One of the best things about living in Southwest Florida is our proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and its beaches. The closure of our beaches due to COVID-19 kept us from that oasis of fun and relaxation for several weeks. Now that local beaches have reopened (with restrictions), we are celebrating with another installment of our “20 in 2020” series. Our list of 20 beaches in Southwest Florida stretches from Fort Myers Beach in the north down to South Marco Island.
Please check before you go, as beach hours and guidelines have been changing rapidly these past few weeks. If you are new to Naples, make sure to get your Collier County or City of Naples beach parking sticker, which allows you to park for free. If you live in the City of Naples, go to Naples City Hall, Finance Department, 735 8th St. S. Collier County resident beach permits may be obtained from any Collier County park or library (when open). For more information: Collier County beaches, call 239-252-4000; City of Naples beaches, 239-213-1800; and for Lee County beaches, call 239-472-6397.
RR: Restrooms P: Parking FB: Food and Beverage nearby
Collier County
1. Vanderbilt Beach, 100 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples
While this is one of the most popular beaches in Collier County because of plentiful parking and amenities, an empty stretch of sand usually can be found by walking a few hundred yards up the beach. RR/P/FB
2. Clam Pass Beach, 465 Seagate Dr., Naples
To access the beach, either board a free tram or stroll the 3/4-mile boardwalk from the parking lot to the beach. Clam Pass boasts a restaurant as well as a bar and water craft rentals. RR/P/FB
3. Barefoot Beach Preserve, 505 Barefoot Beach Blvd., Naples
With a learning center and nature trail in addition to its beautiful beaches, Barefoot Beach is the perfect spot to explore nature. RR/P/FB
4. Seagate Beach (officially known as North Gulfshore Beach Access), North Gulfshore Blvd., Naples
While the small parking lot off Seagate Drive means it can be difficult to find a spot for your car, this also makes for a peaceful spot. Metered parking also is available on North Gulfshore Blvd., north of Venetian Village. P
5. Bluebill Beach Access, 11129 Park Dr., Naples
Although this beach at the north end of Naples Park does not offer parking, Conner Park provides off-site parking a few blocks away. FB
6. Keewaydin Island
Located north of Marco Island in the Rookery Bay reserve, this barrier island – with eight miles of white sand beaches – is accessible only by water (water taxi service available).
7. Tigertail Beach, 430 Hernando Dr., Marco Island
Ideal for families, with tidal pools to explore, boardwalks, a playground, and even a butterfly garden. RR/P/FB
8. South Marco Beach, 930 South Collier Blvd., Marco Island
The only other public beach access point on Marco, it is less busy than Tigertail. Parking and restrooms are located on Swallow Avenue, across South Collier Boulevard.
City of Naples
9. Lowdermilk Park, 1301 Gulfshore Blvd. N., Naples
Lowdermilk is popular with families, as it offers easy access to the beach from the parking lot, two playgrounds, sand volleyball courts, picnic tables, and two gazebos for rent. RR/P/FB
10. Naples Pier, 25 12th Ave. S., Naples
A popular tourist destination, the pier is also a favorite among residents for fishing and sunset. RR/P/FB
11. Port Royal Public Beach, 32nd Ave. S., Naples
You don’t have to live in Port Royal to enjoy this peaceful beach. The pilings and rocks make it a popular location for beach portraits. (Pictured in top photo) P
12. Vedado Beach, Vedado Way, Naples
Tucked away in The Moorings off Gulf Shore Boulevard, this often is a quiet spot to enjoy the beach. P
13. Horizon Way Beach, 3951 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., Naples
Like Vedado, limited parking means this beach is less busy. P
14. Via Miramar Beach, 2700 Gulf Shore Blvd. N., Naples
A quiet beach just north of Doctor’s Pass. P
State Parks
15. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, 1135 Gulf Shore Dr., Naples
This state park is not part of the county beach system, so you will pay a fee to enter, which gives you access to a mile of unspoiled sand. RR/P/FB
16. Lovers Key State Park, 8700 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach
Nature trails, paddle craft rentals, a playground, plus a slew of other amenities make Lovers Key well worth the entrance fee. RR/P/FB
Lee County
17. Bonita Beach Park, 27954 Hickory Blvd., Bonita Springs
Close proximity to Doc’s Beach House restaurant makes this a popular beach. Note that Lee County stickers are not accepted here.
18. Bowman’s Beach Park, 1700 Bowman’s Beach Rd., Sanibel Island
Known for great shelling, the beach is a five-minute walk from the parking lot. RR/P
19. Causeway Islands, 19931 Sanibel Causeway Rd., Sanibel Island
The two islands created during the building of the road that links Sanibel Island to the mainland have become a hub of outdoor activities, from fishing, swimming, and picnicking to paddle boarding, wind surfing, and kite boarding. RR/P
20. Crescent Beach Family Park, 1100 Estero Blvd., Fort Myers Beach
This public park on the water has sand volleyball courts and covered picnic tables, and is close to restaurants. RR/P