Things to do in Naples
Beach parks, Greek spreads, and a tequila bar the locals keep coming back to.
This is Naples for people who want the Gulf sun without the resort bubble. The days move between good beaches, honest cooking, and a couple of spots that actually earn their reputation. It works best for a pair or a solo traveller who is happy to drive a little and eat well without dressing up for it.
Day 1: Vanderbilt Beach and the Gulf Shore
The Baker Museum, lunch on the water at Buzz's, an afternoon on Delnor-Wiggins beach, then Mediterranean at SOFRA and margaritas at Rocco's.
- 10:30 AM
The Baker Museum
Artis Naples' art museum, strongest on American modernism; open Tuesday to Sunday, closed Mondays.
Map - 12:30 PM
Buzz's Lighthouse Restaurant
Casual spot a block from Vanderbilt Beach; grab a grouper sandwich and eat on the patio.
Map - 2:30 PM
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
A wide Gulf beach behind the dunes; walk north to the pass to watch boats and dolphins, then stay for a swim.
Map - 7:30 PM
SOFRA Restaurant
The main table of the day, top-rated Mediterranean right on your doorstep, the one splurge-worthy dinner of the day.
Map - 9:30 PM
Rocco's Tacos & Tequila Bar
Loud tequila bar with a long list of tequilas and tableside guacamole; come for a margarita, not a quiet drink.
Map
Day 2: North Naples, Trails to Table
A mangrove boardwalk at Clam Pass, a wine flight at Cooper's Hawk, an afternoon at Waterside Shops and Greek at Violi.
- 10:30 AM
Clam Pass Park
Walk the boardwalk through the mangroves to a quiet stretch of beach, and take the free tram back.
Map - 12:30 PM
Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant- Naples
A big winery-restaurant chain with its own wines by the flight; book a booth and taste three.
Map - 2:30 PM
Waterside Shops
Open-air shopping around lagoons and fountains; window-shop the designer row and stop for a coffee.
Map - 7:30 PM
Day 3: A Slower Day, a Serious Dinner
Keep the day loose: lunch at The Hampton Social, an afternoon on the beach, then dinner at Bicyclette Cookshop.
- 12:30 PM
The Hampton Social - Naples
Bright Mercato restaurant with a rosé list and lobster rolls; good for a long, easy lunch.
Map - 7:30 PM
Where to stay
LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort
Sits right on Vanderbilt Beach, close to Day 1 and within easy reach of the north Naples plan, and the beach-resort feel here is genuine rather than corporate.
Make Naples your trip
Swearby drafts the days from places people swear by. Swap any stop, then invite the crew by text, even friends without the app. Vote on dates, track costs as you go, and everyone gets one number at the end.
Get Swearby on the App StoreBefore you go
Book ahead
- Cappella Sansevero: weeks ahead
- Napoli Sotterranea: a few days ahead
- Teatro di San Carlo: weeks ahead
- Pizza-making class: a few days ahead
- Stadio Diego Armando Maradona: weeks ahead
- Pompeii Archaeological Park: a few days ahead
Skip these
- Restaurants ringing Piazza Garibaldi and the port with photo menus and tourist menu boards.
- Da Michele's queue at 13:00 on a Saturday as your only pizza plan.
- The Blue Grotto as a must do plan, and driving the Amalfi Coast yourself from Naples in summer.
- Skip the line resellers charging multiples for Sansevero and Pompeii, buy official tickets.
The full Naples travel guide: when to go, safety, getting around