A – Airports
The Naples Municipal Airport is one of the first things a tourist comes into contact with when visiting southwest Florida and plays a vital role in the daily life of the region. It has two asphalt paved runways: 5/23 measuring 6,600 by 150 feet (2,012 x 46 m) and 14/32 measuring 5,000 by 100 ft (1,524 x 30 m). The airport also prides itself for being a really quiet airport which is a bit unusual but interesting to say the least.
B – Beaches
Southwest Florida has some of the most stunning white sand beaches of the world. Locals and tourists flock its clear shores daily for some sunbathing or a cool dip. Reputable travel magazines bear witness to its sheer beauty and thus, the beaches hold some of the most important water sporting competitions in the world.
C – Condominium
Condo living is on the rise in Naples, Florida. There are many advantages in owning a condo unit here, including exclusive parking areas, pools, private gyms and a 24 hour security system. As the city develops by the year, more and more people are investing in their own condo units for various reasons such as buy and sell businesses.
D – Delnor-Wiggins
This is a popular beach destination that gets thousands of tourists per year. Yet despite all the human activity, Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Parks keeps a clean natural environment with the help of the local government since adjacent to the beach is a protected wildlife area.
E – Everglades
Cross the ancient waterways with a raft, trek the woods and camp out at night. These are just some of the few things you’ll get to do when in the Everglades. You may even get to visit the smallest post office in the US and then head down to their resto-bars and enjoy the freshest seafood, like deep sea fishes from the Gulf of Mexico, over cold beer.
F – Fakahatchee
The Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park is a part of the Big Cypress Reserve in the Everglades. It is home to trees that are more than a thousand years old. There are also rare orchids to be found in the area as well as migratory birds. Part of this 85,000 acre wildlife area is open to the public. This is a great opportunity to take photos and bring back home memories of this treacherous woodland.
G – Golf
Naples, Florida is famous for its prestigious golf courses. Important world championship matches are held here regularly. Naples also has the most golf holes per capita and many of the golf courses were designed by renowned architectural legends, making this place a Mecca for golf-lovers.
H – Hotels
Naples and the Marco area have some of the biggest chain hotel names in the world. People and tourists come to the region by the millions each year and they are well taken care of by the excellent men and women who make each stay a positively unforgettable one. The guest traffic of hotel accommodations is so high that a major hotel brand has two sites in Naples.
I – Immokalee
The Immokalee region is the agricultural center of the Naples area in Florida. This place is also home to the Seminole Casino Hotel which is a hotel that’s staffed by the local Seminole people. The place is home one of the major tomato producing industries in the United States.
J – Jet Skis
Jet Skis are the racing motorcycles of the sea. They are loud, fast and make quite the splash. They are featured in an annual championship that happens in the beaches of Naples, Florida and contenders from all over the world battle it out to see who the best on the water is.
K – Kayaking
Kayaking is for those who’d like to take it slow on the water. There are many opportunities for kayaking especially in the Thousand Islands area where mangrove forests are abound. You can rent for a kayak or bring one yourself. Kayaking is much more awesome when paired with fishing and sight-seeing for dolphins, manatees and majestically colored birds.
L – Locals
The secret ingredients to the success of the tourism industry of southwest Florida are the people themselves. People in southwest Florida have a calm and laid-back attitude due to the easy going environment that they live in that’s so close to nature. However, they are a hardy people in the sense that they are resilient in the face of Mother Nature’s wrath or any other problem that come their way.
M – Marco Island
The island is home to many huge hotel chains that have towering buildings. This is the hotel central of the region. However, the people keep in touch with their natural environment as well since here we can find the famous Ten Thousand Islands which you can appreciate better when flying across it.
N – Naples
With its zoos, museums, restaurants and fun-filled occasions, there is no mistake that Naples, Florida is one of the best cities in the country. All the beauty of the city is congregated in the downtown area where shops, restaurants, establishments that carve themselves out of the neat traditional architecture are truly jaw-dropping.
O – Outdoors
Nothing beats the outdoors in south west Florida. The prairies, the swamps, and the ancient wild lands that cradle a diverse wildlife in land, sea and air something that can be explored by campers of all proficiencies. There is something special for the casual visitor and there are secrets waiting to be uncovered for the hardcore explorers.
P – Parasailing
Some of the beaches offer this great ride. Be on the air and see the city and the palatial homes that cover the seaside while flying with the herons and the seagulls. There are many companies that offer the parasailing experience so this is not one you should miss out when in Naples. Just don’t forget to go back down on land and not follow the birds all the way to their nests.
Q – Quagmires
The prairies of southwest Florida hold many secrets and these ancient swamps bear mute witness to the region’s deep and colorful history. The quagmires that are found deep within the swamps pose a challenge to the seasoned explorer who finds their way in the heart of the thick forests of the region. And oh, watch out for the Skunk Ape.
R – Restaurants
The beauty of southwestern Florida not only is a feast for the eyes with all the beautiful sights all around but it is also a feast for the stomach. There is a plethora of options for the gurgling belly in the downtown district of Naples city alone featuring cuisine from all over the world.
S – Stone Crabs
These are very famous crabs that come in abundance in the Everglades area. In fact, there are restaurants in Marco and in Naples that either serves them as part of their menu or are places dedicated to serving the crabs themselves. Fun Fact: These crabs must secretly be comic book superheroes because of the way their pinchers regenerate no matter how many times they’re removed.
T – Tamiami Trail
This is a highway that is and was instrumental to the development of the region. Built around 1930, the project was a very ambitious one since there were so many hurdles that blocked its construction, be it the natural barriers such as swamps and other natural dangers as well as other matters such as in funding. However, all the sacrifice that was put in it had been all worth it.
U – Underwater
There are SCUBA instruction classes that are available in the area. There are also many diving spots around the region where shipwrecks and coral reefs can be found. Visit the underwater kingdoms of the region of southwestern Florida and be amazed by its wonders.
V – Vanderbilt Beach
This is one of the more lovely beaches in the region because of its proximity to the city. And there are times of the year when not many people come around so this is when some couples sneak in and walk by the beach together to get a little privacy. We know what you’re thinking but, no, Florida has strict indecent exposure laws so we suggest getting your own room.
W – Weddings
Speaking of lovers, the gorgeous beaches of Naples, Florida offers a picture perfect wedding scene. This is why outdoor weddings are very popular here. Wedding planners have their schedules packed each year with couples from all over the country eager to tie the know in the Paradise Coast.
X – Xmas
Naples, Florida is a child-friendly place. And when it’s Christmas time, establishments put up decorations that fit the season. There is also a giant Christmas tree that’s set up somewhere in the downtown area every year. One of the museums, Naples Historical Society’s Palm Cottage, offers Christmas treats for their children visitors during the holidays.
Y – Yachts
There are many well-off people who chose to retire in Naples, Florida. And with rich people come rich people yachts. They are a common sight within the waters of the area and you can catch them when you’re here in Naples, Florida.
Z – Zoo
The teeming wildlife is something that the Naples Zoo is very much proud of. The monkeys, giraffes and panthers are all cared for greatly by their passionate and dedicated staff. Visit the zoo for some fun time with all the family.
