Life Downtown

Local Happenings in Downtown Naples

Welcome to the vibrant core of Downtown Naples, where charm, unique architecture, and beautiful surroundings come together to create an unforgettable experience. Whether you're a local resident or a visitor, my guide to downtown events, must-see attractions, and the best happy hours will keep you connected to all the exciting happenings in this lively community.

The Continental
  • Happy Hour: Daily, 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
  • Deals: Discounts on select cocktails, wines by the glass, and appetizers.
Campiello
  • Happy Hour: Monday to Friday, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
  • Deals: Special pricing on cocktails, beer, and select small plates.
Barbatella
  • Happy Hour: Daily, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
  • Deals: Discounts on wines by the glass, cocktails, and appetizers.
Truluck's
  • Happy Hour: Daily, 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
  • Deals: Reduced prices on cocktails, wine, and bar menu items, including half-price oysters.
Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar
  • Happy Hour: Daily, 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
  • Deals: Specials on signature cocktails, beer, and select appetizers.
The French Brasserie Rustique
  • Happy Hour: Daily, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
  • Deals: Discounts on wine, beer, and select cocktails, along with small bites.
Sea Salt
  • Happy Hour: Daily, 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM
  • Deals: Reduced prices on cocktails, wines by the glass, and select appetizers.
Osteria Tulia
  • Happy Hour: Monday to Friday, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
  • Deals: Specials on cocktails, wine, and a selection of Italian small plates.
Del Mar
  • Happy Hour: Daily, 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
  • Deals: Discounts on cocktails, wines, and a variety of Mediterranean-inspired appetizers.
Chops City Grill
  • Happy Hour: Daily, 4:30 PM - 6:00 PM
  • Deals: Specials on martinis, wine, and appetizers.
The Dock at Crayton Cove
  • Happy Hour: Monday to Friday, 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
  • Deals: Reduced prices on cocktails, wine, and beer, along with select appetizers.
Sails Restaurant
  • Happy Hour: Monday to Friday, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
  • Deals: Discounts on signature cocktails, wines, and select appetizers.
The Claw Bar
  • Happy Hour: Daily, 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
  • Deals: Specials on seafood appetizers, cocktails, and wines by the glass.
Bha! Bha! Persian Bistro
  • Happy Hour: Monday to Friday, 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
  • Deals: Discounts on Persian-inspired appetizers, wine, and select cocktails.
Molto Trattoria
  • Happy Hour: Monday to Friday, 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
  • Deals: Special pricing on wine, beer, and Italian small plates.
The Bevy
  • Happy Hour: Daily, 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
  • Deals: Discounts on craft cocktails, wines, and shareable appetizers.
D’Amico’s The Continental
  • Happy Hour: Daily, 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM
  • Deals: Specials on wine, cocktails, and appetizers.
Truluck's Ocean's Finest Seafood & Crab
  • Cuisine: Seafood
  • Description: Renowned for its delicious steaks and fresh seafood, especially stone crab claws, in an upscale setting with an award winning attentive service. The ambiance is upscale and sophisticated, with a classic, refined decor that makes it ideal for both intimate dinners and celebratory occasions. 
Sails Restaurant
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean & Seafood
  • Description: Sails Restaurant in Olde Naples is an upscale dining destination that brings the essence of the Mediterranean coast to Florida, with a strong emphasis on fresh seafood. The restaurant is celebrated for its elegant and refined atmosphere, with a sleek, modern design that exudes luxury and sophistication. Whether for a special occasion or a luxurious night out, Sails Restaurant offers an unforgettable dining experience in the heart of Naples.
Ocean Prime
  • Cuisine: Steakhouse & Seafood
  • Description: Ocean Prime is a sophisticated dining destination in Olde Naples, known for its impeccable service, elegant ambiance, and a menu that highlights the best in steak and seafood,all paired with an extensive wine list and creative cocktails.
Del Mar
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean & Seafood
  • Description: Del Mar in Olde Naples is a stylish and contemporary restaurant that offers a modern interpretation of Mediterranean cuisine with a focus on fresh seafood. The menu is inspired by the coastal regions of the Mediterranean, featuring dishes that are both vibrant and flavorful, with an emphasis on seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.
Bha Bha Persian Bistro
  • Cuisine: Persian
  • Description: Bha! Bha! Persian Bistro in Olde Naples offers a unique and flavorful dining experience, bringing the rich culinary traditions of Persian cuisine to the heart of Florida. The restaurant is known for its creative and artfully presented dishes that blend traditional Persian ingredients with modern culinary techniques.
Molto Trattoria
