For those living in or moving to Naples, FL, it’s easy to enjoy the relaxing beach lifestyle year-round. However, Florida’s beauty extends far beyond Naples’ luxurious shores. With a wealth of natural landscapes, unique small towns, and cultural attractions just a short drive away, Naples residents can embark on memorable weekend trips whenever the urge to explore strikes.
Here’s a look at some of the top weekend getaway options that will add variety and adventure to life in Southwest Florida.
1. Sanibel and Captiva Islands: Seaside Charm and Seashells
Sanibel and Captiva Islands offer an ideal escape for those seeking a quiet, beach-centered weekend. These islands, about an hour and a half north of Naples, are famous for their pristine beaches and vibrant marine life.
Known as the “Seashell Capital of the World,” Sanibel Island’s beaches offer a fantastic opportunity to search for unique shells along the shore. Captiva Island, just a short drive from Sanibel, provides a similarly tranquil environment with charming shops, relaxed restaurants, and beautiful sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico.
A Must-Visit: While exploring Captiva, stop by The Bubble Room, an eclectic restaurant that’s as much a museum as it is a dining experience. Known for its retro-themed rooms and famous desserts, The Bubble Room adds a fun, whimsical twist to your getaway, offering oversized cakes and memorable decor.
Known as the “Seashell Capital of the World,” Sanibel Island’s beaches offer a fantastic opportunity to search for unique shells along the shore. Captiva Island, just a short drive from Sanibel, provides a similarly tranquil environment with charming shops, relaxed restaurants, and beautiful sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico.
A Must-Visit: While exploring Captiva, stop by The Bubble Room, an eclectic restaurant that’s as much a museum as it is a dining experience. Known for its retro-themed rooms and famous desserts, The Bubble Room adds a fun, whimsical twist to your getaway, offering oversized cakes and memorable decor.
2. The Everglades: Nature’s Unforgettable Playground
The Everglades, located about an hour east of Naples, provides a truly unique experience. This vast national park is home to a stunning array of ecosystems, offering activities for all ages and interests. Adventurers can kayak through mangroves, take an airboat ride to spot alligators, or hike through scenic trails surrounded by native plants and wildlife.
For those seeking a quieter retreat, the Everglades also offers peaceful spaces for bird-watching and relaxing within nature. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has something for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned nature lover or just looking to escape the city’s hustle.
A Must-Visit: After a day exploring the Everglades, head to Joanie’s Blue Crab Café in Ochopee, where Southern charm and locally sourced ingredients come together in a rustic dining experience. Known for dishes like fried blue crab and alligator bites, Joanie’s is a beloved spot for authentic Everglades flavors.
For those seeking a quieter retreat, the Everglades also offers peaceful spaces for bird-watching and relaxing within nature. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has something for everyone, whether you’re a seasoned nature lover or just looking to escape the city’s hustle.
A Must-Visit: After a day exploring the Everglades, head to Joanie’s Blue Crab Café in Ochopee, where Southern charm and locally sourced ingredients come together in a rustic dining experience. Known for dishes like fried blue crab and alligator bites, Joanie’s is a beloved spot for authentic Everglades flavors.
3. Sarasota: Arts, Culture, and Shopping
A bit farther north, Sarasota provides an excellent option for a more culturally-focused weekend getaway. Roughly a two-hour drive from Naples, Sarasota is known for its arts scene, diverse shopping options, and upscale dining. This charming city is home to The Ringling, a historic estate and art museum with an impressive collection of European paintings, contemporary art, and stunning gardens.
Beyond the arts, Sarasota’s boutique shops and farmer’s markets make it a great destination for those who enjoy unique finds and locally sourced goods. St. Armands Circle, an upscale shopping district, has everything from stylish clothing stores to artisanal eateries. And, of course, Sarasota’s beaches—like the famous Siesta Key Beach—are perfect for enjoying soft white sands and clear waters.
A Must-Visit: While in St. Armands Circle, stop at Columbia Restaurant, Florida’s oldest restaurant chain. Known for its Spanish-inspired ambiance and signature dishes like paella and its famous Cuban sandwich, Columbia is an ideal dining spot to savor Sarasota’s cultural richness.
Beyond the arts, Sarasota’s boutique shops and farmer’s markets make it a great destination for those who enjoy unique finds and locally sourced goods. St. Armands Circle, an upscale shopping district, has everything from stylish clothing stores to artisanal eateries. And, of course, Sarasota’s beaches—like the famous Siesta Key Beach—are perfect for enjoying soft white sands and clear waters.
A Must-Visit: While in St. Armands Circle, stop at Columbia Restaurant, Florida’s oldest restaurant chain. Known for its Spanish-inspired ambiance and signature dishes like paella and its famous Cuban sandwich, Columbia is an ideal dining spot to savor Sarasota’s cultural richness.
4. Marco Island: Luxury and Relaxation Close to Home
For a quick but luxurious escape, Marco Island provides the ideal location. Just 30 minutes south of Naples, this island boasts beautiful resorts, golf courses, and restaurants, making it a go-to choice for a weekend getaway with minimal travel time.
Visitors can take advantage of the world-class spas, enjoy waterfront dining, or simply relax on the serene beaches. Boating and fishing are also popular activities here, as Marco Island’s waterways provide access to both the Gulf of Mexico and the nearby Ten Thousand Islands.
