When most people think of South Florida, they think of Miami or the Florida Keys. But, if you head about two hours North-West from Miami to the West coast of Florida, you hit Naples, a small town that offers plenty of outdoor activities in the Sunshine State. This month we caught up with MI OLA Brand Ambassador Katie Westbrook (@westbutt) and got the local #GetOutThere info on this sleepy, snowbird paradise.
#GetOutThereGuide: Naples, Florida
What’s up fellow MI OLA babes? My name is Katie and I am the happiest lil’ fit freak you’ve ever met, doing my thing in the sunshine filled beauty of Naples, Florida! I work for Fit Nation Magazine and CrossFit Blaze, so when I’m not talking about fitness adventures, I’m living it! I live 15 minutes from the beach (with traffic); my backyard is a natural preserve and my perfect day consists of sweat, sunshine and salt water.
If you’ve never been to Southwest Florida (SWFL), you are missing out. Feeling fancy? Get wined and dined at some the amazing fine restaurants that are around the area! Rather be lazy? Lounge on the gorgeous, pristine shores that are never more than 20 minutes away from you! I have never felt more at home than I have in Naples and I know that when you come visit you’ll catch my drift!
How To Get There:
Naples is on Florida’s West coast, about 3 hours South of Tampa and a two hour drive North-West of Miami.
Where To Stay:
If you’re looking for something extravagant, stay at the Naples Grande, which is pricy, but right on the beach. Or try out the Bellasera, which is smaller, but gorgeous, and in the middle of Central Naples.
Activities:
Driving through Naples you will see hotels, food chains and all the usual touristy stuff. If you grab a local, they can show you a whole new side to this sleepy, snowbird paradise. There is no shortage of outdoor activities in Naples; from boating, hiking, yoga, shopping , dancing and running! Whatever you’re feeling, we’ve got it.
Wiggins Pass is 166 acres of untouched mangroves, seashore and natural wonders that you can have all to yourself on any day of the week. You can walk in any direction for 10 minutes and not see another human being, making it a favorite spot of mine to unwind and enjoy the real beauty of Florida.
Interested in paddleboarding? Head towards your nearest body of water, canal, lake, river, beach and you’ve got yourself the perfect SUP arena! My personal favorite is either Wiggins Pass or Vanderbilt Beach, but the Estero river also offers miles of beautiful aquatic adventures if you’re feeling up to the paddle!
There are also tons of yoga studios in the area, but I prefer to do my sessions in the mornings alone outside. The air is so fresh and clean before everyone else wakes up; it’s better than coffee!
If running is your thing you can hit up Simon Tracy who has a running/adventure group. He takes you down Naples Beach and through all the spots that only locals know about for a good 5-10 miles. It’s always a really good time!
Naples is notoriously biker friendly; all of Old 41 has bike lanes that you can ride for MILES, but if you want a more scenic route take a right on Immokalee off Tamiami Trail and ride down Vanderbilt Blvd. It’s a gorgeous strip of waterways, beach and 5-star hotels. You feel like you are thrown into the California spotlight!
The Naples Zoo is also a really fun experience for families and has the Nature Conservancy right next door for an all around wild time!
Last, but not least, if you want to get deeper into nature, go to the Corkscrew Sanctuary off Immokalee or the newly opened Gordon River Greenway near the Naples Zoo. Both offer unspoiled nature trails that throw you right into the Southwest Florida wilderness. The Gordon River Greenway allows for rollerblading and biking as well!
Where To Eat:
The cool thing about Naples is that we’re a hot spot for up-and-coming new foodies. A personal favorite breakfast spot is the Sunburst Café on Pine Ridge Road. It’s a café style diner that makes everything in-house and it’s DELICIOUS.
Another favorite for the sweet tooth is Epiphany Bakery. Everything is paleo and gluten free and literally out-of-this- world. If you ever get a chance to stop in, make sure you snag one of Ruth’s epic double chocolate brownies!
When To Visit:
Being that this is Southwest Florida, the Summers are hot, humid and notorious for sudden thunderstorms; if you don’t mind a little heat and craziness between April and October, it is a good time to visit as the snowbirds (retirees) have flown the coop! As a result, Naples is not as busy, but all the fun is still here! If not, coming during December and January is the best because the heat isn’t as intense.