Florida’s Paradise Coast (that is, Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades) sets itself apart from other sunny vacation spots in a multitude of ways. Located on the southern Gulf Coast—about 30 miles from Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW)—it’s a place where high art and culture stand side-by-side with laidback-luxury beach resorts.

You'll find world-class fine dining restaurants, plus stone crab shacks at the edge of the Everglades. A plethora of dining experiences in between stand ready to delight travelers’ taste buds, too. “The Unofficial Pickleball Capital of the World” is also a haven for other leisure sports—from golf, to boating, to fishing and sailing.

With such diverse experiences on offer across the area, the decision to go is obvious. Where to start may be less so. With that in mind, we’ve put together a long-weekend guide, with some built-in flexibility to accommodate longer stays and a variety of travel styles.

Day 1: Beach basking, boutiques and bayfront dining in Naples

Those who are looking for a beach destination with quite a bit more to it will find it in Naples. While the sands and turquoise Gulf waters are obvious draws for swimmers, sunbathers and divers, that's just the beginning of the appeal here.

A compelling arts scene, plentiful golf courses, high-end retail therapy and foodie-worthy dining are all factors that make Naples a sure win for couples and friends getaways. Family travelers, meanwhile, will also find plenty of diversions beyond the beach. Here's a sketch of how to experience this place in a day. 

Morning: There's no better way to stretch out after your drive or flight in than heading straight to the famous Paradise Coast beaches. Among the favorite local spots, Naples' Clam Pass Park stands out for its nature-rich surroundings and its unique location at the end of a 3/4-mile wooden boardwalk.

Park and then make the scenic stroll through the mangroves to access the 35-acre beach park. (Tip: Get there toward opening time at 8 a.m. for the best parking availability.) There's also a tram that transports beach-goers to the sand and back, free of charge.

The beach itself is idyllic, with shallow tide pools for wading, powdery sands piled with seashells and a variety of shore birds to observe. There are restrooms, showers and beach chair rentals onsite, and there's even a Mediterranean restaurant for a meal or cocktail. 

Afternoon/lunch: You could undoubtedly spend an entire day sunning and playing on this one-of-a-kind beach, but if peeling yourself away is possible, your next stop should be the 5th Avenue South shopping district.

The dining options here are as varied and enticing as the shops. You could choose Osteria Tulia and make your lunch an homage to the other Naples, about 5,000 miles away on the southern Italian coast. The restaurant's traditional recipes concentrate on simple, high-quality ingredients—an approach that's obviously working, considering they've been winning raves since 2013.

BiCE Ristorante is another favorite for Italian fare, while The French Brasserie Rustique offers casual, elegant and sometimes fun (in the case of the duck leg confit-inclusive "Le Mac et Cheese") fare for brunch, lunch and dinner. They've also got a great kids menu. Tip: If your visit falls on a Saturday between mid-November and April, the Third Street South Farmers Market (less than a mile south of the 5th Avenue South shopping district) runs from 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. International specialties from pierogies to Dutch beignets are among the treats on offer from 60+ vendors.

Afternoon: There's much to explore across Naples considerable cultural scene. For art lovers, there's the Arts District, home to over 50 studios and galleries—plus Gallery Row (at Broad Avenue South and Third Street South in downtown), with more than 100 additional art offerings.

If you've only got an hour or two, though, a trip to the Baker Museum provides a concentrated dose of fine art in one impressive venue. The Florida Contemporary exhibition (an annual event running through June 29) highlights the work of accomplished Florida artists. Also currently on view are the immersive installations of Mexican-Canadian artist Rafael Lozano-Hemmer, incorporating LED lights and thousands of concurrent sounds (through June 15).

The museum is housed within the Artis—Naples campus, which also includes two performance halls. If you're visiting between September and June, you can spend an evening taking in an epic performance by the Naples Philharmonic joined by a wide variety of renowned guest musicians and conductors. 

Sundown: If you're not booked for a concert, take in a show courtesy of Mother Nature instead. On the west coast of Florida, every sunset begs the question of where you'll choose to be when the big orange ball makes its graceful exit over the water. Our favorites of the many options are those that add cocktails and a satisfying meal to the equation.

Naples Princess Cruises sunset dinner cruises include all of this, while also earning you passage on a luxurious yacht. (You'll get to spy multi-million dollar waterfront homes and potentially a dolphin or two as well.) There are also a number of wonderful waterfront restaurants that offer epic views at sundown. BALEEN, with its seafood-focused menu and an unbeatable location steps from the beach, is one spot to consider—reservations highly recommended. 

