In Naples, Florida is a popular destination because it has so much to offer: ideal weather, beautiful beaches, upscale shopping and dining, and a thriving nightlife. With the best of everything at their fingertips, it’s no wonder that residents and visitors become curious about what neighboring destinations have to offer. Fortunately, Naples is conveniently located near some of the most fascinating settings. When you and your guests are tempted to explore, these five day trips will be sure to entertain with their unique scenery:
Marco Island
Located just 30 minutes south of Naples, Marco Island, the largest island of the Ten Thousand Islands, is a convenient day trip. Connected to mainland Naples by bridge, the island offers great shopping, dining, and beaches, while maintaining a remote atmosphere. Marco Island is home to Tiger Tail Beach, the longest crescent-shaped beach in the world. The white-sand beach is known for shelling and its tidal lagoon.
Everglades City and the Florida Everglades
Located 45 minutes to an hour south of Naples, the Everglades is home to Everglades National Park, Big Cypress National Preserve, and Everglades City. The Everglades feels like Old Florida, as it is home to hundreds of native animal species, coastal mangroves, and sawgrass marshes. A trip to the Everglades is an escape from civilization. With a stop in Everglades City, visitors are presented with small-town charm, as it is rich in local history. The area offers kayaking, canoeing, paddle boarding, fishing, and airboat tours. Venture a little farther to Shark Valley, which offers walking paths, bike paths, and tram tours, to get an up-close view of alligators.
Sanibel Island and Captiva Island
Located approximately 60 miles north of Naples, Sanibel Island and Captiva Island are great locations for kayaking, fishing, dolphin watching, paddle boarding, shopping, and world-famous shelling. The islands boast “15 miles of unspoiled beaches, 25 miles of bike paths, 50 types of fish, 230 types of birds, 250 kinds of shells, and zero stoplights.” Sanibel and Captiva Islands are ideal destinations for a family trip or a romantic getaway.
Pine Island And Matlacha
Located 60 miles north of Naples, Pine Island and Matlacha offer a unique art experience mixed with fishing and boating opportunities. Pine Island showcases local shops, art galleries, and fish markets, while taking you back to a rural landscape of peace and tranquility. Matlacha, the most well-known Pine Island community, is a small island that exhibits colorfully decorated shops, galleries, markets, and waterside restaurants, straying from typical Florida decor. Beach and art enthusiasts will be in awe of Pine Island and Matlacha.
Venice Beach
Located 100 miles north of Naples, Venice Beach is known as the “Shark Tooth Capital of the World.” With 14 miles of beaches, shelling, along with shark tooth hunting, has become a favorite activity, as highly sought-after fossilized shark’s teeth can often be found within the sand. Formerly a fishing and farming community, Venice Beach has flourished as a popular vacation destination. Venice Beach’s quaint downtown area showcases Italian architecture, as the city’s name is borrowed from the Italian city of Venice.
If you are planning to move to Naples, a pristine urban beach town that showcases the natural beauty of Old Florida and is in close proximity to many unique day-trip destinations, please contact Gulf Coast International Properties today. It would be a joy to participate in your real estate journey.