Naples is located on the Gulf of Mexico coastline edge of Collier County, Florida, lying on the south west side of the sunshine state. There are 10 miles of gorgeous, white sandy beaches, which are amongst the best in the United States. Naples is one of the wealthiest areas in the United States and this is reflected in the affluence of the residents and tourists it attracts. This affluence is obvious everywhere; from the breath-taking beach-front properties to the award winning restaurants; the designer boutiques to the beautifully, landscaped roads; and this extends throughout Naples right out to the outskirts. Naples truly is an impressive city.
Although Naples has its own airport, it is too small to cater for anything other than small business planes and weekender traffic. As things stand, most direct flights from UK arrive mainly into Orlando International Airport or Tampa, therefore making Naples about a 3-hour drive away from either. Fortunately things are set to improve in the near future. Although Naples airport cannot take direct flights from the UK, South West Florida International Airport (RSW), located at Fort Myers, will soon be able to. RSW is only 30 miles away from Naples and is currently undergoing a massive upgrade. Once completed, RSW will have three concourses with space for two more, offering 28 gates, with possibility of expanding to 65. All this is expansion will enable the possibility of direct flights from more countries, including the UK. You can already fly from Germany direct to RSW and internal flights from locations all over the United States arrive daily. For more detailed information check out www.swfia.com, the official RSW website.
Old Naples is the heart of the city, bisected by 5th Avenue, the main entertainment area. On 5th you will find many restaurants that range from exclusive to the run-of-the-mill burger joints, (not the corporate ones!) and shops that range from top-of-the-range designer boutiques to shops selling unusual nick knacks. I can personally recommend the Yabba grill, which is a hugely popular choice among people of all ages and budgets. Being located by the theatre makes it a really popular place to meet up to dine before going to the show, or just moving on to enjoy Naples night time entertainment.
If designer goods at high street prices are your thing, then Airport Road North has TJ Maxx, Ross and Marshall’s and the likes. Also on-site are Beales department store and supermarkets such as Target and Publix. Tin city has unusual gift shops. The Villa on Venetian Bay offers a Mediterranean setting.
Away from shopping and eating Naples offers many sporting activities from Golf and tennis to water sports. There are also plenty of museums, with the Teddy Bear Museum being one of the most popular. There is a small zoo and botanical gardens. Art Galleries are also popular.
There is also a trolley bus which conducts guided tours in Naples, like many tourist buses it allows you to get on and get off at all the major locations in Naples.