WHERE TO RIDE IN NORTHÂ NAPLES
North Naples is home to many beautiful bicycle paths and bike-friendly streets making it a great way to see the city. There are several nice communities, luxury beach resorts, parks, and centers filled with great restaurants and shopping.
Mercato is a stunning complex located off of US 41 and Vanderbilt Beach Road. It is a large center featuring a Whole Foods, Sur la Table, Silverspot Cinema, several boutique stores, art galleries, salons, fine dining, and night-life. Mercato is known as one of the best places to grab lunch or dinner due to its wide array of great restaurants such as Bravo, Rocco's Tacos, Hampton Social, The Capital Grille, and many more. Check out the top night-life in Naples at Cavo or Blue Martini while you are there. If you are looking for an upscale movie theater experience, check out Silverspot Cinema where you can order food, alcoholic beverages, and of course pop corn right to your large reclinable leather chair. No matter what your interests are, you won't be disappointed by venturing into Mercato.
Vanderbilt Beach is a popular North Naples beach due to its close proximity with many resorts, restaurants, and that it is easily accessible by bicycle. As it is a popular destination, getting there by bike is the way to go. There are bike racks right at the entrance of the beach making it hassle-free. Vanderbilt Beach is considered one of the nicest beaches in Naples as it is powdery white sand and beautiful calm clear water. It is the perfect place to go for a swim or hunt for seashells. If you are looking to stay longer, consider renting chairs or an umbrella from the concession there.
Delnor-Wiggins is a popular beach and park in Naples known for the wide array of activities offered. Not only can you enjoy the pristine stretch of beach, but you can also enjoy the wildlife surrounding it as well. There are walking and hiking trails and are some of the nicest in Naples. At the beach, you can rent kayaks, paddle boards, beach chairs, and umbrellas. If you are into fishing, there is a designated location where fishermen can drop their lines and is known for some good catches. It is a great place to visit if you are looking for a peaceful, nature-filled day with many different activities to choose from. Entrance to the park is $2 per bicycle or $6 per car.
GULF SHORE DRIVE
If you are looking to ride through a beautiful stretch of road while feeling the breeze from the ocean less than a block way, then taking a bike ride down Gulf Shore Drive is for you. Its palm tree lined streets with lavish high rise condominiums and luxury homes call for a scenic ride. It stretches from Bluebill Avenue to Vanderbilt Beach Road and is home to many beachfront hotels such as LaPlaya and the Ritz-Carlton.
The Ritz-Carlton is one of the most exclusive beachfront resorts in all of Naples. Its grand entrance and elegance throughout the property make for a great place to checkout on your bike ride through Naples, Florida. Head down to the beach and watch the sun set into the Gulf of Mexico from an amazing view. The beach tends to draw a large crowd for sunset, which adds to the experience. If you're there earlier in the day stop in for a lunch and maybe even a pina colada!
LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort is situated right off of Gulf Shore Drive directly in the middle of Delnor-Wiggins Pass and Vanderbilt Beach. It makes for a great stop on your bike tour of Naples. It is a local favorite for its incredible beachfront restaurant, stunning property, and close proximity to several attractions in Naples.
Barefoot Beach is a little bit trickier to get to than some of the other hotspots mentioned, but don't let it deter you because it is a great spot to checkout. You will need to enter through Barefoot Beach located off of Bonita Beach Road and Barefoot Beach Boulevard where there is a large gatehouse. Walkers and cyclists are allowed to enter free of charge, so just continue your ride through without any hesitation or stop. You will need to continue riding another two miles to reach the entrance of the beach park. Here you will find bike racks, beach access, and walking trails.
VANDERBILT DRIVE
Vanderbilt Drive is an incredible road to go for a nice bike ride in Naples. It spans just over 5 miles from Vanderbilt Beach Road to Bonita Beach Road. It is a great stretch for cyclists due to its large sidewalks and minimal traffic compared to some of the other roads that run parallel. There are several side streets to venture through and sightsee. Overall, it is a straight shot that is safe for bike rides and easily connects you from Point A to Point B.
