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.
BAREFOOT BEACH PRESERVE
WHERE IT IS // West end of Bonita Beach Road left at the light
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.
EASE OF PARKING // Good. Three parking areas ensure lots of places to park, and you can park along the road if the spots fill up. (Be sure to check for gopher tortoises under your car when you leave!) The fee is $8 per car; free with a Collier County beach parking sticker.
DELNOR-WIGGINS PASS
WHERE IT IS // West end of Immokalee Road in North Naples
WHY WE LOVE IT // There’s nothing like a barbecue on the beach, and Delnor-Wiggins is the place to go to do just that. Nab a charcoal grill in a tree-shaded picnic area (don’t worry —there are plenty of them!) and host your own toes-in-the- sand shindig.
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
WHERE IT IS // West end of Vanderbilt Beach Road in North 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 that handles a capacity of 375 cars. The fee is $8 per car; free with a Collier County beach parking sticker.
CLAM PASS
WHERE IT IS // West end of Pine Ridge Road in North Naples (adjacent to the Naples Grande)
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 $8 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
WHERE IT IS // The northern end of Naples Beach, at Banyan and Gulf Shore boulevards
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.
INSIDER’S SCOOP // A local yoga studio hosts yoga classes on the beach at Lowdermilk Park every Saturday from 9:30- 10:30 a.m., weather permitting. Classes are open to all levels, and reservations are not required. Participants are asked to bring a large towel, water and a suggested donation of $20 (half of which is donated to a local nonprofit organization every month).
EASE OF PARKING // Not good. Parking is metered at a rate of $1.25 for the first half hour, and 25 cents per six minutes (pay with coins or MasterCard or Visa) after that. Hourly parking is $2.50 per hour. Metered parking pay stations accept credit cards, debit cards and quarters only. Parking is free in designated areas with a Collier County beach parking sticker.
NAPLES PIER closed for now
WHERE IT IS // West end of 12th Avenue South in downtown Naples
WHY WE LOVE IT // Whether it’s for fishing, a game of sand volleyball or to glimpse a little bit of history, 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.
INSIDER’S SCOOP // The city of Naples provides a blanket fishing license for the Naples Pier, so everyone with a fishing rod is welcome. Dolphin-, bird- and people-watching are all popular, but by far the biggest draw are the spectacular Gulf of Mexico sunsets.
EASE OF PARKING // Fair. Parking is metered at 25 cents per six minutes or $2.50 per hour (minimum payment of $1.25; pay with coins or MasterCard or Visa); free in designated areas with a Collier County beach parking sticker. You can also opt to receive a text when your space is about to expire and extend your meter via your phone.
NAPLES BEACH
WHERE IT IS // Public access points at the west of end most downtown avenues, from Eighth Avenue North to 33rd Avenue South
WHY WE LOVE IT // Naples Pier is the focal point of Naples Beach, but the sand stretches for miles. There are public access points with limited parking at the west end of most downtown avenues. Beach admission is free.
EASE OF PARKING // Good; better earlier in the day. Parking is available within close walking distance and is metered at $0.25 per six minutes, or $2.50 per hour. A minimum payment of $1.25 is required. Metered parking pay stations accept credit cards, debit cards and quarters only.
SOUTH BEACH MARCO ISLAND
WHERE IT IS // South Collier Boulevard
EASE OF PARKING // Not so good; better when you arrive early in the day. Park in the lot across the street from the beach for $8 per car.
TIGERTAIL BEACH MARCO ISLAND
WHERE IT IS // The end of Hernando Drive
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 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. Because of this, guests are asked to be aware of seasonal postings designed to protect the nesting colonies and remember to practice good birding etiquette.
EASE OF PARKING // Good. Parking is $8 per car, or purchase an annual beach parking permit for $50 (available at Caxambas Park). There are 210 parking spaces available, including eight hourly parking spaces at $1.50 per hour.