We've welcomed guests to Pinnacle, Unit 2503 for years, and over that time we've discovered the very best of North Naples. This is our hand-picked guide to the restaurants, shops, and activities we personally love — all just minutes from your front door.
Owner's Top Picks
Start Here: Our Absolute Favorites
With so much to choose from near The Strand, guests often ask us where to begin. These are the three restaurants and three activities we recommend first, every time — the experiences that make a stay at Pinnacle, Unit 2503 unforgettable.
Top Restaurants
Top Pick #1
Tarpon Bay Restaurant
6 min drive
Our #1 recommendation for guests. Casual, friendly, right on the water at Wiggins Pass — fresh local seafood, live music most evenings, and the best sunset table in North Naples. Go about 45 minutes before sunset and ask for outdoor seating.
Top Pick #2
Baleen Naples
8 min drive
The special-occasion pick. Waterfront dining at the La Playa Resort with impeccable Gulf seafood and bay views. This is where we send guests celebrating an anniversary or birthday.
Top Pick #3
Campiello
18 min drive
If Italian is on your list, this is the one. Handmade pasta and a romantic courtyard on 5th Avenue South — pair it with an evening stroll down the avenue after dinner.
Top Activities
Top Pick #1
Vanderbilt Beach
5 min drive
The easiest perfect beach day. Five minutes from your door, soft white sand, calm water for swimming, and unforgettable sunsets. Arrive before 10 AM in high season for parking.
Top Pick #2
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
7 min drive
Our favorite stretch of coastline in all of Naples — a protected, unspoiled barrier island beach with shelling, clear water, and frequent manatee sightings. Pack a cooler and make a morning of it.
Top Pick #3
Tiburón Golf Club
10 min drive
A must for golfers. Two Greg Norman-designed championship courses at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, and public tee times are bookable. Home of the PGA Tour's QBE Shootout each December.
Restaurants
Restaurants Near The Strand
North Naples is a dining destination in its own right. From waterfront Gulf-view tables to the buzzing Mercato district just four minutes from the front door, these are the spots we send our own guests to first.
Waterfront
Baleen Naples
8 min drive
Upscale waterfront dining at the La Playa Resort. Fresh Gulf seafood with breathtaking bay views — a Naples institution for a special night out.
Local Favorite
Tarpon Bay Restaurant
6 min drive
Casual waterfront dining with fresh local seafood, live music, and stunning sunsets over Wiggins Pass. Perfect for a relaxed evening.
5th Ave South
Campiello
18 min drive
Award-winning Northern Italian cuisine on 5th Avenue South. Handmade pasta, an exceptional wine list, and a romantic courtyard.
Fine Dining
The Ritz-Carlton Beach Restaurant
7 min drive
Elevated coastal dining at the iconic Ritz-Carlton Vanderbilt. Impeccable service, fresh catches, and sweeping Gulf views.
4 min away
Mercato Dining District
4 min drive
Just minutes away — 20+ restaurants and bars. Home to Cavo Lounge, Sushi Thai, Bleu Provence, and more. Walkable and lively.
Sushi
Usushi
4 min drive
Artful, modern sushi and Japanese small plates in the Mercato. A favorite for creative rolls and a great cocktail program.
Shopping
Shopping Near The Strand
Whether you're after luxury boutiques, beach reads, or a thoughtful souvenir, North Naples has you covered. These are the shopping spots we love — all within a short drive of the unit.
Closest Hub
Mercato Shopping Center
4 min drive
Naples' premier open-air lifestyle center — upscale shops, a boutique cinema, and dozens of restaurants. The closest and most convenient stop from the unit.
Upscale Retail
Waterside Shops
8 min drive
An elegant outdoor mall with Nordstrom, Saks Fifth Avenue, Lululemon, and Apple, set amid palms and fountains. Our go-to for upscale retail.
Historic Downtown
Fifth Avenue South
18 min drive
Historic downtown Naples' main street — art galleries, independent boutiques, jewelers, and sidewalk cafés. Perfect for an afternoon stroll.
Big Mall
Coconut Point Mall
20 min drive
A large open-air mall in Estero with over 140 stores, from major brands to specialty shops, plus dining and a boardwalk.
Waterfront Shops
The Village Shops on Venetian Bay
15 min drive
Waterfront boutiques and galleries overlooking Venetian Bay — a picturesque setting for unique finds and waterfront dining.
Outlets
Naples Outlet Collection
6 min drive
Just off I-75 — designer outlets including Calvin Klein, Nike, and Brooks Brothers at outlet pricing. Great for a quick shopping run.
Things to Do
Things to Do Near The Strand
There's always something to do in North Naples — from sunrise beach walks to world-class golf and family-friendly nature preserves. Here are our favorite ways to fill a day near the unit.
Top Pick
Vanderbilt Beach
5 min drive
Stunning white-sand beach with calm Gulf waters, perfect for swimming and sunsets. One of Naples' most beloved stretches — our top pick.
State Park
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
7 min drive
Award-winning pristine barrier island beach with crystal-clear water, shelling, and manatee sightings. Bring a picnic and spend the day.
Nature Sanctuary
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
35 min drive
A 2.25-mile boardwalk through ancient bald cypress forest — a National Audubon Society treasure and a must for nature lovers.
Family-Friendly
Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
12 min drive
A historic, family-friendly zoo set within a tropical garden. Great for kids and a relaxed half-day outing.
PGA Host
Tiburón Golf Club
10 min drive
Two Greg Norman-designed championship courses at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort. Home to the PGA Tour's QBE Shootout.
Gardens
Naples Botanical Garden
20 min drive
170 acres of cultivated tropical gardens representing Florida and cultures from around the world. Beautiful and inspiring year-round.
Nature Preserve
Barefoot Beach Preserve
10 min drive
One of Florida's last undeveloped barrier islands — pristine natural beach beloved by loggerhead sea turtles and shelling enthusiasts.
Evening Stroll
Fifth Avenue South
18 min drive
Historic downtown Naples' main street — art galleries, boutiques, dining, and evening ambiance. The heart of Naples' social scene.
Stay in the Heart of It All
Book Pinnacle, Unit 2503 and enjoy Naples' best restaurants, shops, and attractions — all minutes from your door.