Naples’s beaches separate themselves from beaches around the world because of the white sands and turquoise waters. The sand’s texture resembles that of icing sugar and creates the perfect playground for kids and adults to roll around, play games, and explore. We’ve chosen our top 10 favorite beaches in the region that are all family-friendly and perfect for your next beach vacation.
Our top 10 Naples Beaches:
- Vanderbilt Beach Park
- Lowdermilk Beach Park
- Barefoot Beach Preserve
- Delnor-Wiggins Pass
- Naples Pier
- Clam Pass Park
- Keewaydin Island
- Lovers Key State Park
- Marco Island Beaches
- Tigertail Beach
So, if you’re in search of the best family beaches in Naples, we’ve got you covered.
1. Vanderbilt Beach Park
Vanderbilt Beach Park draws people from all over the state and even the country. It’s perfect for families because of its plentiful amenities. In addition to the expansive beach, it has loads of restaurants and activities like a wolf sanctuary and swamp trails for the family to explore.
Plus, if you’re looking for a place to stay, Vanderbilt Beach has some top-rated family resorts and hotels to offer.
2. Lowdermilk Beach Park
Lowdermilk Beach Park is another top-rated Naples beach as it has seemingly endless things to do in addition to its excellent beachfront and swimming areas. Here, your family can choose from hanging out with the ducks at one of the two duck ponds or playing around at the children’s playgrounds. If your kids are slightly older, there are beach volleyball spaces, yoga classes, and picnic tables to enjoy a shaded lunch. The park is wheelchair and stroller accessible.
3. Barefoot Beach Preserve
Barefoot Beach Preserve is particularly spectacular because it is undeveloped and protected. If your family is interested in nature and animals, then this one is perfect for you. It has a white sandy beach, a butterfly garden, and a great walking trail so you can learn all about the nature around you in between dips in the Gulf.
4. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
Delnor-Wiggins has an infectiously relaxing atmosphere. You simply cannot help but feel calm while looking at its turquoise waters and white soft sand. This state park is excellent for snorkeling because of its hard-bottom reef which brings around some interesting underwater life to swim around. So be sure to bring along your mask and snorkel and if you don’t have any then there are places to rent them on the beach.
5. Naples Pier
Naples Pier is right on the Gulf of Mexico and a popular spot to go to see a picturesque sunset. With fishers lining the edges of the gorgeous wooden pier, this beach offers a quintessential Naples experience. Because of its position, there is often a strong breeze rolling through the pier which is particularly welcomed on those hot Florida days. Be sure to lather your kids in sunscreen when adventuring out onto the beach’s 1000-foot-long pier.
6. Clam Pass Park
Now this one might be the most scenic of them all. Not only does Clam Pass Park have an expansive beach with crystal clear waters, but it also has 35 acres of coastal preserved habitat to explore. We suggest Clam Pass Park if your family is up for an adventure. You can rent everything from chairs to canoes and kayaks in the park so don’t worry about bringing along all your equipment. Jump in your kayaks and paddle around the mangrove forest for a real treat.
7. Keewaydin Island
Now, this one is actually just off the coast of Naples; however, we couldn’t help but include it in our list considering all that it has to offer. The island is situated between Naples and Marco Island and because it is only accessible by boat, it draws far fewer tourists than the other Naples beach options. Here, you’ll find eight miles of nearly untouched beach that has the classic white sugar sand of Naples. You can get here by renting a boat at one of the Naples or Marco Island marinas or alternatively take a catamaran sailing trip that will take you right by the island.
8. Lovers Key State Park
Lovers Key State Park is another great option. The beach stretches two miles and is, of course, mad of soft white sand. It was set to become a site for condominiums years ago, but the land was instead donated to the people of Florida to preserve its mangrove forests and beautiful beach. As the name suggests, Lover’s Key beach is a popular site for couples because of its romantic sunsets and because it frequently hosts weddings; however, it’s still a great one for families to explore.
9. Marco Island Beaches
If the family is looking for an easily accessible island, then the Marco Island Beaches are perfect. The island is connected to the mainland by multiple bridges, so no boats are necessary. Once you get there, we recommend renting a kayak or paddleboard and exploring the gorgeous marine lift around the island. The island is often referred to as Florida’s Paradise Coast and that name is no exaggeration.
10. Tigertail Beach
Tigertail Beach is one of the specific beaches we suggest trying out if you head across the bridge to the Marco Island Beaches. Here, you will find three miles of gorgeous beach with far fewer crowds than the others. Because it’s less populated, your family can enjoy a game of soccer on the beach or keep your eyes peeled for the dolphins that frequently pass by.
Final Thoughts
The best part about Naples is that none of these beaches are ridiculously far from each other so you and the family can even check out a few throughout your visit. Whether the kids are looking for a beach with endless activities or a calm and quiet animal sanctuary to get some rest and relaxation, Naples has it all.
Most have parking areas that may cost up to around 10USD per day.
