Florida is a fabulous destination, offering beauty, attractions, and entertainment everywhere you visit. Some of its cities are more visited than others, as they are more popular among national and international tourists for their fame and cultural impact. However, in a naturally beautiful state with 1,350 miles of coastline, there are hidden gems that, although less visited, are equally fantastic and waiting to be discovered. Some of these underrated gems are perfect for the local crowd, who might want to explore a destination away from all the tumult but still enjoy what the state offers.
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Florida's Paradise Coast is the perfect underrated gem waiting to be discovered by state locals looking for a relaxing but fun place to spend a few days. On this side of the state, you will find the cities of Naples and Marco Island. Both offer an array of activities for every age group, including natural attractions, must-try restaurants, and over-the-top resorts. This underrated destination is two hours from Miami and nearby South Florida cities, making it perfect for short getaway. Below find an ultimate curated guide on what to do when visiting Florida's Paradise Coast and immerse in a unique experience.
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9891 Gulf Shore Drive, Naples, FL / Website
LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort is the ultimate vacation destination for locals and travelers, nestled on the picturesque beachfront in Naples, Florida, right between Vanderbilt Bay and the Gulf of Mexico.
This resort is perfect for families, couples, and friends who enjoy exclusive amenities and beachfront panoramas.
The resort has 189 guest rooms and eight suites; a 4,500 square foot SpaTerre with salon and spa services; a state-of-the-art fitness center with rotating classes; beach butler service; private poolside cabanas with a cold towel and sorbet service; BALEEN Naples and Tiki Bar; sophisticated meeting and event spaces; an 18-hole Robert Cupp-designed golf course; and LaPlaya Beach & Golf Club, an elite membership club.
LaPlaya is Naples' only resort with direct access to a private beach. Step outside, walk through the pool area, and your feet meet soft, white, sugar-like sand. The beach has plenty of space to spread out, but the lush blue-green waters of the Gulf are only a few steps away. Rent a cabana for all-day relaxation, or spend the day on a jet ski, paddleboard, boat, or kayak excursion. Guests looking for a thrill can take a parasail ride that will take them up a thousand feet.
Poolscape and Cabanas: The 14 cabanas have luxurious seating, ceiling fans, personal speakers, a dining table in select cabanas, two reserved poolside lounge chaises, complimentary WiFi, and HDTVs for purchase. The dedicated attendants at LaPlaya provide chilled Fuji water bottles, a LaPlaya logoed cooler, and complimentary sunglass cleaning. Daily deliveries of fresh fruits, sorbet, beverage samples and warm or chilled towels will be made.
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9891 Gulf Shore Drive, Naples, FL / Website
Many restaurants across Florida offer water views, but only a few are located right on the beach, perfect for admiring the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico in the western side of the state. That is why Baleen is one of Naple’s most iconic restaurants including its delicious food offerings and refreshing cocktails.
Baleen is LaPlaya's signature restaurant and a favorite among locals and visitors. You can enjoy award-winning cuisine alongside breathtaking sunset views and toes-in-the-sand beachfront dining. Guests can also choose between the elegant outdoor dining on the tiered terrace and the soothing ambiance of the large interior dining room. Traditional menu items with a classy coastal twist, such as fresh Florida seafood, fantastic steaks, and imaginative appetizers, will be available to diners. Baleen's wine collection, which numbers over a thousand bottles, includes wines from all over the world. Since 2011, Baleen has received "two glasses" from Wine Spectator. BALEENnaples also offers private beach dining.
This restaurant is the perfect location for a relaxing and romantic sunset dinner.
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4820 Bayshore Drive, Naples, FL / Website
Naples Botanical Garden is a 170-acre world-class garden paradise with plants and cultures from the tropics and subtropics between 26 degrees North and 26 degrees South, including Brazil, the Caribbean, Southeast Asia, and Florida. This is the perfect activity to start your day with.
