If you’re looking for a place to live out your golden years, add Naples, FL, to a list of locales to consider. This friendly beach city has lots of relaxing nature, world-class dining and entertainment, culture and museums, wildlife attractions and much more.
With relatively warm weather all year-round compared to averages around the country, this town is a top destination for retirees, including one of the top retirement communities in Naples FL, the Pineapple House at Sapphire Lakes. Learn about some reasons why seniors love calling Naples home.
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1. Beaches
Naples is part of Florida’s “Paradise Coast,” along with Marco Island and the Everglades, located along the Gulf of Mexico in southwest Florida. Everywhere you turn in Naples, there are beaches and beach parks to relax at, whether you enjoy sunbathing on the sand, or you like wading in the ocean.
Some of the top beaches in Naples include:
- Naples Pier beach: Naples Pier is a historic pier that dates back to 1888. While the pier has been damaged and rebuilt due to multiple hurricanes and is currently in a rebuilding phase due to Hurricane Ian, the surrounding beach continues to be a top Naples beach destination. It features a concession stand that serves food and offers beach supplies, as well as includes restrooms, showers and an ADA-beach access mat.
- Clam Pass Park: Clam Pass Park spans 35 acres of coastal habitat and includes a 0.75-mile boardwalk that connects to the beach. The park includes a restaurant, beach wheelchair access and a variety of wildlife and plant life visitors can learn about on guided nature walks.
- Lowdermilk Park: The beachfront Lowdermilk Park has lots of sand to sit on, plus sand volleyball courts, a children’s playground, gazebos for rent, picnic tables and ADA-beach access mats.
- Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park: Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is a beachfront park supporting active lifestyles, with a boat ramp, fishing spots and a canoe kayak launch. The pet-friendly beach also has a concession stand, hiking, geo-seeking and wildlife watching opportunities.
If you love putting your feet in the sand and feeling an ocean breeze, Naples beaches create a peaceful atmosphere for residents.
2. Restaurants
Naples has a diverse culinary scene, driven by locally sourced seafood. Since the weather reflects the Paradise Coast name, most of the city’s most popular restaurants feature al fresco dining, so you can relax outside as you enjoy your meal.
In dining, Naples is known for stone crab ingredients. That’s because Everglades City, south of Naples, is considered the originator of the stone crab industry. Today, it’s the second-largest supplier of stone crab claws in the country.
Another unique aspect of the Naples dining scene is that there are several restaurants that let you “cook your catch”, such as Riverwalk at Tin City. If you go on a fishing expedition in Naples, coordinate with your guide or local seaside restaurants to see if this is an option.
3. Farmers Markets
Farmers markets in Naples give residents the opportunity to connect with their communities and support local produce and handmade goods suppliers. There are several farmers markets in Naples to check out all year-round, including:
- Third Street Farmers Market: This weekly farmers market on Saturday from mid-November through April features booths with fresh produce, flowers, seafood, baked goods, coffee and more. There’s also live music at this pet-friendly event.
- Pine Ridge Road Farmers Market: Pine Ridge Road Farmers Market in Naples takes place year-round on Sundays. In addition to food items, visitors can shop for arts and crafts and a variety of handmade products.
- Marco Island Farmers’ Market: A short drive from Naples, Marco Island’s Farmers’ Market at Veterans Community Park takes place between mid-November through April each year. Visitors can shop for food, exotic jewelry and local artwork.
Farmers markets in Naples are great ways to have fun outdoors, meet local artists and shop for unique gifts. With plenty to choose from, there’s always something new to discover.
4. Museums & History
Naples is home to one of the most notable museums in the country, the Holocaust Museum & Cohen Education Center. This important museum contains more than 1,000 artifacts and photographs in its permanent collection, and presents rotating exhibits on topics related to the Holocaust and World War II.
Naples also has a variety of art and other historical venues to check out, including:
- Historic Palm Cottage: The oldest house in Naples, built in 1895, is preserved by the Naples Historical Society. Visitors can tour the home and learn about Naples history, as well as schedule a guided walking tour through the society to tour historic Naples neighborhoods.
- Revs Institute: Classic car lovers will enjoy Revs Institute, which has more than 110 vintage automobiles spanning more than a century of development. The museum also hosts car club events, where locals and visitors can bring their own cool cars to show off.
- Baker Museum: The Baker Museum displays fine art that emphasizes modern and contemporary artworks. In addition to visual exhibitions, the museum hosts artist talks, lectures and panel discussions on arts topics.
These are just a few ways residents can explore Naples history and get inspired by modern creators. With constantly emerging exhibitions, Naples museums and historical destinations are always offering new insights to discover.
5. Wildlife & Nature
Nature lovers can find paradise in Naples, which is home to diverse tropical plants and a wide variety of animals to see up close. While many of the beaches and state parks provide birding and wildlife-watching opportunities, there are other destinations that specialize in wildlife viewing and more immersive nature experiences for visitors. These include:
- Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens: Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens takes visitors on a path throughout the zoo to see exhibits for animals like giraffes, bears, lions, turtles and crocodiles. The zoo also has a peaceful primate expedition cruise, where visitors can learn about apes and other primates.
- Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary: This nature destination features a 2.25-mile boardwalk path through the Everglades ecosystem, where visitors may see otters, alligators, turtles, deer and a variety of birds. The nature center and guided tours help visitors learn more about what they’re seeing.
- Naples Botanical Garden: The Naples Botanical Garden is a serene place that specializes in tropical plants native to the area. The garden includes ADA-accessible paths for visits, and also presents special events like art exhibits and gardening classes.
The tropical setting of Naples gives the environment a unique nature-filled environment. For seniors who love being close to nature, Naples is a great home.
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Learn About the Pineapple House at Sapphire Lakes in Naples
For seniors who are interested in retiring in Naples, the Pineapple House at Sapphire Lakes is a leading option for those looking for assisted living and memory care options. This senior residence has a full calendar of fun daily activities for residents right on-site, and offers transportation assistance for heading out into Naples.
To learn more about the Pineapple House at Sapphire Lakes senior living in Naples for yourself or a loved one, find out more about Senior Lifestyle, or schedule a tour today.