Route #23 Naples

This route runs through the city of Naples, on the southwest coast of Florida, an enclave that evolved from a small isolated settlement into one of the most exclusive residential and tourist destinations in the state. The route allows observation of the different stages of urban growth along the Gulf of Mexico coastline.

Naples was founded in the late nineteenth century with the intention of attracting wealthy visitors in search of a warm climate and a privileged natural environment. For decades, its development was shaped by limited access and reliance on maritime transportation, until the arrival of roads and bridges that improved its connection with the rest of the peninsula.

Along the route, residential areas, coastal spaces, and protected natural areas alternate, reflecting the delicate balance between environmental conservation and urban expansion. The route offers a clear view of how the original landscape was transformed to accommodate a city model oriented toward tourism and leisure.

The complete route and its historical context are part of Discovering Florida – Volume 1.