Destination Naples

 

Collier County is one of the fastest growing areas in the nation! Low unemployment, an expanding skilled labor force, an exceptional tax structure, a pro-business environment and a great climate all give Naples the "total package.” 

Pristine beaches, world-class golf and recreation amenities, and a variety of entertainment and cultural events provide Collier County residents with limitless activity options. This unique functional paradise also offers comprehensive civic resources - from renowned medical facilities to dynamic cultural venues, from esteemed educational institutions to convenient transportation options. 

Collier County continues to have one of the strongest economies in the State of Florida, with one of the lowest unemployment rates, highest rates of job creation, and average wages in the top quartile of all Florida counties. Supplanted by extraordinary wealth, and maintained by an ever-growing working population, Collier County is poised to become the ideal market to introduce new goods and services and expand product offerings.

Arts and Culture

Whether your passion is paintings or sculptures, symphonies or rock bands, Broadway or one-man shows, Naples belies its small-town feel with a growing cultural hub of offerings sure to please the widest variety of artistic tastes. 

In Collier County alone, there are 58 non-profit arts groups and cultural destinations, according to the United Arts Council of Collier County. Such groups include a full range of organizations, from large to small, like The Philharmonic Center for the Arts, the von Liebig Art Center, the Sugden Theatre and volunteer groups like the Bach Ensemble, the Pastel Society and the Barbershop Chorus. 

Did you know that: 

  • There are over 75 galleries and artist studios in the area 

  • Over 500 artists and entertainers call Collier County home 

  • Over 1,000 arts and cultural events are scheduled annually in the county, and many of them are free

“I don’t think people fully realize how the arts and cultural community contributes to the quality of life in Collier County,” said Elaine Hamilton, Executive Director, United Arts Council of Collier County. “Whether it’s art, music or some form of entertainment, people are involved. It goes beyond the arts to include what I call the business side of it. The arts in this area contribute $350 million annually to the local economy. Add the for-profit arts and cultural aspects, and that number is over $500 million. Of course our nice weather, tourism and the beaches attract people to this area, but more and more, it’s also the arts.”

 

Beaches and Outdoor

Naples' year-round sunny weather is perfect for exploring the outdoors. Despite being in one of the fastest growing areas in the country, Naples and surrounding Collier County still maintains many of its natural features and attractions. 

You'll find beautiful surroundings, warm sands and spectacular sunsets no matter where you choose to lose your shoes and dip your toes in the sand. 

In addition to the sugar-white sand beaches for which Naples is famous, Southwest Florida's Gulf Coast is home to a massive ecosystem. Rent a kayak or a canoe for a day and explore all of the pristine bays, inlets, estuaries, and mangrove forests that house our many natural resources. 

Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve are two of our most famous, but we also have many state, local and private parks and preserves perfect for viewing birds and other wildlife and enjoying outstanding outdoor recreation, including nature photography, fishing, hiking and boating. 

You might also consider taking an airboat ride through the Florida Everglades, the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States. You'll be able to see firsthand the indigenous wildlife and plant life that make this internationally famous area so important to the environment. 
 

Golf

Naples, Florida is the self-proclaimed “Golf Capital of the World”, with the second-most golf holes per capita than any other community in the country. Naples has hosted major state, national and professional tournaments over several decades and continues to expand its presence on the PGA and LPGA tours. These events draw more golf enthusiasts every year to Southwest Florida. 

With close to 90 private, semi-private and public golf courses in Collier County, our area offers an extensive variety of options to accommodate all skill levels and lifestyle preferences, from resort golf for the occasional players to ultra- exclusive private Club membership. 

Many of our developments are golf course communities, created by such acclaimed course architects as Robert von Hagge, Jack Nicklaus, Gary Player, Arnold Palmer, Arthur Hills, Tom Fazio, and Robert Trent Jones Sr. 

One of the true joys of playing golf in Southwest Florida is you can see nature in the wild. American eagles, osprey, alligators, and other wild life are often spotted on or near the courses. After all, the courses were once their grounds exclusively. 

From November through April, golfers won’t find too many places on the mainland with a better combination of sun and sand (bunker and beach) than Naples, Florida. During the high Season, tee sheets are packed. In the off Season, May- October, many private courses offer reciprocal play and are open to the public for public tee times. Several courses are affiliated with area resorts, with tee times available for resort guests year round. Always check with your hotel concierge for recommendations and availability.

 

Source: Naples Chamber of Commerce (Visitor Information Center)