Spectacular Things to Do in Naples FL This Weekend

[note note_color=”#ffffff”]This ‘Things to Do in Naples FL This Weekend’ post is sponsored and written by me on behalf of Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades – Florida’s Paradise Coast. All opinions are 100% mine.[/note]

Naples, FL is ranked the happiest and healthiest city in the U.S. for the fourth consecutive year. No other city in the U.S. has this claim-to-fame. Since it’s only a short three-hour drive from home, we hopped in the car to discover the spectacular things to do in Naples this weekend.

If you are a Floridian then staycations are where it’s at! We live in paradise, so don’t forget to explore and enjoy it.

For everyone else, while Florida is definitely known as the land of amusement parks – and it is – there is SO much more. 

Avoid the crowds and enjoy one of Florida’s other gems. Follow along for a minute and let us tell you about all of the amazing food, beauty, and experiences you don’t want to miss in Naples, FL.

Spectacular Things to Do in Naples This Weekend

Places to Stay in Naples, FL

There are plenty of places to stay in Naples, FL including gorgeous beachfront hotels and luxury resorts. Perhaps an inn of Naples is more your style, or get cozy in a friendly bed and breakfast. One of the more adventurous things to do in Naples this weekend is camping in the Everglades National Park.

When it came to places to stay in Naples, FL we decided on a happy medium. We brought our 3-month-old twin boys on our Florida staycation while the older children stayed with family. Can I just say how crazy it was when we realized how easy it was traveling with JUST our twin babies?!

Bayfront Inn 5th Avenue is an economical choice situated on the bay in the heart of Naples which is only a 3-minute walk from Tin City and a couple of blocks from the amazing stretch of street in Old Naples full of shops and restaurants known as 5Th Avenue South. It was perfect for our little getaway and offered great views and plenty of room. The Inn also has free parking and is within a 5-minute drive (or complimentary shuttle ride for out-of-towners) to Naples Beach.

Dig Into Delicious on Florida’s Paradise Coast at Naples Restaurants

Fishing is to Naples, FL as Sponging is Tarpon Springs, FL (also close to home and where our studio was located for a couple of years, so we know it well!) and to this day it is a destination for culinary connoisseurs who delight in fresh gulf-to-table seafood. There are so many wonderful Naples restaurants that boast fresh, locally sourced ingredients that we simply couldn’t try them all. We can’t wait to return and experience 21 Spices with Chef-owner Asif Syed whose claim to fame is beating celebrity chef Bobby Flay on the Food Network. 

The Naples food scene features Stone Crab season, the Everglades Seafood Festival, and restaurant weeks that make eating one of the best things to do in Naples this weekend.

We were excited to dine at the brand new Southern Style Kitchen & Cocktails with all of the delicious dishes you would expect a Naples restaurant to have and so much more. The Jambalaya Spring Rolls were AMAZING.

We also stopped in Jimmy P’s Charred. Generations of butchering experience, secret family spice mixtures, and sauces, combine in a nice, but relaxed environment. Premium steaks are personally selected and hand-cut for any meat lover’s pleasure. We ordered up the chef’s specials of the day (including a brisket-topped burger) and couldn’t have been happier. 

Another favorite spot? Located at Dockside Boardwalk, just steps from Tin City is Mino. Family-owned, Mino himself makes the fresh gelato daily, the pasta is homemade and the pizza isn’t even sliced, but instead served the Italian way. We loved our Italian experience, right on the water. 

Things to Do in Naples This Weekend

There are more things to do in Naples this weekend than eat. But really, who doesn’t enjoy eating on their Florida staycation?! There are outdoor adventures, historic locations, arts, culture, and shopping galore.

Outdoor Activities in Naples

As the happiest and healthiest city in the U.S. there are countless things to do in Naples this weekend for the outdoor-enthusiast. Yoga is never more grounding than on the beach, but the beautiful shoreline can be enjoyed biking, kayaking, paddle boarding, fishing, and walking.

We chose a relaxing catamaran trip with Sweet Liberty, the largest Sailing Catamaran in Southwest Florida. Dolphins greeted us as we voyaged out to our beautiful shelling location and we brought home some of the most beautiful shells we’ve ever plucked from the sand.

It was the perfect addition to make our Florida staycation special.

Vacation Well in Paradise

Of course, relaxing on the shoreline is always a top choice of mine and I’m happy to take in the sound of the ocean waves for hours. To me, it’s the quintessential vacation.  But if you’re like my husband, there is always more to explore. Naples Pier, a landmark of Naples for over 100 years, makes for great dolphin watching, sunset viewing, and fishing! In fact, Naples has a blanket fishing license for the pier, so if you’ve got a rod, you can cast a line!

The Arts Community of Greater Naples

When you need a break from the sun, enjoy one of the many art centers or art galleries. The Naples Art Association, the Marco Island Center for the Arts, and the Naples Art District offer gallery viewing, and numerous classes and workshops. For more fine art galleries, shopping, and dining check out the Third Street South district, Fifth Avenue South, Crayton Cove, and don’t forget Macro Island too.

Tin City Waterfront Shop

Tin City comes alive in the evening with shoppers and hungry restaurant-goers. The Tin City restaurants are moderately priced compared to in town. And with amazing seafood and waterfront views, they are a great value. 

If you’re looking for things to do in Naples this weekend you may want to try wine tasting. The Naples Winery is a fun stop for adults. Most Floridians haven’t tried a citrus wine and all of their premium specialty wines are made from 100% pure Florida Citrus Juice.

But I have to say I enjoyed shopping at the Naples Soap Company the most. The health-conscious company reflects the healthy lifestyle that the paradise coast is known for. With over 450 private-labeled body, face, hair, and specialty products (for sensitive skin) you are sure to find something you will love.

Pro-tip: Look for bundles or gift sets to save money, and they offer free shipping for qualifying purchases on their website.

Why You Should Enjoy a Florida Staycation in Naples, FL

Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades – Florida’s Paradise Coast area is well-deserving of its happiest and healthiest city in the U.S. award. You can find out more about how the shops, restaurants, and schools are changing the way they live at the Blue Zones Project.

There are more things to do in Naples this weekend than I can manage to share with you here. But it was just what my husband and I needed to refresh and reconnect. If you would like more travel tips or another Florida staycation suggestion be sure to check out the blog.

Now go, Plan Your Visit to Paradise.

Are you looking for things to do in Naples FL this weekend?  Did you find this post help?  Did I leave anything out?  Let me know in a comment below!