The 5 Best Places to Watch the Sunset in Naples, Florida
Where to Watch the Sunset in Naples
There are many places around the world that have beautiful sunsets—those gorgeous multicolor rays of light during the twilight hours—but it's been stated that some of the most beautiful sunsets take place in Southwest Florida. When the beach views and twilight hours mix, the light casting down on the Gulf of Mexico's waters will take your breath away.
Here are five places in Naples, Florida, that I have found to have the most exquisite sunsets.
5. Gumbo Limbo Restaurant at the Ritz
The first place on my list is the Gumbo Limbo restaurant, located right off the beach at the Ritz Carlton in Naples. Gumbo Limbo is a restaurant on the boardwalk behind the Ritz. Sunsets play off the beach in a dewy glow.
Pro Tip: Enjoy some appetizers and a cocktail at Gumbo Limbo while watching the sun slink down in the sky.
4. Vanderbilt Beach
The next place on my list is Vanderbilt Beach. You will not be disappointed here, and it is one of the free places to go to, as spending money is not a necessity. It is also one of the best places for a "quick sunset watch" if you don't have a long time to linger around. Sunsets here normally consist of hues of orange, pink, and blue.
Pro Tip: Drop by Vanderbilt on those days when you're short on time but still want to catch the sunset.
3. Sunset Cruise on the Naples Princess
Number three on my list of places is not a place that stays still. It is a day-to-twilight cruise on a boat in Naples called the Naples Princess Cruise. The Naples Princess offers a sunset cruise out to the gulf. Here, you can listen to music, dance, and have dinner if you like, while enjoying a gorgeous Naples sunset slowly slide across the sky. It is one of the more expensive places, but you will find it to be worth the money.
Pro Tip: If you have a little extra time and money to spend, take your sweetheart for a romantic sunset cruise. It's a unique date they won't soon forget!
2. The Naples Pier
The Naples Pier is at number two on my best places list. Here you can achieve two explorations at the same time: watching the lovely hues of sunset and visiting the historic Naples Pier.
This is another place that is free to visit, where you can spend money if you like, but it is not a necessity. Lingering around at this place is common, so you can take as long as you'd like to watch the sunset.
Pro Tip: Bring a blanket and relax at the end of the pier!
1. The Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Resort
In my opinion, the number one place to watch the sunset is the Naples Beach Hotel and Golf Resort. Not only do the tourists and visitors who stay at the hotel love it, but it is a favorite among the locals, too, especially since it is located right along the beach. You can linger here as long as you like, even after dusk.
Besides being the best place to watch the most beautiful and perfect sunsets, there is a bar and tables in the area. Anyone—whether they are staying there or not—is welcome to pull up a chair and have a cocktail and/or food while watching the sunset.
On certain days after dusk, a jazz band plays music, so after watching the sunset, you can enjoy some music and dance. The sunsets are unlike anywhere else. This place is a true paradise.
Chasing Sunsets
When you visit Naples in Florida and plan to watch a sunset, you can never go wrong with any of these places. Grab your favorite person or a group of friends or family members to enjoy a sunset at any of the places in the list above. You will definitely have a great sunset experience!
© 2012 Alyssa Scheidemann