Welcome back to the Inn at Pelican Bay blog, where we delight in sharing the very best of Naples, Florida, with our esteemed guests. As a AAA Four Diamond boutique hotel, nestled serenely at 800 Vanderbilt Beach Road, we pride ourselves on offering not just exceptional comfort and service, but also an unparalleled gateway to Southwest Florida’s vibrant lifestyle. This glorious summer season, from Thursday, July 23, 2026, to Thursday, August 6, 2026, promises a delightful blend of cultural enrichment, culinary exploration, and captivating natural beauty right at our doorstep.
Whether you’re seeking a tranquil retreat by our lakeside pool, a rejuvenating soak in the hot tub, or an evening by the fire pit, your stay with us is designed for ultimate relaxation. And with Vanderbilt Beach just five minutes away and our complimentary beach shuttle at your service, the Gulf’s sparkling shores are always within easy reach. Join us as we explore the exciting happenings around Naples, North Naples, Mercato, Artis-Naples, 5th Avenue South, Vanderbilt Beach, and Bonita Springs over the next two weeks.
Arts & Culture: A Symphony of Experiences
Naples' cultural calendar, even in the serene summer, offers a rich tapestry of events for the discerning traveler. Immerse yourself in thought-provoking exhibitions and engaging workshops that highlight the region's artistic spirit.
- “Historias del aire y del suelo | Stories of Air and Soil” at Naples Botanical Garden: From July 11 through October 25, Kapnick Hall at the Naples Botanical Garden hosts this captivating exhibition. It's a visual exploration celebrating bromeliads and palms, highlighting the ecological and social connections between Florida and Puerto Rico. This is a beautiful way to spend an afternoon, and admission to the exhibition is included with your Garden entry.
- Squeeze the Day | Summer 3D Painting Workshop: Unleash your inner artist at the Naples Botanical Garden on Saturday, July 25, at 10:00 AM. This creative workshop offers a unique opportunity to engage with nature through art.
- Art After Hours at The Baker Museum: Enjoy complimentary admission to The Baker Museum, part of Artis-Naples, on July 29 for their special Art After Hours event. It’s a wonderful opportunity to explore the museum’s impressive collections and current exhibitions in a relaxed evening setting.
- Creative Sculptures Make-and-Take Workshop: On August 4, The Baker Museum at Artis-Naples invites you to a Creative Sculptures Make-and-Take Workshop. This hands-on experience is perfect for guests looking to tap into their artistic side and create a unique souvenir.
- “Les Miserables” by The Naples Players: Experience the timeless classic, “Les Miserables,” performed by The Naples Players. Shows run daily through July 26, with performances at 7:30 PM at 701 5th Ave S, Naples. This is a fantastic opportunity to enjoy world-class theatrical talent right in the heart of downtown Naples.
Live Music & Entertainment: Rhythms of the Paradise Coast
The evenings in Naples come alive with an array of live music, from soulful Motown to high-energy tribute bands. You’ll find delightful performances across various venues, ensuring there's a perfect soundtrack for your summer nights.
- Motown Ross Brown at Rooftop at Riverside: Every Thursday, including July 23 and July 30, you can enjoy the smooth vocals and classic hits of Motown with Ross Brown at Rooftop at Riverside. It's a fantastic spot for a relaxed evening with feel-good grooves.
- Live Music at Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Naples: For a lively atmosphere, head to Compass Hotel by Margaritaville Naples, which hosts live music on Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays throughout this period. Check their schedule for specific performers.
- Andy Moreillon and Joe Yeoman at Sugar Shack Downtown (Bonita Springs): If you venture slightly north, Sugar Shack Downtown in Bonita Springs features live music. Catch Andy Moreillon on Wednesday, July 29, and Joe Yeoman on Thursday, July 30, both from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.
- Matty Jollie at Celebration Park: Enjoy live music by Matty Jollie at Celebration Park in East Naples on Wednesday, July 29, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM. This outdoor venue offers a vibrant setting for an evening out.
- Still Standing - a tribute to Elton John: For fans of classic rock, South Street - Founders Square presents "Still Standing," a tribute to Elton John, on Friday, July 31, at 8:00 PM. Prepare for a night of iconic hits!
- Sail On - The Beach Boys Tribute: Catch "Sail On," a fantastic Beach Boys tribute band, at Daniels Pavilion in Artis-Naples on Wednesday, August 5, with two performances at 6:00 PM and 8:30 PM. It’s sure to be a night of good vibrations!
- Mercato Nights Music Series ft. The Squallies: On Thursday, August 6, the Piazza at Mercato will host The Squallies as part of their Mercato Nights Music Series, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM. This complimentary outdoor concert is a wonderful way to enjoy live music under the stars.
Culinary Adventures & Fresh Finds
Naples’ dining scene is always evolving, and summer is a fantastic time to discover new local favorites. Many exciting new restaurants have recently opened, offering diverse culinary experiences, and our local farmers markets provide the freshest ingredients.
- New Restaurant Spotlight: The summer of 2026 has seen a wave of exciting new culinary concepts open their doors. Consider trying Heyday Cookshop at Neapolitan Way, the second venture from James Beard Emerging Chef semifinalist Kayla Pfeifer. For a unique experience, visit Claypot Turkish Restaurant at 4910 Tamiami Trail N., Unit 310, which offers fast-casual Turkish cuisine with everything made from scratch in traditional clay pots. Downtown, the new Olde Naples Hotel features Annie's Bistro, Bar & Bakery, evolving from a morning café to a full bistro and bar, open to all guests. And for fine dining, keep an eye out for Eddie V's Prime Seafood, targeting a summer 2026 debut at Waterside Shops, promising luxury seafood and steaks with live music trios nightly.
