Naples, FL on the Gulf of Mexico has become a hugely popular destination to travel not only because it has some of the sunshine state’s prettiest beaches, but it also offers those looking for more than sun and water a slice of culture that some other FL hot spots may not have. With a lively downtown full of excellent restaurants, trendy shopping, art galleries and home design stores, Naples seems to have it all. This post will focus on restaurants and shopping in the area – to see a more comprehensive list of activities, view my post Top 12 Things to See and Do in Naples.
Naples is a lot bigger than people might imagine, with several shopping areas spread out across town. However, I’m going to focus on the heart of the town, its historic downtown, made up of two popular parts – 5th Avenue South, and Third Street South. This is where the nice, bustling tree-lined streets are, as opposed to other shopping districts that are more mall-like and not my style! There are so many restaurants and stores to list, I can’t possibly list them all, so this being a travel blog focused on family travel, I’ll list kid-friendly stores and restaurants that we’ve liked or “window shopped” over the years; but mind you, many of these places are sophisticated – and not “chain”-like – and that’s why we love Naples.
Restaurants
5th Avenue South:
Cafe Lurcat – one of our faves with some of the best food in Naples. Very loungy and hip, but kids welcome! New American, 494 5th Ave South, 239. 213.3357
La Bazenne – we had an amazing lunch of crepes at this understated but delicious French restaurant. 474 5th Ave South, 239. 682. 8623
Chops City Grill – always a dilemma – order steak or seafood? Both superb at this popular restaurant. Steak House, 837 5th Ave South, 239. 262.4677
Pazzo! – don’t let the cheesy suburban sign fool you – on our most recent trip to Naples this was the best meal we had. Italian. 843 5th Ave South, 239. 434.8494
Yabba Island Grill – my girls’ favorite restaurant as they have kids drinks in coconuts. Good island food. 711 5th Ave South, 239. 262.5787
Café Luna – we always do lunch here. Great pizzas and salads. Italian. 467 5th Ave South, 239. 213.2212
Bar Tulia – another good Italian, but the patio especially pretty. 462 5th Ave South, 239. 228.7606
Third Street South:
Campiellio – one of Naples’ most popular, but difficult to get a res, so book early! Known for its wood-fired pizzas and rotisserie grill, and with one of the best outdoor patios in town. Italian. 1177 Third Street South, 239.435. 1166
Tommy Bahama’s – don’t let the cheese-factor dismay you, this island restaurant actually has really good food (we can’t get enough of their coconut crusted shrimp). With live music and kids dancing on the dance floor it’s the perfect spot to bring the fam (plan to get there early as there is always a decent wait). 1220 Third Street South, 239.643.6889
Ridgway – one of Naples’ most upscale restaurants, so maybe not for babies, but you can get away with bringing older kids. It’s been around forever and a beautiful spot, but perhaps consider it for date-night! New American. 1300 Third Street South, 239.262.5500
I must also give a shout out to The Dock (845 12th Ave South, 239. 263. 9940) in Crayton Cove – near Third Street, and Riverwalk (Tin City Shops, 1200 5th Ave South, 239. 263. 2734) near 5th Ave South, sister restaurants on the water, and super-fun spots to bring the kids.
Shopping
5th Avenue South:
Little Luxe – upscale children’s clothing shop. 602 Fifth Ave South, 239. 261.0172,
Giggle Moon – unique children’s store. 720 Fifth Ave South, #105, 239.643. 3833
Regatta – fun souvenir store. 760 Fifth Ave South, 239.262. 3929
Best of Everything – if you have girls, they will go crazy in this shop. 747 Fifth Ave South, 239.403. 8771
Third Street South:
Beth Mone – this children’s shop has been around for over 40 years and is a Naples institution. Known for carrying Florence Eiseman, it also has very contemporary kids clothes and toys. 1301 Third Street South, 1.800. 747.2384
Lilly Pulitzer – a Florida classic, they have a cute girls section. 255 13th Ave South, 239.435.4565
The Beach House of Naples – swimwear for women, but also with a kids section. 1300 Third Street South, 239.261.1366
Gretchen Scott – like Lilly, bright colors and patterns, and in girls’ sizes. 1300 Third Street South, 239.430.7500
Old Naples Surf Shop – the original surfing and lifestyle shop in the area, there is gear for all things beach and water. 1311 Third Street South, 239.262.1877
This article is available as an app through GPSMyCity if you would like to read it offline, whenever and wherever. Click here to download the city app, as well as for GPS coordinates of the locations listed.
One of my favorite places in the whole world!! <3 Naples!
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That’s right – I always forget you’re a FL native!
🙂 🙂
Thanks, Corey! Your tips on travel are really getting me excited to travel!xoxoL
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Thanks Le – getting excited for you, you guys are going to have a great trip! xx
Naples sounds lovely – I will make sure to visit next time I’m in Florida.
Author
Yes, check it out. Thanks for stopping by!
Loved this post – we visit Florida every year in October and are trying to explore a different city/area for a few days each trip. Looks like Naples needs to go on the list, love the sound of the shopping and restaurants, will be keeping this information!!
Author
I didn’t know that you visited FL every October! Nice that you make it to the States so often. If you ever make it to Naples feel free to ask me any other q’s:).
Thank you – I will be taking you up on that – good to have an expert take on things!!
I need to see these kids stores..look fantastic
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You would die over Beth Mone..some of the others are really pricey, but good for window shopping.
The place has nice restaurants
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Yep – known for its food.
I was in Naples for 10 days back in 2014 to renew my commercial pilot’s license! I wish I had your list with me then, because I was so busy flying that I didn’t have time to check up on restaurants and cafes. I bought most of my meals at the deli in the grocery store:) Naples is such a nice city and I wish I could go back someday.
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I always forget you’re a pilot! Amazing! No wonder you’re all over the world and blogging. Love it!
I wish I had this guide when I went to Naples! Although I didn’t spend much time there… maybe time to rectify that. Great guide!
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Didin’t know you were ever in Naples! Has such great restaurants, and I know you’re a foodie, so if you ever make it back now you have this!
I just had the best spa experience in Naples, Florida. I have chronic back pain due to an accident and they were able to relieve my pain. They have wonderful customer service. My husband who was also with me enjoyed his massage too. If you’re in Naples, you should totally visit Divine Spa.
Author
Thanks for letting me know!