The name Naples was given to the city by journalists in the 1800s who compared it to the sunny Italian peninsula because of the beauty of its bay and temperature.
Florida’s Naples, though, has its distinct tropical flair, unlike its namesake.
In Naples, Florida, about 3,000 hours of sunshine each year encourage the development of several ecosystems, many of which you may observe strolling along the shore.
Additionally, the pristine white and sugar-soft sands of its coasts and the calm Gulf of Mexico waves result from this.
Since it might be challenging to decide which beach to visit when there are so many alluring beaches nearby, we’ve compiled a list of Naples, Florida’s top beaches, to help you plan your next beach trip.
- The Beach at Naples Pier
A famous, long promenade that extends 1,000 feet into the glittering Atlantic is known as Naples Pier.
The pier was initially constructed in 1888 as a freight and passenger dock and is today a well-liked destination for anglers, families, photographers, and couples.
Why We Recommend This Beach
The Naples Pier is your greatest option if you want to take your family or friends where the nicest views are located of the glistening blue ocean.
Most amenities to make your trip more comfortable are located on this long pier, including restrooms, showers, a food stand, covered eating places, and a small store providing any beach supplies you require while on vacation.
The pristine white sand shore will disprove your assumption that the pier is the only appealing feature of the area.
The beach area near the pier is one of Naples’ nicest beaches, with smooth, clean sand and the calmest summer waves.
Expert Tip
No fees are charged to visit this top-notch location (apart from parking if you bring a car).
If you want to play with the team, beach volleyball nets are south of the pier.
On the other hand, the pier is a well-liked location for fishing, with cleaning stations spread out along the boardwalk and bait available at the concession stand.
Night owls should stay for the beautiful sunset and, at night, walk to the busy Third Street a few blocks back. Morning larks should catch the gorgeous sunrise for a chance to watch frolicking dolphins.
- Lowdermilk Beach
Lowdermilk Park was established in 1961 and was named in honor of Fred Lowdermilk, who served as Naples’ first city manager from 1949 to 1961.
Today, Lowdermilk Park is a well-liked public seaside park that attracts both locals and families on vacation.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Take your loved ones to Lowdermilk Park for a fun day in the sun while you enjoy the crystal-clear waters, soak in the warmth of the Florida sun, or enjoy a picnic on the park’s lush grass.
You can rent gazebos to eat your meals in luxury while keeping an eye on the little ones playing at one of the two playgrounds.
There are concession stands where you may get hamburgers, hot dogs, sandwiches, salads, coffee, sodas, and other items if you forget to bring snacks or a lunch.
Expert Tip
Having a family BBQ at Lowdermilk Park is acceptable because there are two pavilions, each with picnic tables and grills.
Clean up after yourself because the park charges extra for dirty tables.
- Clam Pass Park
Clam Pass Park, which spans 35 acres of stunning coastal environments, is home to wildlife, native flora, a 3,000-foot boardwalk, and a beach with pristine white sand.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Clam Pass Park is one of Naples’ nicest beaches and isn’t just a beach; it’s a secret paradise accessible via a rustic boardwalk journey beneath a canopy of tropical vegetation.
To get to the blindingly white sand, you can walk three and a half miles through mangrove forests, roving wildlife, and tidal bay regions, or take a free tram ride on the boardwalk.
Don’t you agree that walking sounds like a better experience?
Expert Tip
There isn’t a price to access the park, although there is a nominal parking fee if you have your car.
Most of Naples’ top attractions are in Clam Pass Park.
The trip to the beach is obvious, but mangrove adventures in addition to the traditional beach activities?
Count us in!
Renting a boat or kayak allows visitors to explore this 35-acre park’s lush, natural setting fully.
- Lovers Key State Park — Fort Myers Beach
Lovers Key State Park was created when the region was saved from the unfortunate fate of becoming upscale condominiums.
Fortunately, its beautiful beaches and abundant mangrove forests still exist, providing homes for manatees, dolphins, rabbits, and numerous birds.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Canals, lagoons, mangrove forests, nature paths, and marine hammock ecosystems make up the splendor that is Lovers Key State Park.
It’s a vast 712-acre wilderness with several lovely beaches and chances to see wildlife.
The park’s name speaks for itself, and it is also a tranquil family destination with playgrounds and picnic spots.
The beach attracts couples because of its secluded location and romantic surroundings.
Expert Tip
Lovers Key State Park is perfect for nature lovers who desire solitude while beachcombing, swimming, picnicking, boating, sunbathing, hiking, biking, and seeing animals because it is remote and segregated.
Remember to respect the privacy of animals and only observe them from a distance.
While waiting, swim carefully; after all, you’re in the middle of the ocean.
Avoid swimming too far, and keep an eye out for colorful flags nearby as warnings about swimming safety.
- Marco Island
Marco Island, a little barrier island about 20 miles south of Naples, is the biggest and only developed island among Southwest Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands.
Marco Island is known for its six miles of beaches, frequently referred to as among Florida’s widest.
Why We Recommend This Beach
The ideal tropical activities and family-friendly locations on Marco Island show off its size.