Everglades Area Kayak Tours
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Everglades Area Tours warmly welcomes you to Florida's Last Frontier. Our guests can explore the magnificent natural world of Everglades National Park and the 10,000 Islands with a variety of Guided Eco Adventures.
Paddle Marco
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Are you up for a one-of-a-kind adventure? The biologist and naturalist tour guides will take you through beautiful, twisty mangrove tunnels in this award-winning kayak eco-tour. You will search for tree crabs, birds, dolphins, and other wildlife while kayaking! This is the perfect activity for those who love nature and are in for great activities.
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9123 Strada Pl #7135, Naples, FL / Website
Lunch is the perfect time for Mexican Food. Rocco's Tacos & Tequila Bar, the celebrated dining and entertainment destination with eight locations throughout South Florida, including Naples, is the perfect spot to grab lunch after a morning packed with activities.
At Rocco's, you will try the freshest and perfectly seasoned guacamole made at your table. That in itself is a great experience that will make your vacation in Naples memorable. On Mondays, Mezcal Margaritas, Shots, and Flights are 50%. Every Tuesday, Rocco's Tacos offers $16.00 Margarita Pitchers of Rocco Rita, Cadillac, Black Diamond, and Strawberry Basil; $4.00 Mexican Draft Beers, $6.00 Margaritas and Shots; and all-you-can-eat tacos for $24.99. And enjoy Rocco's bottomless brunch every Saturday and Sunday besides other great deals. Undoubtedly you are in for a feast!
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375 Sanctuary Road W, Naples, FL / Website
If you enjoy walking, visiting Audubon's Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary takes you deep into the Everglades ecosystem. Discover the rugged beauty of this renowned natural area on Corkscrew's famous boardwalk, a 2.25-mile journey through pine flatwoods, wet prairie, a marsh, and finally into North America's largest old-growth Bald Cypress forest. Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, about 30 minutes east of Naples, is home to hundreds of alligators, otters, white-tailed deer, and red-bellied turtles. A wide variety of wading birds, songbirds, and raptors can be seen throughout the year. The magnificent Painted Bunting is one of many winter visitors. Every turn of the boardwalk trail provides photo opportunities that make your visit special.
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550 Port O Call Way, Naples, FL / Website
Cruise Naples Bay, the multi-million-dollar homes of Port Royal, and the Gulf of Mexico in air-conditioned comfort and luxury aboard the newly renovated, 105-foot Naples Princess. Keep your camera handy to photograph local wildlife such as eagles, playful dolphins, herons, pelicans, and manatees. The Naples Princess Sunset Dinner Cruise is a local favorite and one of Naples' best things to do. You will be treated to an unforgettable experience and a double-entree buffet-style dinner including Caesar salad, chef's choice vegetables, potato, dessert, and coffee while viewing Naples' most famous attraction –the sunset. The cruise departs at 7:00 p.m. (with a 6:30 p.m. check-in) and returns at 9:00 p.m. You can't miss this fabulous sunset boat dinner.
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32330 Tamiami Trail E, Ochopee, FL / Website
When you think of Florida, alligators might come to mind besides the state's beaches...or Disney. However, exploring the Everglades, where many of these fantastic animals live, is just as exciting as visiting an attraction park. It is a one-of-a-kind experience that everyone must enjoy at least once.
The rush of being on an airboat as it glides through the swamps of the everglades is unique. Despite how hot it is, the boat's speed will keep you cool as you admire the natural beauty of the mangroves in one of Florida's most preserved ecosystems. You will also spot some alligators, and even though it might sound like a scary encounter, these animals tend to relax on their own and are used to the noise.
Wooten's Everglades Airboat Tours is the perfect option for you to explore the everglades. Just a short 30-minute drive from Marco Island, the torus include:
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5111 Tamiami Trail N, Naples, FL / Website
Although Florida's Paradise Coast is known for its delightful seafood, sometimes you just want a good quality steak and a great time. Also, not everyone can eat or likes seafood, so if you want a great steak in Naples, Shula's Steak House is the perfect location.
