Living in Southwest Florida, we have a lot of famous people that live here, but you're most likely to spot a celebrity in 1 Florida city.
It wasn't all that long ago that I was talking to a friend to casually mentioned that he had done work on Cliff Williams' house in Fort Myers. That's Cliff Williams of AC/DC. Knowing that I'm a fan of all things rock and roll, I said "How could you not have told me before?!" His response: "I work on a lot of famous people's houses around town." Which got me thinking about all the celebrities that live around here, especially in Naples, there are a lot! But there's one Florida city where the likelihood to spot one is even higher.
1 Florida City You're Most Likely To Spot A Celebrity
When you think of cities like New York and Los Angeles, celebrities are everywhere. With that also comes the paparazzi, so celebs can rarely go unnoticed when there are cameras following them everywhere. But other cities like Chicago and Miami, they seem to be left alone a little bit more. Speaking of Miami, South Florida is home to a lot of celebrities from Pitbull to Jeff Bezos to new resident Sydney Sweeney. There's high end real estate, beautiful beaches, year-round warm weather and a great nightlife scene. What more do they need?
But it's not even in Miami that you're most likely to see a celebrity. However, the city that you are, IS on the east coast of Florida. BetUS did a recent study looking at celebrity sightings from January to May of this year and where they took place. Coming in at #10 in the world is Palm Beach, FL. In the U.S., Palm Beach got the #7 spot.
Who might you see there? While she doesn't live there, Martha Stewart has been known to frequent restaurant Le Bilboquet. Other celebrities you may spy in Palm Beach include Sylvester Stallone, Tommy Hilfiger, Dr. Oz, Billy Joel, Jon Bon Jovi, Rod Stewart and more.
To see the full list of cities you're most likely to spot a celebrity, click here
Living in Florida with the weather so nice the majority of the year, there's lots of time for fun in the sun and 8 Southwest Florida resorts offer day passes for locals.
One of things on my list when I moved to Fort Myers was that I needed to be close to the beach. Sure, affordability, a safe community, a pool, a decent size living space were on my list as well, but I wanted to be less than 10 minutes from the beach. I hit the jackpot with where I live that all those things were crossed off the list. For me, it's just the feeling of being on vacation, even when it's just a short drive away. And that's how I feel about going for a swim or just laying by the pool at a resort. Staying overnight isn't necessary when you have a home nearby to go back to, but the feeling of being a tourist in your own town can be a great time.
So how can you do that? Well, 8 Southwest Florida resorts offer day passes for locals.
Most hotels and resorts, you have to be a guest to be able to use amenities like the pool and spa. But there's a great website/app called Resort Pass that allows you to book a day at a resort without having to book a room. While prices do vary from weekdays to weekends, and different things are included at each, it's a great way to get out and enjoy some of the great local offerings whether you have family and friends coming into town, or to treat yourself to a day away from home.
And while I'll feature resorts here in Southwest Florida, you can search for resorts all over the world. I've had friends use it to book days in resorts on cruise stops in different ports in fact.
8 Southwest Florida Resorts Offer Day Passes For Locals
Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa
The Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa is a family-friendly resort perfect for those looking for some fun. They have 3 acres of pools, plus a lazy river and waterslides. There's also an adults-only pool and whirlpool. Day passes include use of the water attractions, poolside food and beverage service, towels, complimentary games, Wi-Fi and self-parking. Prices for adults start at $45.
Margaritaville Beach Resort Fort Myers Beach
If you've driven down on Fort Myers Beach, you know the pool at Margaritaville is THEE place to be. Day passes to the FINS UP Beach Club start at $65 for adults and include not only access to the pool, but also beach access including lounge chairs at both. You can also enjoy towel service, pool and beach food and beverage service, daily live music and free Wi-Fi. There's also a 20% discount on water sports activities and spa treatments with the purchase of a day pass.
Pink Shell Beach Resort and Marina
Pink Shell is a beautiful resort right on Fort Myers Beach. With a beautiful pool looking out on the Gulf, day passes allow access to 2 pools and a hot tub. Also beach access, including beach and pool lounge chairs, towel service, kids activities and nature tours, watersport and bike rentals, a fitness center, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Day passes for adults start at $30.
Luminary Hotel & Co., Autograph Collection
If you haven't been to downtown Fort Myers to check out the Luminary yet, what are you waiting for? It is an absolutely gorgeous property looking out on the River District. The pool offers great views of the Caloosahatchee River. Day passes start at $25 and include use of the pool and a lounge chair, towels, poolside food and beverage service, free Wi-Fi and free valet parking.
Vanderbilt Beach Resort
We all know that staying on the beach in Naples can get pricy, but this is a great way to enjoy the resort just for the day. While food and beverage service is not yet available from Hurricane Ian, there's still plenty to take advantage of. Day passes start at $65 and include access to the pool, beach access with complimentary chairs, towels and umbrellas, free Wi-Fi and free self-parking.
The Ritz-Carlton, Naples
If you're looking for full-on luxury, look no further than The Ritz-Carlton, Naples. With your family pool cabana that starts at $700, there's not much that's not included. You'll have sofa seating, cable TV, a stocked mini-fridge, chaise loungers, a fruit plate and a snack basket. Plus your very own poolside butler. Plus use of the family pool, lap pool and adults-only pool, private beach access, towels and free Wi-Fi and valet. Treat yourself!
The Ritz-Carlton Naples, TiburĂłn
In Naples, there's not one but 2 Ritz's and this option is great for families wanting a little more action. Here, you'll enjoy 3 waterslides, a lazy river and a splash and play area for kids. Day passes start at $135 and include all the water attractions, plus lounge chairs, poolside food and beverage service, complimentary Wi-Fi and parking. There also cabanas for up to 6 people starting at $1200, a Tequila Eclipse Dessert Experience, a Travel With Us Dining Experience and an Enamorarse Dining Experience for purchase.
Naples Grande Beach Resort
Another luxurious escape awaits you at the Naples Grande Beach Resort. This resort features an adults-only pool and hot tub, a family pool, a lap pool and a water slide. Day passes start at $95 and include access to all pool fun, plus pool and beach chairs, towels, poolside food and beverage service, free Wi-Fi and valet parking. There is spa pass available as well starting at $45 that includes access to a whirlpool, sauna, steam room, meditation lounge and a fitness center.