The city of Naples, perched on the Gulf of Mexico in southwest Florida, is famous for its luxury shopping, world-class art and culture, sophisticated restaurants, family fun and wild nature. One hour from Naples and Marco Island are millions of acres of federal and state parks, reserves and wildlife refuges. The city is mainly known for its high-priced houses, white sand beaches and numerous golf courses. Naples is the self-titled golf capital of the world, having the second highest number of holes per capita of any community and the most number of holes of any city in Florida.
The city is also known to be attractive to retirees, and a large percentage of the population is made up of them. There are more than 1,000 arts and cultural events scheduled each year in Naples, Florida. Most of these are complementary and so you can enjoy the art and music of the locals. Popular cultural entertainment venues include Naples Players, Gulf Shore Players and Artis-Naples.
Here, you can enjoy culturally rich attractions, such as plays, music and works of art. Naples, Florida, is an ideal place to vacation. The area, once a busy jetty that was at the heart of Naples' thriving fishing industry, is now a specialized business district. The eclectic and unique outdoor shopping district is one of the best spots in the United States and one of the best attractions in Naples to explore this weekend.
The Lionel Train Museum is dedicated to model trains, specifically those that ran through Naples and Southwest Florida. Reflecting the cultural vitality of the Southwest Florida community, this collection is a teaching tool for those who want to learn more about 20th and 21st century Mexican and American art. The best restaurants in Naples have their home here, and you'll find everything from casual dining to elegant restaurants, as well as exclusive cafes and bars. About half an hour away, the Everglades offer boating, kayaking and paddling.
The Everglades, the largest subtropical desert in the United States, is home to rare and endangered species, such as the manatee, the American crocodile and the Florida panther. In addition, approximately half an hour away, the Big Cypress National Reserve, which supports marine estuaries along Florida's southwest coast, has a unique variety of tropical and temperate plant and wildlife communities, along with ranger-led activities, campgrounds and scenic drives. Prior to the period of European colonization, the Calusa Indians lived in Florida (including the region of present-day Naples) for thousands of years, from Charlotte Harbour to Cape Sable. Surrounded by the crystal clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico, Naples has beautiful white sand beaches, beautiful parks and gardens and natural sanctuaries.
Third Street South is one of the points of interest in the center of Naples and offers a fun but informal atmosphere. Created in 2001, it is a non-profit organization licensed by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission. Originally the Naples Seaboard Air Line train station, built in 1927, the site has been restored by Collier County to become the Naples Depot Museum. And unlike many other states, Florida law requires that the surviving spouse immediately become the sole owner of the property when his or her spouse dies.
With 43 acres and close to a mile of paved road, the Naples Zoo in Caribbean Gardens offers plenty to see. People come here to enjoy the spectacular sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico, the white sand beaches, the art and culture and the many financial advantages, just some of the reasons Gallup's National Health and Wellness Index recognized Naples, in Collier County.
