Are you looking to buy your first home?
Or are you looking for somewhere you can spread out a bit and enjoy Florida’s natural landscapes? Golden Gate Estates is one of Naples’ fastest-growing areas, and the place you’re likely to get the most bang-for-your-buck in terms of acreage.
If creating your perfect homestead is a higher priority than instant beach access, you’ll love Golden Gate Estates.
Build Your Oasis
Golden Gate Estates is one of the most reasonably-priced areas on the Paradise Coast. Existing homes tend to be less than 15 years old, and there is still plenty of land for new construction. If you want to design your ideal home from the ground-up, you can’t beat the prices in GGE.
This is a fantastic area to buy one’s first property; your dollar goes far, you won’t have to pay monthly HOA fees, and you can start building equity rather than paying rent. It’s the perfect spot for people who like nature, privacy, and space but want to be reasonably close to the beach, dining, and entertainment.
Golden Gate Estates sits further inland than other communities in the Naples metro area. It does take longer to get to the beach (roughly 20 to 30 minutes), but residents have more privacy and more room than their in-town neighbors.
If you’re looking to relocate from the hustle and bustle of city living and create an outdoor retreat, you’ll love the freedom and space GGE affords. Here, you can enjoy the beautiful, peaceful, green spaces of Naples without your neighbors sitting right on top of you.
Self-Sustaining and Private
GGE is a terrific choice for would-be homesteaders. Much of the land is undeveloped and adding a structure (like a barn) is generally permitted. There is an opportunity to create a self-sustaining estate that does not exist within the Naples city limits. Most lots in Golden Gate Estates are 2 to 2.5 acres, with the smallest at 1.14 acres. No matter where you are, there will be space between you and your neighbors. There is also plenty of room for animals to run around – dogs, horses, even chickens!
Golden Gate Estates also provides a homeowner the freedom from the rules and regulations of an HOA. This is great, in particular, for homeowners that want to keep their fishing boats, RVs, or ATVs right on their land, instead of paying to store them close by.
The Great Outdoors Awaits You
The long-planned Big Corkscrew Island Regional Park is currently under construction. This 150-acre park will feature a community center, aquatic center, an event lawn, 6 multipurpose athletic fields, a playground, and basketball, tennis, and pickleball courts.
Neighboring GGE and is Big Cypress National Preserve. This vast, freshwater swamp is over 729,000 acres, and home to unique plants and wildlife. Big Cypress was the United States’ first national preserve, established on October 11, 1974. Many recreational activities are allowed with a permit, including hunting, hiking, fishing, canoeing, and the use of off-road vehicles.
To the south is Everglades City, and the closest entrance to the Everglades from Naples. You’ll also find Wooten’s Animal Sanctuary & Alligator Park. This attraction features over 100 alligators of varying sizes, 2 tigers, 2 lions, and a live alligator show.
Dining and Entertainment
More and more restaurants are opening on the borders of this peaceful part of town.
Cracklin’ Jacks serves traditional southern “vittles” like country fried steak alongside fresh-caught seafood.
The Warehouse is a family-run venture offering unique cocktails like the Bourbon Cucumber Martini and Tonic on Thyme. Their dining specialties include 6 variants of homemade ravioli, including lobster thermidor and chicken enchilada.
L’Appetito is a local restaurant with two sites – North Naples and GGE. While this spot labels itself a pizzeria, they have a full menu of Italian favorites.
The Panther Run Golf Club’s Rusty Putter is just north of GGE in Ave Maria. This new restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner between the 9th and 18th holes.
Make the Move To Golden Gate Estates
Buying a home for the first time can be a little scary, but that’s okay. Naples Relocation Experts will take you step by step through the process, and we will make it as easy as possible. You can hardly go wrong in the fast-growing community of Golden Gate Estates.
Talk to a Relocation Expert
Call us to get started!
Breakfast
Mel’s Diner
Mel’s is a beloved local chain. Their nostalgia-driven décor is a throwback to the 1950s. The smoked kielbasa scramble is a menu highlight – along with their biscuits and (award-winning) gravy.
