Located on the Gulf Coast of Florida, Naples is a charming beach town famous for its pristine white-sand beaches, clear emerald waters, breathtaking sunsets, and vast untouched natural landscapes.
Popular among luxury travelers seeking upscale shopping, top-notch arts and culture, and elegant dining options, Naples is not just for adults. Positioned near family-friendly attractions and some of the region’s best beaches, Naples offers a perfect blend of nature and luxury for visitors of all ages.
During a recent visit to Florida’s Paradise Coast, encompassing Naples, Marco Island, Everglades City, Immokalee, and Ave Maria, I had the pleasure of experiencing firsthand all the relaxed luxury this area has to offer—accompanied by my husband and our 2-year-old son.
Edgewater Beach Hotel is a cozy 125-suite hotel with a prime location overlooking the Gulf of Mexico. The hotel exudes a serene atmosphere with subtle wood accents, a mix of wood and terrazzo flooring, and a tasteful chandelier separating the restaurant from the lobby.
Surrounded by guestroom buildings on three sides, the six-story yellow stucco complex features a courtyard with a pool and an outdoor bar offering stunning beach views. A large fire pit with deck chairs provides the perfect spot for enjoying sunsets on cooler evenings.
With a variety of accommodation options, choosing a room at Edgewater is a breeze. For families, a pool-view suite on the first floor offers convenience, though it may sacrifice some privacy as the lanais open up to the pool deck.
Our family opted for a spacious 2-bedroom oceanview suite, which proved to be a fantastic choice. Apart from the beautiful view, the suite boasted two cozy bedrooms with attached bathrooms, a dining area with a large table, a living room, and a full kitchen equipped with all the essentials for a home-cooked meal.
You can even arrange for a private chef through services like Take a Chef or Table at Home, or simply grab groceries and cook your own meals in this homey environment. A supermarket and several eateries are conveniently located within a few blocks of the hotel, just a short 15-minute drive from Naples Municipal Airport.
Families will particularly appreciate the convenience of this beachfront hotel.
Edgewater Beach Hotel also houses Coast, an onsite restaurant worth a visit. The menu offers delectable dishes like grilled filet mignon with Maine lobster risotto, pan-seared salmon with jasmine-scented rice, and zucchini noodle stir fry in a basil-garlic tomato broth. For dessert, indulge in the mouthwatering Monkeybuntz, a cinnamon-caramel sticky bun served with vanilla ice cream.
For more details on Edgewater Beach Hotel, including rates, visit here.
For a resort experience with a wide range of amenities and activities, consider staying at LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort, situated about a 15-minute drive north of Edgewater, right along the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Mexico. This tropical oasis boasts 189 rooms and suites, a top-rated golf course, a luxurious spa, and four swimming pools.
Families traveling with little ones can opt for ground-level rooms with outdoor lanais for easy access to the pool and beach. LaPlaya has recently enhanced its family-friendly offerings to ensure a memorable summer holiday for guests of all ages.
“We strive to provide our guests, especially kids and families, with unforgettable experiences during their stay,” said Linda Menshon, the resort’s director of sales and marketing.
The resort’s new complimentary kids’ program, LaPlaya Hatchlings, offers educational activities focusing on eco-friendly travel, natural resource conservation, and animal preservation. Kids can explore Southwest Florida’s unique ecosystem through engaging hands-on activities led by expert staff and wildlife demonstrations.
Our toddler particularly enjoyed feeding the fish at the property’s koi pond every morning. Hatchlings also receive a welcome bag filled with activity books, treats, and educational materials about Southwest Florida’s ecosystem.
In addition to the kid-friendly activities, we highly recommend booking the KidsDream Factory Experience, a themed in-room glamping adventure complete with a teepee-style tent, comfy mattress, themed decor, and a breakfast tray. The package allows for a customized experience tailored to your child’s interests.
LaPlaya offers an array of activities for guests to enjoy, from complimentary beach cruiser rentals to relaxing on the private beach or in poolside cabanas. Water enthusiasts can embark on an airboat tour, rent a boat, or partake in kayaking, paddleboarding, or jet skiing. The resort also provides beach rentals like bodyboards, snorkeling gear, and lounge chairs.
Don’t miss dining at BALEEN, LaPlaya’s acclaimed restaurant known for its exquisite cuisine and breathtaking sunset views from the outdoor terrace.
For more information on LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort, including rates, visit here.
Things to Do
Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens: Visit this historic tropical garden and zoo for an array of fun and educational wildlife encounters, including feeding giraffes and a relaxing boat ride around the zoo’s central lake.
Night Walks and Guided Experiences at Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary: Explore Audubon’s Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary with guided walks offering insights into pine flatwood, wet prairie, freshwater marsh, and the largest old-growth bald cypress forest in North America.
Boats, Boards & Fun on the Water: Enjoy boating excursions, jet ski rides, and eco-tours to encounter dolphins and explore the stunning waterways surrounding Naples.
Image Source: Sean Pavone / Shutterstock
