After-visiting-Florida-for-decades-Id-choose-this-gorgeous-uncrowded.jpeg

After visiting Florida for decades, I’d choose this gorgeous, uncrowded beach town over Miami any day

by with No Comment Xpandfy

In 1974, my grandma bought a home in Fort Pierce, Florida, where she would raise her three kids and live for the rest of her life.

Her house was surrounded by tall palm trees and faced the Indian River, an estuary where inland freshwater met the ocean’s salty waves, welcoming manatees, pelicans, and other wildlife.

Growing up, this house in southwest Florida was a kind of second home for my siblings and me — especially after my parents got divorced and my mom moved back in. It was a sunny, peaceful place where we were always welcome.

When my grandma passed away a few years ago and our family had to sell the house, I was devastated. Still, I typically return to the area a few times a year.

Whenever I do, I’m reminded how special this place is. I know I already have a strong emotional connection to the area, but I still believe that Fort Pierce is a true hidden gem.

With a population of 50,000 — compared to the millions living in the greater Orlando and Miami areas — Fort Pierce offers more solitude and natural beauty than other major Florida destinations I’ve visited.

Being in Fort Pierce feels like stepping back in time


The P.P. Cobb building and a bunch of palm trees in Fort Pierce, Florida.

The city’s downtown area is full of history and charm. 

Michelle Polizzi



My mom always reminisces about growing up in “old Florida,” the time period in her youth when the state felt uncrowded and underdeveloped, and you could have a whole beach to yourself.

There weren’t high-rise condos clustering every inch of the shore, and the only other people on the beach were their neighbors.

These “old Florida” traits are still alive on the beaches in Fort Pierce, where it’s easy to step onto the sand and not see a soul, save for the occasional person walking their dog. Even cooler than the lack of crowds, though, are the signs of living history.

Walking around downtown, you’ll see the P.P. Cobb building, built in the late 1800s, and the House of Seven Gables, which was built in 1905 and is now the town visitor center.

Standing at the waterfront in downtown Fort Pierce, you can look out at the Treasure Coast, named for the fleet of Spanish ships that sank in a hurricane in 1715, dumping their gold along the ocean floor.

I love retracing the steps my family members did when they were younger; it makes me feel connected to both the place and to my ancestors.

The sunrises and beaches are the best around


A sunset over the water in Fort Pierce, Florida.

Walking around Fort Pierce feels like stepping back in time. 

Michelle Polizzi



Fort Pierce’s official nickname is “Sunrise City” because its downtown offers a clear view of the sun every morning, unobstructed by high-rise buildings, with lush palm trees and nature all around.

There are miles of beaches to explore in Fort Pierce, too. Even if I do happen to run into a crowded parking lot, perhaps on a busy holiday weekend, I can simply keep driving to the next beach to find a beautiful, tranquil space to relax.

Some of my favorite places to go are Hutchinson Island South, Blind Creek Beach, and Avalon State Park, though I’m always discovering new corners of the area to love.

Convenient eateries make beach snacks easy

Since the beaches in this area aren’t necessarily tourist hot spots, you won’t find the snack shacks typical of urban boardwalks. Instead, you’ll have to bring your own food if you want to stay awhile.

Before heading to the beach in the morning, we love to grab lattes and pastries at Old Florida Coffee Co. in downtown Fort Pierce, which is just a 10-minute drive from our favorite stretch of remote beaches.

Archie’s Seabreeze is our favorite spot for lunch after a morning at the beach. We always used to eat here with my grandparents, listening to live music, talking about life, and chowing down on blackened mahi-mahi sandwiches and fries.

All in all, it’s one of my favorite spots in Florida


The author standing with her sister on a Fort Pierce beach.

Even if I didn’t have a personal connection to Fort Pierce, I’d still choose it over Miami or Orlando any day. 

Michelle Polizzi



After countless trips to Fort Pierce, I believe that the history and solitude here offer far better opportunities than what you’d find at a crowded beach in Miami.

I also know that someday, this region of Florida could become developed and busy like the rest — for now, though, I plan on soaking up as many sunrises as I can.




Source link

Ive-lived-in-Florida-for-over-25-years-These-6.jpeg

I’ve lived in Florida for over 25 years. These 6 islands probably aren’t on your radar — but should be.

by with No Comment Xpandfy

Updated

  • I’ve lived in Florida for over 25 years and have explored some of the state’s most peaceful islands.
  • I love Cedar Key, a charming small town with lots of local businesses.
  • North Captiva Island, which is only accessible by boat or plane, is also worth a visit.

