The Tin City Marketplace is a Naples, Florida shopping area located along the waterfront. The shopping center is built on a site that was once occupied by an early twentieth century clam shelling and oyster processing plant and the tin structures that house the shops and restaurants are indicative of the past. Tin City also touts a connection to Naples' rich maritime history and to the area that was once the center of the town's fishing industry.
Founded in the late 1970s, Tin City's buildings are renovations of original structures that sat at this location, made mostly of corrugated iron and wood. Originally dubbed The Old Marine Marketplace, the shopping area began with seven waterfront buildings that housed a handful of unique stores. Thirty years later, the shopping area has that same rustic maritime feel and continues to house one-of-a-kind boutique-style shops that peddle items visitors are not likely to find elsewhere.
About 35 air-conditioned shops are located at Tin City. All are local; no chain stores or franchises are located in this unique shopping district. All shopkeepers are also local business people and many of them either make what they sell or buy from other vendors in the area. The result is an interesting and eclectic selection of merchandise. Stores include men's and women's apparel shops, many of which offer nautical or beach-related clothing or handmade items; several tee shirt shops; jewelry stores offering unique locally-made pieces or unusual items from around the world; a plethora of gift shops that offer everything from perfumes and skin care products to wind chimes and candles; art galleries offering handcrafted works; and specialty food stores that feature cookies, fudge, saltwater taffy, and other all-time favorites.
A handful of restaurants and snack shops are also located at Naples' Tin City Waterfront Shops. Just like the shops, each of them is unique and offers either local specialties, like seafood, or delicacies from around the world.
The Naples Winery, a longtime tenant at Tin City, is a favorite with visitors. The winery is famous for its nearly three dozen award-winning tropical citrus and berry wines, available for tasting during a visit to the shop. They also carry a large selection of wine accessories as well as premiere cigars and humidors.
Near the rear of the Tin City Waterfront Shops, visitors can hop aboard a charter or tour boat and explore the area with the help of local guides who know the waterways and the town. Some trips offer the opportunity to view dolphins or Florida manatees (depending on the time of year) or enjoy the sunset from the deck. Others offer half-day fishing excursions.
Tin City is located at the intersection of the Tamiami Trail (Rt. 41) and Goodlette Road. Free parking is available.