Evening entertainment: As the sun goes down, many venues around Naples come alive with the sounds of live music. Saturdays from 5 to 8 p.m., for example, you can catch a variety of local acts at The Cove, an outdoor bar and food truck pavilion with a backdrop of picturesque lake views (it's set inside the Paradise Coast Sports Complex, which also hosts a variety of sports and community events).

The Oasis restaurant and bar also has a hopping events calendar, showcasing genres from rock to honky tonk, plus emerging local talent at Monday open mic sessions. 

Where to stay: Naples has a number of hotels that make a great base for Paradise Coast adventures. Those wishing to be close to the plentiful shops and restaurants of the 5th Avenue South district should consider the Inn on Fifth.

Its rooftop pool and courtyard gives guests an idyllic place to kick back after a full day of exploration, as do its oversize suites. And complimentary bike rentals get guests to the beach in minutes. Those who'd prefer to stay right on the sand have a host of choices, including the top-rated The Ritz-Carlton, Naples. The 5-star resort is also home to a full-service spa, with treatments incorporating locally sourced herbs and natural objects. Saunas, a steam room and an outdoor mineral pool are on hand for pre- or post-treatment relaxation. 

If you have more time: If you're traveling with kids, check out the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens (young ones love the giraffe-feeding platform) and the interactive Golisano Children's Museum of Naples. Have a pickleball fan in your group? East Naples Community Park boasts a whopping 64 courts. 

Day 2: Toes-in-sand yoga, shell hunting and ancient artifacts on Marco Island

Take the 25-minute drive south from Naples to Marco Island, offering 24 nature-rich square miles to explore. Fun fact, water makes up almost of a third of the barrier island's area, thanks to the intricate maze of inland waterways that weaves through it.

There are plentiful serene and wild landscapes, from nature-made beaches to undeveloped offshore islands to protected nature reserves. And yet the creature comforts are ample too, with waterfront dining, family-friendly diversions, spas and luxe hotels to make a getaway here extra satisfying. Here's what one idyllic day might look like.

Morning: Start your unwind time early with a beachside yoga session courtesy of Marco Island Yoga on South Beach at the southern tip of the island. Classes are held at 8:30 a.m. Thursdays through Sundays right on the sand. If you haven't yet experienced early morning shavasana with a soundtrack of lapping waves—this is your golden opportunity. 

After your stretch session, head to Doreen's Cup of Joe, a beloved nearby breakfast option (about 2 miles north of South Beach). Its mouthwatering menu items from pistachio French toast to Mexican breakfast skillets consistently win raves from hungry guests. Heads up that there may be a wait, especially on weekends—but it will be worth it. 

After breakfast, get ready to soak in the spectacular scenery with a boat tour. Marco Island is the largest of the "Ten Thousand Islands," a string of islands and mangrove islets on southwest Florida's Gulf coast. In other words, it's an ideal launch point for an island-hopping adventure. Sand Dollar Shelling's tours are an easy way to experience the breadth of the local marine environment.

The small-group Shelling, Dolphin and Beach Experience tour offers the chance to spot jumping dolphins, comb through an incredible array of seashells on nearby uninhabited Keewaydin and Kice islands and experience castaway-style beach time on secluded sands. There are departures throughout the day, but the 11:30 a.m. option fits in nicely with our suggested itinerary. 

Lunch: If you opt to hop on the boat tour, you'll want to bring a picnic lunch. If you choose to land-lub it, though, you can still take in exceptional water views with lunch at the Snook Inn.

This classic Marco Island dining spot features great live music daily during both lunch and dinner. There's an excellent raw bar, plus platters that showcase the local catch (grouper, mahi mahi, shrimp and crab, for example) plus international flavors like Korean ribs and Cuban-style chicken.

Afternoon: Take some time to absorb Marco Island's intriguing history with a visit to The Marco Island Historical Museum. For over a thousand years, the land here was inhabited by the people of the Calusa Indian tribe. Their culture was centered largely around the sea; they made tools and weapons from seashells and fish bones and obtained much of their food through fishing rather than agriculture.

