Staying in Olde Naples is often a lavish adventure. Olde Naples is a charming combination of old beach cottages and mansions resting peacefully among hundreds of tall coconut palms and banyan trees. Some of the houses are almost 100 years old! This Florida neighborhood known as Olde Naples does not have a precise location. It is, however, between the Third Street South shopping area and the Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Club, and west of US 41 to the beach. We’ve listed some of the most fun and popular landmarks to visit during your stay.
Over one hundred years old!
Tin City
Tin City, a restored fishing village, is a local food spot and waterfront shopping venue on Gordon River in Old Naples. The open-air market sells antiques and local handmade novelties, including clothing, seashells, candles, wine, jewelry, and much more. The colorful Tin City buildings topped with corrugated tin roofs acted as the transport and boating hub, and developed into a bustling center for clam shelling, oyster processing, boat building and maintenance as well as being home to the local fishing fleet in Naples. Rustic shop fronts, quaint boardwalks and bay-front cafes capture the essence of this historic dockside area, making it ideal for off-the-beaten path shopping and dining.
Rustic Olde Naples
Naples Historical Society’s Historic Palm Cottage
One of the original landmarks of Old Naples is Palm Cottage. The cottage is Naples’ oldest home, built in 1895 and just a block east of the famous Naples Pier. The Palm Cottage — now a house museum — is a treasured symbol of Naples’ history. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is proudly maintained by the Naples Historical Society. Tabby mortar, which is made from sand, shells and water, was used to build the Cottage.
Most Popular
Naples Pier
One of Naples’ most popular attractions is the iconic Naples Pier, located on 12th Avenue South. Construction of the first pier began in the summer of 1888. Until the pier was built, people and goods had to arrive by boat! There is no license requirement for fishing from the pier, nor is there a fee for walking it. A concession stand sits at about the halfway point. It is a favorite place for families, friends, and couples to enjoy a cold ice cream or hot dog while watching the remarkable sunset views. Fun Fact: In the 1920s they would have been greeted by the original Tin City.
Shopping and Dining
Bayfront
Bayfront’s colorful European architecture is an eye catching and memorable landmark in Old Naples. At the foot of Fifth Avenue South, this upscale hideaway is located on Naples Bay. Strolling on brick-laden pathways, shoppers have intimate access to all their needs. Rare finds in the galleries and shops. A variety of atmospheres are available to match the restaurants’ gourmet fare, depending on your mood or taste. Throughout the shops, you will find exquisite woodwork, imported stone, art displays, and friendly, knowledgeable staff to take your experience to the next level. Visit their page here.
Minutes from Downtown Naples
Naples Botanical Garden
A 170-acre, world-class garden paradise, Naples Botanical Garden showcases plants and gardens from all over the world. The Garden was founded in 1993 by a visionary group of local plant enthusiasts. From their commitment to the Naples community, to their award-winning horticultural design and comprehensive approach to sustainability, Naples Botanical Garden is truly a special place. Over 220,000 visitors visit the Garden each year to see themed gardens representing tropical culture and flora.
Experience Island Lifestyle
Old Naples Pub
Just off Third Street near the historic pier and Naples Beach, the Old Naples Pub is located in the heart of historic Old Naples. The Old Naples Pub opened in 1990 but it looks like it has been here for 50 years, with loads of Naples memorabilia lining the walls. Live music is often played, accompanied by piano. There is almost a historic, romantic feel to this flowering vine-draped pub. Perfect for post-sunset drinks.
Sunshine and Nature
Rookery Bay
Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve was established in the 1980s and is now one of the few remaining mangrove ecosystems in North America. Approximately 110,000 acres of the Reserve are dedicated to the management of wildlife and habitats. Forty percent of Collier County’s coastline lies within it, running from downtown Naples east through the Western Everglades.
