The Naples Beach Guide

The beautiful beaches in Naples are one of its biggest attractions. But how do you know which to visit? With our Naples Beach Guide, you’ll get an insider’s scoop on what makes each of our beaches special, as well as Naples beach parking information to help you beach like a local.

Please note: Some beaches are still recovering from Hurricane Ian; we recommend checking their linked sites for updates before you plan your Naples beach day.


NAPLES BEACHES


Barefoot Beach Preserve (505 Barefoot Beach Blvd., Bonita Springs)
Why we love it: There’s lots of wildlife to be seen on this barrier island, including gopher tortoises, butterflies and a variety of birds. A mile-long shaded nature trail offers a respite from the sun—and the drive in offers eye candy in the form of magnificent beachfront homes.
FOLLOWING HURRICANE IAN, BAREFOOT BEACH PRESERVE IS CLOSED UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. CHECK UPDATES ON REOPENING HERE.

Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park (11135 Gulfshore Drive, Naples)
Insider’s scoop: Named No. 9 on the Top Ten USA Beaches list, this popular beach park is located on a 199-acre barrier island on the Gulf of Mexico and features more than a mile of unspoiled beach. Enjoy fishing, sunbathing, shelling, birding, picnicking, swimming, snorkeling and scuba diving on the natural hard-bottom reef just offshore. 
Ease of parking: Good. The fee is $6 per car for as long as you stay.

Vanderbilt Beach Park (100 Vanderbilt Beach Road, Naples)
Why we love it: Vanderbilt Beach Park is a popular North Naples beach close to area hotels, restaurants and shopping. Bird watching, shelling and stand-up paddleboarding are just some of the activities to be enjoyed at this popular white-sand beach. There is a coastal hammock and tropical vegetation within Vanderbilt County Park, which provides a home for native wildlife and nesting or migrating birds in the winter. 
Insider’s scoop: Vanderbilt is one of Naples’ most popular beaches, thanks to its prime North Naples location. Finding some sand to yourself can be hard to come by, particularly during season, but its walking-distance proximity to restaurants and bars makes it worth the crunch after a long day in the sunshine.
Ease of parking: Fair; better when you arrive early in the day. There’s metered parking or a parking garage. The fee is $10 per car; free with a Collier County beach parking sticker.

Clam Pass Park (465 Seagate Drive, Naples)
Why we love it: The trip to the beach is almost as enjoyable as the destination. A half-mile boardwalk winds through a mangrove forest and a tidal bay area teeming with marine life and birds. Walk it for an up-close view, or take the free golf cart trolley. Once on the beach, you’ll find restrooms, a beach bar with snacks and drinks, and plenty of rental options, including towels, chairs, umbrellas, aqua bikes, canoes and windsurfers.
Ease of parking: Good. The fee is $10 per car; free with a Collier County beach parking sticker. 171 public parking spaces are available. The metered parking spaces use credit card-friendly pay stations.

Lowdermilk Park (1301 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., Naples)
Why we love it: Picnics have never been better than at Lowdermilk, thanks to its picturesque landscaped park area with a beach view. Sand volleyball courts, two playgrounds, a duck pond, concession stand and restrooms with showers make it a great place for impromptu get-togethers with family of all ages.
Ease of parking: Fair; better when you arrive early in the day. Parking for beach access in the City of Naples requires the resident or visitor to have a beach parking permit or pay-by-space. This is enforced year round. Cost is $4 per hour; free in designated areas with a Collier County beach parking sticker. Accepts quarters, American Express, Discover, Visa and MasterCard.

Naples Pier (25 12th Ave. S., Naples)
Why we love it: The iconic Naples Pier is a must-see for visitors and locals alike. If you’re in the mood for a stroll, there are great views on both sides of the sand, thanks to impressive real estate on both north and south sides of the pier. Although the Naples Pier is only partially open following devastation from Hurricane Ian, it remains one of our favorite spots to soak in a signature Naples sunset all year long.
Ease of parking: Fair. Parking for beach access in the City of Naples requires the resident or visitor to have a beach parking permit or pay-by-space. This is enforced year round. Cost is $4 per hour; free in designated areas with a Collier County beach parking sticker. Accepts quarters, Visa, MasterCard, Discover Card or American Express.
CHECK UPDATES ON REOPENING HERE.


MARCO ISLAND BEACHES


South Beach (930 S. Collier Blvd., Marco Island)
Why we love it: Slightly less busy than Tigertail Beach, South Beach is also easier to access, with parking a short walk across South Collier Boulevard.
Ease of parking: Fair; better when you arrive early in the day. All-day cost is $10 per vehicle; free in designated areas with a Collier County beach parking sticker. The metered parking spaces use credit card-friendly pay stations.

Tigertail Beach (480 Hernando Drive, Marco Island)
Why we love it: Tigertail is known for its shells, so if shelling is your thing, this is the place to be. You’ll likely see lots of birds, butterflies and other wildlife, but be prepared for a bit of a walk/wade (about a half-mile) to get to the beach.
Insider’s scoop: This barrier island comprises 32 acres of one of the world’s most important habitats for wintering and nesting shorebirds. In fact, it’s listed in the Great Florida Birding Trail Guide as one of the best all-around birding locations in Southwest Florida and has its own two-level observation tower.
Ease of parking: Fair; better when you arrive early in the day. All-day cost is $10 per vehicle; free in designated areas with a Collier County beach parking sticker. The metered parking spaces use credit card-friendly pay stations.


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