Visit the new Naples, a Florida travel treasure

While only a two-hour drive from Miami, Naples feels like a world away — a world on Florida’s southwest coast that instantly encourages one to slow down. Sure, Naples is still a ritzy hub for the rich and retired. But it’s also a haven for relaxation, epic sunsets that warrant nightly celebrations, and spotting wildlife like playful dolphins that, seemingly on cue, love to show off in the blue-green waters.

A renaissance of sorts is also emerging, with new hotels opening and classic hotels getting major facelifts – and a gust of cool new bars and restaurant openings that defy the Italian cuisine that dominates the city. Here’s your guide to the new Naples.

New digs in Naples

Perfect for a couples’ trip or a friend getaway, the boutique-style The Capri Inn (formerly the Trianon hotel) recently transformed into an upscale Opal Collection property and shed its heavy, dark appearance for a bright coastal-cool look. Guests are greeted at check-in with a limoncello spritz and offered nice touches like complimentary cannoli pastries in the afternoon. The hotel is an easy walk to 5th Avenue South, and a hotel shuttle will drop guests at the beach. For those looking for more privacy and space, there’s a two-bedroom cottage with its own gated entrance, full kitchen and washer and dryer.

Those looking for beachfront indulgence should stay at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples, which recently reopened with a fresh new look and luxurious new digs. You’ll want to splurge on an ocean-front room in the newly built Vanderbilt Tower which is home to the country’s largest Club Lounge. Club level guests could literally eat every meal there, and gratis drinks flow throughout the day until a bartender holds court at night. Spend a blissful day at the three-story spa or the adults-only pool, and the property is one of the best places to catch nightly sunsets on the beach. Its sister property The Ritz-Carlton Naples Tiburón is an ideal choice for families, thanks to its own mini-water park with water slides, lazy river and private cabanas.

Next in Naples: Families will also have another exciting reason to visit when Great Wolf Lodge Naples opens later this year. This mega-resort’s major draw will be its family-friendly suites and a mega indoor water park with slides, a lazy river and interactive zones.

Naples is more than Italian dining

It’s no secret that Naples is saturated with Italian restaurants, including favorites such as Osteria Tulia and Barbatella, but don’t miss restaurant newcomers on 5th Avenue South like Rouge, an 18-seat steak-centric speakeasy that’s hidden behind The French restaurant; and Le Colonial Naples, known for its upscale Vietnamese fare.

Worthy new additions expand the dining scene off the typical tourist circuit. One of those standouts is Bicyclette Cookshop which is helmed by a “Chopped” champ chef who’s developed a tight menu of creative plates like caviar and crème fraiche paired with Bugles, zucchini blossoms stuffed with ricotta, and a wagyu burger laced with oozing raclette. Another hotspot garnering attention for its flavorful Mediterranean dishes and sceney rooftop fitted with views and firepits is Limón Rooftop Bar at the newly opened AC Hotel Naples 5th Avenue. Sip on the refreshing Co-Co-Nut Mojito and share dishes like the Spanish-style rock shrimp and crispy bricked chicken bathed in salsa verde.

Next in Naples: If you’re a longtime Naples visitor, then you’ve been awaiting the reopening of The Turtle Club, an iconic beachfront restaurant that’s known for its toes-in-the-sand dining and coveted sunset vistas. It was destroyed in Hurricane Ian in 2022, but they’ve rebuilt and are expected to reopen this Spring.

Cool new drinking dens

While Naples is a town built around early-bird specials and happy hours, late-night cool drinking dens now abound, including The Vine Room, The District and the whiskey-soaked Warren Naples in the area’s burgeoning Design District. If you want to sip with the locals, Rebecca’s is a gorgeous wine bar with solid cocktails and a killer wine list. Stop in for a charcuterie board or caviar if you’re feeling fancy. (While you’re there, maybe you’ll become besties with one of the locals who’s a member of the attached swanky private social club The Maddox, and they’ll offer a tour of the swanky space.) Rebecca’s is also a great place to pick up high-end wine and Champagne during your vacation, thanks to its ridiculous low markup (think: $3.60 per bottle above wholesale). While this may sound crazy, local also hang at a grocery store — seriously. Seed To Table is not only one of the best grocery stores that you’ll ever shop (especially if you’re picking up food and staples for a longer stay in Naples), but it’s home to bars, restaurants and nightly live entertainment.

Get out in nature

Naples is spoiled when it comes to natural beauty. While the historic Naples Pier is still under construction due to hurricane damage, the surrounding beach is a popular spot for sunbathing during the day and catching an epic sunset at night. Wander the tropical paradise of Naples Botanical Garden, a labyrinth of themed gardens, including lily-clad water gardens along with

paths that wind along lakes and marshes, and a boardwalk meant for spotting for native orchids.

While you can hunt for shells on the beaches, to find prized shells worthy of showcasing in your home, take off on a boat tour with Treasure Seekers Shell Tours. The boat operator will stop at different islands that are literally covered in shells, and an onboard “shell ambassador” will bring along some nifty tools (and incredible knowledge) to help unearth coveted shells. On the way back, you’ll look for wildlife like dolphins and manatees — who always seem ready to show off. You’ll leave Naples relaxed and ready for a return visit.