Paradise Uncovered: What’s New This Season along Florida’s Paradise Coast

Naples, Marco Island and the Everglades Welcome New Offerings in Fall 2024

Naples, Fla., October 21, 2024 – We are proud to say that once again, Florida’s Paradise Coast has proven to be an amazing and resilient community.  We are pleased to share that our resorts, hotels, restaurants and attractions are open and welcoming guests following Hurricanes Helene and Milton.

 

With glowing accolades for its destination appeal, exclusive arts and culture showcases, and the highly anticipated openings of luxury and family hotels, discover the latest milestones that continue to elevate the allure of this coastal gem. From the rich arts scene to unique dining experiences, Florida's Paradise Coast promises an exciting array of activities to enjoy as the season unfolds.

 

Hotel Happenings 

 

  • Great Wolf Lodge – In September, Naples celebrated the opening of the highly anticipated Great Wolf Lodge – marking the 21st location of the popular water park resort chain, and the first one in Florida. The property features a 90,000-square-foot indoor water park, a 60,000-square-foot Great Wolf Adventure Park and 500 family-friendly suites along with restaurants and retail outlets for families to enjoy throughout their stay. The complex is located on the eastern edge of Collier County next to the Paradise Coast Sports Complex. Known for its family-friendly amenities, the property serves as a staycation destination for a local getaway as well as a draw to tourists coming from across the U.S.

 

  • The Perry Hotel Naples – Set to debut in Fall 2024, The Perry Hotel Naples will offer 160 rooms with a modern industrial design and local touches complemented by world-class amenities including distinctive food and beverage venues, ground-level and rooftop pools, a seventh-floor, open-air rooftop bar and 75-seat restaurant with unmatched panoramic seventh-story views. The hotel will face the Cocohatchee River with direct channel access to the Gulf of Mexico and Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park. Visitors will enjoy. a riverwalk through its nature conservation area to a waterfront pier and eight-slip marina featuring watersports and excursions.

 

  • The Ritz-Carlton, Naples – In August, the recently remastered resort unveiled an expanded Ritz Kids program created to spark curiosity and foster environmental awareness. Designed for ages 5 to 12, the reimagined Ritz Kids program connects children to nature through immersive programming with seven daily themes such as Sea Creatures, Wildlife, and Shoreline. Working alongside regional experts from the Conservancy of Southwest Florida, the resort has crafted an experience that combines fun and education to provide a broad introduction to coastal Florida's unique ecosystem with curated experiences like animal encounters, multi-sensory activities, and crafts that leave children with a new appreciation for the environment and their impact on it.

 

  • Naples Park Central Hotel – Ideally located just blocks from the gorgeous Naples Beach and the city’s best shopping and entertainment districts on 5th Avenue South and Third Street South, the newly renovated Naples Park Central Hotel offers bright, spacious guest rooms at excellent rates. With a variety of versatile rooms to choose from, including a spacious Penthouse Suite, visitors are sure to find the perfect accommodation for their needs.

 

 

Adventure & Attractions

 

  • Big Cypress National Preserve Celebrates 50 Years of Preservation – On October 11, 2024, the first national preserve in the United States, Big Cypress National Preserve, marked its 50th anniversary. Spanning over 730,000 acres—larger than the state of Rhode Island—this ecological gem on Florida's Paradise Coast has been a sanctuary for diverse wildlife and a hub for outdoor recreation. In the 1970s, environmentalist Nathaniel P. Reed led a successful battle against what would have been ‘The World’s Largest Jetport,’ securing Big Cypress as protected land. His dedication ensured that Big Cypress became the first-ever National Preserve within the National Park Service.

 

  • 55th Annual Everglades Seafood Festival – Held in Everglades City, the festival is a vibrant celebration of the region's maritime heritage and culinary traditions. This beloved event brings together locals and visitors to savor fresh seafood, enjoy live music, and explore a variety of arts and crafts. Beyond its delicious offerings, the festival fosters community spirit, promotes tourism, and supports local businesses while raising awareness about the importance of preserving the Everglades ecosystem. As a cherished tradition, it showcases the unique culture and spirit of the Everglades region.

 

  • ¡ARTE VIVA! Celebrates its 3rd Year – Get ready to embark on a journey into the vibrant heart of Hispanic arts and culture as Florida's Paradise Coast gears up for another exhilarating celebration like no other. ¡ARTE VIVA! Presented by the Naples, Marco Island, Everglades Convention and Visitors Bureau, this yearlong extravaganza promises to be an unforgettable tribute to the rich cultural tapestry of the Hispanic community, which constitutes nearly 30% of the region’s population.

 

Awards & Accolades

 

  • US News & World Report– As no surprise to those that already call Florida’s Paradise Coast home, US News & World Report recently named Naples, Fla. The “No. 1 Best Place to Live in the U.S. in 2024-2025.” For the 2024-2025 Best Places to Live rankings, US News & World Report selected 150 major cities to find the best places to live. To make the top of the list, qualities the outlet factored in their decision included good value, desirability as a place to live, a strong job market and a high quality of life. 

