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Best Beaches

Naples, Florida

Laid Back Luxury

 By Jennifer Plum Auvil

Overview

To outsiders, Naples may seem like just another monied Florida community, like Palm Beach or South Beach. Sure, many of the seasonal and year-round residents may be loaded and there are plenty of mansions to attest to this fact, but the feeling in this community is a little less stuffy and a little more relaxed than some other wealthy vacation spots. And the beaches, most within walking distance from the city, are some of the best in the state.

The biggest dilemma when chilling on the pearly white sands is to decide which way to look. On one side are the rolling waves, and on the other the gleaming mansions that make up Millionaires' Row. One of the most popular beaches at Naples Pier is in the city, on 12th Avenue South. Another great beach lies a few miles north of Old Naples, at the Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park. This is a great place to spread out the family's beach blanket and camp out for the day as there are bathhouses and food stands on site and rentals available for everything from umbrellas to kayaks to snorkeling gear.

Off the beach, there is plenty to see and do in Naples. Fishers can join the locals for a day of fishing off Naples Pier right in the center of town. It's no surprise that the golf is top notch and tee times are a commodity, so golfers should think ahead and reserve some times on the greens. Shoppers can peruse the boutiques, galleries and antique shops on Third Street South and Fifth Avenue South, though with the high prices it might be best to leave the credit cards back at the hotel on ice. And when the sun is ready to go down, it's time to head back to the water for a seaside cocktail and a toast to an all-around perfect day.


 

Child-Friendliness
rating:
2 of 5
more:
While kids will enjoy their days at the beach, parents are more likely to enjoy their nights in romantic Naples when traveling solo. There is not a wealth of kid-charged activities off the sandy shores.
Swimming
rating:
3 of 5
more:
The clear water is perfect for snorkeling and swimming.
Sand
rating:
3 of 5
more:
The white sands are fine and soft.
Atmosphere
rating:
4 of 5
more:
The posh surroundings may exude money, but the overall feeling is more refined and friendly.
Non-Beach Activities
rating:
3 of 5
more:
Adults should find enough to keep busy with the restaurants, shopping and adventures waiting in the nearby Everglades.

 



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Pictures: Travel Channel |

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