Naples Retreat / Naples guides
The best Naples beaches for families
Six Gulf beaches within half an hour of north Naples, with the parking fees, facilities and current closures you need before you load the car.
Naples has some of the softest sand on the Gulf, but each beach works differently for families. Some have a concession stand and life-jacket loaners. Some have a playground. One is reached by a boardwalk tram. The pier is closed until at least mid-2027. Here's what to expect at each, starting from north Naples near Pine Ridge Road and I-75.
Quick picks
| Beach | Best for | Parking | Drive* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vanderbilt Beach | Easy all-day beach with a concession stand | $10/day non-residents | ~20 min |
| Clam Pass Park | Boardwalk and free tram, little kids | $10/day | ~15 min |
| Delnor-Wiggins Pass | State park beach, nature | $6 per vehicle | ~22 min |
| Barefoot Beach Preserve | Quiet, wild, wildlife | $10/day | ~30 min |
| Lowdermilk Park | Playground and volleyball | $5/hour meters | ~20 min |
*Drive times are estimates from north Naples (Pine Ridge Rd & Logan Blvd) and depend on traffic, especially in winter.
Vanderbilt Beach Park
A 5-acre county beach at the end of Vanderbilt Beach Road, with a parking garage. The concession stand rents chairs and cabanas and sells snacks and beach toys. Life-jacket loaners are available. It's the simplest "pack the car and go" beach for a big group.
Clam Pass Park
A three-quarter-mile boardwalk winds through the mangroves to the beach, and a free tram runs the route. That's a big help with toddlers, coolers and grandparents. There's a restaurant and concessions, plus life-jacket loaners.
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
A state park beach at Wiggins Pass. It reopened for day use in April 2025 after hurricane damage, with temporary restrooms and no drinking water at the time, so bring your own. Parking is paid by QR code or exact change. The park closes to cars when the lots fill, so arrive early on winter weekends. Guests of ours have called it a highlight.
Barefoot Beach Preserve
A natural preserve of about 342 acres, with wildlife viewing stations and a wilder feel than the city beaches. It has rentals and sundries; food and kayak rentals are listed as coming soon. Check the county page for facilities before you go.
Lowdermilk Park
A City of Naples beach park with a playground right off the sand, volleyball courts, gazebos and an ADA beach mat. Meters run $5 an hour with a $2.50 minimum. Cards and quarters work.
The Naples Pier is closed
The historic pier at 12th Avenue South was destroyed by Hurricane Ian. Demolition and reconstruction began in January 2026, and reopening is estimated for July 2027 at the earliest. The beach next to it is still open, with $5/hour meters nearby.
Parking: what visitors need to know
- Collier County beaches (Vanderbilt, Clam Pass, Barefoot): non-residents pay a flat $10 a day by text or QR code on the sign. You don't need an app. Non-residents can't buy a permit.
- City of Naples beaches (Lowdermilk and the pier area): $5 an hour at pay stations. No parking 11 pm–5 am. Many beach-end spots are for permit holders only.
- Delnor-Wiggins is a state park: $6 per vehicle with up to 8 people.
Tips for a family beach day
- Go early in peak season (February–April). The best lots fill by mid-morning.
- Check the FWC red tide status page before you go. In mid-October 2026, Collier County showed only background levels.
- No county page we checked mentioned lifeguards, so assume none and keep kids within arm's reach.
- Take a two-car convoy. With 13 people, one car rarely fits everyone plus the gear.
Our pool home is about 20 minutes from Vanderbilt Beach and Clam Pass. Beach chairs, umbrellas and towels for everyone are already in the garage.
Check dates & priceQuick answers
How much is beach parking in Naples?
Collier County beaches charge non-residents $10 a day. City of Naples meters are $5 an hour. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is $6 per vehicle.
Is the Naples Pier open?
No. The pier is being rebuilt after Hurricane Ian. Reconstruction began in January 2026, and reopening is estimated for July 2027 at the earliest.
Which Naples beach is best for toddlers?
Clam Pass Park, because a free tram runs the boardwalk to the beach, and Lowdermilk Park, which has a playground next to the sand.