Getaway on the Gulf | 3 Days, 3 Itineraries
Florida is so diverse that you can have a fantastic three-day getaway without ever having to leave one area. The Paradise Coast of Florida is a fantastic example of this; from the decadent shopping and dining of Fifth Avenue South to the serene shores of Marco Island and the breathtaking vastness of the Everglades, this area so perfectly displays how it only takes a long weekend in Florida to have a full getaway.
How to Get Here
Because this is such a popular place to visit — and re-visit — there are actually a handful of airports in the immediate area, including the Naples Airport, Marco Island Executive Airport, Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers, and the Punta Gorda Airport in Punta Gorda. Some folks even fly into Miami or Fort Lauderdale and rent a car to drive through the Everglades to the Paradise Coast.
Day 1: Downtown Dalliance
On the first day of your visit to the Paradise Coast, we recommend you soak in the experience of the beautiful and historic Naples. Naples is a stylish community known for its sophisticated downtown, white-sand beaches and top-rated golf courses. Other highlights include fishing, boating, water sports, arts and culture and spectacular sunsets.
The main metropolitan area on Florida's Paradise Coast, Naples provides rich amenities while retaining an exclusive, intimate, small town feel. For a city its size, it offers an impressive selection of restaurants, golf courses, shops and cultural attractions. Visitors stroll the tropically landscaped streets and avenues downtown, dotted with sidewalk cafes, boutiques and art galleries. Just a few steps away are the lovely sands of Naples Beach and the iconic Naples Pier, perfect for watching colorful sunsets over the Gulf.
A visit to Naples would be incomplete without a stroll along its unofficial Main Street, Fifth Avenue South. Since the 1920s — when it housed just a few small businesses, the telephone company and a train depot — the Avenue has been at the heart of the downtown district. Over the decades, it’s blossomed into the thriving business and arts district it is today, securing its spot as a prime dining, shopping and entertainment destination for visitors and residents alike.
When you feel the urge to shop, Fifth Avenue South is the perfect spot for a little (or a lot of) retail therapy. You’ll find an incredible range of shops, from familiar favorites to locally loved boutiques, along a walkable stretch of Fifth that lies between Third and Eighth streets. Discover the latest from European designers at Marilyn’s, or let the relaxation flow with a breezy outfit from Petunias. Rouze brings trendy city style to the Avenue, while Giggle Moon offers unique, quality children’s clothing and accessories. Looking for must-haves from your favorite clothing line? Fifth Avenue South also boasts of beloved brands like Soma and White House/Black Market.
Fifth Avenue South is home to many of Naples’ top restaurants, several of which have national accolades to their names. With fresh seafood flown in daily from Greece and across the globe, Sails Restaurant is sure to impress for special occasions. Dine al fresco in the courtyard at The French, which serves classic Parisian brasserie options, including Sunday brunch with live jazz. Love stone crab? During stone crab season (Oct. 15 through May 14), indulge in all-you-can-eat claws on Monday nights at Truluck’s. Fittingly for Naples, authentic Italian options are plentiful, including Pazzo! Cucina Italiana, Osteria Tulia, Molto Trattoria and Dolce & Salato Italian Bistro.
There’s no shortage of fun here! Catch a live theater performance by The Naples Players at Sugden Community Theatre, or bring the kids to Cambier Park for a picnic and a free flick during summer’s monthly Family Movie Nights. Want to experience a true Naples hidden gem? Sit down for a traditional afternoon tea with scones and clotted cream at Brambles English Tea Room, tucked away among the lush flowers and fountains of the Rue de Fleur.
See visual interpretations of Paradise Coast beauty when you visit one of the local art galleries. Fine art, home decor, and more are found in the the Naples Art District, which has developed over the last 10 years into the largest concentration of professional working artists, studios and galleries in the area. Entwined with businesses that cater to the trades, design and light industry, the Naples Art District has become a great source for fine art, art education, home decor and remodeling. The Naples Art District holds its Art Alive open house events on the first Wednesday of each month, and "Daytime Artistic Experience" every third Saturday.
In the heart of Naples’ historic district, “Old Naples,” you’ll find a beautiful historic hotel: The Escalante. Tucked away in the historic neighborhood amidst towering oaks and palms, The Escalante is a romantic hideaway at the far end of the street Fifth Ave South, just steps from the Gulf of Mexico. A sophisticated small inn, they provide expert service to make you feel like a real VIP. Lounge in the pool-centered courtyard surrounded by a natural privacy fence of thick tropical foliage, enjoy their gardens, or relax on your own private verandah. Their restaurant, Veranda E, is the only fine dining restaurant in Naples with its own on-premises sustainable organic garden and offering breakfast, lunch and dinner.
The Inn on Fifth has long anchored Naples’ main thoroughfare. This Forbes four-star boutique luxury hotel recently underwent a multimillion dollar renovation that gave a sleek, fresh look to its 119 elegantly appointed guest rooms, including 32 Club Level suites, two Presidential suites, a private rooftop pool and a Club Lounge in a new private building across the street from the main hotel. Guests can indulge at the onsite Spa on Fifth, or ride in style in one of the hotel’s own Tesla Model Xs.
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Day 2: Wildlife and Wellness
On day two of your trip, we recommend taking part in the Paradise Coast’s offerings of wellness. The sources include the largest wildlife park in the state and the Coast’s local studios, spas, and hotels.
This is your chance to get to know ‘the real Florida’ in its rawest state. It is the largest subtropical wilderness in the U.S., spanning 1.5 million acres. Here, you’ll see marvelous native plants, bright-colored birds, and elusive Florida panthers. The stars of the show here, animal-wise, are of course the alligators — and there are many ways to meet them!
