My husband and I are looking for a romantic getaway. I'd like some information on Naples -- what is it like? Is it scenic? What kinds of activities are there? Is there fine dining? How are the beaches? We are looking for a beautiful water setting, charm, some adventurous activities (boating, hiking, nature), and high-end cuisine. We are considering a splurge on the Ritz Carlton. Any feedback would be appreciated!

There was a discussion not too long ago on this site about Naples. You can find it by using the search feature. Lots of good information.

Naples is the Beverly Hills of the Florida Gulf Coast....but with an older population.
Plenty of high end shopping and such, nice beach. But if you're in your 20's or 30's you'll be much younger than most in the area (esp if you're at the Ritz, which is, by the way, one of the best Ritz's in the world).
But regardless of age, you can definitely have a great weekend getaway there.

Anna, I think you're now a little out of date. Having moved to Naples 25 years ago (when admittedly I was well below the median age), I can say that now when I go to Beverly Hills, the average age there seems a lot older. Even the Ritz has a surprising number of younger guests now. The active restaurant scene of 5th Avenue and 3rd Street South has a surprisingly younger feel to it -- yes, quite a number of excellent restaurants (at last!). In fact there are a lot of 30 somethings coming over to Naples now from the east coast for a fun weekend. Hard to imagine, I know, but true!
Yes, Susan the Ritz is the best of the best, its only drawback is that it is a good 10 miles north of "downtown". For a much smaller but still luxurious feel (but admittedly not the Ritz) check out The Edgewater Beach Resort which is on the beach and still close to the shopping and restaurants of Olde Naples.

Thanks everyone for the input! This is a great resource.

Patrick, since it sounds like you are a local, (or others)...would it be asking too much to pick your brain for more specific recommendations for us? I always find local input has made my trips.

Are there any particular restaurants that we "must" try during our 4 night stay?

Any great places for lunch or drinks (preferrably with a gulf view)?

Any great daytime activities? We are pretty active, like adventure, and love to try/see new and unique things.

Any performances or other evening activities (besides cuisine) worth trying in the local area?

Finally, are there any worthwhile day trips you'd recommend (e.g. Sanibel or other areas)? I'm guessing that we may want to venture out to do some exploring at least one day.

Also, we are coming from the east coast, so perhaps there is something on the way (besides the swamps).

Thank you in advance for any other input you can offer!! And travel safe if you are headed anywhere yourself...
Susan

I'll try to be brief:
Restaurants: favorites on 5th Ave. South are Pazzo, Chops, and Mangrove Cafe. On 3rd Street South, Campiello, and Tommy Bahamas (to me best for lunch with a wait). The new Syrah, right at the bridge by Tin City is great for upscale seafood and other things. Aqua Grill at Waterside Shops in Pelican Bay is casual and upscale all at the same time. Roy's at Bonita Bay is excellent.
The best place for drinks or lunch is at the Ritz at their beach pavillion down the boardwalk. Just north of the Ritz, past the big public beach parking area at the Vanderbilt Inn is a nice casual lunch or dinner spot, literally right out on the beach. Across the street from there is the very small and rustic Buzz's Lighthouse on the bay. Sit on the deck, have a grouper rueben and a beer for lunch!!
Day trips? Go way out Immokolee Road to the Corkscrew Sanctuary (run by the Audobon Society) and walk the boardwalk to see alligators, nesting birds, and other wildlife. Early in the morning is best, check their opening hours. Most of the other activity in Naples centers around shopping and eating.
No, not really anything between the east coast and Naples except the swamps -- and a zillion alligators.
Entertainment? Check out the beautiful Naples Philharmonic Center at Pelican Bay (do a google search for their website). Concerts, name entertainers, touring productions. There is a semi-professional dinner theatre north on town. There is the Naples Players in the beautiful new Sugden Community Theatre at the center of 5th Avenue. (If you're here between Feb. 20 and March 25 come see Oklahoma -- I'll be Ali Hakim).
Any specific questions? email me at the earthlink address above.

Susan, I don't live in Naples but my parents spend the winters there and we go quite a bit. Since they bought their place 12 years ago, I would agree that there is a much younger crowd now. I even know people in their 30s that own their own condos. We really like Campiello's, Pazzos and Tommy Bahamas. Basically, there are a lot of nice restaurants in the downtown area. We also like to go to The Dock which is by the Naples Dock. Also, there are several private boats at the dock and many will take you out for fishing or whatever for the day. It usually is a little pricey but so much nicer than the big commercial boats. I would look in the paper or just take a walk on the dock and talk to some of the owners. If you like kayaking, you can go over to the Conservancy. It is on the way to Marco Island which is pretty far south if you stay at the Ritz but there is also a nice beach on Marco. The Snook Inn is a fun outdoor restaurant on Marco Island. It is right on the water and they usually have live entertainment. But extremely casual. I think if you have time Sanibel is very nice. It is nice to go there and rent bikes and then bike around the island. I also like to walk around the shops at Venetian Village plus everyone seems to go to the Ben & Jerry's there after sunset.

Good suggestions, Laurie, and it sounds like you enjoy the same restaurants we do -- even the Snook Inn in Marco. I'm embarrassed to think that although I'm a member of the Conservancy I forgot to mention that. In addition to their place down by Marco, they have another one right on Goodlette Road near downtown where you can rent kayaks for the mangroves there. Quite a nice place to kayak actually. And there is a rather interesting nature center there.