When thinking about islands in Florida, places like Key West, Sanibel, or Fisher Island probably come to mind. However, after living in the Sunshine State for more than 25 years, I know there are so many more beautiful places to explore.

Beyond the famous names are lesser-known gems that offer natural beauty, charm, and a sense of escape. Whether you’re craving a quiet beach day, a kayaking adventure, or a peaceful getaway without the crowds, these six islands deliver.

Santa Rosa Island feels like a secret paradise.

Santa Rosa Island has gorgeous sunsets. 

Joseph Sohm/Shutterstock

If you’re looking for a beach that feels like a total escape, Santa Rosa Island might just be your new favorite spot.

Tucked along the Florida panhandle, this barrier island includes areas that are part of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, a federally protected stretch of coastline.

I could spend days basking in the soft, sugar-white sand, emerald-green water, and peaceful vibes.

There’s plenty to do on St. George Island.


The beach on St. George Island during sunset, with a purple-colored sky.

St. George Island offers everything from sunbathing to hiking. 

Leny Silina Helmig/Shutterstock

In my opinion, St. George Island is the definition of a true beach escape.

Located on the Florida Panhandle and connected to the mainland by a long bridge, it offers 22 miles of uncrowded beaches, clear water, and an easygoing vibe that’s hard to beat.

The island is known for its family-friendly atmosphere, stargazing (thanks to minimal light pollution), and state park, which is perfect for beachcombing, hiking, or just soaking up the sun.

Cedar Key has a charming small-town island vibe.


The colorful storefront of a tiki bar on Cedar Key.

Cedar Key has an old-time feel. 

Leigh Trail/Shutterstock

Located on Florida’s Gulf Coast, visiting Cedar Key feels like stepping back in time — in the best way possible.

It’s a quaint little island town known for its charm, fresh seafood, and slower pace of life. I also love that most spots are small businesses run by locals.

Instead of modern architecture, you’ll find weathered wooden docks and colorful cottages, giving it an old-Florida feel. It’s the kind of place where you kayak through calm waters by day and eat local clams on a breezy porch by night.

Duck Key is the perfect place for a romantic getaway.


A waterfront on Duck Key island, with palm trees and wooden docks lining the water.

Visiting Duck Key is fun for the whole family. 

A. Emson/Shutterstock

If you’ve driven the Overseas Highway through the Florida Keys, you might’ve zoomed right past Duck Key without even realizing it. But in my opinion, it’s totally worth a stop.

About halfway between Key Largo and Key West, this little island is low-key, peaceful, and packed with old-school Keys charm.

I recommend visiting Hawks Cay Resort, which has everything from lagoon-style pools to a dolphin experience right on site. Go kayaking or paddleboarding right from the shore, take a snorkeling tour, or enjoy a cocktail with a view.

Whether you’re planning a family vacation or a romantic getaway, the island caters to both, offering activities for everyone.

Gasparilla Island is a quiet seaside escape.


Port Boca Grande Lighthouse at Gasparilla Island State Park during sunset.

My favorite part of Gasparilla Island is the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse. 

cpparrothead/Shutterstock

Located off Florida’s Gulf Coast, Gasparilla Island is a gorgeous spot with historic seaside charm.

With powdery white-sand beaches, clear waters, and a tranquil vibe, the island is perfect for those looking to unwind and enjoy the outdoors.

At the heart of the island is the charming town of Boca Grande, filled with pastel-colored cottages, golf carts cruising the streets, and a laid-back atmosphere.

On the island, you’ll also find the Port Boca Grande Lighthouse, which is, in my opinion, one of the most beautiful lighthouses in the state.

North Captiva Island is a true off-the-grid escape.


The silhouette of a palm tree on a beach during sunset on North Captiva Island.

North Captiva Island is the perfect place to unplug. 

Marissa Sisco/Shutterstock

If you really want to unplug, North Captiva Island is the spot. It’s only accessible by boat or small plane, and there are no cars on the island — just golf carts and barefoot beachgoers.

With very little commercial development here, you’ll want to come prepared with snacks, water, and a good beach read. In return, you’ll get miles of untouched beaches and a truly remote escape.

This story was originally published on August 28, 2025, and most recently updated on March 16, 2026.




Source link

kristine villarroel author profile picture

After nearly a decade in Florida, these are the 7 underrated destinations I recommend to everyone

by with No Comment Xpandfy

Some parts of the US might still be in the peak of winter, but down in the sunnier states, people are already bringing out their bathing suits.

