A Travel Price Comparison for Florida Jacksonville vs. Naples for Beaches, Attractions, Food, and Nightlife

Should you visit Jacksonville or Naples?

Which is cheaper to visit? Which is more expensive for vacation?

Which city should you visit? Read on to compare the activities as well as the prices of travel for Jacksonville and Naples. We'll break down costs for accommodation, food, transportation and more to help you learn more about these two destinations. Then, you can figure out if either of these two places are accessible based on your travel budget, schedule, and interests. So, let's dig into it.

Jacksonville

Jacksonville is a lively, youthful, and fun city. Because this is such a big city, visitors will find many sights and attractions around town. It's also popular because of the nightlife, food, and beaches.

Naples

Naples is a nature-filled, relaxing, and peaceful beach town. It offers plenty of beauty for visitors. It's also popular because of the shopping, museums, and nightlife.

Jacksonville and Naples: Pros and Cons

Is there more to do in Jacksonville or Naples?

Travelers will usually find more to do in Jacksonville. Although Jacksonville and Naples are popular destinations, Jacksonville has more sights and attractions for tourists. Jacksonville is very popular for its museums, nightlife, shopping, and big city activities, while Naples attracts visitors for its resorts, scuba diving & snorkeling, beaches, hiking, and impressive beauty. Naples is more touristy than Jacksonville and is known for its white sand, blue water, water sports, and golf resorts. Jacksonville is famous for its beautiful beaches and lively downtown area. It is also well known for Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens.

How is Jacksonville different from Naples?

Which is Better for a Holiday?

Let's take a look at the differences and similarities between Naples and Jacksonville. Then, you can decide for yourself which place is better for your next trip.

Are the Museums and Historical Sights Better in Jacksonville or Naples?

Jacksonville is an excellent place to visit for its museums and history. Also, Naples is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its museums and landmarks.

You'll find a good number of museums and monuments packed into Jacksonville. The city has a number of museums that range from art museums to science or kid-friendly museums. Some favorites are the Museum of Science and History, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the Mandarin Museum and Historical Society, and Kingsley Plantation.

Naples is a good place to visit if you're interested in museums or other recognizable sights. While most visitors spend most of their time at the beach, on a rainy day you can check out the town's art museums, history museums, or local spots such as the Palm Cottage.

Is the Food Better in Jacksonville or Naples? Which Destination has the Best Restaurants?

There are opportunities to sample the local cuisine at very good restaurants in both Jacksonville and Naples.

Jacksonville has a number of nationally recognized food spots and restaurants. Local cuisine has its own identity. Unique dishes around town include garlic crabs, seafood boil, gumbo, and shrimp and grits. The local cuisine is similar to Lowcountry dishes with a lot of Cajun influence. If you want something different from seafood, you should try the barbecue.

With its innovative style combined with traditional elements, Naples makes for a great culinary experience. Seafood is a favorite around town, but you'll also find plenty of Italian food. Everything from casual to fine dining is available with many local favorites to choose from.

Is Jacksonville or Naples Better for Nightlife?

Jacksonville is an excellent place to visit for its evening party scene. Also, Naples is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for nightlife.

Jacksonville has a lively atmosphere and nightlife is popular here. The young population brings out the nightlife scene. There's a great concentration of bars and clubs in the area known as The Elbow, which is at the intersection of N. Ocean and E. Bay Street. You'll find plenty of cocktail bars, lounges, and clubs around town that make for a fun night out.

Naples has an active nightlife scene for those who seek it out. There are live music venues, cocktail bars, and dance clubs around town.

Is Jacksonville or Naples Better for Resorts?

Naples is an excellent place to visit for its luxury resorts. However, Jacksonville is not a resort destination.

There are plenty of resorts in Naples to choose from. There are luxury resorts, family-friendly hotels, and a range of prices to choose from. Most have pools and many have oceanfront views with golf facilities available. Many of the major brands such as Marriott are found here.

Jacksonville is not a resort destination.

Is Jacksonville or Naples Better for Scuba Diving and Snorkeling?

