If you're like many people these days, your travel agenda has been sharply curtailed in recent months — and perhaps it even feels like you'll never have the chance to hit the open road again. Or maybe you've just been working a lot and can't seem to pencil in quality time with family or are ready for a much-needed romantic getaway with your partner. Either way, the one-tank road trip provides a great way to feed the travel bug without having to contend with crowded airports or spend a succession of nights on the road. When you're lucky enough to live in South Florida, Naples is an obvious destination for those seeking fun on the water, 5-star dining, and luxurious lodgings situated right on the white sugar-sand beach. Here's what you need to know about getting the most out of a one-tank trip to Naples:
What to Do
From lazing on the beach soaking up the sun with a frosty, fruity drink in your hand to swimming with the dolphins or enjoying a deep-sea fishing trip, Naples offers a wide variety of activities suitable for all individual tastes and preferences. Naples is renowned for its world-class golf courses, but its real star attraction is the Gulf of Mexico. You can take a guided boat tour, enjoy a romantic sunset cruise, go surf fishing on the beach or go on a deep-sea charter trip, or if you're in need of some quiet reflection, visit the Naples Pier and sit and watch the dolphins playing in the nearby waves and maybe cast a line for shallow-water species such as grouper. Naples is one of the only true year-round fisheries in North America, which means that there's something biting no matter what time of year. Popular sportfishing species in the Naples area include bass, shark, snook, and the Gulf Coast's signature species, tarpon.
Swimming with the dolphins is another favorite Naples activity, so be sure to visit Dolphin World if you're a fan of these playful and intelligent marine mammals.
Where to Eat
Fishing, exploring, and swimming with the dolphins works up quite an appetite, and you're in the right place for a fabulous meal. Thanks to Naples' location, amenities, and climate, nationally and even internationally acclaimed chefs have been relocating to it, opening restaurants, and creating a vibrant and an eclectic cuisine scene. Try Dorona's For a modern twist on the classic Italian steakhouse model, or if the mood calls for finely-crafted Parians-inspired fare, you can't go wrong with D'amicos the Continental — think winsome 1920s style French bistro turned up several notches and seriously influenced by old-school New York City steakhouses. D'amicos has both indoor and outdoor seating, creative craft cocktails, and a menu that features the best from both land and sea.
Where to Stay
Why let the Naples experience end with a 5-star dinner? Keep the luxury theme going by staying at the Edgewater Beach Hotel as a grand finale to your Naples adventure. You'll be just steps away from the warm turquoise waters of the Gulf, and if you've ever wondered why they call the area Florida's Paradise Coast, you'll understand why when you see the view from the balcony of one of Edgewater's Tower Gulf View suites. Other amenities include two heated swimming pools with gulf views, 24-hour concierge service, a fully-equipped, high-tech fitness center, bicycle rentals, WiFi throughout, beachside and poolside dining options, and valet parking.
As you can see, Naples packs quite a punch for a one-tank road trip. Whether a family vacation, a romantic interlude, or even a solo sojourn is what you've been craving these days, a road trip to Naples topped off by a stay at the Edgewater hotel will deliver it in spades.
