Naples Local Tips

The two-hour Naples Trolley Tour, which has 25 stops, is a great way to get to know the area. Tickets allow for all-day re-boarding, but there's an hour wait between trolleys, so start early to make the best use of dismounts. 800-592-0848; www.naplestrolleytours.com

During high season, when the northern beaches get packed and Delnor-Wiggins park reaches capacity, don't forget the sands of Old Naples. Downtown parking is easy to find; the Eighth Avenue South beach is a particularly pretty spot.

Naples Pier, originally constructed in 1888, is the perfect spot to scan the Gulf waters for passing dolphins and manatees, toss in a fishing line, or take in stunning sunsets. www.naplespier.com

The southwest's top-rated outlet mall requires a road trip north over the county line to Estero, Florida. Miromar Outlets has a fountain with waters that "dance" to music and 140 discounted shops that include top-name designers like Michael Kors, Escada, and Calvin Klein. 239-948-3766; www.miromaroutlets.com

Every Wednesday at 10am (November through April, and once a month the rest of the year) the Naples Historical Society conducts walking tours of the Third Street Historic District that include a look inside Palm Cottage, the city's oldest house. 239-261-8164; www.napleshistoricalsociety.org

The Greater Naples Chamber of Commerce runs a spacious, well-stocked Visitor Information Center with friendly volunteers to help with trip plans. Best of all: two computers with free Internet access. 239-262-6141; www.napleschamber.org