Two of its beaches are open to the public, one is a private complex, and there are beaches on offshore islands that have the best, whitest sand and the calmest waters.
Its small shoreline hardly ever sees waves, making it the list’s kid-safest beach.
But there are more than simply beaches on Marco Island.
Additionally, it has a golf facility, a yacht club, more than a hundred miles of canals, and some Everglades wetland characteristics.
Expert Tip
The simplest place to get to is Tigertail Beach Park on Marco Island.
After a few distances to the west, you round the mangroves.
A long stretch of beach would soon be accessible from the trail.
To reach the island’s main beach, where you’ll see volleyball matches, Frisbee competitions, and many people on paddleboards, travel south from Tigertail Beach Park.
If you want to have some fun with the kids and the adolescents, go to Sweet Annie’s for ice cream, candies, arcades, or 10K Alley if you’re staying at Marriott.
- Vanderbilt Beach Park
Vanderbilt Beach Park has five acres of open spaces covered in pristine white sand and is situated close to expensive hotels in the busy neighborhood of North Naples.
Due to its strategic location, Vanderbilt Beach is one of Naples’ busiest beaches, drawing both large groups of tourists and flocks of birds.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Vanderbilt Beach Park, one of Naples, Florida’s busiest beaches, has the most extensive amenities and a variety of activities to keep its guests happy.
Vanderbilt offers a convenient family vacation destination with beach concession outlets, showers, cabanas, rentals, bike racks, and life jackets. Its calm breeze also encourages windsurfing and kayaking.
Its waters also receive a lot of warmth from Florida’s tropical environment and are relatively shallow for a long way out.
This Naples beach is, without a doubt, the best for swimming.
Expert Tip
Vanderbilt Beach Park has a parking cap because of its high popularity to prevent crowding.
As soon as possible, arrive there to get a spot and see the magnificent sunrise beyond its horizon.
To stay within your budget, you can pack your lunches or sample the concessions available at the park.
Alternatively, you can travel a short distance by foot to the adjacent eateries and convenience stores.
- Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
About six miles west of North Naples, on a barrier island off the southwest coast of Florida, is where you’ll find Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park.
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is a well-liked tourist site that beckons visitors from all over the country. It is home to some of the nicest beaches close to Naples.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Are you looking for the best beaches around Naples?
A vast, undeveloped stretch of beautiful shoreline fronting the Gulf of Mexico makes Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park the perfect island getaway for daring couples or groups.
Wildlife, including bald eagles, ospreys, owls, loggerhead sea turtles, West Indian manatees, and migratory shorebirds abound in the woods and shoreline due to the park’s pristine conditions, providing visitors with an authentic island experience.
Expert Tip
Even though Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is underdeveloped, parking lot number 4 has a concession stand that sells food, beverages, and rentals.
Oddly, there is also a playground for kids and a few restrooms next to the concession.
Get your fishing license ready, head north for authorized fishing zones, and prize catches if you intend to go fishing.
Plan to carry a picnic lunch for the squad since the concession stands only sell light snacks.
Also, arrive early because the park has a parking space limit to preserve it.
- Barefoot Beach Preserve — Bonita Springs
The 324-acre Barefoot Beach Preserve, one of the few undeveloped barrier islands on Florida’s southwest coast, was named one of America’s greatest beaches by Dr. Beach.
Why We Recommend This Beach
Barefoot Beach Preserve is nirvana for adventurous nature enthusiasts who choose uninhabited islands as a rewarding diversion from the pressures of the busy metropolis.
The park provides animal shelter due to its undeveloped nature, particularly for the gopher tortoise, a vulnerable species.
A picnic area, restrooms, showers, bike racks, a few nature walks, and estuary waters where you may take a canoe excursion are the park’s only amenities.
The preserve also offers a learning center, a cactus garden, and a butterfly garden if you love the outdoors.
Expert Tip
Check out the nearby attractions once you’ve had your fill of beach and sun.
Everglades Wonder Gardens, the Bonita Springs Historical Museum, and Koreshan State Park are a few of our favorites.
If not for the waterway between the two parks, a walk to the south will get you back to Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park if you enjoy beach strolls.
- Keewaydin Island
Keewaydin Island is a barrier island south of Naples that spans eight kilometers of naturally maintained landscapes.
Only boats may access the island, with an undeveloped area of about 80%.
Why We Recommend This Beach
No vehicles, roads, or bridges.
Neither electricity nor water.
There is nothing even remotely to conjure up the everyday grind.
Thanks to a petition that was started in the 1960s to stop any plans for commercial development, Keewaydin Island is one of the remaining undeveloped Naples beaches.
This led to the survival of one of Naples, Florida’s best beaches, which kept its most natural state and delighted nature.
Expert Tip
Rent a boat from Rose Marina to get to Keewaydin from Marco Island.
If you’re lucky, dolphins and osprey may appear along the route!
You’ll need to bring your meals into this undeveloped Keewaydin and take your rubbish.
Also lacking are restroom facilities, so be prepared!
Keewaydin is not for the timid, yet a day trip here ensures you will have an amazing beach adventure.