As a Florida local of nearly a decade, some of my favorite days are the ones when I slow down, bask in the sun, and breathe in fresh air while tubing down a crystal-clear spring, surrounded by the peaceful sounds of nature.

Unlike the rowdy tourist beach towns or overcrowded theme parks, this is the Florida I’ve come to know and love.

Away from tourist hot spots such as Disney World or Miami Beach, Florida offers hidden gems for all tastes, whether you’re more nature-inclined or want to explore towns that will make you feel like you’re in Europe.

After living in the state for nearly a decade, I found that the best travel destinations in the state are far from the most famous.

Whether you’re escaping from cold weather or planning a summer trip to Florida, here are seven towns you should visit.

Ponte Vedra Beach


Beautiful Ponte Vedra Beach on the east coast of North Florida.

Ponte Vedra Beach is ideal for a quiet, secluded vacation.

Fotoluminate LLC/Shutterstock



When picturing a Florida beach vacation, you might think of Miami Beach or maybe Clearwater Beach if you’re aiming for the Gulf Coast. If you’re looking to avoid tourists, however, I recommend visiting the beaches near Jacksonville.

The North Florida shores in Ponte Vedra are mostly lined with single-family houses along the A1A road and can be far from downtown areas, making it the perfect escape if you’re looking to relax rather than party.

Many of these houses, which are often winter homes for their owners, can be rented as Airbnbs, making them ideal for family or group vacations.

The Guana Tolomato Matanzas National Estuarine Research Reserve, a 73,000-acre stretch of wild nature, is also the perfect spot to hike and kayak saltwater marshes while exploring Florida’s wildlife.

St. Augustine


Flagler Collage in St. Augustine with a fountain in the foreground

The historic streets of St. Augustine offer dozens of restaurants and vendors.

Mitch88/Shutterstock



The oldest town in the US, St. Augustine, was founded in 1565 by Spanish settlers. Today, the city offers a picturesque destination for those looking for history and charm.

Whether you’re enjoying its nearby beaches or immersing yourself in medieval Spanish culture in the city’s historic district, St. Augustine offers a wide range of activities for families and history enthusiasts.

During your time here, make sure to tour the Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, the oldest fort in the US, and walk along the cobblestoned streets of the historic downtown, like St. George Street, which features a 1716 schoolhouse and dozens of restaurants and boutiques.

Every holiday season, from November to January, the historic district is illuminated for the city’s “Nights of Lights” showcase. Walking through it feels like strolling through a Christmas postcard, only with palm trees and Spanish castles instead of snow.

Cedar Key


Cedar Key, Florida / United States, December 28th 2019: Waterfront buildings on stilts in Cedar Key tourist town, Gulf of Mexico

Cedar Key is a major producer of farm-raised clams.

JRP Studio/Shutterstock



Originally settled in the 1840s, this tiny community in Florida’s Nature Coast — the stretch of the Gulf Coast between Tampa and Pensacola — may not be on your travel radar, but if you enjoy fresh seafood and less crowded areas, it should be.

Cedar Key is a small island located about a 2 1/2-hour drive from Orlando and is one of the largest producers of farm-raised clams in the country. You can enjoy fresh, delicious seafood while sitting on the shore of Florida’s undiscovered coast.

The quiet town is often compared to the more touristy Key West, which was Jimmy Buffett’s home and inspiration. In Cedar Key, you can also enjoy some of the signature Key West attractions — such as key lime pies and small local boutiques — without dealing with the crowds.

As a foodie myself, I can only tell you how amazing the seafood in Cedar Key is. The rest you will have to experience for yourself.

Ocala


An arched wooden footbridge over the blue and emerald pools set amidst quiet and serene rich and lush tropical vegetation. Juniper Springs Florida. USA

Ocala is a great travel destination for those looking to immerse themselves in nature.

Rafal Michal Gadomski/Shutterstock



If you’re more of a nature person, head over to Ocala to enjoy clear freshwater springs and Florida forests.

The springs near Ocala are amazing for kayaking or just for taking a dip. While kayaking in the river streams, you might spot some alligators, manatees, and even monkeys.

Additionally, the area is home to one of America’s only elephant rescue farms, Two Tails Ranch, and the longest ziplines in the state at the Canyons Zip Line and Adventure Park.

Sarasota


Drone Fly view over beach in Siesta Key, Florida. Beautiful Siesta Key beach on a sunny day. Turquoise transparent water and blue sea in Siesta Key beach.

