Ave Maria, Florida — life in the Town with a heart.
A planned college town in eastern Collier County built around the Oratory of Ave Maria, Ave Maria University, and a walkable Town Center. This is where Ave Rides lives, drives, and knows every corner.
Sunday Mass at the Oratory, then brunch on La Piazza.
Start at the 10 AM High Mass under the Oratory's soaring ribs — the choir alone is worth the trip. Walk out into Annunciation Circle, grab espresso at The Bean, then pick a patio table at Oasis or Pulcinella. It's the rhythm every Ave Maria resident swears by.
Known for
The Oratory of Ave Maria, Ave Maria University, La Piazza Town Center cafes, golf-cart-friendly streets, and one of the fastest-growing small towns in Florida.
Why visit
Sunday Mass at the Oratory is unforgettable. The Town Center is walkable, family-friendly, and packed with cafes, shops, and weekend events. Bring (or rent) a golf cart and explore at Ave Maria's pace.
Top attractions
The architectural centerpiece of town — open daily for Mass, adoration, and quiet visits.
The walkable heart of Town Center, ringed by cafes, restaurants, and shops.
Public speaker series, NAIA athletics, and a beautiful campus to walk.
An 18-hole Gordon Lewis course right at the edge of town.
Resident & guest passes available — perfect for hot Florida afternoons.
Trails, playgrounds, and pickleball courts steps from the Town Center.
Where locals eat
Restaurants our drivers actually recommend.
Local coffeehouse and town gathering spot — start your morning here.
Wood-fired pizza and full Italian menu on La Piazza.
Breakfast all day, sandwiches, and Mediterranean classics.
Quick smoothies, wraps, and bowls — Town Center location.
Casual New-York-style slices, salads, and family dinners.
Sub shop, bakery, and the easiest dinner you'll cook all week.
Hour-by-hour, the way we'd plan it.
- 18:30 AM
Coffee at The Bean, breakfast sandwich to go.
- 210:00 AM
Mass at the Oratory or a quiet walk through AMU's campus.
- 312:00 PM
Lunch on La Piazza — Pulcinella for pizza, Oasis for Mediterranean.
- 42:00 PM
Pool day at the Ave Maria Water Park or 9 holes at Del Webb.
- 55:00 PM
Golden-hour golf-cart loop around North Park and Annunciation Circle.
- 67:00 PM
Dinner at Pizza Cucina, then gelato and a Town Center concert (in season).
Getting here from Ave Maria
Ave Maria local rides start at $15. Golf carts and electric scooters are the easiest way to move around town — Ave Rides rents both. For airport runs, lock in flat-rate pricing the moment your flight is booked.
Local Pro Tips
- Sunday morning fills up fast at The Bean — order ahead if you're heading to 10 AM Mass.
- Town Center events (Tree Lighting, Concerts on the Lawn) post on the Ave Maria Master Association calendar — bookmark it.
- Golf carts are street-legal in town but need a current registration sticker — Ave Rides rentals are already covered.
- Park of Commerce (Publix plaza) has the best gas prices in town and a 24-hour pharmacy.
- If you're new, the AMU Athletics calendar is the easiest way to find free things to do on weekends.
Frequently asked questions.
Is Ave Maria walkable?
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Town Center absolutely is — restaurants, cafes, the Oratory, and the parks are all within a 5-minute walk. Most residents use a golf cart for everything beyond that.
How do I get to the airport from Ave Maria?
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Ave Rides offers flat-rate airport runs to every major Florida airport — RSW is $90, MIA $160, Tampa $300, and Orlando $400. Book online or call 703-307-7781.
Can I rent a golf cart in Ave Maria?
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Yes — Ave Rides offers daily and weekly golf cart and electric scooter rentals delivered right to your door. See /golf-cart-rentals-ave-maria.
What's there to do on weekends?
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Town Center events, AMU sporting events, Oratory concerts, Del Webb golf, the water park, and easy day trips to Naples beaches or Marco Island.
Need a ride to or from Ave Maria?
Flat-rate pricing. Local drivers. Book in seconds.