The restaurant's team takes pride in perfecting details that make a difference, such as the perfect amount of seasoning on a steak, perfectly polished silverware, and serving customers only the best ingredients available. Here you will find Prime Wet-Aged steaks that have been hand-selected for their maturity and tenderness and are served with rich butter and sauces. Serve with classic side dishes such as Potato Gratin, Sautéed-Mushrooms, or Steamed Asparagus drizzled with lemony vinaigrette. Diners can also choose from various decadent options such as Shrimp Cavatappi with lobster bisque, shiitake mushrooms, roasted red peppers, and more. Any choice is perfection.
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698 4th Ave S, Naples, FL / Website
If you like high-quality seafood, excellent service, and great ambiance, Truluck's Naples is the perfect spot for dinner in the heart of town. Truluck's was created to create memorable dining experiences by serving guests the ocean's finest sustainably sourced seafood, exceptional cocktails and wines, and the most hospitable service inside and outside the restaurant.
Find fresh Florida stone crab claws, available in three standard sizes, alongside other seafood offerings such as Prime Alaskan King Crab, South African lobster tail, colossal New England scallops, Dutch Yellowtail, and Hawaiian ahi tuna. Beef cuts are hand-picked by true artisans with over 100 years of experience. Truluck's house steak seasoning is applied to all steaks before they are seasoned and broiled at 1200 degrees. The restaurant's beverage program is designed to complement and enhance the culinary experience, with over 70 wines by the glass and 250 by the bottle options available for dining and menu pairings. Truluck's will have something for everyone, from the daring to the discerning. Cocktails are meticulously handcrafted using only the finest spirits and mixers. Don't forget to try the delightful black river oscietra caviar and the carrot cake.
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400 S Collier Blvd, Marco Island, FL / Website
If you explore the paradise coast on your own, with friends or your significant other, the best lodging option for you is Paradise by Sirene at the JW Marriot Marco Island; a resort curated exclusively for adults.
Friends of Sirene have access to a private, adult-only section of the hotel's beach with a separate check-in area. The friendly beach attendants will help you plan the perfect beach day, where you can soak up the rays, dip your toes in the shallow blue waters, and order from a menu of Sirene's recommended food and beverage experiences. You can also relax at the adult-exclusive rooftop pool while enjoying the stunning views of the ocean.
Wake up to sweeping panoramic views of the Gulf of Mexico from your private glass balcony. The hotel's exclusive 94 luxurious, Balinese-inspired stylish guest rooms with luxurious amenities will enhance your stay. The Gulf View Corner Suite at Paradise by Sirene features stunning views from the comfort of your sumptuous bedding. A stay at Paradise by Sirene includes complimentary breakfast, personal beach butler service and more.
Sirene is the perfect relaxing getaway, but you can enjoy the resort's huge pools and exquisite dining like Tesoro's Mediterranean restaurant or the Caribbean-style restaurant Quinn's on the Beach. Adults and children can enjoy the fun 10k Alley, a one-of-a-kind taproom with a gaming emporium complete with pool tables, mini-golf, air hockey, bowling, and popular arcade classics. You can also coordinate fun activities like Sailing & Shelling, banana boats, parasailing, and more. Click here to learn more about what you can do at the hotel.
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Relax at the hotel's Spa by JW and try its relaxing massages, body treatments, beauty services, fitness classes, pools, and other amenities. The resort's two private championship courses, The Rookery at Marco and Hammock Bay, will delight golfers by elevating their experience and creating fun memories. The JW Marco Island is undoubtedly one of the best resorts in the state, offering endless possibilities for an unforgettable vacation.
Don't forget to explore the pristine beaches in Naples and Marco Island and 5th Avenue South Naples for great shopping, galleries, bars and more. Florida's Paradise Coast is waiting to be discovered. You are guaranteed a relaxing vacation you will never forget when you visit.
Photography by: Courtesy Joseph Biscocho/ Unsplash, Richard Sagredo/Unsplash
