This post may contain affiliate links, view our disclosure policy.
Look no further for the best all-encompassing Naples, Florida itinerary for spending 1-6 days in Naples!
Located in Southwest Florida, Naples is a premier vacation destination offering exceptional year-round amenities and attractions.
With its beautiful beaches, championship golf courses, exceptional restaurants, shopping, and water activities ranging from kayaking to sailing charters – there is truly something in Naples for everyone to enjoy.
In this post, you’ll learn all about what to do, where to stay, and how to plan the absolute best Naples, Florida family vacation.
Likewise, we’ll show you the best Naples restaurants and attractions that fit perfectly into your Naples, Florida itinerary!
The links on this page are Amazon affiliate links. If you click on the links and make a purchase, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you.
Best Time to Visit Naples, Florida
Naples, Florida is located on Florida’s Gulf Coast in an area of Southwest Florida that is more broadly known as the Paradise Coast.
Paradise Coast consists of 5 cities that are all in close proximity to one another: Naples, Marco Island, Everglades City, Immokalee, and Ave Maria.
Though Naples is a great place to be enjoyed year-round, the best time to visit Naples is during the months of March to May.
From early March to late May, daytime temperatures range in the mid-80s (perfect beach weather!), and this is also the season when you’ll enjoy moderate crowds and fair prices.
Another popular time to visit Naples is during the winter months of December to February.
During the winter months, you can expect clear skies and average temps in the mid-70s (perfect for golf!).
It is during the winter months that you’ll experience peak crowds and price hikes, however.
For those looking to get away during the summer months, Naples offers the same great attractions but with high humidity and temperatures in the high 80s and 90s.
In order to make these months more tolerable, it is important to understand how to stay cool in the Florida heat as it is quite intense.
Additional planning tip: Be mindful that Florida’s hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with the peak of the season being the first week of September.
If anything, expect sporadic rainfall during these months.
Naples, Florida Itinerary
Below is a suggested itinerary for spending up to one week in Naples, Florida.
These itinerary suggestions are based on our personal experiences and are the perfect mixture of fun and relaxation.
No two Naples vacations will be exactly the same, however, so use these itinerary suggestions as a guide.
You’ll need to adjust your itinerary as needed to account for the weather, where you stay, how much time you spend at each attraction, and the varying interests of your travel party.
Also, be sure to consult our Florida packing list before your trip to be sure that you pack the correct clothing and accessories for when you plan to visit.
How Many Days Do You Need in Naples, Florida?
Spending 3 days in Naples gives you enough time to shop, see the sights around town, spend time on the white sand beaches, and explore the mangrove forests.
I personally recommend spending at least 5-days in Naples, however.
5 days in Naples allows you to not only enjoy the city of Naples but to venture further along Southwest Florida’s Paradise Coast (as you’ll discover in this article!).
If you only have 1 day in Naples, start off the morning at Naples Pier, walk around historic 3rd Street South, go to Naples Botanical Garden, and end with a sunset dinner at either BALEEN or The Turtle Club.
*All of our top recommended restaurants, landmarks, and attractions are bolded.
Their physical locations fit into the flow of this itinerary. If you choose to substitute a different restaurant or attraction, be sure to adjust the timing of your itinerary accordingly.
Stick around to the end of this post where you’ll find our Travel With A Plan printable itinerary planner.
Print off this 6-day vacation itinerary planner, take notes from our blog, and plan the best vacation yet!
And pssst….check out these related posts before your trip!
- 37 Fun & Unique Things to Do in Naples, FL
- The Best Places to Eat in Naples, Florida
- Best Breakfast Spots in Naples, FL: 7 Tasty Places to Try!
- Florida Packing List: 42 Essentials to Pack for Vacation in Florida
Naples Itinerary: Day 1
- Fly into Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Meyers and rent a car
- Drive to Naples, Florida, and check into your hotel or vacation rental (in our case, we stayed at LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort)
The most direct way to get to Naples is the Naples Municipal Airport (APF) which is located 5 miles from Downtown Naples.
