The beaches in Naples, Florida have something truly special about them - they've been consistently voted "the best beaches in the US". Every year, people from all over the world flock to soak up the sun and relax on these beautiful beaches. The best part? Accessing these incredible beaches is simple and easy, which means that you'll be steps away from paradise in no time. Whether you're an avid water-lover or simply want to experience the joy of the ocean, there are a variety of beaches perfect for all types of water sports. Take some time to explore and discover the one that speaks to you - there's no better time to dive into the adventure of a lifetime.
Beaches North and South of the Naples Pier
The beaches north and south of the Naples Pier are perfect for all sorts of water sports activities from paddle boarding, windsurfing, kitesurfing, and foiling (wind foiling, wing foiling, or e-foiling.) Even on a low tide, it is unlikely to hit the ground with a foil when you are out there. These beaches are stretching from 33th Ave S to 8th Ave N with 24 direct access points for residents which means you have to have a City of Naples or Collier County Beach Access Parking Sticker. (The fine is a whopping $77) There are a few exceptions, where parking meters are installed for non-residents (8th Ave N, 5th Ave S, Broad Ave S, 12-14th Ave S)
Where you should go depends on a few factors, one is wind direction and parking availability. The closer you get to the Naples Pier, the more crowded it gets.
My recommendation for wind directions are as follows:
North to Northwest:
- Go anywhere between 8th Ave N and 10th Ave S or 13th Ave S and 33rd Ave S, just in case you got downwind too much and can’t go back upwind. You still can walk back and fetch your gear by driving down there.
West:
- Go anywhere between 33th Ave S and 8th Ave N, since the wind is onshore. If the swell is high, it is just not easy to get out.
Southwest to South:
- Go anywhere between 33rd Ave S and 13th Ave S or 10th Ave S and 8th Ave N just in case you got downwind too much and can’t go back upwind. You still can walk back and fetch your gear by driving up there.
All East Directions
- Unfortunately, we have a lot of days with East, Northeast, and Southeast winds and I would not recommend going out here, especially when you are alone, since the wind goes offshore. In this case, I would recommend driving up north to the Sanibel Causeway in Ft. Myers.
Lowdermilk Park
Lowdermilk Park, located at 257 Banyan Blvd, is one of Naples’ premier beachfront parks. This is a public park and has parking spaces, a concession stand, sand volleyball courts, two children’s playgrounds, picnic tables, benches, a restroom, and shower facilities. It is usually pretty crowded and it takes a bit longer to get your gear to the beach.
Parking is easy (when you’re early) but costs about 3 bucks per hour.
Lowdermilk Park is good for wind directions from South to Southwest, West, and Northwest to North. East wind directions are offshore and not recommended.
Vanderbilt Beach
Vanderbilt Beach, located at 280 Vanderbilt Beach Road, is another Naples’ premier beach that has showers, plenty of parking, and restrooms. It is a very popular beach, in other words, very crowded. If you want to get out here, you only can drop off your gear at the roundabout and then park in the parking garage that is close by. For non-residents, the parking fee is $10/day.
If you want to watch the Sunset and celebrate with others, this is the beach to go to.
Vanderbilt Beach is good for wind directions from South to Southwest, West, and Northwest to North. East wind directions are offshore and not recommended.
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, located at 11135 Gulfshore Drive, is one of the most popular seashore destinations in Naples, this park’s mile-long stretch of white sugar sand has been rated as one of the best beaches in the nation. The beach is popular for sunbathing, swimming, beachcombing, snorkeling, and picnicking. Sometimes you’d find some scattered kiters or windsurfers, but it is mostly a family destination.
Parking is easy (when you’re early) but costs about 6 bucks per car.
Strong Northwest winds create a nice swell close to the pass, but generally, my recommendation for wind directions is the same as those above.
Barefoot Beach Park
Barefoot Beach Park, located at 2 Barefoot Beach Boulevard Bonita Beach Road, starts across from Wiggins Pass, but to get there, you have to drive to Bonita Beach and wind through a residential community of million-dollar homes. This Collier County Park is mostly known to locals but requires the Collier Beach Access Parking sticker, or you pay $10 for the day (Credit Cards only). Access to the beach with your gear is relatively easy, but it is not as close as the other beaches.
Barefoot Beach is good for wind directions from South to Southwest, West, and Northwest to North. East wind directions are offshore and not recommended. However, since this is one of the last undeveloped barrier islands in Southwest Florida, there are no highrises that block off the wind coming from eastern directions.
