Naples Florida on the Paradise Coast

Naples is the Collier County seat, which was incorporated as a town in 1925. The area was originally settled in the late 1800s by a former Kentucky senator. The sunny climate and abundant fishing was likened to Italy, and the name Naples stuck. According to the US Census Bureau, the city covers about 14 square miles.

The area around Naples is part of the Paradise Coast, which also includes Marco Island. It is a gateway to the nearby Everglades National Park and the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge, which is of interests to many Eco-tourists. More wild Florida can be found at the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, Big Cypress National Preserve, Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge, and Picayune Strand State Forest.

US highway 41 runs through Naples, connecting it to Miami and Fort Myers. Interstate highway I-75 passes through the east side of Naples, coming from Fort Myers farther north and making a turn to the east. I-75 then becomes Alligator Alley as it runs across to Fort Lauderdale on the Atlantic Coast.

Greyhound Bus Lines stops at Naples, but there is no airline or railroad service. The city is known for it's wealth, and the Naples Municipal Airport is often full of private jets.

In the downtown area, third avenue and fifth avenue south are the prime shopping areas. Near downtown on Naples Bay is Tin City. Also near downtown is the Big Cypress Market Place. The Village on Venetian Bay is an open-air shopping plaza with upscale stores. The Waterside Shops is another upscale center, on the Tamiami Trail.

The Naples Pier is a popular place, and there are over 10 miles of public beach along the Gulf Coast. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park and Vanderbilt Beach are but two public beaches in Naples. The city boasts of being the golf capital of the world, with about 80 championship courses. The Naples Botanical Garden covers 160 acres located at 4820 Bayshore Drive.

The historic 1927 Seaboard Coast Line Railroad depot has been restored by as a Collier County museum. On Keewaydin Island is the historic 1934 Keewaydin Club, which closed in 1999. Only by boat can visitors reach the island, which has a public beach and sea turtle nests are protected.