APF has restricted public access, however, and only services chartered domestic flights via Naples Jet Center, Naples Air, and Gulf Coast Airways.
The Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Meyers, Florida, on the other hand, is the best and most popular option for commercial flights when looking to visit Naples.
RSW is located 45 minutes south of Naples, so you’ll either need a rental car, shuttle or ride share service to get you to your final destination.
Additional planning tip: Naples is about two hours by car from the international airports in Miami and Fort Lauderdale, FL.
LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort
We have dedicated an entire section at the end of the article to some of the best places to stay in Naples for different price points and amenities.
For this particular trip, we chose to stay at LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort which is located on the white sandy beach of North Naples.
LaPlaya is a luxury resort that boasts a phenomenal beachfront location with 4 lagoon-style pools, and a huge outdoor hot tub.
Amenities include sophisticated guest rooms and suites, as well as concierge service and pool and beach butler service.
Our favorite activities at LaPlaya include the resort catamarans, wave runners, kayaks, and paddleboards, as well as the onsite oceanfront restaurant and nighttime bonfires with smores.
Read our entire review (+tips for your stay!) of LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort here! (Coming soon!)
Naples Itinerary: Day 2
- Breakfast on the patio at BALEEN (LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort)
- Spend the morning walking the beach and shell picking
- Rent a poolside cabana for the afternoon (pool time)
- Lunch at Tacos and Tequila
- Sweet Liberty Sunset Cruise
- Dinner at The Dock at Crayton Cove
There are dozens of amazing places to eat breakfast in Naples that you won’t possibly be able to try all in one visit.
Regardless of where you stay in Naples, be sure to check out the amazing “traditional breakfast favorites with a classy coastal twist” at BALEEN – located at LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort.
Enjoy the crisp morning air while dining on the huge outdoor patio overlooking the ocean, and head to the beach for a stroll and some shell picking afterward.
After you’ve explored the area, settle in for some pool time at your hotel, resort, or vacation rental.
If available, consider an afternoon cabana rental and have a poolside lunch if this is something that your hotel offers.
If not, head on over to Tacos and Tequila Cantina on Tamiami Trail N for some of their amazing custom tacos and a delicious T&T Rita!
Finally, spend the evening in the Crayton Cove neighborhood of Naples.
Here, you can check out the Naples City Dock, a variety of shops and restaurants including the famous Dock Restaurant, as well as take a horse and carriage ride or a chartered sailing excursion.
Sweet Liberty
Sweet Liberty is Naples’s premier sailing charter company and is featured in this itinerary, as well as in our list of the absolute best things to do in Naples!
This 44-passenger, 53′ Sailing Catamaran is housed at the Naples City Dock and offers daily sightseeing cruises at an affordable price.
We absolutely love their 2-hour Sunset Cruise that includes narration and sightseeing, along with watching the sun drop over the Gulf of Mexico at sunset.
After cruising along the Gordon River and viewing the multimillion-dollar homes in Naples’ prestigious waterfront community, you’ll get onto the ocean just in time to watch pink and orange hues light up the sky at sunset.
* Plan and price a Naples Sunset Cruise here!
Naples Itinerary: Day 3
- Breakfast at Blueberry’s
- Naples Zoo and giraffe feeding
- Lunch at Taqueria San Julian
- Naples Botanical Garden
- Pit-stop at Celebration Park food truck park
- Head back to the hotel for some quick pool time and to get dressed up for dinner
- Dinner at the Turtle Club
- Watch the sunset on the beach
Start off day 3 of your Naples vacation by having a delicious homestyle breakfast at Blueberry’s Restaurant.
The huge menu, great prices, and big portions will help start your day off just right!
Next, spend a couple of hours exploring the nationally accredited Naples Zoo.
