Naples – Great spot for a family getaway

Naples is a quick drive from the Palm Beaches, less than 2 and a half hours.  So, let’s talk about where to stay, what to do, and where to dine.

Where to stay:

The Naples Ritz is opening in 2025 and looks fabulous. 

The Naples Resort and Marina has a lot to offer families.

What to do:

Conservancy of Southwest Florida Nature Center
Easily our favorite spot.  SO special.  Set on 21 beautiful acres brimming with wildlife, the Dalton Discovery Center’s interactive exhibits on Florida’s ecosystems and sea turtle tank are winners.  Lots of indoor AC play and exploring area for all ages.  The animal nursery was a HUGE hit.  Wonderful daily programs offer a chance to interact with wildlife.  Older kids and adults will enjoy the boat ride.

Cambier Park
A super playground, tennis courts, and more amenities await. Great picnic spot.  Free concerts often so check the calendar.

C’mom Golisano Children’s Museum of Naples
Hands-on play is fully accessible to all.  Great air conditioned space for a warm or rainy day to play and explore.

Naples Zoo
This zoo is really easy to navigate in a half day.  Feeding the giraffes and watching the lions feed were highlights!

Naples Botanical Garden
This is a floral wonderland.  The Children’s Garden is so much fun with lots of shade.  Bring swim suits and towels for the little splash area.

Sun-N-Fun Lagoon
A perfect way to beat the heat- this waterpark offers a variety of waterslides, multiple pools and a toddler area.

Naples Pier
Watch the boats breeze by or fish from this popular spot. Watch sunset.  Build sandcastles and splash.  Then do a happy dance.  Pure magic.

Where to dine:

Maguro was listed as one of the top 10 restaurant in Naples – and it is hibachi – entertainment and food everyone will eat!  Their birthday celebration is pretty fun FYI.

Brambles Tea House is an adorable spot for a drop of tea (and great tea sandwiches)

For a tasty breakfast we loved EJ’s and 5th Ave Coffee Company.  So much more than coffee with delightful outdoor seating available.  Perfect for watching the world wake up and go by.

To pack a picnic for your adventures Food & Thought was a fantastic local health food shop with remade and made to order foods in addition to the grocery.

Questions?  Something we missed?  We would love to hear from you.  Leave a comment.  😉