When you’re planning a stay at Lely Resort in Naples, Florida, you’re probably picturing a luxurious vacation with plenty of activities at your disposal. There are undoubtedly tons of things to do here, including trying delicious local seafood, checking out historical sites, going shopping at nearby boutiques, and so much more. But of course, you can’t have a trip to Naples without visiting the beach!
Luckily, you don’t need a special permit or a booking at a fancy hotel to enjoy access to the public beaches in Naples, FL. So, are you ready to learn all about the best beaches near Lely Resort? Let’s get started!
Naples Beach & Fishing Pier
When we’re talking about Naples beaches, there’s no better place to begin than Naples Beach itself. This beautiful soft-sand beach has everything you need to spend the entire day out on the shore! There are tons of restaurants right on the shoreline for when you get hungry, and for the rest of the day, you shouldn’t have a problem finding a spot on the shoreline to settle down. Enjoy features like restrooms and showers as well as volleyball nets and courts.
Of course, you can also enjoy the Naples Pier in addition to the beach itself. This pier extends out 1,000 feet into the water and is the perfect place to enjoy the view of the water, cool off with an ice cream cone, or simply sit around and enjoy the sites. No matter what your perfect day at the beach looks like, you can make it happen at Naples Beach.
Keewaydin Island
Another of the most beloved beaches in the area is Keewaydin Island. This island is only accessible by boat, and a shuttle will take you back and forth. Once you get there, you’ll find that the shoreline is genuinely untouched, offering an experience you’ll find nowhere else.
As you can guess, there are no facilities here, so plan accordingly. You’re more than welcome to bring a picnic lunch; be sure to clean up after yourself! As you eat, you’ll have an incredible view of the beautiful waters as well as the incredible marine life that calls this area home. It’s an experience you’ll never forget!
Tigertail Beach on Marco Island
Take a day trip over to Marco Island to experience Tigertail Beach, one of the best spots for families with young kids. The water is shallow in many places, so your kids can safely enjoy splashing around. You can relax close by while they enjoy cooling off on those hot summer days.
Tigertail Beach offers plenty of parking and a convenient washroom and changing facilities nearby. It’s definitely worth the trip if you find yourself on Marco Island!
Lowdermilk Park
Are you looking for a beach that’s a bit more secluded and laid-back than some of the others we’ve discussed so far? Then you’ll want to head to Lowdermilk Beach Park. This park is located in a residential neighborhood and is a bit away from downtown, so while it’s not hard to get to, it’s usually not the first place that people will visit. That means you can get the shoreline practically all to yourself!
Lowdermilk Park has many convenient amenities, including picnic tables, restrooms and showers, barbecues, and even paddleboard and chair rentals nearby. There’s also a handy concession stand right on the beach where you can get a bite to eat whenever you please. You can come here to relax during the day or catch a truly picturesque sunset in the evening. Just be aware that you’ll need to pay to park, so be prepared.
Clam Pass Park
Many visitors in our Lely Resort vacation home rentals are on the lookout for a family-friendly beach. In these cases, we always like to recommend Clam Pass Park, located in North Naples. This destination has small waves that even the tiniest members of your group can handle, and the relaxed atmosphere is great for kids and adults alike. In addition to the beach itself, you’ll also get to enjoy the beautiful wilderness nearby, which is excellent for watching wildlife like birds and turtles!
When you come to Clam Pass Park, you can access restroom facilities and a small restaurant nearby. Beach wheelchairs and loaner life jackets are available for free upon request. To get here, you can drive and park nearby (there are about 170 paid parking spots) or take the free tram that services the beach from 8 a.m. to sunset daily.
Vanderbilt Beach Park
Arguably the most favored Naples public beach is Vanderbilt Beach Park. This five-acre park tends to be quite busy no matter the season, but once you visit for yourself, you’ll understand why it’s so beloved! The waters are clear and cool, the sand is soft and white, and the atmosphere is tons of fun for the whole family. Visitors and residents alike can enjoy their days soaking up the sun here. For an exciting and unique experience that you won’t soon forget, Vanderbilt Beach Park is the place to be.
When you visit, you’ll find parking in a paid garage nearby. It’s best to get there early to make sure you can get a spot! You’ll find a concession stand on the beach itself, offering both food selections as well as rental equipment. If this stand doesn’t have what you need, you can head across Gulf Shore Drive for more options.
Delnor-Wiggins State Park
Just a short drive away from Vanderbilt Beach Park is Delnor-Wiggins State Park, offering an entirely different atmosphere that’s equally as impressive. Much of the beach is undeveloped here, giving you the perfect opportunity to see local wildlife in its natural habitat. While you’re here, it’s not uncommon to see eagles, owls, and ospreys, as well as all the other birds that hang out on the shore.
You can enjoy shallow waters that adults and kids will both love, as well as some unique shelling opportunities! Canoe or kayak in the ocean and the nearby bay, and if you don’t have your own gear, there’s a rental facility nearby. You can also utilize the playground, washrooms, boat ramps, and picnic tables. Keep in mind that no more visitors are allowed once the parking lot fills up, so plan to arrive early if at all possible!
Barefoot Beach Preserve
If you continue your way north toward Bonita Beach, you’ll find yourself reaching Barefoot Beach Preserve. This destination is spread out over nearly 350 acres! There is plenty of room on the shoreline for everyone. You can relax on the white sands, check out the beautiful blue waters, and enjoy nature the way it was meant to be experienced.
Head down the shoreline a little bit to get to the boardwalk, where you can see all kinds of wildlife. Birds are pretty common, but it’s also likely that you’ll see a turtle or tortoise while you’re in the area! You can also check out the cactus and butterfly gardens on the premises for a truly unique experience. Finally, there’s tons of parking available to visitors.
Lover’s Key State Park
Often named one of the best beaches in the area for pets, Lover’s Key State Park covers more than 700 acres and has plenty of shoreline for you to enjoy. Manatees and dolphins can be seen from the shoreline, and two bridges allow you to get close to alligators and fish as well. Of course, you can also relax on the by the water if you please.
Keep in mind that, although this is a public beach, there is a small fee to get in. However, it’s easy to find a place to park and make your way to the sand once you’re in!
Our Lely Resort condo rentals put you just moments away from all of these beaches and plenty more. Ready to plan your stay? Contact us today to get started!
