A lot of people think of Naples, Florida as a place for retiring or golf. Well both those things happen a lot in Naples-there’s no denying that. However, it is also a thriving city with a lot to do for the younger generations including world-class restaurants, a great stretch of beach and excellent hotels. I could live in Naples, Florida.
Naples is located in Southwestern Florida just south of Fort Myers. It should not be confused with Naples, Italy aka Napoli but I am telling you I ate at an Italian restaurant in Naples, Florida that would rival any in Napoli. That restaurant was Campiello.
I am not one to gush too much on anything really, but especially not on restaurants. I am extremely picky with food and even more so when it comes to heaping praise on a place. Campiello is worthy and this is coming from a New York Italian who has had the best Italian all over the world. It was that good.
The calamari ends all discussions on who has the best calamari-it’s Campiello. Let’s put it this way, I don’t usually like calamari at all and ordered it reluctantly on a recommendation and it was one of the best moves I’ve made in recent weeks!
The calamari plus the excellent thin crust pizza and meatballs and assorted pasta dishes were all fabulous. The wine was also great and the service was as good as anywhere. Did I mention that all that food and wine for two people was only $100 with tip…that’s the best part about Campiello-amazing food at affordable prices.
There are plenty of other great places to eat and have dessert at 5th Avenue in downtown Naples, Florida. It is a strip of bars, restaurants and nice shops and stores. It was also decorated for Christmas. A perfect place for a stroll after dinner or pre-bar.
Another great thing to do in Naples is simply drive around and look at the houses. Naples has some of the largest houses in all of Florida. Many pro athletes and celebrities have places in Naples, Florida and it is fun to check them out-especially along the beautiful beaches with the perfect weather.
Naples also has some great hotels from some of the big, fancy chains. I have stayed in a few in multiple times in Naples but this time I stayed at the Waldorf Astoria Naples for the first time. I have to say it was excellent with great big rooms and a cool bar-not to mention an awesome pool with a waterslide.
I didn’t get a chance to play any golf in the two quick days I was in Naples, Florida this time but I have to say I played Tiburon on my last trip and it was awesome. It actually hosts a PGA Tour event so that should validate my claim on its own.
I also didn’t get a chance to get back to the Everglades this trip but it is only an hour or so away from Naples so it’s really easy to get to. Naples is also only two hours or so from Miami so it’s well located to a lot of great things in South Florida. However, Naples has an identity of its own and should not be missed. It’s a great place to take a nice weekend and I am telling you, I may live there one day!
What to do in Naples, Florida
December 19, 2012 by 13 Comments
I loveeeeeeee Naples!
Glad to hear Rachel, it is a great place!
Naples really is a great spot and you’ve sold me on the restaurant Campiello, I will have to check that out!
Definitely Cobi, I was blown away!
I didn’t give you permission to take a picture of my beach house!
haha, nice casa!
About ten years ago, I took my basketball team to play in a Christmas tournament in Naples. It really is beautiful during the holiday season. I did the Everglades thing and it was a blast. That Italian place must be pretty awesome for you to go on about it like that. I’ll have to lock that information away for when/if I ever return to Naples.
Everglades are so much fun, wish I had another day to get there but next time I’ll go again for sure
I haven’t been to Florida or Naples in years but this New England weather makes me want to go there immediately, that pool is especially enticing.
I hear that! I grew up in New England!
Hi Lee, just discovered your website the other day (after hearing your talk about Lord Howe Island, etc., on the Amateur Traveler Podcast). I’ll look forward to learning more about your travels. Anyway, just wanted to say I spent my high school years in Naples. Last time I was there was a couple years ago for my 35th (yikes) high school class reunion. Nice town, but you may want to visit in July/August before deciding whether or not to live there year-round :-). Now I’m in Santa Barbara, another extremely nice (and pricey) area, with a bit more temperate climate.
Thanks Chuck, love me some Santa Barbara…ya I’ve also been there in the summer but nowhere can be perfect!
Naples was a lot of fun when I visited last Christmas. I didn’t get much of a chance to look around but from what I saw, the beaches, clear skies, food and outdoors stuff you could do is plenty. A great place to visit!