Enjoy the paved walking trails in a combination of sun and shade while watching the lions, bears, cheetahs, gators, and more.
Don’t leave without taking part in a giraffe feeding experience and the Primate Expedition Cruise.
Afterward, enjoy “the best tacos in town” at Taqueria San Julian before making your way to Naples Botanical Garden.
This 170-acre garden paradise is another must-do Naples attraction that you are sure to love.
Next, grab an afternoon snack at one of the many food trucks in Celebration Park Naples before heading back to your hotel to relax and get ready for dinner.
The Turtle Club
The Turtle Club is one of the absolute best restaurants in Naples, Florida and we suggest including it in your Naples itinerary!
The hugely popular Turtle Club restaurant is located at Vanderbilt Beach Resort, which was the very first hotel established on Naples’ Vanderbilt Beach in 1951.
Their menu offers sophisticated fresh seafood dishes as well as a petite filet and rack of lamb, all with a bit of a hefty price tag.
There is both a large indoor dining area, as well as a huge outdoor patio adjacent to the beach with umbrella-covered dining tables.
Though walk-up seating may become available, this restaurant functions on advance reservations with reservations for outdoor oceanfront dining filling up months in advance (so do plan ahead).
Naples Itinerary: Day 4
- Dolphin Watch, Eco Shelling Tour
- Explore Tin City
- Lunch at Pincher’s Crab Shack
- Play a round of mini-golf at Coral Cay Adventure Golf – or –
- Afternoon at the beach or pool
- Beachfront dinner and sunset at BALEEN
- Roast smores on the beach
One of the Paradise Coast’s most popular marine animals is the bottlenose dolphin.
In order to get an up-close-and-personal experience with these playful creatures, consider booking a dolphin-watching tour with Pure Florida.
Pure Florida’s 3-hour dolphin watch/eco-tour includes sightseeing, dolphin and manatee sighting, and shell picking on the white sandy beach of Keewaydin Island – one of Florida’s most stunning barrier islands.
These tours depart from the docks at Tin City, which makes a stroll around Tin City the next experience of the day.
Here you’ll find fun waterfront restaurants and quirky waterside shops.
We suggest eating lunch at Pinchers Crab Shack which is a local seafood-shack chain known for its crab dishes, fried fish, and other shore favorites.
While in the area, make your way to Coral Cay Adventure Golf to golf 1 of the two 18-hole mini-golf courses here.
This is the perfect place for some traditional family fun!
If you’re in need of some relaxation, however, hit up one of the many Naples beaches, or Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park.
*Plan and price a Naples Eco Shelling Cruise here!
BALEEN
Day 4 of this Naples, Florida trip plan has you dining at the amazing BALEEN restaurant.
BALEEN Naples is an award-winning oceanfront restaurant located onsite at La Playa Beach & Golf Resort.
BALEEN is open to both hotel guests and the general public and is a fabulous choice for dining in Naples due to its phenomenal food and service, as well as stunning ocean views (and sunsets!).
Options include breakfast, lunch, and dinner, as well as private beach dining that can be reserved in advance.
There is a set price for private beach dining reservations that include: a beautifully set and candlelit table, individual waitstaff, exquisite food and wine pairings, dessert, and an up-close and personal sunset experience.
Naples Itinerary: Day 5
- Fishing/dolphin watching at Naples Pier
- Breakfast at Jane’s Cafe on 3rd
- Walk historic 3rd Street South
- Browse the famous 5th Avenue South (Downtown Naples)
- Have ice cream at Kilwin’s
- Afternoon pool or beach time at Lowdermilk Beach (The Lowdermilk Beach Café serves sandwiches and ice cream, and offers beach merchandise and rentals) or Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park.
- Dinner at The Bay House
On day 5, spend time enjoying Naples Pier (one of Naples’ most visited attractions) and its surrounding neighborhoods and shopping districts in Old Naples.
