Find Your Beach in Naples and Marco Island

Are you dreaming of the perfect beach getaway? With nearly 30 miles of soft, white sand, Florida’s Paradise Coast is an excellent choice for sunseekers. Whether you prefer gorgeous shores with lots of amenities or a stunning stretch of coastline with a secluded and natural feel, there’s an ideal beach for everyone in Naples and Marco Island.

From family-friendly coastal stretches to romantic hideaways, this guide will help you discover a top-notch beach to match your desires. Get ready to explore the best beaches that Naples and Marco Island have to offer and find your own slice of Paradise.
 

Naples Beaches

CLAM PASS BEACH PARK: PERFECT FOR NATURE LOVERS AND FAMILIES

Clam Pass Park is a beautiful beach access point in the North Naples area, ideal for family days out and about. Thanks to its calm waters, it’s also the perfect place to go fishing or paddling. This 35-acre park boasts a preserved coastal habitat along with a three-quarter-mile boardwalk through a mangrove forest to a sandy beach.

The Clam Pass Boardwalk is an opportunity to observe marine life, coastal birds, and butterflies on the way to the beach. Or, if you’d prefer to skip the trek, complimentary tram rides depart from the Clam Pass parking lot throughout the day.

The Conservancy of Southwest Florida offers guided nature walks here Mondays through Saturdays from December through April. Reservations are required for this activity, and you can make them by calling (239) 734-1132 or emailing ClamPassTours@conservancy.org. On this two-hour walking tour, you’ll have the chance to spot shorebirds, pileated woodpeckers, and maybe even a yellow-crowned night heron. Just make sure to bring water, a hat, and sunscreen!

Visitors to the park will find a snack bar, restrooms, and bike racks for their convenience. Parking costs $10, and we suggest arriving before 10 a.m. to secure a spot during peak season.
 

VANDERBILT BEACH PARK: PERFECT FOR COUPLES 

Conveniently located near top-notch hotels, restaurants, and shopping in North Naples, Vanderbilt Beach Park is your ultimate destination for outdoor fun. Dive into exciting activities like shelling, paddle boarding, and bird watching, all set against the backdrop of stunning coastal views. With restrooms and showers perfectly positioned near the parking area, your day at the beach will be as comfortable as it is exciting.

The concession stand is the perfect spot to rent beach equipment, chairs, and cabanas; however, food and drinks are not sold. Luckily, you can find a range of restaurants and convenience stores within walking distance of Vanderbilt Beach, like The Turtle Club and Buzz’s Lighthouse Restaurant.

Similar to Clam Pass Park, parking here costs $10. During the high season (January through March), arrive earlier in the morning to beat the crowds and secure your spot.
 

KEEWAYDIN ISLAND: PERFECT FOR ADVENTURERS AND PET OWNERS

Keewaydin Island is a barrier island that sits between Naples and Marco Island, boasting nearly eight miles of soft, white sand. With about 80% of the island untouched by development, you won’t find commercial buildings here—just private homes and unspoiled nature.

Accessible only by boat, this island promises a secluded adventure for those looking to escape the ordinary. Plus, it's the only pet-friendly beach in the Naples and Marco Island area, making it perfect for a day of exploration with your furry friend!

Take a trip to the beach on Hemingway Water Shuttle, which departs twice daily in the morning from Rose Marina. If you want to bring your family pet along, make sure to book a Bark on the Ark cruise with Pure Florida! This special event occurs once every month, and reservations are required.

Rent a boat to explore Keewaydin on your own from one of the marinas in the area, or take a sightseeing trip that stops on the island to walk along the beach and look for shells. Due to the beautiful, undeveloped nature of Keewaydin Island, keep in mind that there are no restrooms or shops here. However, you can typically buy snacks from food boats that park here in the afternoon.
 

LOWDERMILK PARK ON NAPLES BEACH: PERFECT FOR FAMILIES AND GROUPS

Lowdermilk Park is the ultimate destination for a fun-filled day with family and friends! With a fantastic children’s playground, lively sand volleyball courts, and plenty of picnic tables, it’s the perfect spot to create lasting memories.

Enjoy the convenience of restrooms and shower facilities, ensuring a comfortable experience for everyone. You can also find Flip Flop Beach Grill here, the park’s concession stand, serving hamburgers, hot dogs, and other snacks.
 