Sarasota hosts the highest-rated beach in the US.

vmargineanu/Shutterstock



Some of the best beaches in Florida — and the world — are in Sarasota.

Siesta Key, which has been named as the best beach in the US and fourth best in the world, is a pristine white-sand, turquoise-water beach perfect for families or for relaxing.

The city also offers a variety of art sightseeing, such as Ca’ d’Zan, the Mediterranean-inspired mansion at the Ringling Museum.

If you’re driving from Tampa, prepare to cross the tallest bridge in the state, the Sunshine Skyway Bridge. At its peak height, I felt like I was flying on an airplane looking down.

Cocoa Village


Cocoa, Florida USA - October 8, 2022: Downtown Historic area of Cocoa Village.

This small historic town sits near the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral.

JennLShoots/Shutterstock



Near the space-themed attractions at Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral is Cocoa Village, a small historic downtown filled with local vendors and plenty of art.

The small coastal town also has a variety of food spots for every occasion, including an English tavern, a French bistro, and a fully vegan New American restaurant.

And if you’re looking for a unique experience, you can kayak or paddle the bioluminescent waters of the Indian River Lagoon — you might see a few dolphins, too.

Sombrero Beach


Aerial view of Sombrero Beach with palm trees on the Florida Keys, Marathon, Florida, USA.

Sombrero Beach is one of the many underrated beaches down the Florida Keys.

Martin Valigursky/Shutterstock



If you’re making your way down the Florida Keys, you may as well stop to visit a couple of its gorgeous beaches.

While Key West deserves the hype it receives as a travel destination, some of the other spots in the Florida Keys are often overlooked.

South of Marathon Key and north of Key West is Sombrero Beach, one of the most underrated beaches in the US. On this white-sand beach, you can enjoy some of the calmest waters in Florida, perfect for families or for relaxing.

It’s also a turtle-nesting spot, so you might even see a few loggerhead turtles during nesting season.

For a fun historical sight, head a few minutes down the Overseas Highway, and you’ll see some of the remnants of the once-active Overseas Railroad in Bahia Honda Key.




Source link

Americans-arent-flocking-to-Florida-like-they-used-to-Higher.jpeg

Americans aren’t flocking to Florida like they used to. Higher prices are a big reason.

by with No Comment Xpandfy

Kimberly Jones was born and raised in Miami, and planned to live her whole life there. It’s where she met her husband, raised her children, and built a four-decade career in logistics.

But in 2025, Jones did something she never expected: She and her husband left Plantation, Florida — nearly 20 minutes west of Fort Lauderdale — for a small rural town about an hour outside Charlotte, North Carolina.

“It was not an easy decision,” Jones, 60, told Business Insider. “Affordability was part of it, but we were also looking forward to having a slower pace of life. I lived in South Florida my entire life — and it’s not anything like what it used to be.”

Jones said Southern Florida’s population growth has made the area increasingly unrecognizable — and, for her, unlivable — pointing to hyper-development in residential construction and the gridlocked traffic she calls “ridiculous.”

“If there’s a corner available, they will build a high-rise on it,” she said. “It’s turning into an overly congested, expensive city. I used to spend two and a half hours a day in the car just going to and from work.”

People are still moving to Florida, but they’re not flocking to it like they used to. Net domestic migration — or the number of people moving into the state from elsewhere in the country minus those moving out to other parts of the US — has been steadily cooling in recent years.

There are a few likely reasons behind the cooler estimates in the Sunshine State. For some, the tax benefits of living in the state don’t outweigh the increase in cost of living. It’s more expensive to buy a home than a few years ago, and property insurance has been higher than in other states.

High housing costs have made Florida less attractive

In recent years, Florida has drawn an influx of newcomers chasing its affordability, driven in large part by its wide range of relatively lower-cost housing and lack of state income tax. Others are lured by its business-friendly tax environment and strong job market.

But the surge of newcomers has created a host of challenges for native and longtime residents who have watched home prices and rents climb, especially in popular cities like Miami and Orlando. It’s prompted some to move to less expensive cities and suburbs elsewhere in the state, or to leave Florida entirely.

“Affordability often drives a lot of domestic moves,” Jed Kolko, senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics, told Business Insider. “People tend to move toward less expensive places. In recent years, Florida’s gotten a lot more expensive, so Florida doesn’t look as affordable compared to other places as it did even just a few years ago.”

In December 2020, Florida’s median home-sale price was $298,100; by December 2025, the most recent month with available data, it had climbed to $412,100, Redfin data showed. In addition to higher home prices and rents squeezing residents, home and flood insurance costs have increased, as more frequent and severe natural disasters push homeowners’ premiums higher.


