Some parts of Florida are more Instagram-ready than others. In the case of Naples, its Paradise Coast nickname lets you know what you can expect in terms of photogenic spots for your social media updates. This coastal city gets its name from the famed region of Italy where sunny weather and abundant fishing converge; plus, the predominant style of architecture is Mediterranean revival, which makes Naples feel even more like a coastal European resort.
From quaint beach towns to upscale shopping centers and from mangrove parks to interesting museums, here are some of the most Instagrammable spots in Naples:
Moorings Beach
Located in the Moorings district near the Doctors Pass access to the Intracoastal Waterway, Moorings Beach is a sleepy beach community known for its charming Old Florida cottages, lush landscaping, and beautiful views of the Gulf of Mexico. You can take photos of spectacular beachfront mansions, capture dramatic sunsets on the oceanside, or wait for spotted dolphins to swim near the piers on the bayside.
The Village Shops on Venetian Bay
There's a good chance you have seen the classic Instagram post showing a beer, coffee, or cocktail in focus with a waterfront view in the background. The best spot in Naples for this kind of shot is Bayside Seafood Grill & Bar, which is part of the bayside Village Shops. This upscale spot is perfect for highlighting the Mediterranean revival architecture of this aesthetic city. Food bloggers who post on Instagram often visit M Waterfront Grille, the Village Pub, and MiraMare Ristorante to photograph menu items that are carefully garnished for maximum visual appeal.
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
Collier County is blessed with many pristine beaches featuring gorgeous white sands, and some of them are part of the park system of the Sunshine State. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is a long stretch of beach located on a barrier island just south of Cocohatchee River Park. This is a great spot for you to photograph the vegetation and wildlife of the mangrove ecosystems of the Paradise Coast. If you are into underwater photography, this park is highly recommended; the southern boundary is where you can safely swim and snorkel. This park is becoming popular among Instagram users who prefer posting Stories because they can walk from the mangroves straight to the beach on a raised wooden path that looks great on camera.
Baker Museum
Located in the Pelican Bay district, this museum features a collection of American art from the 19th century to the present day. This is a great place to learn about American art and culture, but the museum curators and directors often highlight special collections such as the large pieces crafted by Dale Chihuly, whose intricate "Red Reeds" and "Blue Icicle Chandelier" installations tower over visitors and photographers. On any given day, dozens of Baker Museum visitors point their smartphones and cameras at these pieces, particularly the imposing "Red Chandelier" installation that hangs from the cathedral-style ceiling of the lobby.