Naples & Gulf Coast
Florida's Southwest Gulf Coast is the elegant, quieter counterpart to the Atlantic beaches. Here, pristine white sandy beaches meet upscale dining, excellent golf courses, and a relaxed atmosphere that has attracted wealthy Americans for decades. Naples is the jewel of the region — one of the richest small towns in America with a Fifth Avenue that may not rival New York, but with its boutiques, galleries, and restaurants, it is quite impressive.
Naples
The Fifth Avenue South and the Third Street South form the elegant center with upscale restaurants, art galleries, and boutiques. The Naples Pier is the perfect place for the sunset — one of the most beautiful on the Gulf Coast. The Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens is a charming small zoo with a boat ride to the primate islands.
The beaches of Naples — especially Vanderbilt Beach, Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, and Barefoot Beach — are among the most beautiful and quietest in Florida. The sand is so white and fine that it squeaks underfoot.
Sanibel & Captiva Islands
Two offshore islands famous for their shells — the "Sanibel Stoop" (the bent posture of shell collectors) is a proverbial phrase. The J.N. "Ding" Darling National Wildlife Refuge on Sanibel is one of the best bird-watching areas in the USA. No high-rises, no chain restaurants — just nature, shells, and relaxation. Accessible via the toll Causeway Bridge ($6).
Marco Island & Ten Thousand Islands
Florida's largest barrier island offers luxurious resorts and the beautiful Tigertail Beach. From here, boat tours start into the Ten Thousand Islands — a labyrinth of mangrove islands home to dolphins, manatees, and ospreys.
💡 Tipp
The shells on Sanibel are best found after a storm or at low tide early in the morning. The rare "Junonia" shell is considered the holy grail of collectors — anyone who finds one gets into the local newspaper!
