Old Naples
Where the whole town began: palm-lined streets between the Gulf and the bay, the Pier at the foot of 12th Avenue, and the original blocks of Fifth and Third just a stroll away.
Updated June 2026
If you only walk one part of town, make it Old Naples. This is the original grid laid out in the 1880s, a flat, shady, eminently strollable square of streets between the Gulf of Mexico and Naples Bay. Sugar-white beach on one side, yacht-dotted bay on the other, and in between a postcard of low historic cottages, towering royal palms and gardens that spill over the sidewalk.
It suits just about everyone: couples on a slow morning, families heading for the sand, and anyone who likes to wander on foot with an ice cream. Park once and you can leave the car for the day. Spend the morning on the beach, the afternoon browsing Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South, and the evening out on the Pier for the sunset.
What to see & do
A handful of blocks with an outsized lineup, from the town's 1888 icon to a riverfront-style bayfront full of fishing boats.
A perfect Old Naples day
Beach to bay to sunset, all on foot. One of the best easy days on the Paradise Coast.
- Start with a morning swim and a shelling walk at Lowdermilk Park before the sand heats up.
- Wander the historic blocks to Palm Cottage and the gardens, then through shady Cambier Park.
- Lunch and browse on Third Street South or Fifth Avenue South a couple of blocks over.
- Drift down to Crayton Cove for a dockside drink and to board a sunset cruise.
- End at the beach by the Pier for the main event, the sun dropping straight into the Gulf.
Where to go next
Old Naples is the heart of it, but the rest of the coast is a short hop away.
Fifth Avenue South
The palm-lined main street of galleries, sidewalk cafés and fountains, two blocks from the beach.
Third Street South
The town's first shopping street, with a Saturday farmers market and courtyard dining.
Beaches & Outdoors
Every Naples beach, plus shelling, dolphin cruises and the mangroves, in one guide.
Where to Stay
The best home bases in and around Old Naples, from walkable boutique inns to beachfront resorts.
Find a place to stay in Old Naples
Common questions
Where is Old Naples?
Old Naples is the historic original part of the city, the grid of streets between the Gulf of Mexico and Naples Bay, roughly south of Central Avenue. It includes the Naples Pier, Fifth Avenue South, Third Street South, Cambier Park and the Crayton Cove bayfront.
Is Old Naples walkable?
Very. The original grid is flat, shady and compact, so once you park you can walk or bike the whole area, from the beach to the shops to the bayfront. Side-street and beach-end parking fills up on season weekends, so arrive early or come by bike.
Is the Naples Pier open?
The historic 1888 Naples Pier was badly damaged by recent hurricanes and has been undergoing reconstruction, so check the City of Naples for its current status before you visit. The beach beneath it and the sunset view remain open regardless.
What is there to do in Old Naples?
Walk the historic streets and gardens, tour 1895 Palm Cottage with the Naples Historical Society, relax in Cambier Park, swim and shell at Lowdermilk Park, browse Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South, and board a sunset or fishing boat from Crayton Cove.
Where should I park in Old Naples?
Use the free and metered street parking on the side streets and at the beach ends of the avenues, or the paid beach lots like Lowdermilk (which charge non-residents). It all fills quickly midday in season, so come early, bring a card for the lots, or get around by bike.