Southwest Florida's luxury coast extends from Naples through Marco Island, offering some of the most exclusive beach experiences in America. These sister communities share pristine Gulf of Mexico beaches, extraordinary wealth, world-class dining, and a sophisticated atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Florida.
Naples: The Gulf's Crown Jewel
Naples has the highest per-capita income of any US metro area and one of the highest concentrations of golf courses in the world. Despite this wealth, the city maintains a remarkably pleasant, walkable downtown built around 5th Avenue South and 3rd Street South — both lined with galleries, boutiques, and outstanding restaurants.
Naples Must-Experiences
- Naples Beach & Pier — The pier at sunset is legitimately one of Florida's most beautiful scenes
- Fifth Avenue South — Upscale dining and shopping in an attractive street setting
- Clam Pass Beach — Ride the tram through mangroves to this pristine beach
- Barefoot Beach Preserve — One of Southwest Florida's most unspoiled beaches
- Naples Botanical Garden — Award-winning tropical garden
- Artis-Naples — Performing arts center rivaling much larger cities
Naples Dining Highlights
- The Turtle Club — Beachfront fine dining, legendary sunset views
- Aura — Contemporary American, outstanding wine list
- Barbatella — Italian, beloved by locals and visitors alike
- Sea Salt — Innovative seafood on Fifth Avenue
Marco Island
Marco Island is the northernmost of the Ten Thousand Islands — a large barrier island with beautiful beaches, excellent fishing, and a more relaxed atmosphere than Naples proper.
Marco Island Highlights
- Tigertail Beach — One of Florida's most beautiful and wildlife-rich beaches
- Caxambas Park — Boat ramp and kayak access to the backcountry
- Marco Island Marriott — The island's premier resort
- Eco-tours — Kayak and boat tours through mangrove tunnels
Getting to Naples & Marco Island
- From RSW Airport (Fort Myers): 35-45 min to Naples, from $60 | 45-55 min to Marco Island, from $75
- From Tampa / TPA: 2-2.5 hours to Naples, from $150
- From Sarasota / SRQ: 90-110 min to Naples, from $115
- Naples to Marco Island: 25-30 min, from $50