Planning a southwest Florida spring break getaway? We turned to our Naples experts—The Naples Moms—for local recommendations, from hotels to activities. For more Florida trip ideas, don’t miss our Spring Break Guides for The Florida Keys and Palm Beach.
Know Before You Go
Naples is incredibly popular with both snowbirds (retired people looking to get out of the snow for the winter) and families, making it a perfect inter-generational trip. Luxury hotels with plenty of amenities for kids, a handful of top-notch museums, a world-class zoo and gorgeous beaches make this an easy choice for spring break.
Stay
The Naples Beach Hotel has a great location directly on the Gulf of Mexico, only ¾ mile from 5thAvenue, which boasts plenty of high-end shopping and restaurants. There’s a beautiful beach and pool right at your feet—the kids can run between the pool and beach all day. And for sunset views, you can’t beat the one at the (aptly named) Sunset Beach Bar and Grill. Expect nightly entertainment, a Kids Club, several on-site restaurants and a small but well-stocked grocery store.The LaPlaya Beach and Golf Club is a luxurious property with panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico and Vanderbilt Bay. Conveniences families will appreciate include cabana rentals, a cascading pool, water activity rentals and restaurants. Complimentary sorbet is served daily in the afternoon. The Ritz Carlton Naples, also located on the gulf, has a freeform family pool, children’s splash pad, a high tech entertainment lounge with teen-approved video games, and a children’s hands-on environmental activity called Natures Wonders. The Gumbo Limbo restaurant is beloved by kids for burgers and parents for delicious cocktails, and both appreciate the amazing sunset views.
Do
Kayak Adventures in Naples, Bonita, and Marco Island is a local favorite tour company, with multiple types of adventures to book as well as times and locations. The Sweet Liberty, a 53′ Sailing Catamaran, fits up to 44 passengers. Sweet Liberty offers many types of cruises including sunsets, shelling, and private parties. Located in Tin City, Pure Florida offers daily cruises whether it be a dolphin cruise or sunset. In addition they offer fishing trips, jet ski and boat rentals. The jet boat is a thrilling ride that has a speed of 35 mph and turns 360 degrees. The Naples Zoo competes with any major city’s variety of animals, including lions, giraffes and monkeys. Before you go, check their calendar for programs like Safari Squad (in March, they’ll have a special Dr. Seuss-inspired activity). Finally, take a day trip to Sanibel Island, where you can rent bikes, visit their soft sandy beaches and eat at local favorite, the Island Cow—play some cornhole while waiting for your table.
Eat
The Dock is an open-air, seafood restaurant that sits on Naples Bay at the City Dock, allowing guests to view boats passing by. Must-orders include the shrimp nachos and Moscow mules. Kids meals are perfectly portioned and healthy. The Tin City neighborhood has waterfront shops and multiple restaurants, making it the ideal place to eat and drink then walk around and shop for souvenirs. Try your best to get a reservation outside at The Turtle Club. This beachfront restaurant is perfect to take a walk on the beach before or after your meal. Must-tries? The roasted lobster tail and petit filet. And don’t miss Celebration Park, Naples’ own Food Truck Park, featuring a beautiful open air bar.
For more Naples inspiration, visit Naples Moms and check out this video from local photographer Brandon Jarvis: