Naples, Florida is the perfect destination for the avid beach-goer. It is home to some of the most stunning coasts in the entire planet. If beautiful sunsets, world renowned beaches and the nearby five-star hotels don’t impress you, then I don’t know what will.
Here are some of the best beaches you can find in the area:
1. BARRIER ISLAND BEACH
Barefoot Beach Preserve is the best beach choice for those looking for somewhere to enjoy a more natural beach environment surrounded by wildlife and vegetation. Ideal for families, the beach features safe swimming areas and is perfect for unwinding or just simply enjoying the view. Fishing lovers absolutely love this beach park as they can catch many different kinds of fish in the tidal creeks and mangroves or even right off the beach. The place is also one of Naples Best Beaches for enjoying beautiful shells.
Nature lovers will enjoy this beautiful beach which features a mile-long nature trail. Amenities include showers, picnic area, restrooms and concession for equipment rental, and food and drinks for you to buy. Handicapped beach wheelchair access.
The Preserve is 342-acres of well maintained land and one of the last undeveloped barrier islands on the west coast of Florida. It is located on Little Hickory Island and has 8,200 feet of beach stretching south to Wiggins Pass.
2. CLAM PASS BEACH PARK
Clam Pass Park is an amazing, family-friendly beach with calm waters, soft white sand and is one of the most famous beach access points in the Naples, Florida area.
One of the highlights of the area is a fun boardwalk and nature trail. The children will surely have tons of fun in the tram ride through a mangrove forest to access the beach wooden boardwalk. A half-mile walk along the Clam Pass boardwalk leading to the beach offers a chance to see marine life, coastal birds, and butterflies before reaching over a 3,000-foot stretch of a white sandy beach. The Conservancy of Southwest Florida offers guided nature tours from Monday through Saturday from December to April. Tours depart from the tram stop at 9 a.m. Reservations are not necessarily required. This place is also a shell lover’s paradise so pack your bags and take a visit!
3. DELNOR-WIGGINS PASS STATE PARK
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is a mile-long 166-acre park utopia for those who love nature at heart. This gorgeous place is separated from the mainland by tidal creeks and mangrove swamps. The park treats guests with the opportunity to swim, kayak, scuba dive, boating or even fish along more than a mile of unspoiled white sugary sand beach. So many water activities to do, so little time!
It has a designated fishing zone, observation tower, boat ramp, and one of the only hard-bottom reefs in the Naples area for scuba diving and snorkeling. Guests can also rent a kayak and discover the unique ecosystem of Rookery Estuary. There is a concession offering beach chairs, umbrellas and water-sport equipment rentals including boats, stand-up paddleboards, and canoes.
You may also want to catch a birds-eye view of Wiggins Pass from the tower perched at the north end of the island. Park rangers regularly conduct nature programs. So, bring out your binoculars and cameras because there will be plenty of opportunities to spot ospreys, eagles, owls, and other local wildlife.
There is a quick access to the beach from six parking lots via a system of connecting trails and boardwalks. Amenities include (but not limited to) picnic areas, drinking fountains, grills, bicycle racks, restrooms with wheelchair access, and outdoor showers. Beach wheelchairs are available for reservation along the Park. Naples Beach Adventures also offers food, beverage, and ice cream treats for you to buy.
4. LOWDERMILK PARK ON NAPLES BEACH
Lowdermilk Park on Naples Beach is a famous beach park with a duck pond, sand volleyball courts, two children’s playgrounds, picnic tables, restrooms, concession and outdoor showers. There are also a couple of gazebos that can be rented. Bring a picnic and let the children play in the cool and shallow water.
However, this place has some rules when it comes to parking:
Hourly parking is $2.50 per hour. Parking is $1.25 minimum for first 1/2 hour – and then $0.25/6 minutes after that. Cash accepted for payment in quarters only. They also have metered parking spaces that use credit/debit-card-friendly pay stations.
Full-time residents and taxpayers can get a permit from any community park. Visitors (non-residents) staying within Naples city limits may purchase a yearly permit. Beach parking permits are available from the city of Naples or Collier County.
