Travel Guide · June 6, 2026
Just about an hour south of Fort Myers along U.S. 41 or I-75, Naples punches well above its weight as a day-trip destination. It's one of those rare Florida cities where pristine white-sand beaches sit within easy walking distance of a genuinely charming downtown packed with galleries, boutiques, and some of the best restaurants in all of Southwest Florida. Whether you're a snowbird looking for a change of scenery, a tourist on a longer SWFL stay, or a newcomer sizing up the region, Naples is well worth the drive — and having your own set of wheels makes all the difference.
Flying into the area first? SafeWheels Rentals SWFL offers convenient airport pickup at both Punta Gorda Airport (PGD) and Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), and delivers within 50 miles of the 33955 area — putting Naples firmly in range from day one.
The iconic Naples Pier is the city's most recognizable landmark and the perfect place to kick off your morning. Arrive early (parking fills up fast, especially in season) and stroll the 1,000-foot pier jutting out over the Gulf. Pelicans perch on the railings, dolphins cruise by with surprising regularity, and on a clear morning the view back toward the shoreline is simply stunning.
From there, head a mile or so north to Lowdermilk Park, a beloved local beach park with restrooms, volleyball nets, picnic pavilions, and easy public parking. It's a little less crowded than the pier area and a great spot to spread out a towel and ease into the day.
Naples' downtown core, centered on Fifth Avenue South, is one of the most walkable and visually delightful streets in all of Florida. Drive in, park the car, and spend a couple of hours on foot. You'll find:
Third Street South is another worthwhile detour just a few blocks away — a quieter, tree-shaded alternative with its own cluster of restaurants and specialty shops.
After lunch, cool off in a couple of Naples' most impressive cultural attractions. The Naples Botanical Garden spans 170 acres and features stunning themed gardens representing ecosystems from Florida, the Caribbean, Asia, and Brazil. It's surprisingly immersive — plan at least 90 minutes. Tickets can be purchased in advance online, which is strongly recommended during the busy winter season.
Art lovers shouldn't miss Artis—Naples and its on-campus Baker Museum, one of the finest art museums in the Southeast. The permanent collection spans modern and contemporary works, and visiting exhibitions rotate throughout the year. The campus itself is architecturally gorgeous and just a short drive from downtown.
Naples sunsets over the Gulf are legitimately world-class — golden, wide, and unhurried. Head back to the Naples Pier or find a spot along the beach around 7–8 p.m. (depending on the season) and watch the sky do its thing. You've earned it.
For dinner, Naples has no shortage of excellent options. A few local favorites worth seeking out:
The drive back north to Cape Coral or Fort Myers is smooth and scenic at night — a relaxed close to a genuinely great day. Having your rental car means you set the schedule from start to finish, with no shuttle waits or rideshare surges at the end of the night. That kind of freedom is exactly what SWFL exploring is all about.