Naples and Marco Island, Florida
It’s easy to see why the region around Naples and Marco Island is affectionately known as Florida’s Paradise Coast. Set along the glistening Gulf of Mexico, the region pairs champagne-hued beaches with refined dining, a vibrant arts and culture scene, and abundant outdoor adventures. It’s an effortlessly chic place to slow down and embrace coastal travel at its very finest.
Artis—Naples is home to The Baker Museum and the Naples Philharmonic, celebrating both visual and performing arts.
Swim, snorkel, or simply relax on the white-sand shores of Tigertail Beach.
Savor a blissful brunch in which lobster is the highlight.
Must-Do: Begin your morning with a serene stroll through Naples Botanical Garden, where a 2.5-mile trail meanders through nine lush gardens of tropical plants, lily-covered pools, and orchids that gently fragrance the air. For an afternoon of cultural sophistication, visit Artis—Naples’ The Baker Museum, a standout stop on Florida’s art trail. This contemporary collection is home to more than 4,000 works and regularly hosts top-notch exhibitions that have recently ranged from the photography of Ansel Adams to the dreamlike glass creations of Dale Chihuly.
Eat: The Paradise Coast’s elegant aura extends to its dining scene, too. For brunch, head to Jane’s Café on 3rd, where breakfast dishes include lobster smashed avocado Benedict or a French omelette with bacon and brie. Come evening, make a reservation at Sails restaurant. The eight-course tasting menu celebrates the jewels of land and sea, with opulent dishes such as crab with pepper jam and mango purée, lobster ravioli with a shellfish reduction, and a showstopping finale of Grand Marnier soufflé.
Day Trip: Spend a day soaking up the sun on Marco Island’s Tigertail Beach, a shoreline with two tales: a calm side and a wilder edge. The serene section, known by locals as the “inner beach,” offers boardwalks, water-sports rentals, and a snack bar, while the more rugged “outer beach” is reached by wading through a saltwater lagoon that can be waist-deep at times. The reward: 3 miles of secluded white-sand beaches, ideal for shelling, tidal pool discoveries, and dolphin-spotting.
