Long Islanders find paradise in Naples, Florida

Claire O’Keefe vacationed for years with her family at her aunt and uncle’s home in Naples, Florida. Her mother was also a snowbird there. O’Keefe, who grew up in Huntington, loved Naples so much she moved there 15 years ago.

"It’s slower paced, less stressful, with beautiful beaches, great golf, restaurants, shopping. I have no regrets about leaving Long Island," she said.

Naples is nicknamed the "Paradise Coast" for a reason. Dennis Vong raves about the beaches and waterfront restaurants like The Dock at Crayton Cove.

 "It immediately puts you in that relaxed Naples mindset. Sitting outside with fresh seafood while watching the boats come and go never gets old, and it's usually the moment visitors start to understand why so many people fall in love with the area," said Vong, who spent more than 20 years in Huntington.

During January through March from 2021 to 2024, he was in Naples. But since last year, he spends a great deal of time there.

The similarities between Naples and Long Island are a plus for Long Islanders. "I was surprised by how many former Long Islanders I met in Naples. There really is an unofficial Long Island network throughout Southwest Florida, which made the transition feel very natural," said Vong. He touts Naples as a vacation spot as well.

"I never get tired of taking a walk along the beach at sunset. Those evenings were a big part of why I eventually decided to spend much more of my time in Naples after snowbirding for several years. It's peaceful, beautiful and a great reminder that sometimes the simplest moments are the most memorable," he said.

NEXT STOP: NAPLES

Denise Nowak grew up in Syosset and left St. James for Florida a few years ago.

"I fell in love with Naples. There is so much nature. You can watch blue herons dip in the water and come back on land and eat fish," said Nowak, who counts among her Naples favorites The Village Shops on Venetian Bay, a waterfront venue for dining and eating and the city’s parks — Freedom, Baker and Cambier, that hosts holiday choir performances and a live Nativity scene on Christmas Eve.

There’s no shortage of fond memories for Christina Cush, who grew up in Manhasset and left Long Island in 2014. She said the 15 months she lived in Naples was special.

"There was quite the social scene with CEOs, entrepreneurs — a very vibrant community, with the ballet, symphony, community theater," said Cush, who was the editor-in-chief of Naples Illustrated, a monthly luxury lifestyle magazine.

She shopped retailers like Marissa Collections. "It’s family owned and operated, super high-end clothing and accessories — like shopping in Manhasset on the Miracle Mile, but Florida-style — in a pink building, " said Cush.

GETTING THERE

If all this Naples talk has you ready to pack your bags for a vacation, book a flight from MacArthur, Kennedy or LaGuardia airports to Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers (about a 2.5-hour flight; about a 45-minute rideshare to Naples). You’ll thank yourself later, when you’re lounging on the beach.

THINGS TO DO AND EXPLORE

Naples is all about the great outdoors. Wildlife lovers will want to make their way to the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, with its 2.25-mile-long boardwalk that takes you through wetlands and pinelands. The sanctuary protects the largest bald-cypress forest in North America. Expect to see alligators, otters, deer, turtles and more. You can join a ranger-led hike (admission: $17; $6 ages 6-14; free 5 and under).

Another great option is the Rookery Bay Reserve and Environmental Learning Center. The center offers interactive exhibits and an aquarium. Take a guided kayak tour through mangrove tunnels, oyster reefs and mudflats where you’re likely to glimpse dolphins and manatees, or for a land adventure, there are four hiking trails, including one along a mangrove-fringed shoreline (admission: $10; $5 ages 4-12; free 3 and under). Guided boat tours and kayak tours require separate bookings and fees. 

Explore tropical plants at the Naples Botanical Garden (admission: $27; free ages 17 and under) and families can join educational tours and programs (crafts, music, nature play spaces).

When it comes to beaches, choose among several. There’s no wrong choice. Naples Beach isn’t only beautiful, its 10 miles long, steps from downtown shops and restaurants and free. Parking is $5 per hour.

You also might like Lowdermilk Park, a beachfront park, with access to the beach, sand volleyball courts, playground and picnic tables. There is no admission fee, parking is $5 per hour. 

There’s more to the Naples story. Get your fill of arts, culture, extraordinary cuisine and world class shopping. For fine art, The Baker Museum is a must for modern and contemporary art (admission: $10; free ages 17 and under). Fifth Avenue South is where you’ll find art galleries, as well as in the Naples Art District, where some 100 artists work, exhibit and teach in studio spaces and art galleries.

WHERE TO SHOP 

If for you a vacation is not complete without some retail therapy, you won’t be disappointed. Upscale describes shopping in Naples, in boutiques and also big names like Tommy Bahama, Lilly Pulitzer and White House Black Market.

Don’t dismiss thrift and consignment shops. They’re loaded with goodies from the ladies who lunch and sophisticated gents. You’ll find those shops in the Naples Design District, located between Fifth Avenue South to Seventh Avenue North and the Eastside of US 41 to Goodlette-Frank Road. 

WHERE TO GRAB A BITE

The culinary scene is as hot as the sunshine. Try The Boathouse on Naples Bay sitting on the waters of Naples Bay. Dine on the outside deck or inside in the main lower dining area, the Panoramic Promenade with floor to ceiling windows. Feast on appetizers like Cajun blackened shrimp, crispy gator or smoked salmon carpaccio and mains such as the Polynesian pork porterhouse, cheesy seafood lasagna and more.

For a more casual vibe, Island Gypsy Café with its bayside views is the spot for PEI mussels, coconut shrimp, Caribbean fish tacos, and shrimp and scallop pasta. 

WHERE TO STAY

There are great options when it comes to accommodations. Here are just a few to check out.

At LaPlaya Beach and Golf Resort, enjoy the private white sand beach, waterfront rooms and suites, full-service spa, four pools, 18-hole golf course and the popular Baleen restaurant, with the chef’s signature special, the blackened gulf grouper, with neonata relish, crab and charred corn truffle risotto cake, Champagne citrus beurre blanc. Rooms start at around $500 a night. 

The Ritz-Carlton, Naples offers guests a taste of coastal luxury. Imagine private cabanas or bungalows with butler service, full-service spa, fitness center, five-star amenities and restaurants like the open-air Gumbo Limbo set on the beach, serving up seafood and epic sunset views. Rooms start at around $1,200 a night. 

Inn on Fifth, a boutique hotel downtown, is beloved for its full-service spa, rooftop pool with a fire pit and bar, restaurants Ocean Prime (steaks, seafood) and Truluck’s (that promises food from traps to your table in less than 24 hours), elegant rooms and suites. The hotel is close to art galleries, restaurants and shops. Room rates start at around $400 a night. 
Sun Retreats Naples East is for RVers looking to camp in style. There is an outdoor hot tub, heated pool, bocce ball, billiards, pickleball, pet area and fitness center. Rates start at around $90 a night.