Downtown Naples Florida: Things to Do & See (By A Local)

ByJanet Cohen Updated on

Does Naples Florida have a downtown?

Absolutely it does.  Naples goes beyond its beautiful beaches along the Gulf of Mexico.  Downtown Naples, with its sophisticated atmosphere and coastal charm, offers a variety of experiences.  As a local from nearby Bonita Springs, I can attest that Naples’ downtown is a destination with upscale shopping, eclectic dining, interesting arts, and a touch of old-world elegance.

Naples Florida has five areas that make up downtown Naples. 5th Avenue South is the beating heart of the area.

Naples is laid out on a grid, making it easy to navigate.  It became an incorporated city in 1949, taking its name from Napoli in Italy, one of our favorite cities.  As mentioned in our Naples to Napoli section, both cities share features like great sunsets, waterfront locations, and delicious seafood.

Map of downtown Naples Florida.

Downtown Naples is comprised of five distinct areas, each with plenty of shopping and places to eat.

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Downtown Naples Florida: Things to Do & See

When we have visitors, we always take them to downtown Naples.  There is plenty to see and do as we explore each area besides going to the beach.

5th Avenue South

Stretching from Tamiami Trail to the Gulf of Mexico, 5th Avenue South is lined with boutique shops, jewelry stores, upscale galleries, and an array of places to eat and drink.  This iconic street is the beating heart of downtown Naples.

5th Avenue South is lined with shops, galleries, and restaurants.

This is where visitors and locals go for an evening out to stroll 5th Avenue and have a meal.  The palm trees are wrapped in lights which makes it feel festive all year round. 

The palm trees are wrapped in lights on 5th Avenue South.

During the Christmas season, on specific evenings, snow will fall as you walk along the street in your sandals and sun dresses!  This year, the Christmas Tree Walk and Lighting will take place on December 6th at 6pm.

If you like luxury cars such as Ferrari, Lamborghini, and Maserati, then 5th Avenue South is the place to be.  You will see the cars during the day and especially at night driving along the street.  The Cars on Fifth will take place on February 8th, 2025, from 10am to 4pm showcasing over 400 luxury cars.  If you are in the area, make sure you find time to attend.

Naples Players Theater is on 5th Avenue South.

If you enjoy the arts, the Naples Player Theater has amazing performances throughout the season.  There are also over 14 art and sculpture galleries along 5th Avenue South, most locally owned.

There are over 14 art and sculpture galleries along 5th Avenue South.

Whether you are shopping for designer clothes, looking for unique gifts, or just wanting a nice spot to enjoy a drink and people-(or car) watch, 5th Avenue South offers a memorable Naples experience.

Parking Near 5th Avenue South

There are 2 free parking garages located on 8th Street.

There are 2 free parking garages located near 5th Avenue South.

Both garages can get quite busy during the evenings, so plan accordingly.

Third Street South

Third Street South in Naples, Florida, is notable for being another vibrant and popular area within the city’s downtown district. Like 5th Avenue South, Third Street South is recognized for its charming and upscale atmosphere, featuring a mix of boutique shops, restaurants, galleries, and cultural attractions.

Third Street South is another area within downtown Naples. It is also called Old Naples.

This district is the birthplace of Naples and was the original downtown. Third Street South is 2 blocks from the Gulf of Mexico and is known as “Old Naples”.  Throughout the year, Third Street South hosts events, markets, and art shows, contributing to its lively and classy character.

Third Street South has restaurants and shops as well as an old banyan tree.

Naples Pier

The Naples Pier is a symbol of downtown Naples.  Built in 1888, it is a popular spot for fishing and watching the sunsets.  Most likely you have seen lots of photos of the pier extending into the Gulf of Mexico. 

Naples Pier is 2 blocks from Third Street South.

On New Year’s Eve, the annual fireworks display takes place along the beach at Naples Pier.  It is a perfect event for families since it starts around 7pm.  Over the years we have made our way to the beach, and the fireworks show is quite impressive.

Annually the New Years Eve fireworks display takes place near the Naples Pier.

Regrettably, Hurricane Ian in 2022 caused significant damage to the pier. Currently, only the 100 feet closest to the shore are accessible. From what I have read, the restoration efforts are expected to be finished sometime in 2025.

Hurrican Ian in 2022 damaged Naples Pier and repairs are underway.

Adjacent to the Naples Pier, there’s an area along the beach known as Millionaires Row, featuring beachfront homes constructed by affluent and prominent individuals.

Adjacent to Naples Pier is Millionaires Row that lines the beach.

Naples Historical Society – Palm Cottage

This is one of my favorite places to visit, the Palm Cottage. It is the oldest home in Naples, built in 1895 and listed on the National Register of Historical Places.  It is one block from Naples Pier and Third Street South.  Docent-led tours of the historic house are available Tuesday through Saturday from 12pm to 4pm. We’ve participated in the tour, and it offers a wealth of information, providing a historical insight into Naples.

Palm Cottage is the oldest home in Naples.

The Naples Historical Society is also offering a 90-minute walking tour of the Naples Historic District on Wednesdays at 9:30am.  Advanced reservations are necessary.

Crayton Cove

Crayton Cove was the original town center in Naples.

Established in 1915, Crayton Cove served as the original town center in Naples, providing the community with its first sheltered moorage.  Today it is home to the Naples City Dock and several restaurants. 

Naples City Dock is a good place to catch a fishing charter or take a sunset cruise.

If you want to take a charter fishing trip or go out on a catamaran to watch the sunset, this is the place to visit.  You can walk along the dock and look at the boats and watch the pelicans diving for scraps as the fishermen fillet their catch.

