The absolutely breath-taking beaches of Naples and Marco Island, Florida have stayed to the top of countless “top beaches” lists from various credible sources and have won many prestigious awards left and right. These majestic beaches also ranked consecutively on Dr. Beach’s list of the top 10 best beaches in America for 2014 and 2015.
On a multi-awarded shoreline where numerous beaches are found, it’s easy to find one that suits your fancy.
Awesome Public Beaches
Guests of Vanderbilt Beach Resort, and several golf clubs and large hotel-resorts call Vanderbilt Beach their backyard, but you don’t have to be a resort guest to enjoy this popular spot. Vanderbilt Beach is open to the public and offers direct access to the Gulf of Mexico, white sands wispy with sea oats, abundant shells and birding. This coast is more than a pretty view. This stretch of fine white sand beach is abundant with amenities including concessions, restrooms and showers, a spacious parking and access for the differently-abled. The resort area is conveniently located close to the restaurants of north Naples because all that swimming is sure to make you hungry.
Marco Island’s four-mile shoreline welcomes guests of the various large hotel chains that dot the region. The pristine coastline welcomes and and all to the sweetness of Tigertail Beach Park and South Beach. Both beaches juxtapose beautifully with the natural and the manmade – Tigertail’s uncharted dunes and virgin lagoon in contrast to South Beach’s palm-lined pavement and architecture that reaches for the skies.
Family and Fishing Activities
On Marco Island, Tigertail Beach Park is very popular with families for providing some basic and essential amenities in the middle of all that green. There’s a playground for the younglings, sand volleyball court for the young ladies and picnic area with grills help bring to life a truly great family beach day. Other essentials include concessions for beach equipment and refreshments, restrooms, showers, parking and access for the handicap and the elderly.
Amenities are very important during a family beach day, and Naples Municipal Beach offers parking aplenty at a metered lot on 12th Avenue South and plenty of other amenities that cater to basic beach needs like a shower. Its residential surroundings give it a peaceful and quiet vibe, and its landmark pier is an all-time favorite beach attraction. Besides holding nostalgia for being the site of many family gatherings, the Naples Pier also has an indelible mark in local history – the place used to be a dock and it dates back to 1888 and was originally used for freight and ship passengers. Today, the pier features a concession stand, parking access and restrooms and invites fishing 24 hours a day with no fishing license required.
Fun at Marco Island
At nearby Clam Pass Beach Park, you can view the mangroves up close from the boardwalk or a tram. This gives plenty of opportunity for photography and nature excurions
North of Naples, Barefoot Beach Preserve County Park calls to everyone. Explore on your own or inquire about guided tours to learn of the the animals, plant and tree life that gives life to the barrier island, from herons and sea turtles to the rarest of orchids.
