Frankfurt am Main, April 14, 2026 | The Naples, Marco Island, and Everglades region in Southwest Florida surprises on many levels. Those who associate Florida with mass tourism are mistaken here: Florida’s Paradise Coast combines subtropical wilderness, pristine beaches, first-class resorts, and a culinary scene that goes far beyond fresh seafood. Five reasons why the trip is worthwhile – because where else do high life and wildlife meet so directly? 

Naples: A Small Town That Doesn't Need to Prove Anything

Naples has around 22,000 inhabitants and feels like a small town that doesn't need to prove anything to itself. Well-maintained, safe, relaxed, a second and third home for millionaires and billionaires, but without ostentation. Almost all streets in the compact center lead to the beach, everything is within walking distance. Third Street South has been the social heart of the city since the 1930s and is just a few steps from Naples Pier. Here, upscale restaurants and boutiques are nestled in courtyards with fountains and colorful beach houses next to the Old Naples Surf Shop and the city-famous Bad Ass Coffee Company. It's well-kept, but not stiff. Naples Pier remains the social focal point of the city. Every evening, people gather to watch the sunset over the Gulf of Mexico. It has stood on the Naples coast since 1888 and has been destroyed multiple times by hurricanes – but rebuilt every time.

Beaches That Couldn't Be More Different

With more than 300 sunny days a year, Florida’s Paradise Coast is one of the sunniest destinations in the USA – and with over 50 kilometers of white sandy beach, also one of the most diverse. Because no two beaches are alike. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park was ranked fourth among the most beautiful beaches in the USA in 2025 by renowned US beach expert Dr. Beach: white sand, crystal-clear water, pine trees for natural sun protection. Bald eagles, ospreys, and manatees as occasional companions. Those seeking even more seclusion can take a boat to Keewaydin Island, where eight kilometers of untouched barrier beach await. No hotel, no hustle and bustle, just beach. At the other end of the spectrum is Vanderbilt Beach Park with water sports, restaurants, and direct access to major resorts.

Luxury and Wellness at the Highest Level

Florida’s Paradise Coast is not loud in its exclusivity. Yet, the region has produced a number of establishments in recent years that speak for themselves. The latest example: the Naples Beach Club, A Four Seasons Resort, which opened in October 2025 as the first Four Seasons on Florida's Gulf Coast – directly on a 300-meter private beach. For those who prefer a more classic experience, The Ritz-Carlton Naples has been a reliable choice for four decades. After extensive renovations, it offers 474 rooms with ocean views and one of Florida's largest spa offerings. On Marco Island, the JW Marriott sets a different tone: The Spa by JW combines a hydrotherapy circuit of steam room, sauna, and hot-cold plunge pools with monthly full moon yoga sessions on the private beach. For a more urban stay, The Perry Hotel Naples offers a younger, more casual alternative with a rooftop pool and a celebrity chef restaurant directly on the water.

A Culinary Scene That Surprises

The Paradise Coast's culinary scene has quietly earned its reputation and surprises with a breadth not expected in a region of this size. At the top end is Sails Restaurant in Naples, which is among OpenTable's Top 100 Restaurants in the USA: New World French Cuisine, Michelin-trained chefs, and a wine list with over 1,000 labels. Kayla Pfeiffer takes a different approach with her Bicyclette Cookshop. The James Beard semifinalist combines local producers, rotating chef residencies, and a vinyl listening room under one roof. The family-run Bleu Provence offers French cuisine of the highest standard, and fresh seafood directly at the harbor is, of course, also available.

World-Class Wilderness

The Everglades are the largest subtropical wilderness area in the USA and the only place in the world where alligators and crocodiles coexist – over 80 percent of Collier County's area is protected. Those who want to experience the wilderness actively can set off by kayak through the labyrinthine mangrove channels of the Ten Thousand Islands, glide over the swamps by airboat, or hike on boardwalks through ancient cypress forests in the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. For explorers with more patience, the Paradise Coast wilderness holds special treasures: The Ghost Orchid – one of the rarest orchid species in the world, thriving only in the subtropical climate of Southwest Florida – grows in the Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park. In Big Cypress National Preserve, the first national preserve in the USA, the elusive Florida panther roams the forests. Only about 120 to 160 specimens of this predator still exist worldwide.

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About Florida’s Paradise Coast
The Naples, Marco Island, Everglades Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) is the official source for travel and tourism information about Florida’s Paradise Coast. This premier vacation and meeting destination in Southwest Florida offers a variety of exceptional opportunities year-round – the elegance of Naples, the charm of Marco Island, and the authentic, rural beauty of Everglades City. With a 30-mile coastline along the Gulf with soft, white sand beaches, visitors enjoy a sophisticated yet relaxed atmosphere and a variety of accommodations, from luxurious beachfront resorts and upscale boutique hotels to inviting, family-friendly lodging. The destination is known for its thriving arts and culture scene, exceptional dining, designer boutiques, and eclectic shopping. A mecca for sports enthusiasts, it is home to over 90 public and private golf courses, the FC Naples team of the United Soccer League, and hosts three major PGA and LPGA championship tournaments as well as the US Open Pickleball Championships powered by Margaritaville. Water sports activities abound, from world-class fishing and sailing excursions to kayaking, paddleboarding, and airboat rides. The destination is also home to the world-famous Everglades – the only subtropical mangrove wilderness in the USA, home to endangered and rare wildlife such as the elusive Florida panther and over 350 bird species. 

On Florida’s Paradise Coast, luxurious living meets wildlife. Accolades include being named the “best place to live in the USA,” the “healthiest and happiest city in America,” and “one of the best small towns in the USA.” Florida’s Paradise Coast is just two hours from Miami, three hours from Tampa, and four hours from Orlando, and is easily accessible via interstate highway. Travelers from outside the Sunshine State can fly into Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), Punta Gorda (PGD), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), and Miami (MIA). For more information about Florida’s Paradise Coast, call 800-688-3600, visit ParadiseCoast.com, X, Instagram, and Facebook.