- Mercato Burger Battle: Throughout the entire month of August, Mercato's restaurants will be competing for the title of Best Burger in their annual Mercato Burger Battle. It's a delicious way to sample some of the best burgers Naples has to offer and cast your vote!
- Third Street South Farmers Market: Experience the charm of a traditional farmers market every Saturday, July 25 and August 1, from 7:30 AM to 11:30 AM. Located in the parking lot behind the Tommy Bahama restaurant, you’ll find locally grown produce, artisan breads, fresh-cut flowers, and more.
- Pine Ridge Road Farmers Market: Another excellent option for fresh, local goods is the Pine Ridge Road Farmers Market, held every Sunday, July 26 and August 2, from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM, at 3370 Pine Ridge Road. It’s a wonderful spot to gather fresh ingredients and unique artisan products.
Embrace Nature: Wildlife, Water & Wonders
Naples is a paradise for nature lovers, offering abundant opportunities to connect with Florida's unique ecosystems. From serene botanical gardens to exciting wildlife encounters, there's always something to discover.
- Naples Botanical Garden Adventures: Beyond the 'Historias del aire y del suelo' exhibit, the Garden offers daily Guided Tram Tours and 'Dig Deeper' chats with staff. On Friday, July 24, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM, families can enjoy the W.O.N.D.E.R. in the Garden program. For a truly unique experience, join 'FROG WATCH' on Friday, July 31, at 8:15 PM.
- Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary: Summer is a fantastic time to visit Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary, where you might spot blooming ghost orchids, graceful swallow-tailed kites, and even alligator mothers with their young. The sanctuary is open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:30 PM, offering a 2.2-mile boardwalk through North America's largest old-growth bald cypress forest. Remember to bring insect repellent, as horseflies can be present from March to November.
- Captivating Cruises & Eco-Tours: Explore the stunning waterways of Naples with various boat tours. The Naples Princess offers daily sightseeing cruises from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, departing from 550 Port O Call Way. Similarly, Pure Florida provides daily sightseeing excursions from 1200 5th Ave S. Consider a Catamaran Cruise with Wildlife Views aboard the Miss Naples, offering afternoon sightseeing, beach shelling, or sunset tours where you can spot dolphins, manatees, turtles, and eagles. For a more intimate experience, Manatee Sightseeing and Wildlife Boat Tours are available, focusing on these gentle giants. You can also embark on a Dolphin Watch/Eco Cruise through Naples Bay, exploring mangroves and stopping at Keewaydin Island for shelling.
- Shelling on Pristine Beaches: Late summer and early fall, including August, are considered prime times for shelling in Southwest Florida, offering abundant and diverse finds, especially after storms and during low tides. Vanderbilt Beach and Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park are exceptional locations for discovering beautiful shells, including highly sought-after lightning whelks and sand dollars. Remember to always return any live creatures to the water.
Family Fun & Unique Experiences
Beyond the arts and nature, Naples offers unique family-friendly activities and events that promise memorable moments.
- Films Al Fresco ft. Moana 2 at Mercato: Enjoy a magical family movie night under the stars at Mercato's Piazza on Tuesday, July 28, with "Films Al Fresco" featuring Disney's "Moana 2". The screening begins at 7:00 PM.
- Music & Movement at Estates Branch Library: For our youngest guests, the Estates Branch Library offers a fun and active "Music & Movement" story time on Thursday, July 23, from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM.
- Downtown Bonita Springs Walking History Tour: Delve into the past with a guided walking history tour of Downtown Bonita Springs. These tours take place on Thursdays, July 23 and July 30, from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM, starting at 27451 Old 41 Rd.
- Cars and Coffee 239 at Mercato: Car enthusiasts will enjoy "Cars and Coffee 239" at Mercato on Sunday, August 2, from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. It's a fantastic opportunity to see a collection of impressive vehicles.
- FC Naples Home Game: For sports fans, catch FC Naples in action against AV Alta FC at the Paradise Coast Sports Complex on Wednesday, August 5, at 7:30 PM.
Inn at Pelican Bay Insider Tips
At the Inn at Pelican Bay, we’re dedicated to making your stay as effortless and enjoyable as possible. Here are a few insider tips to enhance your Naples experience:
- Beach Shuttle Convenience: Our complimentary beach shuttle runs regularly to Vanderbilt Beach, just five minutes away. We recommend checking with the front desk for the most up-to-date shuttle schedule to perfectly time your beach excursions and avoid parking hassles.
- Sunset Serenity: Vanderbilt Beach is not only perfect for shelling but also offers some of the most spectacular sunsets on the Gulf Coast. Arrive a little early with a blanket or beach chairs (which we can provide!) to find your perfect spot and watch the sky ignite with color.
- Complimentary Hot Breakfast: Start your day right with our delicious complimentary hot breakfast. It's the perfect way to fuel up before a day of exploration or relaxation. Enjoy a wide selection of fresh, hot items, ensuring everyone in your party finds something they love.
From captivating cultural events to serene natural escapes and delectable dining, Naples truly shines this summer. The Inn at Pelican Bay is your perfect home base, offering luxury, comfort, and unparalleled access to all the wonders Southwest Florida has to offer. We invite you to experience the charm and elegance that make our AAA Four Diamond boutique hotel so special. Book your unforgettable summer getaway directly with us at innatpelicanbay.com or by calling us at (239) 597-8777. We eagerly await the pleasure of welcoming you!