NAPLES BEACH: PERFECT FOR FISHING AND SUNSET ENTHUSIASTS

Naples Beach, part of the City of Naples' nearly 9-mile coastline, is a gorgeous beach with 38 beach accesses. The historic Naples Pier, extending 1,000 feet into the Gulf, was well known for its incredible sunset views, but is currently closed for repairs after being damaged by Hurricane Ian in 2022. You can check on progress of the rebuild here.

Meanwhile, the beach offers you the chance to relax in your lounge chair while reading your favorite book or head out on an adventure. The nearby Doctors Pass and Gordon Pass provide opportunities for boating, kayaking, and marine life exploration. Keep in mind that parking is metered; however, beach admission is free!

DELNOR-WIGGINS PASS STATE PARK: PERFECT FOR THOSE WHO LOVE THE OUTDOORS

Exciting news! Delnor Wiggins Pass State Park has reopened for limited day-use adventures. Enjoy the pristine beach and make use of the operational boat ramp, but remember that some park areas remain closed.

This family-friendly beach is a paradise for paddleboarding, birdwatching, kayaking, fishing, and shelling enthusiasts. If relaxation is your goal, simply unwind and sink into the soft, white sand.

The county provides a complimentary beach shuttle to the park, and convenient parking is available at Conner Park–just a short walk away. Currently, there are no concessions, so be sure to pack your favorite snacks and drinks for a perfect beach day!
 

8TH AVENUE SOUTH BEACH ACCESS & WEDDING PARK: PERFECT FOR ROMANCE 

Discover the charm of Eighth Avenue South in downtown Naples, famously known as Wedding Beach or Wedding Park. This picturesque spot features space for seating, lush landscaping, and stunning views, making it the perfect backdrop for your big day.

While parking at the adjoining beach ends is available, unfortunately, it can’t be reserved in advance. With this in mind, most wedding parties shuttle guests from nearby locations like 12th Avenue South and Third Street South. Convenient public garages are also nearby on 8th Street South.

This enchanting area is a must-visit even if you're not tying the knot. Stop by to catch a breathtaking sunset and soak in the romantic ambiance!
 

Marco Island Beaches

SOUTH MARCO BEACH ACCESS: PERFECT FOR FAMILIES AND ADVENTURE SEEKERS

Discover the ultimate family-friendly beach destination at South Marco Beach Access, one of Marco Island's two public beach entry points. Imagine hunting for seashells, casting a line for a fresh catch, or marveling at dolphins dancing in the waves.

The firmer sand near the shoreline is perfect for a refreshing walk, a brisk jog, or a scenic bike ride. As the day winds down, prepare to be mesmerized by breathtaking sunsets, making it an idyllic spot to unwind and stretch out.

The fun doesn’t stop there! Dive into thrilling water activities with wave runners and kayaks available for rent. For an unforgettable experience, soar above the water with parasailing. The beach access points here are well-maintained, featuring convenient foot washing stations at the entrances and children's life jackets you can borrow for added safety.

Parking and restroom facilities are located just a short stroll away on Swallow Avenue, right across South Collier Blvd.

TIGERTAIL BEACH PARK: PERFECT FOR BIRDWATCHERS AND NATURE ENTHUSIASTS

Tigertail Beach Park is an unforgettable destination for bird enthusiasts and sunset seekers alike! This stunning 32-acre barrier island is a globally renowned sanctuary for wintering and nesting shorebirds, making it a prime spot for wildlife watching. In fact, The Great Florida Birding Trail Guide recognizes it as one of the top birdwatching locales in Southwest Florida.

Separating the beach from the Big Marco Pass Critical Wildlife Area, known as Sand Dollar Spit, is a vibrant tidal lagoon teeming with life. Here, you can discover fascinating creatures such as horseshoe crabs, needlefish, and Florida fighting conchs.

Getting to the beach adds to the adventure! You can choose to wade through the shallow, inviting waters of the lagoon or take a scenic walk around the south side.

Once you arrive, you'll find everything you need for a perfect day out: clean restrooms, a delightful picnic area with tables and grills, and a fun-filled children's playground. Convenient parking is available for a fee for those without a beach parking permit.

From the serene shores of Clam Pass Beach Park to the vibrant wildlife of Tigertail Beach, Naples and Marco Island offer a beach experience like no other. So, remember: whether you’re seeking adventure or relaxation on your next coastal vacation, Only Paradise will do.