Naples

Situated along the sun-drenched coastline of the Gulf of Mexico, Naples boasts more than 10 miles of Florida's most pristine sand and warmest waters. While the city boasts a bustling and diverse range of shopping, dining, and entertainment options, it is only steps form the tropical wilderness of the Everglades.

Naples has long been a destination for water lovers. The Pier is a city landmark, known for its lucid waters abundant with fish, dolphins, and pelicans. You can also rent canoes to tranquilly drift along the mangrove waterways. The temperate Gulf of Mexico waters provide a year-round habitat for a large number of different species, making it easy to find fish whether you enjoy fishing offshore or stalking the backwaters. The estuaries that stretch from Naples south into the Everglades are the year-round home to numerous bottlenose dolphins as well.

Given it's stunning coastal location and proximity to the Everglades, many attractions in Naples involve nature. There are several major land reserves including Big Cypress Natural Preserve and the Florida Panther National Wildlife Refuge.

The city is known just as much for its golf as it is for its beaches. With more than 35 golf courses right in the city and over 50 more championship courses in the surrounding area, Naples is the state's self-proclaimed Golf Capital. The city claims to have the highest ratio of golf courses to golfers in the country.

A number of big names have developed golf course communities and resort courses in Naples including Jack Nicklaus, Tom Fazio, Arthur Hills, and Arnold Palmer. One of these is Greenlinks Golf Villas at the Lely Resort, home to the only Robert Trent Jones signature course in Naples. One of the city's best kept secrets is the Jack Nicklaus-designed Old Corkscrew Golf Club, it is ranked as the best course in Southwest Florida but still remains a lesser-known local favorite. The Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club is among the top public courses in the area.