Naples, Florida, is full of all kinds of interesting attractions, from the stunning beaches to delicious seafood restaurants to breathtaking nature and more. While you’re staying in one of our Naples vacation rentals, though, there’s one local attraction that you definitely don’t want to miss out on: Tin City. The Tin City Waterfront Shops are an incredibly popular destination for shopping and dining, and when you arrive, you’ll immediately understand why! Here’s everything you’ll need to know before planning your visit to Tin City in Naples, FL.
The History of Tin City
The history of Tin City (and Naples in general) goes back a lot further than you might think: over 500 years! It all started back in the 1500s, when the Calusa Native American tribes first came to the area. Roger Gordon and Joe Wiggins started the first non-Native settlements here in the 1860s, and around 20 years later, so many more people started arriving here that the city of Naples was officially founded in 1886.
The city continued to grow over the next 40 years until, in the 1920s, the Seaboard Airline Railroad was constructed. This key development transformed the Tin City area into the city’s transportation and economic hub. The Old Marine Marketplace was built in the 1970s, and to this day, it’s among the most popular shopping destinations in the area with more than 30 shops and restaurants to discover.
Waterfront Dining
One of the best features about Tin City is its stunning location, allowing you to experience shopping and dining right on the water! There are three Tin City restaurants in Naples, FL, that are sure to please any palate.
Pinchers Crab Shack serves up seafood as it should be: fresh and delicious every single time. From classic appetizers like calamari and Crab Rangoon to intriguing entrees like the jumbo lump crab cakes and the mussels marinara, every seafood lover is sure to be satisfied. You can also enjoy a meal at Riverwalk Restaurant, with selections like their Riverwalk Famous Tacos, various raw bar selections, and sea and land entrees of all kinds. Finally, if you’re not in the mood for seafood, head to M&M’s Café for burgers, wraps, hot dogs, soups, and a huge selection of ice creams and desserts!
Other Attractions
After you’ve dined at one of the best Naples waterfront restaurants, there’s plenty more to explore at Tin City. Find some new clothes for the entire family at businesses like Bondi Surf, Tropical Cargo, and Caribongo, or pick up something new for your home at World of Nature, Robert’s Designs, or The Naples Gallery. They’ve also got a wide selection of jewelry stores, toy stores, and even a hair salon called Hair on the Bay!
Looking for a bit more adventure? Tin City in Naples is home to PURE Naples, offering beautiful boat cruises that the whole family can enjoy! You can embark on a standard cruise around the area to try to spot some dolphins or book a special fishing charter for your family. If you’d rather stay on dry land, you can set off on a tour from Trike Tours USA or Tour Now USA (this one lets you travel the area on a Segway!).
There’s nothing quite like spending a day in the sunshine at Tin City and then having a relaxing evening in one of our Naples rentals with pools. If you want to stay in the area for a bit longer to make sure you can visit all of the businesses in Tin City, consider one of our Naples monthly rentals or even an annual rental! Contact us today for more information!
