If it’s time to start planning a trip, and you want to spend your days soaking up the sun, then a trip to Florida fits the bill. Located in southeast Florida on the Gulf of Mexico with Naples Bay intersecting parts of town, Naples has condos on the beach, homes along the bay, and modest rentals sprinkled throughout the city. This area of Florida is close to several state and national parks, wildlife refuges, and preserves. Up and down the coast, there are quaint coastal towns for your family to make its home base for a week or long weekend. Here are the top 9 Naples vacation rental locations.
1. Downtown Naples
If your family loves being in the center of all the activities, then look for a vacation rental in downtown Naples that includes 3rd Street South, 5th Avenue South, Crayton Cove, Bayfront and Tin City. Spend your days exploring the local art galleries, shopping in upscale stores, and eating in local restaurants opened by skilled chefs. Make your way to Naples Pier to spend an afternoon fishing for dinner or looking through the binoculars for frolicking dolphins.
2. Old Naples Neighborhood
This Naples’ neighborhood is the historic heart of the city and includes quaint cottages or family homes to enjoy during your stay. Walk along the sidewalks to get views of the historic homes, some of which are on the the National Register of Historic Places, such as Palm Cottage that dates back to 1895. After strolling through the neighborhoods, enjoy a drink at sunset at Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club. It’s one of the oldest hotels in the newer area of Naples.
3. Royal Harbor Neighborhood
Along the eastern shore of Naples Bay, find a vacation rental along the water or one with amazing water views. The roads in this area are defined by the bay’s tributaries and many homes feature a dock to fish off or bring a boat to access the bay. Spend your days fishing, kayaking, boating, and swimming on the the bay. This neighborhood is primarily residential so hop in the car and drive to the downtown area to enjoy a dinner out or a day of shopping and sightseeing.
4. Coquina Sands Neighborhood
The quaint Coquina Sands neighborhood offers small family homes that lead up to the popular Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club. Fill your days basking on the beach, splashing in the surf, and collecting seashells. Take a boat tour out on the ocean to enjoy some fishing or look for dolphins that play in these waters. For the golf lover in your family, a day at the local hotel and golf club lets them practice their golf swing.
5. Aqualane Shores Neighborhood
Enjoy the best of freshwater and saltwater, when you settle into the Aqualane Shores neighborhood that sits on the Atlantic Ocean and the western shore of Naples Bay and includes Crayton Cove. Enjoy the day on the bay exploring the tributaries and Crayton Cove on a kayak, canoe, or paddle boat. For something a little faster, rent a power boat or jet skis to take out on the bay or ocean.
6. Bonita Springs
Leaving Naples and its gorgeous neighborhoods behind, travel north up Highway 41 catching glimpses of the Atlantic Ocean and barrier islands as you go to reach the beach community of Bonita Springs. Spend a day on a white sand beach with interestingly shaped driftwood at Lovers Key State Park, or choose the beach at Delnor-Wiggins for kayaking, sunbathing, paddle boarding, and snorkeling. For a day of squeals of delight, take the kids to Sun-N-Fun Lagoon and float along the Lazy River or scream down the water slides.
7. Marco Island
To the south of Naples sits the barrier island of Marco Island on the Atlantic Ocean and Barfield Bay. Waterways and tributaries snake their way through this island, providing your family with many chances for fishing, boating, and kayaking. On the north side of the Island, Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve is ready for you to explore a mangrove estuary.
8. Ten Thousand Island
On the southern tip of Florida is the barrier island of Ten Thousand Islands, and waterways divide up the island like a tic-tac-toe board. It’s almost easier to navigate by canoe than a car. After arriving at your vacation rental, rent bikes to explore the island and choose the best fishing spot. Visit the Everglades National Park and start your day with a stop at the visitors’ center. You and your family can explore the park on bike, foot, canoe, or kayak.
9. Keewaydin Island
On the edge of the Atlantic Ocean and just a few minutes south of Naples is Keewaydin Island, where your family will learn to love island life. Feel your stress slip away when you spend an afternoon with Sweet Liberty Catamaran Sailing & Boat Tours. Soak up the sun, enjoy the ocean breeze, and look out for dolphins.