5 Amazing Beaches to Visit in Naples
If you’re planning a trip to Southwest Florida, you’re probably dreaming of white-sand beaches and warm water. You’re in luck! Naples has some of the best beaches in Florida, and even the world.
Bordered by the Gulf of Mexico on one side and mangrove rivers like the Cocohatchee on the other, the best beaches in Naples are ideal for swimming, beachcombing, kayaking, snorkeling, and other popular water activities. Clear water and almost nonexistent surf make these beaches friendly for kids and beginner snorkelers or swimmers.
Many of the beaches around Naples are accessible from oceanfront hotels, offering resort amenities like chairs and umbrellas as well as concession stands to the general public. Unlike other beach destinations, several of Naples’ beaches are part of nature preserves, keeping them clean and enjoyable with inexpensive parking fees. They’re also home to wildlife like gopher tortoises and sea birds.
Pack a good beach read and head to any of these top five Naples beaches for a perfect day in the sun!
Delnor-Wiggins State Park
11135 Gulfshore Drive, Naples
$6 per vehicle
Located just across the pass from Barefoot Beach, Delnor-Wiggins State Park is a tropical paradise with one of the most pristine stretches of sand in the state – a mile-long expanse of beach. Both the Gulf of Mexico and the Cocohatchee River are accessible from the park, giving you plenty of options when it comes to water sports like kayaking and snorkeling. Birdwatching and fishing are also very popular at Delnor-Wiggins.
Sugar-white sand, clear water, and seashells galore add to the charm of this popular Naples beach. While scuba divers can explore the hard-bottom reef of the Gulf, kayakers can paddle through estuaries and spot wildlife along the way. It’s easy to see why Delnor-Wiggins is one of the most beautiful beaches in Florida.
Barefoot Beach
503 Barefoot Beach Road, Bonita Springs
$8 per vehicle
Barefoot Beach is one of the few remaining undeveloped barrier islands in Florida, and it’s known for being the best beach in Naples. The beach is part of the 342-acre Collier Park and Florida State Preserve, keeping this land in pristine condition over the years.
Gentle surf, shallow water, lush vegetation, and fine sand make Barefoot Beach a relaxing oasis, especially if you want to feel far removed from the high rises of Naples. The large quantity of beautiful seashells that wash up on shore make this a perfect spot for beachcoming. You might even get lucky and score a sand dollar!
While many visitors spend the whole day with their toes in the sand, there’s also a nature trail up near the sand dunes if you’re in need of a walk. Keep an eye out for gopher tortoises – Barefoot Beach Preserve is one of the largest gopher tortoise preserves in Southwest Florida.
Clam Pass Beach
Seagate Drive and Crayton Road, Naples
$8 per vehicle
Clam Pass Beach is a bit of a local secret, perfect for anyone looking for a less crowded beach with amazing natural beauty. It’s even a bit of an adventure to get there! You can find this little slice of heaven behind the Naples Grande Beach Resort, accessible by a three-quarter-mile boardwalk that winds through a mangrove forest. Don’t worry if you’re laden with beach chairs and kids – there’s a free tram that leaves from the Clam Pass Park parking lot as well.
The beach boasts white sand and bright turquoise water in a mangrove opening. This natural pass has quite the reputation for its tidal flow. At low tide, you can wade across waist-deep water to get to the rest of the beach on the other side. Another popular activity is floating in the pass, letting the water carry you into the lagoon or out into the shallow waters of the Gulf, depending on whether the tide is moving in or out. Keep in mind that the currents are generally safe for adults, but kids should definitely be supervised.
Once you reach the beach across the pass, the wide-open sand stretches on for miles, so you’ll have plenty of space to yourself. Since the beach is accessible from the Naples Grande Beach Resort, you get the added benefit of hotel amenities like a cafe and concession stand as well as beach rentals.
Lowdermilk Park Beach
1301 Gulfshore Blvd N, Naples
$3 per hour metered parking
Lowdermilk is a popular Naples beach connected to a park with sand volleyball courts, playgrounds, gazebos, and restrooms. One of the coolest amenities at Lowdermilk Park Beach are the eight palapas, thatched-roof shelters that are free to use and big enough to shade your whole group. But you’ll have to arrive early – around 7:00 a.m. – to snag one. If you’re an early riser, you’ll also get to see turtles and dolphins swimming right off the beach.
The beach itself is wide and clean, with soft powdery sand you can sink your feet right into. Go for a swim in the aquamarine water or rent a paddle board on site. Stay until sunset for dreamy pastel views over the water.
Naples Municipal Beach
25 12th Ave S., Naples
$2.50 per hour metered parking
The Naples Pier is an iconic local landmark, and one of our favorite places to take the kids. At 1,000 feet long, it’s a fun spot to enjoy ocean views and grab a snack at the concession stand. There’s also a beach right next to the pier! Go for a walk, then make your way down to the beach to claim a spot in the sand. Even though the pier is a popular Naples landmark, the beach rarely feels crowded (and it spans 10 miles!).
Play a game of volleyball, fish from the pier (no license required), or go for a swim. There are children’s life jackets available to borrow for the day and return at the end of your visit. The beach is located within walking distance to downtown Naples, so it’s easy to grab a bite to eat or do some window shopping.
Naples beaches have something for every visitor! We hope you love these five beaches as much as we do. Looking for more things to do in Naples?