Homes flooded in Florida

Homes flooded in Florida.

Bilanol/Getty Images



Take Debra Pamplin, who moved from Florida back to the Midwest after 11 years. In 2013, Pamplin moved from her hometown of Missouri to Jacksonville, Florida. During her time there, though, she soured on the area’s traffic, high insurance costs, uncomfortable heat and humidity, and mosquitoes. Pamplin has valued living in the Midwest much more.

“I’d often have to cut spending in other parts of my life just to cover my high monthly insurance costs,” she said in a 2024 Business Insider story. “Now that I’m out of Florida, my monthly insurance expenses are lower, giving me breathing room to spend my money on more fun stuff.”

Florida hasn’t completely lost its appeal

Mariya Letdin, an associate professor of real estate at Florida State University, told Business Insider that even as net migration slows, Florida is “still a popular destination,” but she expects its population will continue to grow slowly.

Aside from slower growth, the profile of who’s moving to Florida is shifting, too.

Michael Martirena, a real estate agent with Compass in South Florida, told Business Insider he’s seen a change in the clients he works with, which he attributes in part to higher housing costs.

“Let’s go back three years ago, pre-pandemic, everyone was coming down here. It didn’t matter what socioeconomic class people were from; they just wanted to come to Florida.” Now, he said, he’s working with more buyers from abroad, as well as wealthy American buyers.

Hamilton Lombard, a demographic researcher based in Virginia, said immigrants moving elsewhere within the US could also be a factor as to why Florida’s domestic migration has weakened. Census data showed that non-citizens who moved between states in the past year from Florida increased from about 30,000 in 2022 to 53,500 in 2024, the latest year available.

Florida’s net international migration has also been cooling, but remains positive, meaning more people are immigrating to Florida from other countries than leaving for destinations outside the US.

“International and affluent buyers still continue to come down to Florida, whether it’s for tax purposes or geopolitical reasons or what’s going on in their states,” Martirena said, adding that a lot of his clientele comes from countries like Dubai, Madrid, and London.




Source link

I-moved-from-Spain-to-Florida-21-years-ago-My.jpeg

I moved from Spain to Florida 21 years ago. My first marriage fell apart, but I met the love of my life.

by with No Comment Xpandfy

Twenty-one years ago, I faced the difficult decision to move from Spain to the United States with my 3-year-old daughter and 4-month-old baby to follow my then-husband, who had lost his job, in pursuit of a new position in Florida.

I was being asked to leave behind my family, friends, and an established writing career. I was to start over at 41, with no connections, no guarantees, and an already shaky marriage.

My family thought it was a terrible idea, yet my husband’s family felt it was a great opportunity. So, after some soul-searching and many promises of a better life in Florida, I decided to uproot my kids and take the chance.

As I boarded the plane to meet my children’s father (he had come to the US ahead of us), I had mixed feelings: I could feel the excitement of my eldest to see her dad again, but I also feared the unknown. I kept asking myself whether it was really possible that we could fix our marriage and thrive in a different country.

My worst fear came true

Going from living in a penthouse in the old part of Sevilla, where I could walk to just about everywhere, to being cooped up in a tiny apartment in a gated community in suburban Florida, where I needed a car to go anywhere, was brutal to my nervous system.

I felt trapped in suburbia without my own car. And with a history of major depressive disorder, I started having panic attacks and depressive episodes. One day, while driving my children to find a preschool for my eldest, I had to pull over to sob.

A few months later, my husband lost the job we had moved to Florida for. And so began one of the most difficult periods of our lives.

In four years, we moved several times within Florida, always because of his new jobs. I found work freelancing for newspapers and magazines and wrote more books for publishers in Spain. But our relationship was always floundering.

As our marriage crumbled, we took a time-out under the same roof. We went to marriage counseling, enrolled in self-improvement seminars, and so on. Trust, respect, and admiration had been completely lost, and in 2008, when the Great Recession hit, we had no money, no savings, and no jobs.

I walked away from my husband with my laptop, my books, joint custody of our children, and the huge regret of having moved so far away from my family and friends. But I stayed in Florida, because I didn’t want my children to be far from their father. From one day to the next, I found myself a single mother on food stamps.

I met the love of my life

Nearly a year after separating, 16 years ago, I met the love of my life. We had many similarities: we were both newly single, bilingual and bicultural, and had children of a similar age. We were writers focused on creating a better life for our kids and ourselves. The best part was that neither of us had given up on love despite the tough times we’d lived through.


