Naples FloridaBEACHES & WATERFRONT ESCAPES
Listed below are the best beaches and waterfront escapes near Naples, Florida.
1. Naples Beach and Pier
ICONIC GULFFRONT LANDMARK
Naples Beach and Pier is the heart of downtown Naples, featuring a historic pier that stretches into the Gulf of Mexico with panoramic views and vibrant sunsets. The beach offers wide swaths of powdery white sand, clear turquoise waters, and is renowned for swimming, beachcombing, and excellent fishing opportunities. Visitors are drawn by its lively atmosphere, frequent dolphin sightings, and the quintessential Florida beach experience just steps from city amenities.
2. Vanderbilt Beach
VIBRANT SOCIAL HOTSPOT
Vanderbilt Beach is a lively destination favored for its energetic crowds, resort-lined shoreline, and abundance of water sports activities. Visitors enjoy sunbathing, swimming in the warm Gulf waters, and easy access to beachfront dining and rentals for jet skiing or paddleboarding. Its upbeat vibe and modern facilities make it a favorite for both families and groups seeking a stylish oceanfront escape.
3. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
NATURAL PARADISE RETREAT
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park offers a pristine and protected beach surrounded by lush greenery and unspoiled coastline, ideal for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The calm, clear waters invite swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding, while the park's scenic trails and observation decks showcase native wildlife and birdwatching opportunities. Its untouched beauty and tranquil setting distinguish it as one of the region's most serene waterfront escapes.
4. Clam Pass Park
SECLUDED MANGROVE GATEWAY
Clam Pass Park features a unique boardwalk journey through coastal mangroves opening to a quiet, sandy beach along the Gulf of Mexico. The shallow lagoon, tidal pools, and shaded picnic areas make it ideal for families seeking safe swimming and calm waters. Visitors appreciate the blend of nature trails, beachside amenities, and the park's peaceful, hidden atmosphere.
5. Lowdermilk Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY BEACHFRONT
Lowdermilk Park is a popular community beach known for its soft sand, calm surf, and well-maintained facilities including playgrounds, volleyball courts, and picnic shelters. With plenty of parking, restrooms, and beachfront shade huts, it caters especially well to families and groups. The park's easy access and lively but relaxed atmosphere make it a go-to spot for swimming and beach recreation.
6. Barefoot Beach Preserve
WILDLIFE-RICH COASTAL GEM
Barefoot Beach Preserve, located just north of Naples, is celebrated for its untouched shoreline, natural beauty, and abundant wildlife, including nesting sea turtles and gopher tortoises. The beach offers swimming, shelling, nature trails, and guided ranger programs, nestled within a protected preserve. Its tranquil, natural surroundings appeal to those seeking a peaceful retreat with a wild side.
7. Tigertail Beach
TIDAL LAGOON ADVENTURE
Tigertail Beach on Marco Island is known for its diverse coastal habitats, featuring a tidal lagoon, sandbars, and bird-rich wetlands. Visitors can paddleboard or kayak in the lagoon, cross sand flats to reach an undeveloped Gulf beach, or hunt for unique shells along the shore. The setting is both adventurous and scenic, attracting families, nature lovers, and birdwatchers alike.
8. South Marco Beach
RELAXED ISLAND ATMOSPHERE
South Marco Beach offers a broad expanse of soft, white sand and clear waters framed by luxury resorts on the crescent-shaped shores of Marco Island. The public access point invites sunbathing, swimming, and picturesque strolls along the Gulf, while its quieter vibe provides a laid-back alternative to busier Naples spots. Visitors appreciate the easygoing charm and ample shelling opportunities.
9. Cocohatchee River Park Marina
RIVERSIDE WATER RECREATION
Cocohatchee River Park Marina provides a gateway to the scenic Cocohatchee River, offering boat ramps, kayak launches, and fishing docks in a relaxed, natural setting. Surrounded by mangroves and waterways, the marina is ideal for exploring inland water trails, fishing excursions, and wildlife observation. Its peaceful ambiance and access to river-based recreation make it a favorite for boaters and anglers.
10. Keewaydin Island
UNTOUCHED ISLAND GETAWAY
Keewaydin Island is an undeveloped barrier island accessible only by boat, boasting pristine white sand, clear Gulf waters, and a wild, natural landscape. Visitors can swim, sunbathe, or picnic on quiet beaches, often shared with dolphins and native birds, far from crowds and development. Its remote setting and raw beauty attract adventurers and those seeking a true escape to nature.