 

  • The Inn at Pelican Bay – The Inn at Pelican Bay has been honored as a Tripadvisor Travelers’ Choice Award “Best of the Best” winner for 2024, ranking it among the top 1% of hotels worldwide on this esteemed travel platform. The Travelers’ Choice Award’s “Best of the Best” title celebrates the highest level of excellence in travel. It’s awarded to those who receive a high volume of above-and-beyond reviews and opinions from the Tripadvisor community over a 12-month period. Out of Tripadvisor’s 8 million listings, fewer than 1% achieve this milestone.

 

  • Dr. Beach – Renowned for its stunning white sand beaches and crystal-clear Gulf waters, Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park has established itself as a premier destination for both locals and visitors. Recognized as the No. 8 Best Beach in the United States by Dr. Beach, the park offers a wealth of activities and abundant wildlife, all set against a backdrop of swaying pine trees that provide welcome shade. With its natural beauty and diverse recreational options, it’s no wonder Delnor-Wiggins is a must-visit spot in the Sunshine State.

 

  • Elite Traveler Honors Naples Hotel – The Presidential Suite at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples has been named one of Elite Traveler’s Top 50 Family Suites of 2024. With expansive living areas, spacious balconies and exclusive access to the reimaged Ritz Kids program, it comes as no surprise that this award-winning hotel also boasts the perfect beachfront family retreat. 

 

USA Today 10Best Celebrates Destination Standouts – The fans have spoken – and Naples is home to not one, but two recent USA Today 10Best Awards. From the Best Wine Festival (No. 7 – Naples Wine Festival) to Best Kayak Tour (No. 3 – Rising Tides Explorers), the destination continues to rack up accolades for its unmatched offerings. 

 

Culinary Experiences 

 

  • The Turtle Club – After a nearly two-year closure, The Turtle Club, a rare gem for beachfront dining in Naples, reopened this summer bringing back its celebrated Gulf cuisine and views. Known for its elegant coastal cuisine and breathtaking Gulf views, it offers a unique “toes-in-the-sand” dining experience that locals and visitors alike cherish. With fresh, locally sourced seafood and a relaxed yet sophisticated ambiance, The Turtle Club remains the go-to destination for memorable beachfront dining.

 

  • Forever Fiore Tea Lounge – Forever Fiore in Naples, Florida, offers a refined and intimate escape in a floral wonderland. Inspired by England's high tea tradition, owner Luara Maximo invites guests into a transportive world of scones, Champagne, and artisan-sourced teas at her Naples Design District flower shop and café. With its handcrafted teas, delicate pastries, and savory bites served in a charming, garden-inspired setting, Forever Fiore has become a beloved destination for everything from bridal showers to quiet, personal retreats.

 

  • Bakery at Grappino – Opened in September 2024, The Bakery at Grappino is the newest venture from the Aielli Group, which also operates several beloved local restaurants like Sea Salt, Barbatella, and Dorona. The bakery offers an enticing European-inspired menu that includes freshly baked Italian breads, pastries, and desserts, as well as breakfast and lunch items. Renowned for its high-quality ingredients, the bakery also serves as the in-house pasta production hub for all Aielli Group restaurants, making it a go-to spot for authentic Italian fare.

 

  • Beloved Restaurants Open in Naples – From Tap 42 Craft Kitchen + Bar, a South Florida restaurant concept debuting in Mercato to Le Colonial, a French-Vietnamese restaurant known for its celebration of the flavors and spirit of Saigon in the 1920s, adding a Naples location to its impressive lineup, Naples is becoming home to beloved restaurant concepts from around the country.

 

For more information on Florida’s Paradise Coast, visit https://www.paradisecoast.com.

 

###

About Florida’s Paradise Coast

The Naples, Marco Island, Everglades Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) is the official source for area travel and tourism information about Florida's Paradise Coast. Located in Southwest Florida, this premiere vacation and meeting destination offers leisure, group, and business travelers a variety of exceptional options year-round. Along a 30-mile Gulf of Mexico coastline ribboned with soft, white-sand beaches, visitors enjoy a refined yet relaxed atmosphere with a thriving arts and culture scene, exceptional restaurants, and eclectic and luxury boutique shopping experiences. Home to over 90 public and private golf courses, sports enthusiasts have access to a variety of championship courses; pickleball and tennis facilities; and water activities ranging from kayaking to sailing charters. Outdoor adventure activities include exploring and photographing the world-famous Everglades – the only sub-tropical mangrove wilderness in the U.S. and features endangered and rare wildlife species in their natural habitat, including over 350 species of birds. 

 

Florida’s Paradise Coast is truly where the high life meets the wildlife. Recent accolades include being named the No. 1 “Best Beach Town in the U.S. to Live In,” No. 1 “Healthiest and Happiest City in America” and “One of the Best Small Cities in the U.S.” Located just two hours from Miami, three hours from Tampa, and four hours from Orlando, Florida’s Paradise Coast is easily accessible by Interstate highway. Travelers outside of 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, and follow us on X, (Formerly Twitter), Instagram, and Facebook.