Naples, Florida is known for many things, but the City on the Gulf’s claim to fame is its exquisite white sand beaches. Here is our guide to the best Naples beaches. Whether you’re looking for a historic pier, a popular destination loved by visitors and locals, or somewhere more secluded, this guide of the top Naples beaches can help you find the perfect one for you.
The 6 Best Beaches in Naples, Florida:
- Barefoot Beach Preserve
- Clam Pass Beach Park
- Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
- Lowdermilk Beach Park
- Naples Pier Beach
- Vanderbilt Beach
What is the Best Beach in Naples, Florida?
All of the beaches in Naples offer something different. We couldn’t possibly choose just one favorite! From North Naples to downtown Naples near Fifth Avenue and Third Street South, we’ll tell you about all of Naples’ best beaches.
Barefoot Beach Preserve
This is the northernmost Naples beach. It’s worth a drive if you’re staying further south. Barefoot Beach Preserve consists of 342 acres of pristine, untouched natural land. Sanibel and Captiva Islands are the better-known barrier islands on this coast, but Barefoot Beach is also one of the last undeveloped barrier islands on the Gulf Coast.
It has all of the amenities you’ll need for a perfect beach day:
- Restrooms
- Concessions area to rent beach equipment and purchase food and drinks
- Pavilion on site for picnics and nature programs
- Handicapped beach wheelchairs also available
Located off Bonita Beach Road, the drive up to the beach is nice. You’ll pass through a neighborhood with beautiful, colorful mansions. Dream about living in the Sunshine State on your way to this somewhat off the beaten path option. You’ll want to come back again and again!
Clam Pass Beach Park
Clam Pass Beach Park is a favorite among locals and visitors. Beachgoers love the boardwalk that takes you through a mangrove forest up to the beach. It’s also one of the only beaches that has a restaurant on the beach, at the end of the boardwalk. It overlooks the Gulf of Mexico, and it’s not a bad way to spend an afternoon.
For getting to the beach, you have two options. You can either catch a tram or ride with other people or you and your crew can walk the three-quarter miles to the beach. Whether you ride the tram or walk, the views along the shaded boardwalk are relaxing and rejuvenating. Passing through a mangrove forest and tidal basin is a great way to get ready for a relaxing day at the beach. You’ll probably see a handful of birds and butterflies, too.
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
Delnor-Wiggins Pass is a state park with a lot to offer. Beachgoers will have plenty of space to spread out. There are grills and picnic tables to use if you want to grill out and spend the day at the beach. Fishing is allowed on the northernmost beach. Boaters will also find the launch area into Turkey Bay to be easy to navigate. Delnor-Wiggins has restrooms and wheelchair, umbrella, canoe, paddleboard, kayak and beach chair rentals. There is a concession stand in parking lot 4 with ice cream, food and drinks for purchase.
Lowdermilk Beach Park
You’ll find this beach on Gulf Shore Boulevard. The three previous beaches are in Collier County, but Lowdermilk Beach Park and the Naples Pier are located in the City of Naples. This beach features a concession stand, volleyball nets, children’s playgrounds, picnic tables and two gazebos. It’s near all of the great shopping and dining that Naples has to offer, making it a convenient way to end the day after exploring Fifth Avenue South or Venetian Village.
Naples Pier Beach
This is, by far, the most popular beach in downtown Naples. Locals and visitors gather each evening for the sunset and fishermen line the pier in the morning. It’s more than a beach. It’s a place to go to check-in with your neighbors. There’s a real sense of community here. There’s a concession stand, bathrooms and a couple of volleyball courts.
The pier also has quite a history. It’s been through six major hurricanes but has recently undergone a major renovation, so it’s still modern, too. The pier has Brazilian ipe, which is cool to the touch, so beachgoers can walk on it barefoot. There are also sea turtle-friendly lights.
Before the Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41) was completed in the late 1920s, the only way visitors could access Naples was by boat via the pier. However, there was also a shell road from Fort Myers to Naples, before the pier was built in 1928.
Vanderbilt Beach
This is a popular beach destination for the younger crowd. Located in North Naples at the end of Vanderbilt Beach Road, Vanderbilt Beach, or Vandy if you’re a local, is big and spread out. The parking garage gives you plenty of options, but there is a bit of a walk to the beach. If you are carrying things and want to make it a little easier on yourself, there is a drop-off area you can use to drop off beach items and equipment. The Beach Box Café is nearby, so you’ll be able to get snacks, food and drinks. Vanderbilt Beach also has restrooms and showers.
Royal Shell Beachfront Vacation Rentals
Whether you’re vacationing in Naples or you’re staying in another part of Southwest Florida and exploring the area, this guide to the best Naples beaches should help you find your new favorite place in the sun. If you have any questions about any of these Naples beaches or one of our beachfront vacation rentals, let us know! Our Vacation Planning Advisers are available at 800.656.9111 and you can always browse our Naples vacation rentals online at your convenience, from anywhere in the world.
We have Naples vacations rentals ready for you. This is one of the most desired vacation destinations near Southwest Florida beaches that are safe and open. If you’re interested in staying for six months or longer, Royal Shell also offers annual vacation rentals in Naples. Whether you want to stay for a month, a year, or anything in-between, we can help make it happen! Contact Royal Shell today.
