Explore the real-world places that appear in Untamed by Glennon Doyle. Each location on the map shows what happens there in the novel, the real history of the place, and what's there today. Featured locations include Naples Beach, Naples Pier, US Women's National Team Training Facility, Fifth Avenue South, Naples Botanical Garden and 3 more.
Gulf Shore Boulevard — Morning runs and reflection
Glennon describes her transformative morning runs along Naples Beach, where she processes her evolving identity and relationship with Abby. These solitary moments on the sand become crucial to her understanding of what it means to live 'untamed' and authentic to herself.
Naples Beach has been a destination since the 1880s when wealthy northerners began wintering here. The white sand beaches and Gulf of Mexico waters made it a prime resort location.
Naples Beach remains one of Florida's most pristine and upscale beach destinations, popular for morning joggers and sunset watchers. The area features luxury resorts and public beach access.
Visit: Naples Beach Public Access (park)
12th Avenue South — Family moments and contemplation
The Naples Pier serves as a backdrop for family outings with her children and quiet moments of contemplation. Glennon reflects on her changing family structure and the courage required to pursue authentic love while walking this iconic structure.
The Naples Pier was first built in 1888 and has been rebuilt several times due to hurricane damage. It has long served as both a fishing pier and tourist attraction.
The 1,000-foot pier is a popular fishing and sightseeing destination, offering Gulf views and frequent dolphin sightings. It's free to walk and open daily.
Visit: Naples Pier (landmark)
Soccer complex where Abby trained
Glennon describes watching Abby Wambach train at various soccer facilities, including camps in the Naples area. These moments of witnessing Abby's athletic prowess and dedication help Glennon understand the fierce determination that attracted her to the soccer star.
Naples has hosted various elite soccer training camps and facilities due to its year-round favorable weather and quality sports infrastructure developed since the 1990s.
The Naples area continues to host elite soccer training facilities and youth camps, taking advantage of the subtropical climate ideal for year-round training.
Downtown Naples shopping district — Family outings
Glennon describes shopping trips and family meals along Fifth Avenue South as part of her attempts to maintain normalcy during her personal transformation. These public spaces become settings where she grapples with presenting her authentic self to the community.
Fifth Avenue South was developed as Naples' main commercial district in the 1960s, designed to capture the charm of a small-town main street with upscale shopping and dining.
Fifth Avenue South remains Naples' premier shopping and dining destination, featuring boutiques, galleries, and restaurants in a walkable outdoor setting.
Visit: Fifth Avenue South (landmark)
4820 Bayshore Drive — Moments of natural beauty and peace
The botanical garden provides a sanctuary for Glennon during her journey of self-discovery. She describes walking through the themed gardens as she processes her feelings about authenticity, love, and the courage required to live according to her true nature.
Naples Botanical Garden was established in 1993 and has grown to become a 170-acre preserve featuring plants from around the world, designed to showcase both native Florida flora and international garden styles.
The garden features themed sections including Asian, Brazilian, and Florida native plant collections, along with art installations and educational programs for visitors of all ages.
Visit: Naples Botanical Garden (park)
11135 Gulfshore Drive — Natural refuge
Glennon finds solace in the natural beauty of this state park, using the pristine environment to reflect on her journey toward authenticity. The untouched nature serves as a metaphor for her own 'untaming' process.
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park was established in 1984 to preserve one of the last undeveloped barrier island beaches in the Naples area, protecting native wildlife habitats.
The park offers pristine beaches, nature trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities, consistently ranked among Florida's top beaches for its natural beauty and clear waters.
Visit: Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park (park)
Historic Naples shopping district
Glennon describes navigating social situations in Naples' upscale Third Street area, where she encounters the expectations and judgments of the community as she begins living more authentically and openly about her relationship with Abby.
Third Street South was part of Naples' original downtown core, developed in the 1920s during the Florida land boom and later restored in the 1980s as an upscale shopping and dining district.
Third Street South features high-end boutiques, art galleries, and restaurants in historic buildings, maintaining its reputation as one of Naples' most prestigious shopping areas.
Visit: Third Street South (landmark)
350 7th Street North — Health and healing
The hospital represents the medical establishment that Glennon critiques in her journey toward holistic wellness and authentic living. She describes her evolving relationship with traditional healthcare as part of her broader awakening.
Naples Community Hospital was founded in 1956 and has grown to become Southwest Florida's largest healthcare system, serving the affluent Naples community.
NCH Healthcare System continues to be a major medical center serving Naples and surrounding areas, with multiple campuses and specialized services.
More by Glennon Doyle: All Glennon Doyle books