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:

Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club.  We loved that our room had an empty mini fridge, and that they have tons of adjoining rooms.  It is nice but not to the point that you would be worried for your kids to touch anything.  There is a family pool and an adults only pool which takes the heat off to keep the kids from being kids at the pool.  And beach front is the way to go.  We had dinner in the room and watched the sunset.  Pure magic.  Oh…  did I mention they have a kids club?

Ritz Carlton.  There are two locations in Naples, one on the beach and another on the golf course.  Both have that fabulous level of service you can expect at The Ritz.  Great food, great rooms, great amenities.

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 while you wait.  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.

Shopping:

Kids shop on 5th Ave at Giggle Moon was delightful.  They were so helpful and had everything you might need if you pack in a hurry.

We would have driven over just for the breathtaking sunsets, but you could easily stay a week and have fun to fill every day.  See you soon Naples!  Special thanks to The Paradise Coast Team for making our trip such a dream.  Their site is helpful when booking your vacation to this beautiful area.

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