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Description: Molto Trattoria is a beloved Italian restaurant in Olde Naples, known for its authentic and homey approach to Italian cuisine. The menu is a celebration of traditional Italian flavors, featuring homemade pasta, wood-fired pizzas, and classic dishes that transport diners straight to Italy.
The Continental
  • Cuisine: Steakhouse & Seafood
  • Description: The Continental in Olde Naples is an upscale steakhouse and seafood restaurant that offers a sophisticated yet relaxed dining experience. The restaurant blends classic steakhouse ambiance with modern touches, featuring a chic interior and a charming outdoor patio that’s perfect for enjoying live music under the stars. 
Campiello
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Description: Traditional Italian with a modern twist, featuring wood-fired pizzas and handmade pastas in a romantic courtyard setting. Campiello's extensive wine list, focusing on Italian and European selections, adds to the authentic dining experience, making it a favorite destination for both locals and visitors seeking a taste of Italy in Naples.
Le Colonial
  • Cuisine: French-Vietnamese Fusion
  • Description: Le Colonial offers a unique and elegant dining experience in Olde Naples, blending the rich flavors of French and Vietnamese cuisines. The restaurant is beautifully designed, evoking the ambiance of 1920s French Colonial Southeast Asia, with its luxurious decor, soft lighting, and sophisticated setting.
Lola 41
  • Cuisine: International & Sushi
  • Description: Lola 41 is a trendy and eclectic restaurant in Olde Naples, offering an international menu with a strong focus on sushi and globally inspired dishes. 
La Trattoria
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Description: La Trattoria in Olde Naples offers a cozy and authentic Italian dining experience, capturing the essence of traditional Italian hospitality. The menu is a celebration of classic Italian dishes, featuring homemade pastas, flavorful sauces, and a variety of antipasti that showcase the rich culinary heritage of Italy.
Mediterrano
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Description: Mediterrano is a charming restaurant in Olde Naples that brings the vibrant and diverse flavors of the Mediterranean to Florida. The menu is inspired by the coastal cuisines of Greece, Italy, Spain, and Morocco, featuring fresh and flavorful dishes that transport diners to the sunny shores of the Mediterranean.
Bistro 821
  • Cuisine: New American & Seafood
  • Description: Bistro 821 is a staple in Olde Naples, offering a unique blend of New American cuisine with Asian and European influences. Known for its creative and flavorful dishes, the menu features a wide variety of options, including fresh seafood, prime meats, and innovative vegetarian selections. 
The Warren Naples
  • Cuisine: New American & Whiskey Bar
  • Description: The Warren Naples is a stylish and modern New American restaurant with a strong emphasis on whiskey and craft cocktails. The menu is a creative blend of upscale comfort food and innovative dishes, often featuring seasonal and locally sourced ingredients. The ambiance is chic yet welcoming, with a design that combines rustic elements with contemporary flair.
Osteria Tulia
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Description: Osteria Tulia in Olde Naples offers a warm and rustic Italian dining experience, inspired by the charm of traditional Italian countryside kitchens. The restaurant is known for its commitment to farm-to-table principles, with a menu that showcases fresh, locally sourced ingredients in dishes that are both comforting and sophisticated.
Sea Salt
  • Cuisine: Seafood
  • Description: Sea Salt, located on Third Street South in Olde Naples, is a modern seafood restaurant that offers a unique and sophisticated dining experience. The restaurant is known for its innovative approach to seafood, blending global flavors with fresh, locally sourced ingredients.
The French Brasserie Rustique
  • Cuisine: French
  • Description: The French Brasserie Rustique in Olde Naples is a charming and elegant dining spot that brings the rustic flavors of French cuisine to the heart of Florida. The restaurant offers a cozy yet sophisticated ambiance, reminiscent of a classic Parisian bistro. 
Barbatella
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Description: Barbatella in Olde Naples is a lively and inviting Italian restaurant that offers a warm and authentic dining experience. Located on the bustling Third Street South, Barbatella combines the charm of a traditional Italian trattoria with a modern, vibrant atmosphere. The menu features a wide array of Italian classics, including wood-fired pizzas, handmade pastas, and a variety of antipasti and main dishes that highlight the flavors of Italy.
Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar
  • Cuisine: American & Seafood
  • Description: Tommy Bahama Restaurant & Bar in Olde Naples offers a laid-back, tropical dining experience that perfectly captures the relaxed, island-inspired lifestyle.
Chops City Grill
  • Cuisine: Steakhouse
  • Description: Chops City Grill in Olde Naples is a premier steakhouse known for its modern take on classic steakhouse dining. The restaurant offers a sophisticated and vibrant atmosphere, making it a popular destination for both special occasions and upscale casual dining. Guests can also enjoy an extensive wine list and signature cocktails that perfectly complement the rich, savory dishes. Whether you're in the mood for a perfectly grilled steak or a seafood feast, Chops City Grill provides a top-notch dining experience in Naples.

