Naples, Florida Beaches - East Coast to West, Florida Beaches are the Best!

So, you're interested in finding the perfect beach in Naples, Florida? We've profiled six of the dozen or more beaches in Collier County, the County in which Naples resides. The Paradise Coast, as this area is called, is famous for its sugar white Florida beach sand that stretches from Barefoot Beach Preserve at the northern tip of the County, throughout the city of Naples, along the four miles of Marco Island's crescent shoreline, and into the deserted Ten Thousand Island region of the Everglades. The beach parks range from those with full facilities to simple access points perfect for long beach walks on deserted sands. There are numerous beach access points in downtown Naples, as well as Tigertail Beach Park and the South Beach public access on Marco Island. You will find beautiful surroundings, warm sands and spectacular sunsets no matter where you choose to lose your shoes and dip your toes in the sand.

You have lots of choices in terms of Naples lodging; Naples inns, gulf resorts, Naples golf resorts and even a few Naples motels. Naples. Florida restaurants are some of the best in Florida. Café de Marco on Marco Island, has been in the business of catering to Marco Island residents for over 25 years. Vergina on 5th Avenue in Naples, is another fabulous Italian restaurant worthy of your patronage. They also have a lively bar with entertainment.

So, on to the beaches! We've profiled six of the dozen or more in Collier County.

Tigertail Beach County Park Location: Hernando Drive, Marco Island Phone: 239-252-4000 Collier County Parks & Recreation Hours: 8 AM to sunset Parking: $4/day Amenities: ½ mile of beach, concessions for food & drinks and rentals, playground, restrooms, boardwalk, barbeque areas with picnic tables, butterfly garden, handicapped accessible and handicapped wheelchair Activities: swimming, fishing, shelling, walking, sunbathing, birding Pets: no Of Special Interest: One of the most popular in the County and listed as a birding site by the Florida Fish & Wildlife Conservation Commission. There are no condominiums or homes on Tigertail Beach.

Naples Beach Accesses Location: west end of most numbered and named streets along S.Gulfshore Blvd., Naples Phone: 239-213-7120 Naples Community Services Hours: dawn to dusk Parking: metered & limited Amenities: 5.5 miles of mostly quiet residential beachfront. No restrooms. Handicapped accessible at 17th Ave S, 4th Ave S, 6th Ave S, 8th Ave S, Horizon Way, Vedado Way & Via Miramar. Showers at Vedado Way, Via Miramar & Horizon Way, 2nd, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 8th, 10th, 15th, 18th, 21st & 33rd Avenues South and 2nd, 6th and 7th Avenues North. Activities: swimming, fishing, shelling, sunbathing, walking Pets: no

Naples Pier & Beach Location: west end of 12th Avenue South, Naples Phone: 239-213-3062 Naples Fishing Pier Hours: Pier and Beach open 24 hours. Concessions: 9 AM to sunset on weekends, 10 AM to sunset on weekdays. Parking: Metered on street parking and parking lot one block East with additional parking at beach ends of Avenues to the North & South. Amenities: food concession, bait shop, restrooms, picnic tables, handicapped access, showers Activities: pier fishing (no license required), volleyball, sunset watching, swimming, walking, sunbathing, surfing Pets: no Of Special Interest: The Naples Pier is one of the most popular attractions in Naples. Originally built in 1888 as a freight and passenger dock, the Naples Pier stands as a community landmark.

Vanderbilt Beach County Park Location: end of Vanderbilt Beach Road, North Naples Phone: 239-252-4000 Collier County Parks & Recreation Hours: 8 AM to sunset Parking: $8/day, 120 space lot and 340 space garage, located just west of the Ritz Carlton hotel Amenities: 2 mile beach, concessions for food & drinks and equiPMent rental, restrooms, picnic tables, showers, handicapped accessible and handicapped wheelchair Activities: swimming, fishing, shelling, sunbathing, walking, shelling, birding Pets: no Of Special Interest: Popular beach near upscale hotels in North Naples. Get there early to get a parking space in season.

Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park Location: five miles west of I-75 Exit 111 (Bluebill Avenue/ Immokalee Road), Naples Phone: 239-597-6196 Hours: 8 AM to sunset Parking: $6 per vehicle Amenities: 1 mile of beach, boat ramp, restrooms, tours, interpretive Exhibits, pavilion, picnic areas with grills and tables, hard bottom reef, showers Activities: scuba diving, snorkeling, swimming, wildlife viewing, boating, fishing, kayaking Pets: Yes, on 6' leashes. State parks do not permit pets on beaches or playgrounds, or in bathing areas, cabins, park buildings or concession facilities. Of Special Interest: One of the most popular seashore destinations in Naples, this park's mile long stretch of white sugar sand has been rated one of the best beaches in the nation. In season, the park closes its gates when it reaches capacity, so get there early.

Barefoot Beach County Park (Preserve) Location: Barefoot Beach Road off Bonita Beach Road, Naples Phone: 239-591-8596 Hours: 8 AM to sunset Parking: $8/day Amenities: 342 acres of natural land, one mile nature trail, showers, picnic area, concessions for food & drinks and rental equipment, handicapped accessible and handicapped wheelchair Activities: fishing, swimming, shelling, sunbathing, walking Pets: no Of Special Interest: One of the last undeveloped barrier islands on Florida's southwest coast. Numerous animal species reside here. Popular for its gorgeous, plush surroundings. Park rangers offer lectures, guided walks and interpretive programs.

About the author:
Maria Norton is the publisher of "The Florida Beach Book, A Guide to 350 Florida Beaches and the Best Florida Restaurants on or Near Them." The Florida Beach Book includes Florida beach maps and over $750 in Florida restaurant gift certificates.