Naples Neighborhoods
The Paradise Coast isn't one place but eight, strung along the Gulf from the historic blocks of Old Naples to the islands and the gateway towns. Here's how they differ, and how to find the one that fits your trip.
Updated June 2026
People say "Naples" the way they say "the coast," as if it were one tidy thing. It isn't. The Paradise Coast is a string of distinct districts running south down the Gulf, each with its own pace, its own beach, and its own reason to linger. Some are walkable and historic, some are wide and family-easy, and a couple aren't really Naples at all but earn their place on the map anyway.
This is the map we'd draw on a napkin for a first-time visitor. Below are the eight neighborhoods we send people to, from the original grid of Old Naples to island life out on Marco Island. Read the moods, pick your base, and let the rest of the trip fall into place. Naples faces due west onto the Gulf of Mexico, so wherever you land, the sunset is always over the water.
Pick your neighborhood
Eight guides, eight moods. Tap through to any one for the full rundown of what to see, eat and do.
Old Naples
The original 1880s grid between the Gulf and the bay, with the historic Pier (being rebuilt after Hurricane Ian, so check city status), palm-lined streets and the whole town within a stroll.
Fifth Avenue South
The palm-lined main street of sidewalk cafes, galleries and fountains, running from the bay to the beach.
Third Street South
The town's first shopping street, with courtyard dining and a beloved Saturday farmers market under the banyans.
Park Shore
Waterways and high-rises along the Gulf, anchored by the open-air Village Shops on Venetian Bay.
Pelican Bay
A leafy beachfront enclave with mangrove boardwalks, the luxe Waterside Shops and Artis–Naples next door.
North Naples & Vanderbilt
Wide sugar-sand beaches, big resorts and the state park at Wiggins Pass. The easy, family-friendly end of town.
Marco Island
The largest of the Ten Thousand Islands, with broad beaches, miles of waterways and a slower, island rhythm.
Bonita Springs
The relaxed gateway between Naples and Fort Myers, with quiet barrier-island beaches and easy I-75 access.
A quick orientation
If you only remember a handful of things about the layout of the coast, make it these.
Which base fits you
A rough guide to picking the neighborhood that matches how you like to travel.
- Want to walk everywhere and skip the car? Base in Old Naples near Fifth and Third.
- Here for dinners, galleries and people-watching? Fifth Avenue South is your stretch.
- After upscale, quiet and a little culture? Look at Pelican Bay or Park Shore.
- Traveling with kids and want the wide beach? Aim for Vanderbilt Beach.
- Craving slow island days and big sunsets? Cross over to Marco Island, then fold in our beaches guide.
Where to go next
Once you've picked a district, here's the rest of the trip.
Old Naples
The historic heart of town, where the beach, the best blocks and the landmark Pier (under reconstruction, check city status) are all within a stroll.
Marco Island
Broad beaches and miles of waterways at the edge of the Ten Thousand Islands, a short drive south.
Beaches & Outdoors
Every Naples beach, plus shelling, dolphin cruises and the mangroves, in one guide.
Where to Stay
The best home bases on the coast, from walkable downtown inns to beachfront resorts.
Find your neighborhood base
Common questions
What are the main neighborhoods in Naples, Florida?
The downtown core is made up of Old Naples, Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South, all in one walkable grid between the Gulf and Naples Bay. Just north are the more polished Park Shore and Pelican Bay, then the family-friendly beaches of North Naples and Vanderbilt. Marco Island sits to the south and Bonita Springs to the north, bookending the Paradise Coast.
Which Naples neighborhood is best for first-time visitors?
For a first trip, base in or near Old Naples. The historic grid puts you within walking distance of the beach, the historic Naples Pier (currently being rebuilt after Hurricane Ian, so check the city's status before you go), and the shops and restaurants of Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South. Park once and you can leave the car for the day.
Is Marco Island part of Naples?
Marco Island is its own city, the largest of the Ten Thousand Islands, but it sits just south of Naples and is firmly part of the greater Paradise Coast that most visitors explore. It's roughly a 30 to 40 minute drive from downtown Naples, with broad beaches and miles of waterways.
Where are the best family beaches in Naples?
Head to the North Naples and Vanderbilt Beach area, where the sand is wide and the parking is easier, plus the unspoiled beach at Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park (a small entry fee applies). Marco Island's Tigertail Beach, with its calm lagoon, is another excellent family choice a bit further south.
Which neighborhood has the best shopping and dining?
Downtown's Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South are the classic strolls for sidewalk dining, galleries and boutiques. For upscale, open-air shopping, Park Shore's Village Shops on Venetian Bay and Pelican Bay's Waterside Shops are the standouts, both set in Mediterranean-style waterfront and garden settings.
Do you need a car to get around Naples?
Within walkable downtown Old Naples you can leave the car parked and explore Fifth Avenue, Third Street and the beach on foot. To move between neighborhoods, hop to Marco Island or reach the state parks, a car is the easiest option, since the coast strings out along US-41 and most districts are a 10 to 25 minute drive apart.