Naples, Florida Area Information

Naples is a city in Collier County, Florida, USA. As of 1 July 2006, the U.S. Census Bureau estimated the city's population at 21,804. However, Naples city is part of the Naples-Marco Island area, which has an estimated total population of 314,649

Naples was founded during the late 1880s by former Confederate general and Kentucky U.S. Senator John Stuart Williams and his partner, Louisville businessman Walter N. Haldeman, the publisher of the Louisville Courier-Journal. It had grown into a resort town by the turn of the century. The city got its name from developers who advertised it in the north as to have "a bay comparable to that of Naples (Italy)".

There is no shortage of fun things to do in Naples. From laid-back, power white sand beaches to upscale shopping, visitors will fall in love with this hip town on the Gulf.

Downtown Naples is home to The Naples Players, and the 5th Avenue South and 3rd Street South shopping districts, which feature a variety of antique shop and fabulous restaurants. Gallery Row, also downtown, is a concentration among the numerous art galleries spread throughout the downtown area. The Village on Venetian Bay is an upscale open-air shopping district on the Gulf coast. Located directly off of Tamiami Trail are the Waterside Shops, an upscale open-air center home to such high-end retailers as Saks Fifth Avenue, Gucci, Tiffany & Co., and Lacoste. A two-story Barnes and Noble is located on site as well.

In a separate area is the shopping district Tin City. This open-air shopping center specializes in antiques and handmade local novelties.

The Philharmonic Center for the Arts, located in North Naples, has played host to celebrities including Bill Cosby, and musical talents from across the globe. The Naples Players at the Sugden Community Theatre, who, along with their Kidzact youth theatre program, have been nationally recognized as one of the top ten Community Theatre companies in the United States. Other resident groups include the Naples Philharmonic Orchestra, The Philharmonic Center of Naples, and the other cultural attractions in Naples makes the area "The top small art town in America".

In 2005, Naples was voted the best beach in America by the Travel Channel. There are many (yes, affordable!) vacation rentals. The typical 'tourist season' spans from January - April, when northerners escape the winter cold. However, over the years, Naples, Florida has become a popular hotspot for European travelers all year long.

With current market conditions, now is a good time for many to shop for a 2nd home, or vacation home in Naples, Florida. Click here to see a list of reputable, helpful real estate agents.

Some points of interest (besides shopping!) while in Naples is:

The Naples Players
Naples Botanical Garden
Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens * Great for Kids
Naples Pier * Great for Kids
The Conservancy of Southwest Florida * Great for Kids

For fun tour ideas in Naples, Florida, click here.