Public
Beaches
Southwest Florida is home to some of the most beautiful public beaches in the country — from the lively sands of Vanderbilt Beach to the pristine, protected shores of Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park. Here is your guide to every publicly accessible beach in Collier and Lee counties.
Naples & Marco Island
Collier County's public beaches stretch from the northern tip of Delnor-Wiggins Pass all the way south to Marco Island, offering everything from quiet nature preserves to vibrant beach parks with full amenities.
The crown jewel of Naples — a wide, pristine stretch of white sand at the foot of 12th Avenue South, anchored by the historic Naples Pier. Sunset here is a nightly event.
A full-amenity beach park in the heart of Naples, with covered pavilions, volleyball courts, a concession stand, and ample parking. Popular with families and locals alike.
Accessed via a scenic 3/4-mile boardwalk tram through Pelican Bay's protected mangrove forest. One of Naples' most unique beach experiences — tranquil, uncrowded, and stunning.
A quiet, less-trafficked public access point between Venetian Bay and the Gulf, offering a more local feel with beautiful views of Park Shore's luxury high-rises along the coastline.
One of North Naples' most popular beaches, featuring a large paid parking garage, full amenities, and easy access to the turquoise Gulf waters just north of Pelican Bay.
A pristine, protected barrier island at the northern end of Naples. One of Florida's top-rated state parks — crystal-clear water, wide unspoiled sand, and excellent shelling and snorkeling.
A stunning county-owned preserve on Little Hickory Island — one of the last undeveloped barrier islands in Southwest Florida. Excellent for shelling, wildlife viewing, and gopher tortoise sightings.
Located at the southern tip of Marco Island, South Beach is a wide, quiet stretch of sand accessible via a short boardwalk. Known for excellent shelling and dramatic Gulf sunsets.
Marco Island's most popular public beach park, featuring a lagoon perfect for kayaking and windsurfing, plus full amenities. A great spot for families and watersport enthusiasts.
A Marco Island beach park primarily for residents but open to the public. Offers a quieter alternative to Tigertail with good amenities and a relaxed, neighborhood atmosphere.
Bonita Springs & Fort Myers Beach
Just north of Collier County, Lee County's Gulf beaches offer a more laid-back atmosphere — from the casual energy of Fort Myers Beach to the quieter sands of Bonita Springs, all within easy reach of Naples.
A wide, white-sand beach on the Gulf with full amenities including a pavilion, playground, and concessions. One of the most accessible and family-friendly beaches in Lee County.
A pristine, less-developed stretch of barrier island beach just north of the Collier County line. Beautiful natural surroundings, excellent shelling, and a quieter Gulf experience.
A stunning state park on a chain of barrier islands between Bonita Springs and Fort Myers Beach. Accessible only by tram or kayak, the beach is pristine, uncrowded, and surrounded by rich wildlife habitat — manatees, dolphins, and shorebirds are common sights.
Seven miles of Gulf-front beach on Estero Island, with a lively atmosphere, restaurants, bars, and watersport rentals. The Times Square area at the north end is the hub of activity.
Located at the north end of Fort Myers Beach near the pier, Lynn Hall Memorial Park offers convenient beach access with parking, picnic facilities, and easy access to the island's main strip.
Find your perfect shore
From the unspoiled preserve at Delnor-Wiggins to the lively sands of Fort Myers Beach, Southwest Florida's Gulf Coast offers a beach for every mood. Explore the communities behind these shores to find where you truly belong.
A Naples Living publication · naplesbeachguide.com