Family posing with kids

The author fell in love again in Florida.

Courtesy of the author



For nearly two years, we dated long-distance, spending only weekends and holidays together. One of us would drive two hours to meet the other, sometimes with the children, and when the kids were with our respective former spouses, we met alone.

We were both trying to rebuild ourselves personally and professionally, and together we made a great team. I once again moved for love, but this time with no regrets. Four years later, we married at sunset on the beach, surrounded by our children and close family.

Our kids are all in their 20s now, and we’ve been through the highest highs as well as some pretty rough times. But our relationship was never in question. We’ve cheered each other on and thrived together.

Whenever I think of past regrets and how I shouldn’t have moved to the US 21 years ago with my ex, I realize I would have missed out on finding true love. And I would never have built the stable and dependable family I always wanted.




Source link

Im-a-New-Yorker-who-went-to-Naples-Florida-for.jpeg

I’m a New Yorker who went to Naples, Florida, for the first time, and 6 things surprised me

by with No Comment Xpandfy

  • I spent two days in Naples, Florida, for the first time in October.
  • I was surprised by the city’s extensive canals and waterfront mansions.
  • I didn’t expect the local airport to be so luxurious, and I was amazed by the crystal-blue waters.

When the temperatures dropped below 50 degrees Fahrenheit this October in New York, I was jonesing for one last taste of summer.

So I headed to the southern part of Florida, where the sun beams down on white-sand beaches and crystal-blue waters.

During my five-day trip, I spent two nights in Naples, a city known for its luxury lifestyle. In just 48 hours, I was surprised six times.

From the airplane window, the canals running through Naples, Florida, reminded me of Europe.

A view of Naples from a plane.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I took a private plane from West Palm Beach to Naples. The coastal view from above amazed me, but the most surprising part was inland.

Hundreds of miles of canals run through Naples and the surrounding areas. It reminded me of trips I’ve taken to European cities like Venice, Italy, and Amsterdam.

I landed at the most luxurious airport I’ve ever seen.


The entrance to Naples Aviation Airport dotted with palm trees on a sunny day in Florida

The exterior of Naples Municipal Airport.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

If I’d flown commercial, I never would have seen Naples Municipal Airport. Used for private jets and charter flights, the general aviation airport has no gates or TSA checkpoints. I spotted signs of luxury the moment I exited the plane. The exterior was thoughtfully landscaped, and I noticed a valet stand by the entrance.

I thought the inside looked more like a high-end airport lounge than a terminal. Whimsical light fixtures dangled from the ceiling, there were couches in lieu of chairs, and the bathroom had a midcentury modern look.

I didn’t expect to find two Ritz-Carlton hotels within a five-mile radius.


A composite image of two Ritz-Carlton resorts in Naples, Florida

The Ritz-Carlton, Naples (left) and the Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón (right).

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

I spent both nights in Naples at the Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón, which is primarily a golf resort. But before my arrival, I had no idea that there was a Ritz-Carlton beach resort five miles west on the coast (called the Ritz-Carlton, Naples).

Even more surprising, I had access to both hotels throughout my stay.

It felt like a bonus to be able to experience the various amenities at each hotel. At the Ritz-Carlton Naples, Tiburón, I floated through the lazy river by the pool. At the Ritz-Carlton, Naples, I lounged on the beach.

I assumed Naples would have waterfront homes, but I was shocked by the sheer volume of mansions lining the shores and canals.


A body of water in front of three mansions on an island with many palm trees in Naples

Mansions line the canals in Naples.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

During a boat tour of Naples, I got stellar views of these estates that backed up into the water.

Architectural styles ranged from coastal cottage and British West Indies to contemporary and Mediterranean revival.

Unlike New York, the downtown area was right next to the beach.


A road lined with palm trees leads to a beach

A road leads to the beach.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

We have ocean beaches in New York on the coastlines of the Bronx, Queens, and Brooklyn — a trek from the bustling streets of downtown Manhattan.

So when I was walking down Fifth Avenue in Naples, past the strips of shops and restaurants, I was pleasantly surprised to find that the street led straight to the ocean.

The ocean water was so strikingly blue.


Blue ocean waters in front of a shore lined with homes and palm trees in Naples, Florida

The coast of Naples.

Joey Hadden/Business Insider

Standing in the sand and facing the water, the ocean looked noticeably clearer and bluer than it does in New York. When I ran into the waves and ducked my head beneath the surface, I felt as if I were somewhere in the Caribbean.




Source link