Naples, Florida is nicknamed The City on the Gulf and it’s home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. If you’re staying in downtown Naples or near the Park Shore neighborhood, you’ll have easy access to the beach. The same holds true if your vacation rental is at the western end of Vanderbilt Beach Road and Pine Ridge Roads, respectively.
Here are some things to keep in mind: The beaches near downtown Naples have limited parking, so you’ll want to get there early. Vanderbilt Beach has a parking garage, however, it fills up quickly during the season.
Naples beaches include:
- Barefoot Beach Preserve, 505 Barefoot Beach Boulevard
- Clam Pass Beach, 465 Seagate Drive
- Delnor-Wiggins State Park, 11135 Gulf Shore Drive
- Lowdermilk Beach, 1301 Gulf Shore Blvd. North
- Naples City Beach and Pier, 25 12th South
- Vanderbilt Beach, 100 Vanderbilt Beach Road
Barefoot Beach Preserve
This is the northernmost beach option. Barefoot Beach is a 342-acre park that features a beautiful white sand beach and nature trail. Turtles, ospreys and bald eagles are a common sight along the trail and so are dolphins in the water. You get the best of both worlds. Meander through tidal creeks, tropical hammocks and mangrove swamps. Or walk to the more secluded end of the beach and enjoy the view and privacy. There are bathrooms, public showers, a concession stand, picnic area, learning center and a butterfly garden.
Clam Pass Beach
This popular 35-acre park is dotted with mangroves and dunes. To get to the beach, you can walk through the mangroves along the three-quarter-mile boardwalk or take the tram. There is a concession area, restaurant with seating that overlooks the beach, picnic pavilions, a canoe launch, showers and restrooms.
Delnor-Wiggins State Park
Located in North Naples, this state park is home to a picturesque 300-foot beach. There is a nature trail and observation tower that the entire family will love. And if you like to scuba dive or snorkel, there’s a reef that runs along the beach. There are also grills, picnic areas, showers and bathrooms.
Lowdermilk Beach
Lowdermilk Park has a variety of picnic tables, two gazebo pavilions you can rent out, two playgrounds and a duck pond. It’s an ideal place to watch the sunset or host special events like weddings. There are also sand volleyball courts, a food concession stand, restrooms and showers.
Naples City Beach and Pier
Located just south of downtown, this is one of Naples’ most popular beaches. Locals and visitors love to gather on the Naples Municipal Pier that stretches deep into the Gulf of Mexico. It’s a favorite spot for both sunsets and fishermen. There are volleyball courts, bathrooms, picnic table and a concession stand. Besides being a gorgeous beach, this 100-year-old landmark is a must-see attraction.
Vanderbilt Beach
You’ll find this beach at the end of Vanderbilt Beach Road. The five-acre park is in North Naples and it’s very popular with the locals. The park offers showers, restrooms and there is a restaurant with concession-like snacks a short distance away.
