Perfectly situated on the Gulf of Mexico, in southwest Florida, Naples is well known and loved for not only its beautiful beaches and turquoise water but also, all of the family-friendly activities and outdoor fun.
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
Open every day of the year, this grand state park is a Naples gem with its stunning Gulf of Mexico views. Mangrove swamps and plenty of acres of submerged land create a home for an incredible diversity of wildlife including sea turtles, manatees, and many different species of birds. Seashell hunters will find much to marvel at while combing the shoreline. If you have patience and a sense of wonder, you might even see dolphins! Boating, fishing, standup paddleboarding, snorkeling, swimming, picnicking, and geocaching will keep your entire crew busy all day long at Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park.
Vanderbilt Beach Park
Vanderbilt Beach, located at the end of Vanderbilt Drive, is perfect for little ones who love to play in the sand, build sandcastles, and cool off in the gentle waves. Located in north Naples, with easy access to many lovely hotels and vacation rentals as well as shopping and restaurants, this beach is fun for shelling, bird watching, kayaking, paddleboarding, and swimming. Complimentary life jackets are available for little ones to boot.
Naples Beach
One of the areas that is currently being repaired due to Hurricane Ian is the historic Naples Pier, first built in 1888, which reaches 1,000 feet out into the ocean. Popular for folks who love to fish, watch sunsets, or gather along the shoreline when fully functioning, the pier features bathrooms, showers, an ADA-compliant beach access mat, picnicking areas, and concessions. Worth seeing any day of the year, this beach and pier is a classic Naples experience.
Lowdermilk Beach Park
This beachfront park is super fun for families and friends who like to gather for sand volleyball, a children’s playground, or a picnic in one of the gazebos available for private rental. The concession stand, Flip Flop Beach Grill, is where to go for sandwiches, hot dogs, burgers, and the like as well as beach wheelchairs. When not enjoying the seashore or park, there’s plenty of nearby retail therapy as well as downtown restaurants to relish.
Clam Pass Beach
One of the most popular beach access points in all of Naples, Clam Pass Beach, nestled behind the Naples Grande Beach Resort, is family-friendly with three miles of sugary sand and calm water. The long boardwalk and nature trail are a bit of an effort to be sure (the resort also provides a tram ride), but most folks love the adventurous experience. It’s beautiful and lush on either side of the raised wooden path and if you look closely, you can spot butterflies, coastal birds, and other wildlife hiding in the mangrove forests. Seashell hunters should arrive early for the best find.
Keewaydin Island Beach
A barrier island off the coast of Naples, near Marco Island, Keewaydin Island can only be accessed by boat. With no cars, roads, or bridges, the island’s wildlife flourishes. From wild boar to bobcats, white-tailed deer, tortoises, and iguanas, there’s much to see here on this island that is mostly undeveloped. Arrive via the Hemingway Water Shuttle, a small water taxi. Other options include a sightseeing boat tour, leaving from Naples or Marco Island. One of the most fun experiences to have while on the island is to order from the multi-hued food boat that offers beverages and noshes. It’s worth noting, however, that there are no public bathroom facilities and while dogs are allowed on the island, they must be on leash to protect the fragile ecosystem.
Bonita Beach Park
Just north of Naples in Bonita Springs, Bonita Beach Park has a lovely boardwalk, swimming area, and lively beachside park. Bring a picnic, play a round of volleyball, enjoy beach-combing, and revel in the spectacular Florida views with your friends and family in tow.