A late 19th-century expedition on the north end of Marco Island unearthed thousands of objects from Calusa life, including one exquisite small carving known as the Key Marco Cat. On loan from the Smithsonian (the loan period was recently extended through 2026), this prized object can be viewed at the Museum. If you're visiting very soon, you will be able to view some other incredible Calusa artworks that were discovered during the expedition (on loan through April), along with many other exhibits dating from ancient times to today. 

Dinner/sundown: As the day winds down, make your way to Sunset Grille for a casual meal overlooking the Gulf waters.

Order a tangerine vodka-infused Golden Sunset or an expertly muddled mojito to accompany the serene views of the dunes, the sand and the shore. Then again, if you'd rather maximize your beach time, you can also grab dinner to go and enjoy it on a blanket. Tigertail Beach is a spot to consider for its unique, nature-made setup; a calm lagoon flows between an "inner" and "outer" beach, the latter of which is especially calm and shallow, making it ideal for families. There's a playground for the little ones in your traveling crew, as well. 

Evening: If you still have some energy after a sun- and surf-filled day, the good times go on into late-night at the Boardroom Tavern at The Shoppes of Olde Marco on the north end of the island. Friday and Saturday night, the lounge stays open until 1:00 a.m., with live music from local musicians playing on its outdoor stage each evening (closing times most other nights is 11:45 p.m.; Sundays, it's 10:30 p.m.).

Where to stay: Whether you're traveling as a couple, family or friend group, there are ample hotel and vacation rental options on Marco Island. The Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort & Spa is a well-rounded one, with a coveted beachfront location, a heated outdoor pool, an elegant spa and chic guest rooms and suites.

Also fantastic: JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort. The hotel boasts an expansive rooftop pool deck, beachside Chickee hut rentals (fees apply), adults-only areas plus family-friendly amenities like a bowling alley, arcade and kids events. 

If you have more time: The waters surrounding Marco Island are exceptional for diving. For those traveling with kids, Frank E. Mackle Park has a fun playground and even a splash pad. Marco Golf & Garden is also great for a rousing round of mini golf. 

Day 3: Gator nuggets, airboat rides and local history in Everglades City

On your last day in the region, take some time to get to know a different side of southwest Florida with a visit to Everglades City, a small town (population 400) surrounded by Everglades National Park and a host of wildlife refuges.

Local seafood is its claim to fame—it's known as the "Stone Crab Capital of the World," in fact—but Everglades City is also a launch point for paddles through the Ten Thousand Islands portion of the Everglades and for hikes through Big Cypress National Preserve, the cypress forests in the western region of the Everglades. 

Morning: Start a day of Everglades exploration with a hearty breakfast at a locally owned eatery. Island Café is a friendly, diner-style outpost that serves up plates like country-fried steak and fish & grits for breakfast (you'll have to arrive after 11 a.m. to their gator nuggets and fried frogs legs). Nely’s Corner fries made-from-scratch donuts to order, which go exceptionally well with the house French-press coffees. 

Once properly fueled, take the rare chance to skim over the water on an airboat ride through Everglades mangroves and grasslands.

You're likely to spot wild alligators, a variety of bird species and other indigenous wildlife along the way. A local guide will answer questions and provide insight on the surrounding environment through two-way headsets given to each rider. 

Lunch: You won't go hungry at Triad Seafood Market & Cafe, a waterfront restaurant known for its fresh seafood. Locally caught mahi mahi, grouper, gulf shrimp, oyster, crab and—yes—alligator dishes make up much of the menu (though there's a significant "turf" section, too, for those who prefer a burger or a chicken sandwich). 

Afternoon: Make a stop at the Museum of the Everglades (open Tuesday through Saturday) to get an in-depth look at the millenia-long history of the people who have called southwest Florida home. The building that houses the museum is itself listed on the National Registry of Historic Places—it was opened in 1927 as a commercial laundry in what was once the region's first County seat. 

Sundown/dinner: If you've got time for one last Paradise Coast sunset, enjoy it while also experiencing the just-off-the-boat delicacies at City Seafood. When we say "just-off-the-boat," we mean it; the restaurant actually has its own fishing and stone crab boats. While you dine, you might see pelicans, manatees and other wildlife at play in the Barron River around the restaurant's dock. 

While leaving paradise is never an easy thing, this may be a comfort: the restaurant ships its stone crabs and other seafood all over the U.S., so you can have a dose of the regional speciality whenever you need. An even better plan, of course, is to make your return trip as soon as possible. 

Ready to go? Plan your trip to the Paradise Coast now.