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Once Memorial Day rolls around, it seems like everyone and their mother will have Florida on their minds for the next few months.
The Sunshine State is world famous and often seen as the next best thing to the Caribbean, where white sandy beaches and vibrant blue water are as beautiful in real life as they are on your screensaver.
But because the state is such an odd shape, it allows for vast swathes of both the Gulf and Atlantic Oceans – and both sides boast a pristine paradise from top to bottom.
While there is one popular getaway that I’ve had the pleasure of visiting, it’s often mistaken for just another Florida getaway, where retirees have reserved every pickleball court before a normal person has even had their cup of coffee.
As our friends at Afar recently revealed, that’s simply not the case.
Yes, there are plenty of seniors in Naples living out their golden years, but that doesn’t mean it’s always a sleepy town with nothing to do after watching a fiery sunset over the Gulf.
Plus, One of the most alluring aspects of Naples is how safe it is – a far cry from the vices of Miami.
Old Naples will become your new favorite hangout
Be sure to check the latest travel alerts before your trip.
Naples may have a fancy reputation, but Old Naples is where the city finally leaves its country club persona behind and becomes fun to explore.
This is the beating heart of the city, where swaying palm streets lead to airy terraces, stylish boutiques, art galleries, seafood restaurants and vintage ice cream parlors alone that can occupy your afternoon.
Fifth Avenue South is the obvious starting point, packed with restaurants and patio seating, while Third Street South offers a more tucked-away beach town where old money meets money, with plenty of shops, shady courtyards, and easy beach access.
Best of all, you don’t need much of a plan.
Grab a cup of coffee, stroll past pastel storefronts and tropical decor, visit a gallery you absolutely can’t afford, and end the day with a fresh seafood dinner, handcrafted drinks, or a sunset stroll along the Gulf of… whatever you want to call it at the moment.
Naples may be known for its older crowd, but Old Naples isn’t that “old” at all, proving that the city still knows how to entertain visitors long after the pickleball and bingo have ended.
According to Far awaywho has just published a long guide, these places in Old Naples are an absolute must-visit:
- Jane’s Café on 3rd
- Books about the third
- Farmers market on Third Street
- Inn on the fifth
- Gelato & Co.
Naples is the safest city in Florida
Jacksonville is rough around the edges, Miami is, well, Miami, Orlando isn’t just a playground for kids, and Key West can get a little rowdy because Happy Hour never seems to end.
What is left then?
Naples.
If you’re an avid reader, you may be familiar with Travel Off Path’s proprietary Safety Index tool, which shows real-time safety levels for more than 300 destinations around the world, as reported by fellow travelers like you.
We hold Naples in such high regard that it made the cut, and the people have spoken!
With an impressive score of 90/100 – a mark I rarely achieved during my training – Naples is considered one of the safest cities in America.
Think about it: retirees wouldn’t pay Naples’ luxury prices if it weren’t a literal safe haven.
According to Neighborhood Scout, your chances The number of victims of a violent crime is 1 in 917.
Math may not be my strong point, but I would accept those opportunities. Wouldn’t you?
In terms of sample size, the next safest city in Florida is indeed Key West, with a score of 85/100.
Slow down at the edge, people…
The beautiful beaches of Naples are for everyone
Naples is not just a holiday home with 55+ discounts.
There are several luxury resorts up to your favorite hotel chain.
In other words, it may be a little bougee, but it’s not West Palm Beach.
As you would expect on the Florida side of the Gulf, Naples gleams with white-sand beaches and vibrant blue-green waters, depending on the weather, which you know is usually sunny, with the exception of “hurricane season.”
Better yet, the Gulf is one of the best options for a beach vacation, as every beachgoer’s worst nightmare right now is a nasty brown algae called sargassum that is invading some vacationers’ favorite getaways from Cancun to the Atlantic side of Florida.
The good news is that the Gulf doesn’t have nearly as big an invasion to ruin your photo opportunities, beach walks or jet ski excursions.
