The Best Beaches in Naples, Florida

Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park covers 199 acres of barrier island in North Naples, with a mile of soft white beach on the Gulf. It sits between tidal creeks and mangroves, so the birdlife is excellent, and it's one of the best spots in Naples for shelling, fishing and snorkeling. Kayakers can launch here, and there are picnic areas, restrooms, showers, beach rentals and food. Trails link the beaches to the parking areas, and a boat ramp gives access to the Cocohatchee River and the Gulf.

Lowdermilk Park is the most family-friendly beach in Old Naples, with sand volleyball courts, a children's playground, picnic tables and gazebos you can rent for gatherings. Restrooms, showers, a concession stand and beach rentals make it easy to spend the whole day. ADA beach access mats lead onto the sand. Parking is metered (or use a City of Naples beach parking permit), and on busy holidays the lot can fill, with an attendant reopening it as spaces free up.

Vanderbilt Beach Park sits at the end of Vanderbilt Beach Road in North Naples, with a wide white-sand beach, clear water and some of the best sunsets in town. It's well set up for a day out: a dedicated parking garage, restrooms, outdoor showers and beach rentals, with more water sports rentals close by. The beach is good for beachcombing, shell collecting and bird-watching, and it's a family favorite. Parking is paid unless you have a Collier County beach parking permit.

Known locally as Wedding Beach, the 8th Avenue South Beach Access is a favorite spot for beach ceremonies, with landscaped brick-paver paths leading to the sand. It opens onto a quiet stretch of Old Naples beach that's good for swimming, sunbathing and beachcombing. There are no restrooms at the access and parking right there is limited, so plan to park nearby and walk. Come back for the sunset: it's one of the prettiest spots in town to watch it.

Barefoot Beach Preserve protects 342 acres and 8,200 feet of undeveloped beach on Little Hickory Island, just north of Naples in Bonita Springs. A boardwalk winds through coastal habitat where you might spot gopher tortoises, and loggerhead sea turtles nest on the beach in season. The water is good for swimming and fishing, and there are picnic areas, restrooms and showers. It's one of the most natural, least developed beaches in the area, and a favorite with families and nature lovers.

Bluebill Beach Access is just south of Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park in North Naples, with soft white sand that's good for swimming, sunbathing and beachcombing. The access is at street level, with a circle drive for drop-offs, a restroom, foot showers and bike parking, but no car parking. Park instead at Conner Park, which has plenty of spaces and is a short walk away, up and over the bridge. It's a favorite with cyclists and a quieter alternative to the state park next door.

Barefoot Beach Access is a separate public way onto the Gulf beside Barefoot Beach Preserve, just off Bonita Beach Road on Lely Barefoot Boulevard. It's a peaceful spot for sunbathing and swimming, with paid parking, portable restrooms and shaded picnic pavilions. Expect a more rustic experience than at the bigger beach parks, as some amenities may be limited while restoration work continues.

Via Miramar Park is a beach access in Park Shore, just north of Doctors Pass, with 42 metered parking spaces, a shower, foot rinse and drinking water. It opens onto a quiet stretch of beach lined with mid- and low-rise condos, more secluded than the busier Naples beaches. Anglers like it for the north jetty at Doctors Pass, a quarter-mile walk south along the beach. Parking takes coins and cards.