The R’s Diner
Omelets, French toast, Belgian waffles and huevos rancheros are just a few of the delicious dishes on offer here. The menu is varied, including five variations of eggs Benedict. And portions are generous. This is the second outpost of R’s Diner, but there’s nothing little about the baby of this restaurant family.
Lunch
Hibachi of Japan II
GGE’s premiere Japanese restaurant. This sushi spot is known for delicious rolls and generous portions. Hiibachi entrees and noodle bowls will please everyone in your party.
L’Appetito
This family-owned restaurant has been a Naples favorite for ten years. Its two locations, in North Naples and GGE, are community favorites. While this spot bills itself as a pizzeria, they have a full menu of Italian favorites. You can also hire them to cater your next function.
World Bakery
For traditional Cuban fare, you can’t beat this authentic café. This cafeteria-style restaurant serves empanadas, ropa vieja, batidos, and more. Don’t forget to grab dessert from their pastry case!
Dinner
Cracklin’ Jacks
Come try “A taste of the Everglades!” This unfussy, down-home restaurant serves traditional southern “vittles,” like country fried steak, alongside fresh-caught seafood. Make sure you try Florida delicacies like fried frog legs and gator tail!
Inca’s Kitchen
The flavors and ambience of Peru come alive at this energetic eatery. With live music on Mondays and Fridays, a late-night DJ on Saturdays, and a Taste of Peru buffet on Sundays, Inca’s Kitchen is more than a restaurant – it’s a community hotspot.
The Rusty Putter
The Panther Run Golf Club is just north of Golden Gate Estates in the community of Ave Maria. The Rusty Putter is their new restaurant, which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner between the 9th and 18th holes.
Senor Tequila’s Fine Mexican Grill
Just east of Golden Gate Estates is the similarly-named neighborhood of Golden Gate. Senor Tequila’s Golden Gate location serves authentic Mexican dishes alongside Tex-Mex favorites. Prices are reasonable and the service is impeccable.
The Warehouse
The Warehouse is a family-run venture. Their dining specialties include 6 variants of homemade ravioli, including lobster thermidor and chicken enchilada. They also offer a wide variety of unique cocktails like the Bourbon Cucumber Martini and Tonic on Thyme.
Big Corkscrew Island Regional Park
This long-planned park is currently under construction. This 150-acre park will feature a community center, aquatic center, an event lawn, 6 multipurpose athletic fields, a playground, and basketball, tennis and pickleball courts.
Big Cypress National Preserve
This vast, freshwater swamp is over 729,000 acres, and home to unique plants and wildlife. Big Cypress was the United States’ first national preserve, established on October 11, 1974. Many recreational activities are allowed with a permit, including hunting, hiking, fishing, canoeing, and the use of off-road vehicles.
Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
To the north of GGE is the undisturbed wilderness of the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. This incredible landscape has unique vegetation like the Super Ghost Orchid – a remarkable flower that defies the usual pattern of an orchid’s bloom cycle. Generally, ghost orchids bloom in June and July; Corkscrew’s Super Ghost has bloomed every month of the year, and in 2019 the blooms lasted for 93 consecutive days. Southwest Florida is an ecosystem unlike any other in the United States – don’t come to Naples without exploring it.
The Everglades
A must for outdoor enthusiasts is a visit to the Everglades, one of America’s most unique landscapes. These 1.5 million acres of wetland are a World Heritage Site, International Biosphere Reserve, a Wetland of International Importance, and a specially protected area under the Cartagena Treaty. There are three entrances to this nature preserve, which are not connected. The Gulf Coast Visitor Center is approximately an hour from Golden Gate Estates.
Shy Wolf Sanctuary
Shy Wolf Sanctuary was created for exotic animals that are unable to be released back into the wild. Over 60 animals have permanent homes at Shy Wolf Sanctuary, including wolves, wolfdogs, dingoes, coyotes, bobcats, gopher tortoises, and raccoons. Their education center has been teaching Southwest Floridians about exotic animals for over 20 years.