Activities at the pier include taking a stroll, fishing (no license required), dolphin and bird watching, visiting the concession stand, and playing sand volleyball.
Get to the pier early to find the best parking in the paid lot or parking meters (fees apply).
Within a few blocks from Naples Pier, you’ll find Historic Palm Cottage and the delightful shops, art galleries, bistros, and antique fountains on Third Street South (only a short walk away).
Eat breakfast at Jane’s Garden Cafe on 3rd where 90% of their seating is open-air or visit the locally renowned Bad Ass Coffee shop.
It’s a little over 1 mile to get from historic 3rd Street South to famous Fifth Avenue South, so you can either walk or drive. (We choose to drive to 5th Avenue as parking at the pier gets expensive.)
While on Fifth Avenue South, admire the gorgeous historic and modern architecture, luxury shops, lush greenery, and wildflowers.
Be sure to stop at the popular Kilwin’s of Naples for the best ice cream, chocolates, and fudge.
Our favorite is their chocolate-dipped strawberries which are dipped fresh daily.
Next, spend the afternoon relaxing by the beach or pool before indulging in a delicious dinner at The Bay House on their waterfront deck
Additional planning tip: 3rd Street South, 5th Avenue South, Crayton Cove, Bayfront, and Tin City are all part of what is known and referred to as Downtown Naples.
If you’re looking for a larger density of retail and boutique shopping, head to Mercato Shops in Naples. Mercato is also home to restaurants, nightlife spots, and a movie theater.
Naples Itinerary: Day 6
- Spend the next 2-days visiting nearby Marco Island & Everglades City
- Mangrove Kayak Tour with Paddle Marco
- Lunch at Island Gypsy
- Jungle Erv’s Everglade Airboat Tours
- Dinner at Joey’s Pizza or Lee Bee Fish
While vacationing in Naples, I highly recommend that you also explore Marco Island and Everglades City (the gateway to Everglades National Park).
Both cities are easily accessible from Naples so you can either choose to keep your overnight accommodations in Naples or switch to a hotel, resort, or vacation rental on Marco Island.
Either way, start off the morning of day 6 with an awe-inspiring mangrove kayak tour with Paddle Marco.
This tour provides awesome narration about Florida’s ecosystem, as well as guides you through the twisty mangrove tunnels with opportunities to look for crabs, birds, and dolphins.
You do not need any previous paddling experience for this guided tour, though it does indeed require moderate exertion in paddling your own kayak.
Restore your energy with lunch and a pina colada at nearby Island Gypsy – located in the Isles of Capri island community.
This fun, outdoor waterfront restaurant has great food and a colorful, laid-back atmosphere.
From there, drive 33 miles (40 minutes) to the Jungle Erv’s Airboat Tour headquarters in Everglades City.
Here, you can visit the Museum of the Everglades and treat yourself to an awesome airboat experience through Jungle Erv’s.
Options include an hour-long Wilderness or Mangrove Airboat Tour, a 30-minute Grassland Airboat Tour, or a Swamp Buggy Tour.
All are equally fun and entertaining, as well as introduce you to Florida’s unique plant and animal life.
End your day back on Marco Island dining on either Joey’s Pizza (our favorite!), or hidden gem Lee Bee Fish.
*Pan and price a Mangrove Kayak and Paddle Board Eco Tour here.
Naples Itinerary: Day 7
- Breakfast at Doreen’s Cup of Joe
- Beach day & shell picking (or visit Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary if you love viewing wildlife!)
- Dinner at Snook Inn
- Watch the sunset on the beach
On the last day of your Paradise Coast vacation, choose from our list of the best things to do on Marco Island (Coming soon!).
Options include starting off the morning with breakfast at Doreen’s Cup of Joe.
Consider spending the day and having a picnic at either Tigertail Beach or Marco Beach.
Either way, be sure to spend time exploring for shells as Florida’s Paradise Coast is known as having some of the best beaches for shelling in Florida.
