Overview of Naples Florida Beaches

Naples Florida beaches consist of long expanses of fine white sand, offering spectacular Gulf views and fantastic sunsets. Naples area beaches stretch over 30 miles from the Ft. Myers Beach to the City of Naples beaches. Beaches are only interrupted by the occasional pass to rivers and inland bays. It is forbidden to swim across a pass because of boat traffic, swift currents and tides in the channels.

All beaches are public beaches. Within the Naples area, just drive west and you will reach the beach. Within the city of Naples the streets end at the beach, with meter parking.

Designated beach areas that have concessions available are either state, county or city parks, or areas that facilitate parking and access to the shore.

Naples is different than many beach communities in that there is no retail along the Naples beaches in terms of shirt shops, fast food, restaurants, stores, etc. Those types of services are away from the beach. Naples beaches differ in that are bordered by single family homes neighborhood, condos, or parks and preserves.

There are only a few hotels on the Naples beaches and these are very upscale accommodations, including the Ritz Carlton. Unlike many beach communities, condos on the beach do not allow daily or weekly rentals. The most common restriction would be a 90 day minimum, with a few allowing monthly minimum rental.

Naples designated beach areas differ by their surroundings, facilities, activities and amenities. You can always bring in your own cooler, beach gear and toys with you. Once on a beach, you can walk until you reach a pass. But, in most cases, once you walk away from the designated beach area, the opportunity to find refreshments are very limited or nonexistent. You could have a 3 mile walk before you came upon another designated beach with a concession available.

Naples Beach areas from north to south are:

Part I

Part II

This beach is at the western end of Bonita Beach road. Parking is available, but is somewhat limited. There are outdoor picnic tables under roof, playgrounds and showers. Renal chairs, umbrellas and jet skis are also available. Directly north of the beach facilities is Doc's Beach House, a good stop for grabbing breakfast, lunch, dinner or refreshments.

About 100 yards from the western end of Bonita Beach road is a turn south onto Barefoot Beach Blvd. The park comprises 342 acres of an undeveloped barrier island. Many trails and boardwalks crisscross through the preserve. Rangers conduct interpretive sessions and a daily guided canoe tour through the back bay. Wildlife and turtles can be abundant at times. Because Barefoot Beach is such a desirable place to visit, it is possible that available parking could fill later in the day during the season. Call 239.591.8596 for activity information.

This park is at the western end of Immokalee Road just south of where the Cocohatchee River empties into the Gulf. The park is a lush wildlife habitat with mangroves covering 80% of the area. The park offers several shaded picnic and grilling areas along the length of the beach. A concession stand is available that offers food, drinks and beach items. A bathhouse is also available with changing stalls. Phone 239.597.6196.

This park is at the western end of Vanderbilt Beach Road. A parking garage is available off of Vanderbilt Road on the south side of the street. Vanderbilt beach is located near several hotels, and concessions and water sport rentals are available. A their are a few hotel restaurants near buy, in the Naples Ritz Carlton.

This park is at the western end of Pine Ridge Road. Theres a 0.6-mile boardwalk that winds through the mangroves to the beach from the parking area. Golf cart trolleys ferry those not wanting to walk. The concession area has plenty to offer making it great for kids. The rental stand has towels, chairs and beach umbrellas, along with a wide assortment of beach gear, including wind surfers, canoes, Hobie Cats and aqua bikes. The food concession offers a shaded eating area.

Driving to the Beach you'll pass a Barnes and Noble bookseller, located at the NW corner of Pine Ridge Road and Tamiami. It's a good stop to or from Clam Pass to grab reading materials or a coffee.

Lowdermilk is at the very northern end of the Naples City Beach, just off of Gulf Shore Blvd. The landscaped area next to the beach has a playground facility, pavilion, bathhouse and a concession stand. The beach is a very short walk from the parking area.

The Naples City beach stretches 6 miles from Gordon Pass on the south side to Doctors Pass on the north side. The nice thing about the Naples City beach is easy access. Parking for the beach is available at the western end of most residential streets between 7th Avenue North, to 19th Avenue South (26 blocks of parking). Many of the access points also have an outdoor shower available for rinsing.

The Naples Fishing Pier is located at the west end of 12th Avenue South where plenty of parking is also available. The Pier is near the midway point of the Naples Beach where you can walk 3 miles south to Gordon Pass, or 3 miles north to Doctors Pass. The area on and around the pier usually has interesting activity, and a refreshment stand sits on the pier. Pelicans are regulars visitors there and you can find them begging for leftovers from the fisherman. Dolphins, schools of stingrays and fish can also be seen from the pier.

The beach is bordered on the east by multi-million dollar single family residences. On the entire six mile length of beach you will only find food and drink available at a few places, including the Pier, Lowdermilk Park or at the Naples Beach Hotel. There's a beach bar and food available at the hotel, and fine restaurants.

The Marco Beach is lined by luxury hotels and high rise condos with spectacular views. You're fortunate if you are a Marco Island resident or a visitor at one of the beach hotels. But for nonresidents, beach access can be limited.

Marco Island is a 35 minute drive south of downtown Naples. Tigertail Beach is the best bet for Marco Beach access. Tigertail is a 31 acre Collier County park (that's big) and is loaded with amenities, concessions and water toys. There's a large playground facility at Tigertail Beach for children 5 to 12 years of age, and a butterfly garden. If you're in the mood to relax, you could easily spend the day under a beach umbrella here. Bring your own gear or rent whatever you need at the concessions.

During the busy season, it's best to get there before 11:00 am to secure your parking and rentals. Turn north off of Collier Blvd onto Tigertail Court (about 1.6 miles from the Marco Island bridge) then then left on Hernando Drive (Map).

Fort Myers Beach is about a 45 minute drive north from the Naples area beaches. Fort Myers Beach is "the area" with vacationer type beach activities, hotel, weekly rentals, etc. Parasailing, jet skis, boat racing, partying and people watching, are all regular activities at Fort Myers Beach. This is the closest beach to the Naples area that draws sizable spring-break crowds.

The beach is lined with many affordable beach hotels with weekend or week-long vacationers. When you walk the beach you are never far from a meal, refreshment, beachwear shops or a Pina Colata. Fort Myers beach is 9 miles north of Bonita Beach. At the end of Bonita Beach Road, head north on Hickory Blvd (which turns into Estero Blvd). The road winds through the beautiful barrier islands that separate Estero Bay from the Gulf. Along the way you'll see many scenic beach areas and preserves.

If you plan on going to Fort Myers Beach then go early. The beach is very popular. and traffic often moves at a snails pace during the busy season. If you go early you can find public parking available at the pier or at private lots for a fee. If you want a break from the relaxed atmosphere of the Naples beaches, then head up to Ft. Myers beach, it's worth a visit.

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Naples Florida Beaches | Beaches in Naples FL