Tin City in Naples

Tin City is a rustic waterfront destination in downtown Naples close to 5th Avenue South.  We discovered it when we stayed in Naples for Christmas several years ago with our extended family.  It was within walking distance of our hotel and was a great place to shop and have a cocktail or a meal.

Tin City is located on the waterfront and has restaurants and shops.

From its 1920s roots as a clam shelling and oyster processing plant, Tin City has evolved into a must-visit spot. Its historic industrial architecture, characterized by tin-roofed buildings, adds a nostalgic touch to the waterfront setting.

Offering a mix of shops and boutiques, you can explore and purchase locally crafted goods, artwork, clothing, jewelry, and more.  

The MonKey Bread Shop in Tin City is a good place to stop for a treat while visiting Downtown Naples.

A highlight for us in Tin City is the Monkey Bread Factory, a particular favorite for the kids. Even after they headed off to college, we continued to send them packages from the factory.

There are over 30 shops in Tin City including the Monkey Bread Factory.

Within this area, you’ll find several laid-back waterfront restaurants and eateries, offering a chance to savor fresh seafood while taking in picturesque views. Situated along the boardwalk, you can relax and watch the boats arriving.

Restaurants with outdoor seating line the boardwalk in Tin City Naples.

Tin City’s marina offers opportunities for boat tours and excursions, enabling exploration of the waters around Naples through sightseeing cruises, fishing charters, or eco-tours with Pure Florida. We also have the Naples Princess which offers lunch and dinner cruises out to the Gulf too.

Pure Florida offers fishing charters and sightseeing cruises from Tin City.

We’ve frequently taken sightseeing tours with our guests, cruising through Port Royale to admire the mansions and heading out to the Gulf to enjoy the sunset.

Here are several boat trips from Tin City that you may want to consider when visiting Naples.

Bayfront in Naples

Bayfront, situated on scenic Naples Bay, is an upscale waterfront village. It combines a diverse array of shops, boutiques, galleries, restaurants, bars, and a hotel with residential spaces, creating a vibrant community atmosphere. The meandering waterfront promenade follows the bay, guiding you through the marina, while the brightly colored buildings evoke a Mediterranean ambiance.

Bayfront in Naples is a commercial and residential community on the water.

You can walk to Tin City and 5th Avenue South easily from the village.

Fun Tours in Downtown Naples Florida

A good way to see the areas in downtown Naples is to take a narrated tour.  Below are some fun options to consider.

Where to Stay in Downtown Naples

Downtown Naples has a diverse range of hotels catering to various preferences and budgets. You can find accommodation options that suit your individual tastes and needs. Whether you are seeking upscale amenities or a more intimate and cozy stay, the variety of hotels in downtown Naples ensures a comfortable and enjoyable experience for everyone. 

Here are several recommendations by area within downtown Naples.

📍5th Avenue South – Inn on Fifth

Located on 5th Avenue South. In walking distance to restaurants and shops. Less than a 15-minute walk to the beach.

📍Third Street South – Old Naples Hotel

The hotel is scheduled to be completed in 2024.

📍Crayton Cove – Cove Inn on Naples Bay

Located on Naples Bay within walking distance of restaurants and the Naples City Dock.

📍Tin City – AC Hotel by Marriott Naples 5th Avenue

Located across the road from Tin City. Easy walking distance to 5th Avenue South too.

📍Bayfront – Bayfront Inn 5th Avenue

Located in the Bayfront community on Naples Bay. Within walking distance to restaurants, bars, and shopping.

For even more places to stay in downtown Naples, check out Booking.com. We use them for our accommodation bookings.

My Trip Planning Resources

These are the companies that I use when planning our trips:

– Flights: WayAway
– Hotel Reservations: Booking.com & Hotels.com
– Vacation Rentals: VRBO
– Portable Wi-Fi: Ryoko Pro
– Rental Cars: DiscoverCars.com
– Train Tickets: Rail Europe
– Tours: Viator, Get Your Guide and GuruWalk
– Travel Insurance: VisitorsCoverage
– Airport Lounge Access Program: Priority Pass

If you choose to buy through any of the provided links, we may receive a commission without any extra charges to you. Explore our Travel Resources page for additional service suggestions.

Final Thoughts: Downtown Naples Florida

Downtown Naples, Florida, is a multifaceted gem comprised of distinct areas, each offering its own unique charm.  5th Avenue South pulses with energy, especially at night.  Third Street South has a historical allure with Naples Pier and Palm Cottage.  Crayton Cove has a maritime nostalgia with peaceful views of the bay.  Tin City is rustic and family-friendly with cruising opportunities. And Bayfront is a blend of residential and commercial spaces in a Mediterranean-style village.  Each area contributes to the vibrant character of downtown Naples.

With the Gulf of Mexico as its backdrop, these scenic areas offer a perfect setting to unwind, soak up the Florida sunshine, and absorb the beauty that truly makes Naples special. I never get enough of visiting downtown Naples and I hope you now know why this is a must-visit destination for residents and visitors alike.

If you would like assistance in planning your trip to Naples, Florida, we would be happy to help.  Please refer to our Travel Planning services for further information or contact us via email with any questions.

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Hello, I’m Janet, the owner and writer behind Practical Travel Concepts. With over 40 years in various corporate leadership roles and owning multiple businesses, I’ve now shifted gears to pursue my passion for travel. My focus is on writing straightforward blog posts about my travels and helping clients plan their trip itineraries. I aim to share practical travel insights and tips to enhance your adventures based on my firsthand experiences exploring the world with my husband and family.