Naples Winter Wine Festival: A prestigious event held every January, attracting wine lovers and philanthropists from around the world.

Naples International Film Festival: Typically held in October, this event showcases a variety of films and hosts special screenings and panels.

Christmas Events in Downtown Naples: The holiday season comes alive with festive activities, including the annual Christmas tree lighting ceremony, holiday parades, and live entertainment. Visitors can enjoy seasonal shopping at local boutiques, holiday-themed art shows, and delightful dining experiences, creating a magical atmosphere perfect for families and friends to celebrate together.

Naples New Year's Art Show: One of Naples' premier art shows, featuring artists from across the country displaying a wide range of works.

Fourth of July Parade and Fireworks: Celebrate Independence Day with a festive parade through downtown and a spectacular fireworks display over the Gulf of Mexico.

St. Patrick's Day Parade: This lively annual celebration features colorful floats, marching bands, and vibrant participants dressed in green, parading through downtown Naples. The event attracts crowds of all ages, offering a festive atmosphere filled with Irish music, dance, and delicious food, making it a fun-filled day for the entire community.

Naples Artcrafters Fine Art & Craft Shows: Hosted multiple times throughout the year, these shows highlight local artisans and their handmade crafts, ranging from jewelry to fine art.

Cars on 5th: Held each February and celebrated as one of the premier car shows in the nation, this annual charity event features an outstanding display of classic and exotic vehicles along Fifth Avenue South. It attracts automotive enthusiasts and locals alike, all while benefiting local charities.

Fifth Avenue South Naples Art Show: Typically held in March, this is a juried art show featuring talented artists and craftsmen from around the country, offering paintings, sculptures, and more.

Weekly Events

Naples Farmers Market: Held every Saturday morning at Third Street South, the Naples Farmers Market offers fresh produce, baked goods, and artisan crafts.

Art in the Park: On the first Saturday of each month, Cambier Park hosts this open-air art fair featuring local artists and their work.

Sunset Celebrations at Naples Pier: Regularly held during sunset, this gathering often includes local musicians, street performers, and vendors.

Music on Fifth: Every second Thursday, Fifth Avenue South comes alive with live music, featuring local bands and solo artists.

 

Popular Areas 

Naples Pier: The iconic Naples Pier is one of the most famous landmarks in the area. Originally built in 1888, it's a popular spot for fishing, dolphin watching, and enjoying sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico. The pier is currently under a complete reconstruction overhaul.

Fifth Avenue South: This bustling street is the heart of shopping, dining, and entertainment in Naples. It features a mix of upscale boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants, along with regular popular events and festivals.

Third Street South: A historic shopping district filled with charming boutiques, high-end stores, and restaurants. It's also home to the Naples Farmers Market, which draws locals and visitors alike.

Cambier Park: Located just off Fifth Avenue South, Cambier Park is a popular spot for families and outdoor enthusiasts. The park offers tennis courts, a playground, and a band shell for live performances. Cambier Park hosts numerous community events, including Art in the Park and many concerts.

Naples Botanical Garden: While not directly in Olde Naples, the Naples Botanical Garden is a short drive away and a must-visit. This 170-acre garden features plants from around the world, beautifully curated into themed areas.

Tin City Waterfront Shops: A historic shopping and dining area along the Gordon River, Tin City is known for its eclectic mix of shops selling everything from nautical décor to local art.

The Naples Players at Sugden Community Theatre: Located on Fifth Avenue South, this community theater offers a variety of productions throughout the year, from classic plays to contemporary performances.

Crayton Cove: A quaint waterfront area near Naples City Dock, Crayton Cove is home to art galleries, restaurants, and the Naples Yacht Club.

Naples Design District: The Naples Design District is our Downtown’s newest creative quarter offering locals, seasonal residents, and tourists, an eclectic mix of art, design, style, food, and culture.

Work With David

Follow Me on Instagram