Naples is a good destination for snorkeling and scuba diving. However, Jacksonville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Grab a mask and fins and explore the underwater scenery in Naples. Snorkeling and scuba diving are both available in the area, in part because of the impressive artificial reefs that have been constructed. Snorkeling is available at Tigertail Beach, Clam Pass, and Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park.

Jacksonville is not a scuba or snorkeling destination.

Is Jacksonville or Naples Better for Beaches?

Naples is renowned for the beach. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its beaches.

Naples offers stunning beaches that attract visitors from around the world. White sand beaches and calm Gulf waters make this an ideal beach destination. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is a favorite beach spot in the area, but you should also check out Naples Municipal Beach which is where you'll find the Naples Pier. If you want a more natural setting, head to Barefoot Beach Preserve County Park.

Jacksonville is considered a top beach destination. There are a number of beaches that are just a short distance from the city. Some have a historic vibe while others are more lively. Atlantic Beach is about a half hour drive from the city. For a laid back vibe head to Neptune Beach and the most popular beach in the area is Jacksonville Beach.

Is Jacksonville or Naples Better for Hiking?

Naples is a good destination for its hiking trails. However, Jacksonville is not a hiking destination.

Naples offers some nice hiking trails. The area is filled with state parks and nature reserves where you can explore and enjoy a scenic hike. There are also greenways and coastal paths nearby.

Jacksonville is not a hiking destination.

Is the Shopping Better in Jacksonville or Naples?

Jacksonville is an excellent place to visit for its shopping areas. Also, Naples is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for shopping.

Many visitors explore the shopping areas in Jacksonville. There are countless malls and shopping districts around town. Some of the best shopping is found at St. John's Center, Five Points, and Avondale.

Naples is a great destination for shopping. You'll find shopping centers, outlet malls, and plenty of retail space around town. Some of the favorite shopping spots are the Mercato, Coastland Center, and Waterside Shops. For souvenirs and beach items head to Tin City Waterfront Shops.

Is Jacksonville or Naples Better for Families?

Naples is an excellent place to visit for its kid-friendly activities. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for its family-friendly activities.

You'll find plenty of family-friendly things to do in Naples. You'll find relaxing beaches, nice parks, plenty of playgrounds, and even the Golisano Childrens Museum for rainy days. There are also nature centers with great walks as well as gardens and wildlife viewpoints.

You'll find plenty of kid-friendly things to do in Jacksonville. It's filled with adventure parks, zoos, animal farms, nature centers, and gardens. Adults will have as much fun as kids exploring the city and all of its family-friendly attractions.

Is Jacksonville or Naples Better for Couples?

Naples is an excellent place to visit for couples. Also, Jacksonville is not quite as popular, but is fairly good for romance.

Naples makes for a fun place to visit for a couple. Beautiful beaches and relaxing spas make this a favorite couples destination. Golf, high end restaurants and plenty of romantic activities will ensure you have the anniversary trip or honeymoon to remember.

Jacksonville is a nice destination for couples. It's a young city that's near nature and has plenty of adventurous activities. There's sailing, botanical gardens, restaurants, and plenty of bars around town.

Is Jacksonville or Naples Better for Backpackers and Budget Travelers?

Jacksonville and Naples are both nice destinations for backpackers.

Plenty of backpackers visit Jacksonville. There are a few hostels in town as well as affordable motels. The city has a young population with plenty to do. Although it's often overlooked by tourists, there's a surprising and underrated appeal to the backpacker crowd.

Plenty of budget travelers visit Naples. There's a hostel or two in the area as well as cheaper accommodation than other parts of Florida.

Is Jacksonville or Naples Better for Students?

Jacksonville is a city with good options for its student-friendly activities. However, Naples is not popular with students.

Plenty of students visit Jacksonville. There are a few colleges and universities in town. The city's population is also very young, making it a great place to study.

Naples is not popular with students.

Is Jacksonville or Naples Better for Public Transit? Which Is Easier to Get Around Without a Car?

Jacksonville is a city with good options for times when you don't have a car. However, Naples is lacking in options for its public transit.

Jacksonville has some public transit options. The public transportation system includes trolleys, the Skyway, buses, water taxis, and the ferry.