A Must-Visit: The Oyster Society in Marco Walk Plaza offers a luxurious dining experience with an extensive raw bar, fresh-caught seafood, and creative cocktails. Its elegant yet coastal ambiance makes it the perfect spot to unwind after a day on the water.
Visitors can take advantage of the world-class spas, enjoy waterfront dining, or simply relax on the serene beaches. Boating and fishing are also popular activities here, as Marco Island’s waterways provide access to both the Gulf of Mexico and the nearby Ten Thousand Islands.
A Must-Visit: The Oyster Society in Marco Walk Plaza offers a luxurious dining experience with an extensive raw bar, fresh-caught seafood, and creative cocktails. Its elegant yet coastal ambiance makes it the perfect spot to unwind after a day on the water.
5. Key West: Caribbean Vibes and Historic Sights
For those willing to embark on a longer drive, Key West is a quintessential Florida experience, with its unique blend of history, nightlife, and Caribbean-inspired culture. About a five-hour drive from Naples, this southernmost island in the Florida Keys is known for its colorful streets, historic homes, and lively entertainment scene.
The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum offers a glimpse into the famous author’s life, while Mallory Square hosts nightly sunset celebrations filled with street performers, artisans, and food vendors. The island’s many snorkeling and diving sites also attract adventure seekers looking to explore vibrant coral reefs and marine life.
A Must-Visit: Stop by Blue Heaven in Key West’s Bahama Village for a memorable meal. Known for its famous Key Lime pie, Blue Heaven’s relaxed, open-air setting and Caribbean-inspired menu are perfect for soaking up Key West’s unique island charm.
The Ernest Hemingway Home and Museum offers a glimpse into the famous author’s life, while Mallory Square hosts nightly sunset celebrations filled with street performers, artisans, and food vendors. The island’s many snorkeling and diving sites also attract adventure seekers looking to explore vibrant coral reefs and marine life.
A Must-Visit: Stop by Blue Heaven in Key West’s Bahama Village for a memorable meal. Known for its famous Key Lime pie, Blue Heaven’s relaxed, open-air setting and Caribbean-inspired menu are perfect for soaking up Key West’s unique island charm.
6. Boca Grande: Small Town Charm with Pristine Beaches
Boca Grande, located about two hours north of Naples, is a small, picturesque town known for its charming historic district and quiet beaches. The area is famous for its fishing, particularly tarpon fishing, making it a favorite for anglers.
However, even those less inclined toward fishing will appreciate the town’s calm atmosphere, luxury inns, and tranquil Gulf Coast beaches. This unspoiled retreat offers a slower pace, and the picturesque streets lined with boutiques and small restaurants add to its appeal.
A Must-Visit: Dine at The Pink Elephant for a touch of retro charm. Located near the waterfront, this beloved Boca Grande spot serves classic coastal dishes with a modern twist, perfect for ending a relaxing day on the island.
However, even those less inclined toward fishing will appreciate the town’s calm atmosphere, luxury inns, and tranquil Gulf Coast beaches. This unspoiled retreat offers a slower pace, and the picturesque streets lined with boutiques and small restaurants add to its appeal.
A Must-Visit: Dine at The Pink Elephant for a touch of retro charm. Located near the waterfront, this beloved Boca Grande spot serves classic coastal dishes with a modern twist, perfect for ending a relaxing day on the island.
7. Fort Myers: Family Fun and Historical Sites
Fort Myers, only about 45 minutes north of Naples, is an accessible and family-friendly destination with various attractions that appeal to all ages. The Edison and Ford Winter Estates offer a step back in time, with stunning botanical gardens and insightful exhibits on two of America’s most influential inventors. Families will enjoy the nearby IMAG History & Science Center, a hands-on museum with interactive exhibits and an aquarium.
For a relaxing day by the water, Fort Myers Beach provides a lively boardwalk, colorful shops, and clear waters.
A Must-Visit: Enjoy a casual meal at Ford’s Garage, a restaurant inspired by Henry Ford’s automotive legacy. Known for gourmet burgers and craft beer, Ford’s Garage offers a nostalgic ambiance that pays homage to the area’s historical connections.
For a relaxing day by the water, Fort Myers Beach provides a lively boardwalk, colorful shops, and clear waters.
A Must-Visit: Enjoy a casual meal at Ford’s Garage, a restaurant inspired by Henry Ford’s automotive legacy. Known for gourmet burgers and craft beer, Ford’s Garage offers a nostalgic ambiance that pays homage to the area’s historical connections.
Partner With The Taranto Team
For those considering a move to Naples, FL, or current residents looking for property advice, The Taranto Team offers unparalleled expertise in Southwest Florida real estate. Their knowledge of the Naples area, combined with a dedication to helping clients find the ideal property, makes them a top choice for discerning buyers and sellers alike.
Whether you're interested in a luxurious beachside home or exploring new investment opportunities, The Taranto Team is ready to provide professional guidance every step of the way. Reach out today to begin your real estate journey with a team that prioritizes your goals and ensures every transaction is seamless and rewarding.
Whether you're interested in a luxurious beachside home or exploring new investment opportunities, The Taranto Team is ready to provide professional guidance every step of the way. Reach out today to begin your real estate journey with a team that prioritizes your goals and ensures every transaction is seamless and rewarding.
