The founders of Naples had tourism in mind when they named the destination after the famous Italian peninsula in the 19th century. But what was once intended as a winter retreat along Florida’s Gulf Coast has bloomed into a year-round paradise attracting sophisticated travelers with world-class dining, unparalleled shopping experiences, the finest vacation rentals in Florida and a magnificent stretch of coastline that attracts seafarers and beach lovers alike.
Naples Florida vacation rentals are not like other vacation rentals in Florida. Whereas South Florida’s more populous East Coast tends to garner the most attention from beach-goers flocking in from just about everywhere, Naples’ beaches are among the state’s most elegant and serene. Vanderbilt Beach—located adjacent to the picturesque canals along Vanderbilt Driver—is arguably among Naples’ best stretches of sand, whereas the beach at Delnor-Wiggins Pass offers a multitude of fun activities such as watersports or a coral reef snorkeling experience.
Shopping in Naples offers no shortage of retail options, including the open-air Waterside Shops, the Mercato shopping and entertainment complex, the Village Shops on Venetian Bay and the Tin City Waterfront Shops. Foodies staying at a Naples vacation rental may also enjoy waterfront dining at Pincers Crab Shack or the Riverwalk at Tin City, or embark on a boat tour from the nearby pier.
Third Street South and Fifth Avenue South are among the city’s best places to go for shopping and gastronomy. Third Street South is near the iconic Naples City Pier and features a uniquely Naples ambiance with its courtyards, antique fountains and delectable bistros as well as a Farmers’ Market on Saturdays, whereas Fifth Avenue South is a high-end corridor of glamorous boutique shops, chic art galleries and some of the area’s finest dining establishments. Be sure to check out Sails Restaurant for an unforgettable three- or four-course prix fixe dinner.
Families staying at vacation rentals in Naples can enrich their vacation experience with fun and educational activities. For example, see a Florida panther in addition to jaguars and other “Big Cats” at the Kowiachobee Animal Preserve, or visit the unusual barking dear exhibit in addition to the more typical monkeys, tigers and giraffes at the Naples Zoo, which is set within a lush 47-acre tropical garden.
Nature lovers may also wish to check out the Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary—a great place to spot Florida’s cherished red-bellied turtles. Travelers can also kayak the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, paddle the Paradise Coast Blueway, bird watch at the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve, or visit the 170-acre Naples Botanical Garden with sections housing distinct ecosystems, including a water garden reminiscent of a Claude Monet painting.
Boating enthusiasts may wish to plan their trip around the Naples Boat Show, typically held in January, or visit in early to mid December for the Christmas boat parade. Vacation rentals with a boat dock, such as Rozel Naples, are available for travelers who wish to rent a boat or sail their own.
There are no shortage golf courses in and around Naples—about 100 courses within 20 miles of the destination—including the Bay Colony Golf Club, Audubon Country Club, LaPlaya Golf Club and Tiburón Golf Club.
Be sure to check out Old Naples and explore historic structures including one of the area’s original homes built in the late 19th century. Those with an eye for history may also wish to experience a collection of classic cars at the Revs Institute for Automotive Research or observe restored rail cars and an antique swamp buggy at the Naples Depot Museum.
Set directly on the canals minutes away from Vanderbilt Beach and Delnor-Wiggins Pass, Rozel Naples provides the quintessential Naples experience and an ideal location from which to explore the destination.