The Ultimate Naples Beach Itinerary for First-Time Visitors

Naples Beach is located on Florida’s Paradise Coast, spanning approximately 10 miles along the Gulf of America in Southwest Florida. Known for its soft white sand, calm waters, and walkable neighborhoods, it offers a truly unique beach getaway. Here, visitors can stay just steps from the shoreline and still easily access premium shopping, wellness, and dining experiences. With this in mind, this itinerary is designed to help you get to know the area and make the most of a short stay, with time built in to explore nearby spots like Lowdermilk Park, Vanderbilt Beach, and Barefoot Beach Preserve.

Day One: Naples Beach + Downtown

Since you’ll only be in town for a few days, you’ll want to book accommodations that keep you close to the sand. If you’d like to be directly on Naples Beach, Edgewater Beach Hotel is a popular choice. However, you can also consider staying along Vanderbilt Beach at The Ritz-Carlton, Naples or LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort. Just south of here, Naples Grande Beach Resort is another excellent option, offering direct access to Clam Pass Park.

Once you’ve checked in and dropped off your bags, make your way to Naples Beach. This is the heart of the Florida’s Paradise Coast experience, with white sand and calm waters that stretch for miles. It’s also home to the Naples Pier—currently being rebuilt after hurricane damage, but still a key spot on the horizon for photos and sunset views. Grab a beach chair or take a walk and keep your eyes on the water—you may even spot a dolphin!

For dinner, make your way to 5th Avenue South, where you’ll find dozens of restaurants in one of Naples’ most walkable areas. Ocean Prime, Truluck’s, and The French are all great options for your first night, ranging from upscale seafood and steak to French-inspired dishes. As the day winds down, head back to the beach or your resort balcony to watch the sky change colors over the Gulf.

Day Two: Beach Hopping

For your second day in Naples, begin with beach time at Lowdermilk Park. Located directly on Naples Beach, this park is a favorite among families thanks to its shaded picnic tables, playground, and volleyball courts. Enjoy a picnic breakfast in the park or along the beach here—a Kona coffee shop is conveniently located right across the street!

Afterward, head north to Vanderbilt Beach. Popular with both visitors and locals, this wide shoreline is ideal for searching for seashells, swimming, and paddleboarding. You’ll find restrooms, showers, and rentals nearby, as well as a public parking garage. Pro tip: Arriving early helps secure a good spot during high season! For lunch, The Turtle Club offers open-air seating right on the beach, and Buzz’s Lighthouse Restaurant is within walking distance, serving up casual seafood and sandwiches.

Next, continue your drive north to the very top of Collier County, where you’ll find Barefoot Beach Preserve. Spanning 342 acres, this preserve is among the few undeveloped barrier islands left along Southwest Florida’s coast. It’s a perfect spot for wildlife watching, and visitors are often able to catch a glimpse of gopher tortoises here.

After such a busy day, consider staying near your hotel for dinner and heading to casual spots on your return from Barefoot Beach Preserve, like Jack’s Seafood Bar & Grill, Grouper & Chips, or Pinchers.

Day Three: Last Day in Paradise

Since you were on the move yesterday, your third day in Naples will focus on unwinding before it's time to head home. Consider spending the morning back on Naples Beach with a good book, searching for seashells, or simply watching the boats pass along the horizon. If you're staying at Naples Grande Beach Resort, you can take the boardwalk or complimentary tram back out to the beach for one last relaxed visit.

Prefer to stay poolside? Edgewater Beach Hotel features two outdoor pools—one for swimming laps and another for relaxing. LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort offers four pools, beachfront cabanas, and poolside drink service, while The Ritz-Carlton, Naples includes a family-friendly pool, an adults-only option with private cabanas, and a children’s splash pool. You may also want to consider treating yourself to a treatment at a spa on your last day!

For lunch, enjoy a casual meal at your resort or stop at The Dock at Crayton Cove for another round of seafood with a view. Spend your final hour or two doing what feels best—floating in the pool, walking the beach, or soaking up the last bit of sun. Your time on Florida’s Paradise Coast may be coming to an end, but don’t be surprised if you start planning a return trip soon. After all, for Florida's finest beaches, ONLY Paradise will do.