5 Interesting Facts About Naples, Florida

The charming city of Naples, Florida is home to just over 20,000 permanent residents and is a natural and cultural gem tucked away in sunny Southwest Florida. The Paradise Coast, as it is known, is where the Gulf of Mexico's turquoise waters meet white sugar sand beaches, and downtown districts are filled with artful treasures, culinary delights, and countless other discoveries. Rich in history, Naples is home to a myriad of cultural events and attractions making it a destination haven for visitors from around the world.

Related Blog: 6 Exciting Day Trips from Naples, Florida

Below are just a few reasons why people continue to flock here year after year:

History in the Making

While Collier County, which is the home of Naples, was not founded until 1923, its roots go back much further. Centuries before Columbus sailed the ocean blue, Florida’s gulf coast was home to the Calusa Indians, the burial grounds for which have been discovered on Marco Island. The state itself was discovered by Ponce de Leon in 1513. The explorer was met with great resistance by the Calusa’s who were eventually wiped out by wars and disease over the ensuing 40 years. By the early 1700s, small bands of Greek Indians from Georgia and Alabama made their way to the area. Descendants of these early Seminole tribes still call the Naples area home.

The Great Outdoors

Outdoor enthusiasts are attracted to Naples for its unending estuaries, mangroves, cypress swamps, forests and beaches that are home to dolphins, birds, black bears, manatees, and other wildlife. Nature preserves, including Everglades National Park and Big Cypress National Preserve, as well as state, local and private nature parks offer up perfect places for bird watching, hiking, canoeing, kayaking, photography, fishing, and boating.

Golf, Anyone?

Naples has developed a reputation as the Golf Capital of the World. And a well-deserved one at that as the area boasts the highest number of golf holes per capita throughout the United States. Home to over 80 championship golf courses, Naples offers challenging play for pros and novices alike. Some notable local courses include:

Grey Oaks Country Club

• Home to 3 distinct golf courses: Pine, Palm, and Estuary courses
  
• The Pine course was included in Florida Trend Magazine as one of the top 5 toughest courses in Florida
  
• Water features abound-- keep an eye out near holes 11, 12, and 18

Naples Grande Golf Course

• 6,955-yard course
  
• Lush landscaping comprised of native Florida pine hammocks, live oak, grand cypress trees, and brilliant water features
  
• Take a lesson at the Durland Golf School at Naples Grande for professional tips on improving your game
  
  

America's Best Beaches

Countless top travel magazines and blogs have cited the more than 30 miles of beaches in Naples as some of the most desirable beach destinations in the country.

No. 1 Retirement Spot in the Country

According to SmartAsset, Naples garnered the top spot for retirement living in the Sunshine State. Over 4,700 cities were ranked nationwide with Naples scoring especially high for its low tax rate, access to medical services and the overall percentage of seniors as part of the total population.

Some More Fun Facts

• Just east of Naples lies the Ochopee Post Office, recognized as the smallest post office in the U.S.
  
• The average temperature in Naples is 75 degrees. Goodbye winter coats, hello sunshine!
  
• Naples was named as the #1 Small Arts Town in America with over 100 art galleries in the area
  
• Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is one of the top bird-watching sites in the USA
  
• The Naples Winter Wine Festival has been ranked by Wine Spectator magazine as the most successful charity wine festival nationwide since 2004

If you're interested in learning more about how life in Naples can help you live a longer, healthier, happier life, contact us today. At Moorings Park, each of our 3 campuses is dedicated to the art of successful aging. Visit us at MooringsPark.org today.