Planning to visit Naples? Did you know that this town’s geographical position within South Florida is perfect for taking exciting day trips and exploring further?
Today we are sharing a list of top day trips from Naples, so let us begin.
1.Marco Island
We are starting our list with Marco Island because it takes only twenty-five minutes to drive there, making it the perfect day trip from Naples.
This beautiful Island, located on the Gulf of Mexico, is home to resort hotels, pristine beaches, marinas, and golf courses.
Start your day with a visit to the South Marco Island Beach by walking alongside the clear blue water. The area is famous for its variety of shells, and you may get lucky to spot dolphins in the shallows as well.
Your next stop is the Marco Island Historical Museum. Located at Heathwood Drive, the museum has preserved the Island’s rich culture and history for a decade. Its exhibitions include historical artifacts and prints of pioneers who inhabited the area in the past.
Now is time to see something unique and ethereal
Head to Cape Romano on the Ten Thousand Islands to see the Dome Homes, an unusual structure once home to Bob Lee(a wealthy oil producer) and his wife.
The Domes were self-sufficient due to their location in the middle of the water, and nowadays the waves have reclaimed them, making them the perfect tourist attraction. Located only three hundred feet from Marco Island Southernmost tip, the only access to them is by water.
End your day with dinner at JW Marriott Beach Resort, and walk on their private beach overlooking the sunset.
2. Boca Raton
Another perfect day trip from Naples  is Boca Raton, because it takes only one hour and forty minutes drive to get there.Â
This Floridian town is famous for its breathtaking architecture, upscale shopping, and endless sandy beaches.Â
Your first stop is Mizner Park. This place was built in Mediterranean Revival architectural style and hosts high-end shops, restaurants, and luxury apartments.Â
Historical Fact:Â Addison Mizner was an American architect whose Mediterranean and Spanish Colonial Revival left a giant print in architecture all over South Florida.
The perfect way to learn more about that is by visiting the Boca Raton Museum of Art, featuring the Mizner’s legacy for over seven decades.Â
The Boca Raton Resort and Club is your next stop. Enjoy this beautiful hotel’s unique architecture, also designed by Mizner, and have lunch at Sadelle’s. Â
Next, head to Gumbo Limbo Nature Center for a walk on Boca’s wild side and a visit to their turtle sanctuary.Â
By the end of the day,head to the tunnels under Boca Raton’s Ocean Boulevard and arrive at a golden beach with nothing but dunes, transparent blue water, and a chance of a breathtaking sunset.Â
3.Fort Myers
Fort Myers makes another great town for a day trip from Naples because the drive takes only about fifty minutes.
This beautiful place, known for its immaculate beaches, was a host to notable citizens like Thomas Edison and Henry Ford once upon a time.
Your first stop here is Fort Myers Times Square. This area is famous for great restaurants with patio seating, charming ice cream shops, and all manner of beach and surfing shops.
Next are Edison and Ford winter estates. These homes represent National Historic Landmarks and are open to the public, operating as museums.
Is it time to visit the wildlife? Head to Fort Myers Beach Pier, enjoy the beautiful views of the ocean, and you may get the chance to see up close wildlife in the form of pelicans and dolphins that often visit there. The pier is open for pedestrians and features small kiosks for food, drinks, and souvenirs.
The next stop is the beach. Head to Estero Island, more precisely Lovers Key State Park, to enjoy endless white sand and crystal clear blue waters.
End your day with a Sunset Sail cruise, a two hours sailing experience along the beaches of Fort Myers. Enjoy the most breathtaking sunset on the water and learn more about Fort Myers from your personable captain. The boat leaves near Fort Myers Beach, at the Gateway Marina.Â
4.Miami
Miami is just two and a half hours, or precisely 125.6 miles away from Naples. The drive is pretty straightforward and follows the i-75 route through the longest coastline in the Continental US. Â
Visitors Tip 1:
We suggest leaving Naples earlier in the morning to avoid traffic and get the best out of your day.Â
Visitors Tip 2:Â
We suggest you make reservations for all the places you want to visit and plan your day accordingly.Â
When you arrive:
Start your day at the famous Cecconi’s. This fantastic restaurant, situated in the courtyard of the Soho Beach House, is the perfect spot for brunch. Cecconi’s offers an excellent atmosphere and service and top-notch Italian food. Brunching here will give you the ideal “fuel” for your entire day in Miami.Â
Visitors Tip 3: Book your Cecconi’s Miami experience on Open TableÂ
Your next stop is the Designer District. This place is home to high-end fashion brands, great restaurants, and cafes. From Louis Vuitton, Dior, and Chanel, to Dior Cafe, where you can drink “special latte,” this place is a true heaven for all who love fashion. Walk around, shop, or stop for a matcha latte; you can spend an entire day here.
But that’s not all Miami offers, so the following stop is the historic Ocean Drive. Enjoy the eclectic assembly of Art Deco architecture, and don’t forget to visit the home of the late Italian designer Gianni Versace, Casa Casuarina.Â
From art-deco to fire dance performances, your next stop is Jaya at the Setai for an early dinner. This place is one of the trendiest in Miami and offers excellent Asian Cousine and a great atmosphere.Â
End your day with a beautiful sunset at the famous South Beach. You cannot say you have visited Miami if you haven’t stopped by the beach. Enjoy and try to relax, surrounded by white sand and blue horizons, as the sun is waiving you goodbye; just the perfect way to end your day in Miami and head back to Naples.Â
Read our A day in Miami guide for more information about where and what to do in Miami.Â
5.Palm Beach
We are ending our list of day trips from Naples with Palm Beach. This tropical place is also two and a half hours from Naples, more precisely 151.7 miles away. Palm Beach is known for its endless sand beaches, extravagant shopping, and Michelin Star restaurants.Â
To get to Palm Beach, we also suggest leaving Naples earlier in the morning to avoid congested traffic.Â
Start your day with a stroll on the famous Worth Avenue. This street is known as the Rodeo Drive of Palm Beach, and it features high-end designers like Salvatore Ferragamo, Bottega Veneta, Tiffany& Co, and others. Make sure you get to the side alleys of this Avenue as well. They showcase “hidden treasures” like charming restaurants, vintage shops, and beautiful courtyards. Â
The most famous one is Via Mizner South, and it’s a must-visit. While there, have lunch at Renato’s.
Visitors Tip:Â During the summer, you do not need to make reservations at some restaurants; however, in winter, you must. The reason is that Palm Beach attracts more visitors in winter due to its sweltering summers.Â
After lunch, walk to the end of the Avenue, and you will get to the Ocean and the historical Worth Ave Clock. Â
Your next stop is the Memorial Fountain in Downtown Palm Beach, followed by drinks at the Colony Hotel.Â
End your day with an early dinner at Cafe Boulud, an award-winning French restaurant. Â
For more information on what to do and where to go in Palm Beach, read our Downtown Palm Beach guide.Â
Have you ever visited South Florida or any of the places on our list? Let us know in the comments below.
