By Angela Langford, aklangford@naplesnews.com
EscapeToSWFlorida.com Staff Writer

Naples is renowned for its miles of white sand beaches and serves as the perfect getaway for guests seeking endless forms of relaxation. From its first class accommodations and activities such as golf, tennis, and fishing to its shopping and fine dining, Naples offers all of the luxuries of a world-class resort within the quaint warmth of a historic small town.

Over recent years, Naples continues to grow in size and popularity due to its warm climate and reputation as the jewel of Southwest Florida. With warm temperatures and sunny skies, shore and nature harmoniously blended with the cosmopolitan and cultural center of this city, Naples creates the perfect vacation spot with options to satisfy even the most diverse tastes.

Visitors may choose to stay in beachside resorts or numerous other hotels throughout the Naples area, from five-star to value priced accommodations. Whether you are looking for a pampering hotel experience where you can enjoy soothing spa treatments or looking for a family-friendly hotel where the kids can splash in the pool while you get a few minutes of relaxation, Naples has a variety of options to suit all lifestyles.

With over 11 miles of picturesque beach and nature preserves bordering the Gulf of Mexico, Naples offers the perfect setting for lounging or adventuring. Visit the untamed subtropical wilderness of the Everglades just steps from the city or one of the Naples parks, where hikers can spot wildlife or kayakers can paddle through the backwaters lined by mangroves and other tropical greenery. Nature lovers will also want to take a day trip to the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. A 2.25-mile raised boardwalk takes visitors through four distinct environments: a pine upland, a wet prairie, a cypress forest, and a marsh. Another must-see is the Naples Botanical Garden, which is in the midst of developing a fully accredited living museum on its 160-acre site located minutes from downtown Naples.

Florida has more golf courses per capita than anywhere else in the world, and Naples is home to some of the highest-rated golf courses in the country. The area currently has over 100 golf courses with plans to design more each year. From public golf courses and driving ranges to private country clubs, there is something to fit every budget.

Anglers appreciate the temperate waters of the Gulf of Mexico, which provide a good year-round environment for a large number of catchable fish, including grouper and snapper. Naples has many experienced guides to help you, but if you want to explore on your own, there also are plenty of marinas and tackle shops for boat rentals, tackle and advice. Whether your preference is fishing offshore or in the backwaters, there's plenty of room for fishing in solitude. Some of the more popular spots include local rivers, the Naples Pier and the canals. A trip to Naples just wouldn't be complete without a stroll down the beautiful Naples Pier. If you want to be mesmerized by nature at its most beautiful, visit the Naples Pier at sunset for a truly spectacular view.

Those who long to shop 'til they drop will find plenty of attractions in Naples. One of a kind boutiques and art galleries line Fifth Avenue South, the main street in downtown Naples. Just a few blocks away, explore Third Street South, which provides more elegant shopping and plenty of cafes and restaurants to find refreshment. Other shopping districts scattered across the greater Naples area, including the Village on Venetian Bay and the Waterside Shops, offer a variety of convenient and modern emporiums.

Naples offers those who appreciate the arts a variety of activities as well, from art galleries to live theater and concerts. Naples boasts over 90 art galleries, offering the works of local and international artists. In addition to the galleries, a must-see is the world-class Philharmonic Center for the Arts and the Naples Museum of Art. If theatre is your passion, take in a production at the Sugden Community Theatre or the Naples Dinner Theater. Naples Florida is also host to a number of art festivals and other outdoor events throughout the year. American Style Magazine named Naples among the top 25 Arts Destinations in the United States.

Naples offers a plethora of things to do in a variety of settings. Whether it's an evening of sophistication and refinement or a day of hiking through the wilderness reserves, you are sure to find an activity that suits you.