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Naples, Florida

Naples is a city in Collier County in southwestern Florida, United States, on the Gulf of Mexico.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Naples is a city in Collier County in southwestern Florida, United States, on the Gulf of Mexico. It is known for its beaches, golf courses, upscale shopping and dining, and as the principal city of the Naples–Marco Island metropolitan area. The city had a population of 19,115 at the 2020 census.

History

Naples was founded in the late 1880s and was named after Naples, Italy, reflecting comparisons between the two places' climates and scenery. It later became the seat of Collier County in 1966.

Geography

Naples is located on Florida’s southwest Gulf coast near the edge of Big Cypress Swamp. The city includes both land and water area, with beaches and coastal wetlands shaping much of its setting.

Economy and tourism

Naples is known for tourism, high-end shopping and dining, golf, and residential communities. It markets itself strongly around its beaches and leisure-oriented lifestyle.

Demographics

Naples has a relatively small permanent population compared with its surrounding metro area. Sources describe the city as having a large retired population, though detailed demographic composition varies by source and year.

Key facts

  • Naples is a city in Collier County, Florida, United States.
  • It is a principal city of the Naples–Marco Island metropolitan area.
  • The city’s population was 19,115 in the 2020 census.
  • Naples lies on the Gulf of Mexico in southwestern Florida.
  • The city is widely associated with beaches, golf, and tourism.
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Canadian context

Naples, Florida is a winter travel and retirement destination for some Canadians, particularly because of its warm climate, beaches, and golf-oriented tourism economy.

Frequently asked questions

Where is Naples, Florida located?
Naples is in Collier County on Florida’s southwest Gulf coast, along the Gulf of Mexico.
What is Naples, Florida known for?
It is known for beaches, golf courses, upscale shopping and dining, and tourism.
What was Naples, Florida’s population in 2020?
The 2020 census recorded a population of 19,115.
Is Naples part of a larger metropolitan area?
Yes. Naples is a principal city of the Naples–Marco Island metropolitan area.
When was Naples founded?
Naples was founded in the late 1880s, commonly dated to 1885.
Why is Naples called Naples?
It was named after Naples, Italy, because of perceived similarities in climate and scenery.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Naples,_Florida
    Supports: City location in Collier County, 2020 population, and metropolitan area context.
  2. Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/place/Naples-Florida
    Supports: Naples as a resort city in southwestern Florida on the Gulf of Mexico and its historical and geographic context.
  3. Visit Florida — https://www.visitflorida.com/places-to-go/southwest/naples/
    Supports: General location in Southwest Florida and tourism-oriented description.
  4. Fifth Avenue South — https://www.fifthavenuesouth.com/about/quick-facts/
    Supports: City area and population figures used by local tourism/business materials.
  5. Inn at Pelican Bay — https://www.innatpelicanbay.com/fun-facts-about-naples-fl
    Supports: Commonly repeated local-history details such as founding date and naming after Naples, Italy.