Public transit is generally limited in Naples. There's a trolley system as well as a public bus system.

Is Jacksonville or Naples a more walkable city?

Jacksonville and Naples are nice when it comes to walkability.

Jacksonville is a somewhat walkable city. Downtown Jacksonville is the most walkable part of the city.

Naples is somewhat walkable. The downtown area is relatively walkable, but to fully explore the region you'll need your own car.

For even more information, also check out Is Jacksonville Worth Visiting? and Is Naples Worth Visiting?.

Should I spend more time in Naples or Jacksonville?

How long in Jacksonville or Naples?

In either Jacksonville or Naples, you'll find plenty of activities to fill your time. Most visitors tend to spend more time in Naples than Jacksonville because of the overall number of sights and activities. Usually, 2-3 days is a good amount of time for Jacksonville, and 2-5 days is enough time in Naples.

Families should spend more time in Naples than Jacksonville. Because of the many family-friendly attractions and fun things to do for kids in Naples, it's a great place to visit with the whole family.

Couples should spend more time in Naples than Jacksonville. You'll find plenty of romantic sights and fun activities in Naples that are perfect for a weekend getaway or a longer couple's trip.

Backpackers and budget travelers should spend more time in Jacksonville than Naples if your budget allows for it. With a larger number of budget-friendly sights, good nightlife, and active things to do, anyone traveling on a budget would have a good time in Jacksonville.

One day in Jacksonville or Naples?

Many travelers enjoy the museums and nightlife when visiting the destination of Jacksonville. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. But since there are so many activities, you'll likely want to spend more than one day exploring.

In Naples, many people enjoy the shopping and museums that this relaxing beach town offers. It's a great spot for a beach vacation. The length of your ideal trip is an individual decision. With so much to do, one day is probably not enough time to see everything.

A weekend in Jacksonville or Naples?

Jacksonville is a great place to explore. It is common to spend a weekend here. With all of its activities, you can easily fill a weekend here. Your budget might influence how long you stay.

Naples is a fun place to experience. People often spend their time relaxing at one of the resorts. If you have a weekend, this is a great place to go. It will give you the chance to have new experiences. Lots of people come for the beaches. So, a weekend is just the right amount of time to spend here.

Five days in Jacksonville or Naples?

It's hard to know how much time to spend in Jacksonville. Most people come for the beaches. Five days may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. It has many unique tourist attractions and fascinating things to do.

In Naples, many people enjoy the nightlife and food that this nature-filled destination offers. Most people come for the beaches. Take your pick from the many activities offered here. Plenty of people spend five days in the area when traveling. Lots of people come for the beaches. So, five days is just the right amount of time to spend here.

A week in Jacksonville or Naples?

Travelers enjoy the shopping and museums when visiting the fun destination of Jacksonville. This city offers a variety of activities to choose from. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. Most people find that one week is more than enough time to see everything.

Naples is a popular place to visit. Many visitors spend time at the beach while visiting the area. One week may feel like too much time unless you plan to do a lot of relaxing. The entire region has so many activities, and you'll want time to do everything.

For some great organized tour ideas, see The Best Polar Tours & Cruises in United States of America, The Best Walking Tours in United States of America, The Best Tours Under $1000 in United States of America, and The Best Luxury Tours to United States of America.

When comparing the travel costs between Jacksonville and Naples, we can see that Naples is more expensive. However, the two cities are actually relatively comparable in price, as the difference is somewhat minimal. Generally, this means that you could travel with generally the same travel style and level of luxury in each place. Since both cities are in North America, it's no surprise that their costs are relatively close, as many destinations here have somewhat similar travel prices overall.

If you're trying to decide if either of these two destinations are within your price range, also see Is Jacksonville Expensive? and Is Naples Expensive?.

Which is Bigger, Jacksonville or Naples?

Jacksonville has a larger population, and is about 40 times larger than the population of Naples. When comparing the sizes of Jacksonville and Naples, keep in mind that a larger population does not always imply the destination has more attractions or better activities. So, always research the type of place that you want to visit along with the activities and attractions that interest you.