of likeminded fans.
The world will be watching when Bad Bunny takes the Apple Music Super Bowl Halftime Show stage on Feb. 8 from Levi Stadium in Santa Clara.
🏠 News From Your Neighborhood
Copyright 2026 by WPLG Local10.com – All rights reserved.
UPS announced plans to cut 30,000 jobs in the coming year. Amazon is slashing 16,000.
The post office is hiring.
In recent weeks, the U.S. Postal Service has been holding job fairs to fill vacant positions for carriers, assistant carriers, and auto techs at Florida locations, with salaries starting at $21.89 per hour. The next two are in Tallahassee and Lake City.
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Recent job fairs were held at Fernandina Beach and Jacksonville.
Here’s what to know.
Is the Post Office hiring?
The USPS in Tallahassee and Lake City are looking for “committed and motivated individuals,” according to press releases. The positions are:
Rural Carrier Associates (RCA) – $21.89 per hour, paid bi-weekly, full-time with health benefits. You would deliver mail on a full-time schedule that may include weekend and holidays.
Assistant Rural Carriers (ARC) – $21.89 per hour, paid bi-weekly, part-time. You would deliver packages.
Automotive Technician (AT) – $66,586 annually, paid bi-weekly, health benefits. You would perform repairs and maintenance on all types of motor vehicles used in the postal fleet. (Tallahassee only)
Benefits include multiple health and life insurance choices, pension benefits and a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) like a 401(k), and vacation time and sick leave, the USPS said.
When are the USPS job fairs?
Tallahassee: Friday, Jan, 30, at the Tallahassee Post Office, 2800 S Adams Street
Lake City: Saturday, Jan. 31, at the Lake City Post Office, 250 NW Main Blvd.
Interested applicants who can’t make it to the job fairs may also apply at usps.com/careers.
What are the requirements to work for the post office?
You must be 18 years old or older at the time of appointment or 16 years old with a high school diploma
You must be a United States citizen or permanent resident
You must be able to pass a criminal background check and drug screening
If driving is part of the job, you must have a valid state driver’s license and a safe driving record
C. A. Bridges is a journalist for the USA TODAY Network-Florida’s service journalism Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY.
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — As cities across the country see growing protests over immigration enforcement, Florida Democrats are pushing bills they say would protect residents and undocumented migrants — and counter Republican proposals to expand enforcement across the state.
“We stand at a crossroads where we need to decide what world we live in,” said Rep. Dotie Joseph, D-North Miami.
One measure, Senate Bill 316, known as the Visible Act, would ban the public use of masks, require police officers to identify themselves and create safe zones around schools and houses of worship.
“We are not a dictatorship,” said Rep. Angie Nixon, D-Jacksonville. “Secret police belong in the history books, not Florida streets.”
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Democrats are also spearheading efforts to grant in-state college tuition to recipients of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, often called DREAMers. Florida lawmakers ended that benefit in 2025.
“I dream and I dream big.I will always work as hard as I have to make my dreams come true,” said Alexander Vallejos, a DACA recipient and student at the University of Central Florida. “I love my beautiful Sunshine State of Florida, and I’m a Florida kid through and through.”
Republicans argued in-state tuition diverted state funds from legal residents during the 2025 debate.
“I don’t think it’s fair to ask hardworking Floridians who are struggling to make ends meet to spend $45 million subsidizing the education of people who shouldn’t even be here,” said U.S. Rep. Randy Fine, a former state legislator.
Gov. Ron DeSantis defended Florida’s continued cooperation with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, calling it “positive cooperation” that “has certainly made a difference here in Florida.”
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Tensions over enforcement have deepened nationally after ICE agents in Minneapolis fatally shot two U.S. citizens, drawing condemnation from lawmakers and activists.
“They feel they can do anything they want — even including executing a United States citizen in broad daylight,” said Sen. Carlos Guillermo Smith, D-Orlando.
The Visible Act must pass three committees before it can reach the full Senate floor for a vote.
