THE MELU GUIDE
WHAT KIND OF NAPLES DAY ARE WE HAVING?
A few quick questions, then I’ll point you somewhere good.
PLAN MY NAPLES DAY ✨
SUNSET & WATERFRONT · WITH THE KIDS
MEL’S PICK
Lowdermilk Park
Family-friendly beach with picnic areas and soft sand.
Mel’s note:
Mel’s Personal Favorite
YOU HAVE TO GO · SUNSET & WATERFRONT
The Naples Pier
Iconic pier with dolphins, sunsets, and beautiful views.
SUNSET & WATERFRONT · WITH THE KIDS
Clam Pass Park
Mangrove boardwalk leading to a stunning beach — peaceful and scenic.
SUNSET & WATERFRONT
Bayview Park
Closest waterfront area — boats, views, and a calm place to relax. Boat ramp for launching into Naples Bay — only 4 minutes away.
SUNSET & WATERFRONT
Naples Landing Park
Public boat ramp, restrooms, picnic space, walking distance to downtown.
SUNSET & WATERFRONT · DATE NIGHT
Naples Bay Resort and Marina
Full-service marina near Bayshore with resort amenities.
WHAT ARE YOU CRAVING?
Waterfront Date Night Family Latin Casual
EAT LIKE A LOCAL
MEL’S PICK
Taqueria San Julian
One of my top Naples food picks.
Casual, authentic Mexican food and consistently SO good. This isn’t somewhere I’m recommending because it’s popular — it’s somewhere we actually eat all the time.
Mel’s note:
We literally ate here twice in one week recently. 😂 That’s how much I love it.
YOU HAVE TO GO · EAT LIKE A LOCAL · RAINY DAY
MEL’S PICK
Seed to Table
You have to see this one.
Okay, hear me out — it’s a grocery store, a restaurant, a bar, and somehow also a nightclub. 😂 Grab groceries, stay for dinner and live music, and somehow end up dancing upstairs — all without leaving the grocery store.
Mel’s note:
Do NOT leave without trying the fresh guacamole. Trust me.
YOU HAVE TO GO · EAT LIKE A LOCAL
MEL’S PICK
Rooster’s
My breakfast pick. Period. The menu changes here and there, which is part of the fun—so I’m not going to tell you what to order. Just go hungry and pick whatever sounds good. They NEVER miss.
Mel’s note:
If you ask me where to get breakfast in Naples, this is where I’m sending you.
EAT LIKE A LOCAL · DATE NIGHT
MEL’S PICK
Brasas Brazilian Steakhouse
For when you want GOOD meat.
If you’re a meat person, this is one of my picks. Come hungry — the Brazilian steakhouse experience is the main event, but there’s one thing I order every single time.
Mel’s note:
Get the croquetas. I order two orders 😂 They’re the closest I’ve found around here to the creamy béchamel-style croquetas I love in Spain.
DATE NIGHT · EAT LIKE A LOCAL
Rebecca’s Wine Bar & Restaurant
Chic wine bar + kitchen with a cozy vibe. Great small plates, great drinks. A Naples local favorite.
EAT LIKE A LOCAL · SUNSET & WATERFRONT · WITH THE KIDS
Celebration Park Adventures
Waterfront food truck park with tons of variety — walkable and lively every evening.
EAT LIKE A LOCAL
Ankrolab Brewing Company
Craft brewery just minutes away, with unique beers and a relaxed outdoor setting.
Mel’s note:
Ankrolab is owned by a close friend of Mel’s husband — stop in and say hi.
MY HUSBAND. YOUR NAPLES BARBER.
If you need a cut while you’re here, don’t even ask me where to go. I’m sending you to Luis.
Need a cut while you’re in Naples? I know a guy. 😉 Okay… he’s my husband. But with 200+ five-star reviews, you don’t have to take my word for it. Precision cuts, beard work, and hot steam shaves — and if you’re staying with us and have a group of 3+ cuts, Luis may even be able to come directly to the property.
LUIS FUENTES · MASTER BARBER · 200+ FIVE-STAR REVIEWS
Mel’s take: Yes, I’m biased. No, I’m not wrong. 😂
704 Goodlette-Frank Rd N, Suite 311, Naples, FL 34102
(239) 269-9742
SHOPPING
Mercato
Open-air shopping, dining, and entertainment district in North Naples.
SHOPPING
Waterside Shops
Upscale open-air shopping destination.
Mel’s note:
Their fresh lunches change, so see what they made that day. I’ve never been disappointed.
SHOPPING
5th Avenue South
Downtown Naples street with shops, galleries, and restaurants.
SHOPPING
3rd Street South
Historic shopping and dining street near the beach.
YOU HAVE TO GO · WITH THE KIDS
Naples Botanical Gardens
Stunning 170-acre garden with lakes, pathways, and tropical exhibits — just minutes away.
Mel’s note:
Go early in the morning or at golden hour for the best photos and cooler weather.
WITH THE KIDS
Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
Historic zoo surrounded by lush gardens. Animal shows, boat rides, and perfect for families.
Mel’s note:
The boat ride around the islands is a must! My kids love this!
WITH THE KIDS
Paradise Coast Sports Complex
One of my favorite places to take the kids. There’s so much going on here—food trucks, a bar for the grown-ups, an outdoor fitness area, climbing wall, and plenty of open space for the kids to run around and play. Naples’ soccer team also plays here, so check what’s happening while you’re in town.
Mel’s note:
Great when the kids need to burn some energy. There’s plenty for them to do, food nearby, and it’s actually enjoyable for the adults too.
HIDDEN GEMS · EAT LIKE A LOCAL
MEL’S PICK
Neighborhood Organics
Fresh, organic & ridiculously convenient. Tucked into Vanderbilt Shoppes, this is one of my favorite stops for fresh lunches and organic, ready-to-cook food to bring back home. Perfect when you want something really good without going out for another full restaurant meal.
Mel’s note:
Their fresh lunches change, so see what they made that day. I’ve never been disappointed.
HIDDEN GEMS
Bayshore Arts District Naples FL
Colorful, walkable, creative area filled with art, murals, and local studios.
EAT LIKE A LOCAL
Angelic Desserts
Mel’s go-to for coffee and pastries—a warm, family-run bakery in the Galleria Shoppes at Vanderbilt. Founded in loving memory of owner Marina’s daughter, Angela, every visit carries that same heart.
NIGHT LIFE
Legends B&G
One of Mel’s favorite spots for a fun night out: Legends B&G has the best karaoke night in town on Thursdays and the best Latin night on Saturdays. Their sancocho is a must-try. For game day, head to El Perro Colombiano—don’t miss the Friday Colombian sancocho or the La Mariscada anytime. It’s a standout American–Colombian–Peruvian fusion spot.
NIGHT LIFE
Blue Martini
Cocktail lounge at Mercato for a grown-up evening out.