Shells found here include:
- Sand dollars
- Starfish
- Fighting Conch
- Moon Snail
- Calico Scallop
- And more…
Lastly, end your day with dinner at our favorite restaurant on Marco Island, Snook Inn!
Snook Inn is a casual waterfront restaurant on the Marco River that has a huge outdoor seating area offering live music daily…all afternoon and evening long.
Snook Inn is very popular and busy (especially the patio!), however, does not take reservations.
A walk-up bar is available to get a cocktail while your wait for your table, as is a rooftop deck overlooking the river (perfect for boat watching and dolphin spotting).
Naples Itinerary: Day 8
- Departure day
- Fly home from the Fort Myers airport
Day Trips From Naples, Florida
It’s hard to vacation in Florida and only stay in one spot.
After all, the United States state of Florida offers so many bucket list destinations that provide phenomenal options for a fun family vacation.
If you have additional time to spend in and around Paradise Coast, consider taking a great day trip to its surrounding cities and beachside communities.
Here is the driving distance to some of our favorite day trips from Naples:
- Marco Island – 18 miles (Check out the best things to do in Marco Island!)
- Everglades National Park – 37 miles
- Fort Meyers – 43 miles
- Sanibel Island – 53 miles
- Fort Lauderdale – 109 miles
- Siesta Key – 115 miles (Check out the best things to do in Siesta Key!)
- Sarasota – 117 miles (Check out the best things to do in Sarasota!)
- Miami – 125 miles
Best Places to Stay in Naples, Florida
Our top recommended places to stay in Naples if you want an oceanfront resort with its own beach include:
If you want to save some money and don’t mind staying inland, our top recommendations include:
- Hawthorn Suites by Wyndham Naples
- Hyatt House Naples/5th Avenue
- DoubleTree Suites by Hilton Hotel Naples
Finally, for more space, if you’re traveling with your pet, or are planning an extended stay, other options include a Naples vacation rental home or condo via VRBO vs. Airbnb.
Tips for Visiting Naples, Florida
- Traffic congestion is an issue in Naples. Expect heavy traffic and for it to take twice as long to get places during the busy tourist months.
- Naples’ best attractions are spread far apart from one another so it’s best to rent a car in order to get around when vacationing in Naples.
- During the hot summer months, plan your outdoor activities for the morning or after dinner when temperatures aren’t as hot.
- If you spend time outdoors during the afternoon, wear loose-fitting, lightweight clothing, put on sunscreen, and bring along plenty of water.
- If you’re looking to avoid crowds, the best time to go to the beach is either early in the morning or later in the afternoon. Most of the tourists hit the beach between 9 am and 2 pm, and then everybody starts leaving between 3 pm and 5 pm.
- Nearby Fort Meyer, FL is a popular location for Major League Baseball teams to hold their spring training. If you come in the spring, check out the spring training schedules to catch a practice or game!
Naples Vacation: Conclusion
Hopefully, this itinerary and our tips for visiting Naples have provided you with helpful information for your upcoming Florida family vacation.
My hope is for you to have an amazing and carefree experience!
Before you go, don’t forget to read our family packing tips.
Last, consult our top tips on flying with kids, and road-tripping with kids (depending on how you plan to get there) to keep the kids calm and happy while traveling!
Finally, if you’re looking for some additional family-friendly Florida vacation itineraries, be sure to check out our other favorite spots:
- Siesta Key, FL family vacation itinerary
- Sarasota, FL family vacation itinerary
- Orlando, FL family vacation itinerary
- Tampa Bay, FL family vacation itinerary
And as always, here’s our Travel With A Plan printable itinerary planner!
Download or print this planner straight from our blog to take notes and begin planning the best family vacation yet!
*Before leaving, be sure to check our Travel Resources Page to find exclusive travel discounts and to book hotels, rental cars, and guided tours.*
