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The Best Spots for Date Night in Naples, Florida

The Naples Pier

The Naples Pier

Ideas for a Night Out in Naples

Everyone loves date night, but sometimes it can get tiring going to the same place or doing the same thing over time. Whether you're visiting or live in Naples, Florida, there are many great places to visit for date night. Do you find yourself debating where to go, what to do, or whether or not your options will be worth it?

Here is my list of the top five places and areas to go to on a date night in Naples, Florida! They're arranged in ascending order—number one is the best of the best!

5. Fifth Ave and Downtown Naples

Fifth Avenue South and the Downtown Naples area come in at number five on the list of best date night places in Naples. This area includes Third Street South, which is also in the downtown area. You'll find plenty of restaurants for food, drinks, and music/dancing here.

The Sugden Community Theatre, which hosts plays, is located on Fifth Ave. The historic Naples Pier and a mini-park located behind Fifth Ave are great, romantic places nearby. I recommend stargazing with your special someone at either of them. Third Street also has many gardens to stroll and spend romantic time in.

4. Naples Princess Sunset Cruise

The next place, number four in my ranking of the best date-night spots, is Princess Sunset Cruise. It is one of the pricier places, making it perfect for a special occasion. It's worth the money.

On the Naples Princess, besides having a reserved table for dinner, you can watch the sunset out on the boat and spot dolphins in the water. It is a great way to have a romantic night all in one place. A date night on the Naples Princess will be sure to please.

3. Naples Bay Water Shuttle

The Naples Bay Water Shuttle is a water taxi that makes stops at several restaurants and shopping destinations off of the Naples Bay water area. The stops include the City Dock, Bonefish Grill at Naples Bay Resort, Bayfront Inn & Shane's Cabana Bar/Bayfront Place, Boathouse Restaurant, and Cove Inn. You can easily pick and choose where to have dinner and spend some time off the water around the Bay.

The water shuttle is a less expensive date night place I recommend. You can guarantee to have a great night on and off the water, especially if you're on a tight budget. The shuttle is only $10.00 per person to ride for the whole night. Don't fret about drinks: you can bring your drinks aboard from the stops!

One thing to consider is the weather and season you're trying to take the shuttle in. Their website states: "Naples weather is subject to sudden and severe changes, especially during the summer months." They recommend calling to ensure the service is in operation, noting the Captain may cancel service if they deem the weather dangerous.

You can reach them at 239-206-0160.

2. Naples Beach Club

The Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Resort Bar are currently under renovation—now under the name Naples Beach Club. Though areas are being revitalized, you can still spend time at the resort.

The beachfront and Market Square are excellent and make it onto this list at number two. It joins the Naples Princess Sunset Cruise on the list of the "Best Places to Watch the Sunset in Naples," in addition to my list of the best date night places!

Here, you can also watch the sunset with your loved one and grab a drink or two at the bar. There is live jazz music you can listen to and dance to, which makes it an even more romantic place to spend date night. The Market Square has a bowling alley, a general store for grab-and-go beverages, an ice cream pavilion, and places to see movies indoors and outdoors. There's even a kids club if you need a place to entertain your little ones while you take a night off.

Silverspot Cinema at Mercato

Silverspot Cinema at Mercato

1. Mercato

Lastly, the Mercato center in North Naples comes in at number one on the list. Many restaurants, bars, and nightclubs make for an enjoyably casual (or upscale!) evening out. Whatever restaurant/club kind of evening you desire for date night, you can certainly find it here.

Have fun drinking and having a casual dinner at the Pub or a quiet romantic dinner at Bravo, the Capital Grille, or AZN (with some live music). You can go clubbing and see live music while dancing at Blue Martini or Burn. Have a quiet dinner and a glass of wine while watching a movie at the Silverspot Cinema.

Whether you choose to go to one place or hop around the center, you will certainly have a wonderful evening with your special someone.

Hopefully, these date night areas will help you decide places to go, whether you live in or are visiting Naples. I can speak from personal experience that these places will ensure a wonderful time. I can assure you that these places are worth seeking out, and your date will not be disappointed!

© 2012 Alyssa Scheidemann