Barefoot Beach Preserve Park
Being one of the last undeveloped barrier islands on Florida’s southwest coast Barefoot Beach is 342 acres and offers a natural beach environment. Located on Little Hickory Island, Barefoot Beach has five habitats within the preserve which are the beach zone, dune zone, coastal strand, maritime hammock, and estuarine mangrove forest. Known for its wildlife, greenery and being home to one of the largest gopher tortoise preserves in Southwest Florida, Barefoot Beach is perfect for nature lovers. There is a 356 space parking lot, one-mile nature trail, and picnic area.
Bonita Beach
Located at the end of Bonita Beach Road, Bonita Beach offers visitors a parking lot and several smaller parking areas along Hickory Blvd. Since it is less populated and has fewer entertainment options than Fort Myers Beach, Bonita Beach is perfect for beachside relaxation and a stroll on the beach provides amazing nature views in addition to glimpses of astounding luxury homes.
Captiva Island
Stretching five miles long with pristine beaches and incredible variety of shells, Captiva Island is the sister island to Sanibel Island located to its south. Spectacular sunsets, beautiful waters, and a plethora of wildlife create countless opportunities for boating, fishing, diving, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
Clam Pass Beach Park
Located at the end of Seagate Drive, Clam Pass Beach can only be accessed by the 3/4 mile long wooden boardwalk or free tram ride through a mangrove forest that runs continuously throughout the day. There is a concession stand that offers food, drink, beach and water sport equipment rental. Additionally, there is a 182 space parking lot.
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
Rated one of the best beaches in the nation, Delnor-Wiggins is comprised of a 199-acre tropical park and a one mile stretch of white sugar sand beach. Offering visitors the opportunity to swim, scuba dive, kayak, canoe, or paddle board, there is also a designated fishing zone, boat ramp and observation tower. The beach can be accessed from six parking lots (five lots located on the Gulf of Mexico and one lot located at the boat ramp) via a system of connecting trails and boardwalks.
Fort Myers Beach
Fort Myers Beach sits on a seven-mile-long barrier island. Hotels and restaurants in all price ranges are available. A popular destination with a wide beach and numerous watersports such as parasailing, jet skiing, banana boat rides, boat tours, paddleboarding and kayaking, Fort Myers Beach provides countless ways to have fun in the sun.
Lowdermilk Park
Offering 1,000 feet of beachfront, a duck pond, lots of picnic tables, two playgrounds, sand volleyball courts and two gazebos that can be rented, Lowdermilk Beach is popular with families. There is a 125 space parking lot and additional parking space are available on Gulf Shore Blvd.
Marco Island
Tigertail Beach and South Beach are the two public beaches on Marco Island with several access points. The beaches have white sand, are immaculate, and play host to diverse wildlife. Tigertail Beach has a shimmering lagoon that splits the parking area. The northern tip of Tigertail Beach, called Sand Dollar Spit, is a popular place for finding sand dollars and shells. South Beach offers a calmer and more relaxing vibe with great opportunities for shelling and watching birds and dolphins.
Naples Municipal Beach & Pier
A landmark and one of the most popular attractions in Naples, the Naples Municipal Beach & Fishing Pier is located along Gulf Shore Blvd. in downtown Naples. Recently renovated the 1,000 foot pier was built in 1888 as a freight and passenger dock. Today, it serves as an observation spot and fishing area. The 10 mile long beach fronts the large and beautiful homes that run along Gulf Shore Blvd. and Gordon Drive and is close to the many hotels, restaurants, and shopping located in downtown Naples. Metered parking is available along the side streets.
Sanibel Island
Located about 25 miles south of Fort Myers, Sanibel Island is roughly 15 miles long and 5 miles wide and is best known for its pristine beaches and unparalleled shelling. It is rich in history, has abundant wildlife, and offers visitors numerous ways to explore and relax. Low-key and quaint, Sanibel is consistently ranked among the best Florida beaches and best beaches in the U.S.
Vanderbilt Beach
Located in at the end of Vanderbilt Beach Road and running north to Immokalee Road in North Naples, Vanderbilt Beach is famous for its powdery white sand and bird watching opportunities. Close to hotels, restaurants, and shopping, Vanderbilt Beach is very popular, so it’s best to arrive early during high season since parking is extremely hard to find once the 152-car parking garage is full. There is a drop-off point where you can unload your beach chairs before parking your vehicle. Activities such as kayaking, paddle boarding, and motorized water sports are available for additional fees.
Please note that all beaches require you to pay a fee to use a parking area, garage, or meter unless you have a beach parking permit which are available from the City of Naples or Collier County. Full-time residents and taxpayers can get a permit from any community park. Visitors (non-residents) Staying within the Naples city limits may purchase a yearly permit for $50 at City Hall, 735 Eighth Street South.