Your Naples Beach Guide

If you are planning a Naples beach vacation, you'll want to know as much as possible about the beaches of Naples before making final decisions.

Naples Municipal Beach

Located at the end of 12th Street, the Naples Municipal Beach is one of the more popular spots in town since it is so close to downtown and lots of shopping. It's a very relaxed and casual beach due to the lack of commercial activity right on the beachfront. That also means there are no restaurants, so plan on heading back into the city when it's time to grab a bite to eat.

You can go for a nice walk out into the Gulf on the historic Naples Pier. It's about 1000 feet long and there is a little snack bar part of the way out. If you are there in the evening, this is 'the place', to watch the sunset. It's a local custom for people to gather on the Naples Pier and watch the sun go down together.

This Naples beach also has facilities for showers and restrooms.

Clam Pass Beach Park

Just north of Naples is this 35-acre natural parkland and beach. There is a 20 minute walk along a wooden boardwalk to get to the beach from the parking lot, but you can speed that up by taking the free tram. It runs every 6 minutes.

The boardwalk is there to protect the mangrove forests around the park. There are lots of birds to see on the nature trails. Of course, don't forget to spend some time on the beach itself. There is a lifeguard available at the beach, washrooms and outdoor shower facilities. You can get something to eat at the snack bar, or you can bring your own food and use the picnic tables that are available to anyone.

Throughout the park, there are walking trails with free guided tours available.

Delnor Wiggins Pass

This is actually a state park, and it's a very natural Naples beach since there are no buildings or businesses anywhere around. It's the beach to visit if you want peace and quiet. Eighty percent of the park is covered with mangrove forest, and is a natural wildlife habitat. Parking is right next to the beach but you can get a little walking in if you take the marked boardwalk trails around the park.

There is a large area designated for picnics, so pack a lunch when you come. The beach is good for swimming, snorkeling and seashell collecting. If you don't have any equipment, there are booths for rentals.

Vanderbilt Beach

If you prefer a busy beach with lots of activity, then Vanderbilt Beach is for you. There is a huge parking lot and nearby hotels, shopping and restaurants. Across the street from the Vanderbilt Beach entrance are a number of food stands too.

A great beach all around, for swimming, walking, sunbathing or shell collecting.

Lowdermilk Beach Park

Last on our list of Naples beaches is the Lowdermilk Beach Park. It's not far from Tin City and Fifth Avenue South, making it a pretty convenient beach to visit with the family. Picnic tables are everywhere and parking is close to the beach so you don't have to lug all your stuff too far from the car. A major advantage of this beach is that it has lots of shade. In case the sun gets too strong, you can use one of the little Tiki Huts, although you may have to show up early to find an empty one.

Showers and restrooms are open to the public, and there is also a playground and volleyball court.