Most visitors to the Everglades prefer hiking this time of year, but you could also go for a ride — on a swamp buggy tour! C&G Big Cypress Swamp Buggy Tours will take you through the rugged terrain of the Everglade’s sister preserve, Big Cypress Natural Preserve, in one of their unique vehicles. They’ll take you on a four hour tour of the park while you remain comfortable seated in the buggy (which holds six passengers) with canopies atop for shade. Be on the lookout for Florida deer, bear, alligators, Florida panthers, roseate spoonbills, and other creatures in their natural habitat.
From the Everglades National Park Gulf Coast Visitor Center in Everglades City there are a number of paddling trails that provide trips ranging from two hours to nine days. This is the launching spot to begin what many people consider the paddling trip of a lifetime along the Wilderness Waterway, a 99-mile route through the Everglades backcountry from Everglades City to Flamingo. You have to carry all your food and water with you, because you won't see civilization the entire time you're out there. You will see spectacular sunsets and have encounters with bottlenose dolphins, manatees, birds and Florida's most prized game fish – snook, redfish and tarpon. Fly fishing and spin casting from kayaks in this backcountry wilderness is catching on as one of the hottest fishing experiences in the state. Rent paddleboards from Paddle Marco, Naples Outfitters, All Water Excursions and others.
Experience Everglades elegance at Port of the Islands, a unique and luxurious Everglades resort that is also a jumping-off point for Everglades adventures. You have at your disposal 42 cottage suites and studios with kitchenettes and screened-in porches, a full-service marina, and the services of a Wilderness Concierge. Rooms feature warm wood tones, French doors that let in the sunlight, and amenities like in-room coffee and tea. Breakfast is complimentary to all, and a good way to fuel up for your Everglades exploration.
The Everglades, and nature in general, reminds us of the importance of rest and reflection as part of rejuvenating the soul and caring for your mental health. Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades is part of the Blue Zones Project, which is helping transform communities around the U.S. into areas where living healthy is easy.
There are so many kinds of yoga here, it would be crazy — if it weren’t so relaxing. There are classic yoga studios, yoga programs at resorts, power yoga in 90-degree rooms, yoga on a paddleboard, yoga for fitness, yoga for relaxation, yoga for inner peace, and yoga for love. But for a truly Paradise Coast yoga experience, head to the beach; instructors hold regular classes at gorgeous Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park and Lowdermilk Park north of downtown Naples, and on Marco Island.
Naples Grande Beach Resort effortlessly combines opulence and relaxation to give you and your loved ones the experience of a lifetime. The Spa is the heart and soul of the Naples Grande experience. A one of a kind sanctuary at our luxury resort dedicated to refreshing the mind and revitalizing the body in an uplifting, inspiringly beautiful setting. In the sanctuary of an indoor/outdoor spa village, this organic day spa encompasses four pavilions in the Japanese tradition, set amid exquisite gardens and lush greenery. Architecture, landscaping and water features are interwoven to create an atmosphere of harmony and beauty. The Spa Villa includes a sun deck, whirlpool, sauna, steam room and meditation lounge for an incomparable Florida spa retreat. For wedding parties, spa outings or other special events, the Spa Villa is the perfect location for an intimate event.
Escape to The Ritz-Carlton Naples, and indulge one of the most soothingly elegant spas in Southwest Florida that beckons guests to enjoy rejuvenating and healing steam rooms, saunas and aqua lounges, along with an outdoor mineral pool for a complete holistic experience. The hotel's spa facilities, lounges, and services like massages and facials are available only to registered guests, as well as Ritz-Carlton Spa members. Find special spa packages that allow you to combine renewing treatments with lavish overnight stays.
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Day 3: Island Idealizations
Day three may be your most relaxing yet! The beaches of the Paradise Coast are a huge part of what gives it its name. Soft, white sand beckons you to lie in the sunshine and let your cares slip away. The emerald waters call to you to take a dip and wash away stress. Local community embraces you with its warm welcomes and endless charm.
Many of the Paradise Coast’s public beaches are dotted with shells, sand dunes, and plumes of seagrass. On the remote islands just offshore from Naples and Marco Island, you will find in particular a vast amount of vibrant shells that have washed ashore during a storm. You should take a shelling tour from Daystar Charters to collect some of the best shells, as well as enjoy the scenery of the Naples waterways. Be on the lookout for dolphins and manatee! Daystar will anchor at one of the islands for swimming, sunbathing and shelling. Pricing is based on an hourly rate, so pack some snacks and make it a day of island fun.
When you take matters (and paddles) into your hands with a kayak or paddleboard rental, the opportunities for adventure are endless. The Naples Kayak Company is conveniently located in the Venetian Village, right on the bay, and provides eco tours, lessons, and more to help you explore the Paradise Coast via its waters. You can also schedule a pickup and drop off for any of their rentals, which means you can paddle your way wherever you please with ease! They also have larger kayaks that fit several paddlers at once — perfect for a family trip.
One of the foremost beachfront resorts on the Paradise Coast, Edgewater Beach Hotel has everything you would want in your dream beach resort. Set on the sparkling sands bordering the gentle waters of the Gulf, this hotel takes beachfront amenities to the next level with professionally managed beach chairs, luxury beach beds, cabanas, umbrellas, kayaks and paddleboards for rent. Parents, indulge in beachfront relaxation while the kids play in the sand. Romantic partners can take a snorkel trip or rent beach bikes to ride together. During downtime, enjoy your “casually elegant” suite with water views. For a small fee, your pet can join you and get a little r&r, too!
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Now that you’ve spent three days in Paradise, you will be as relaxed as you’ve ever been! You may be so relaxed, in fact, that you never want to leave. It’s pretty easy to extend your stay…and we wouldn’t blame you if you did!