Valencia Golf and Country Club
The course at Valencia Golf Club was renovated in 2018, and the new grounds are stunning. The fairways have been completely resodded with Celebration Bermuda grass, and the course was redesigned by Drew Rogers. If you want to get in some practice swings, there is a driving range and practice facility.
Wooten’s Animal Sanctuary & Alligator Park
This attraction gives you firsthand experience with incredible wildlife. Wooten’s is home to over 100 alligators of varying sizes, 2 tigers, 2 lions, otters and turtles. There are hourly live alligator shows, plus swamp buggy and airboat tours.
Bass Online Guided Fishing Tours
The Golden Gate canal system is a fantastic place for freshwater fishing. There are many lakes in the Naples metro area, but many of them were manmade, and don’t have the same variety of fish as natural waterways. The captains of Bass Online will meet you in a spot that is convenient for you and take you on a guided trip through the wild canals of Golden Gate Estates.
Lazy Springs
This recreation space is about an hour from GGE, but it’s worth the drive. If you can imagine it, you can do it here: swimming, fishing, waterskiing, wave running, motocross and four-wheeling are all on the menu. Zip lines and swings hang over swimming holes so you can make a big splash. And while you’re here, take a dive in the mud pits! Don’t feel pressured to visit on a sunny day – half the fun is getting messy!
January
Naples Winter Wine Festival
This event was named one of the top 10 arts and entertainment events for wealthy Americans by the Luxury Institute. This lavish event is a fundraiser for the Naples Children & Education Foundation. Their aim is to improve the lives of Collier County’s underprivileged children, specifically through funding the gap in pediatric oral health, medical intervention, early childhood education, social welfare, and after-school programs. Come to the Festival and enjoy amazing wine and gourmet food for a good cause.
March
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The 45th Naples St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be on Saturday, March 13, 2021. This parade began as an informal event, led by Naples residents. Now, the annual event draws over 40,000 participants and spectators.
April
Minto US OPEN Pickleball Championships
Pickeball is a Naples favorite. The 5th annual event was postponed due to COVID-19. But plans are already underway for 2021’s triumphant return. Over 2,600 competitors and 13,000 spectators are expected to attend.
July
Fourth of July Fireworks
This annual show takes place on Naples’ most recognizable landmark: the Naples Pier. Spectators sit on lawn chairs along Naples Beach to take in the display. In fact, you can see the fireworks from just about any spot in downtown Naples.
Independence Day Parade
The Naples 4th of July parade is a boisterous affair, lasting over two hours from beginning to end. The route travels across Broad Avenue South, Third Street South, 5th Avenue South, and 8th Street South, passing City Hall.
October
Artcrafters Fine Art & Craft Show
From October through April each year, ArtCrafters hosts monthly art shows in Cambier and Fleischmann Parks. Presenting artists are chosen by a panel of judges, and featured mediums include painting, pen and ink, pastels, photography, jewelry, sculptures, and textiles.
Brew Ha-Ha Craft Beer Festival
Mercato Shops in North Naples hosts this festival featuring over 60 craft beers. Participating breweries include SweetWater, Wicked Weed, Motorworks, 3 Daughters, and many more. Proceeds from this event go to the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southwest Florida.
Stone Crab Festival
Tin City’s premiere event is a celebration of Florida’s native stone crab, as well as other incredible regional seafood. Live music and plentiful food make this a can’t-miss event!
Swamp Buggy Races
Golden Gate Estates is the home of the Swamp Buggy Races. For over 70 years, this annual event has drawn crowds from all over Florida. The “swamp buggy” is an all-terrain vehicle that was first invented to traverse Southern Florida’s challenging landscape. Informal races eventually grew into a time-honored tradition that spans two centuries.
December
Christmas Boat Parade
This festive display travels along Naples Bay, spreading holiday cheer in its wake. Grab a waterfront seat anywhere along the route to take in this tradition. Some of the prime places to view the parade are Landings and Bayview Parks, the Naples City Dock, Tin City, Kelly's Fish House, and The Boat House Restaurant.
