20 in 2020
Back to the Beach
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ne of the best things about living in Southwest Florida is our proximity to the Gulf of Mexico and its beaches. The closure of our beaches due to COVID-19 kept us from that oasis of fun and relaxation for several weeks. Now that local beaches have reopened (with restrictions), we are celebrating with another installment of our “20 in 2020” series. Our list of 20 beaches in Southwest Florida stretches from Fort Myers Beach in the north down to South Marco Island. Please check before you go, as beach hours and guidelines have been changing rapidly these past few weeks. If you are new to Naples, make sure to get your Collier County or City of Naples beach parking sticker, which allows you to park for free. If you live in the City of Naples, go to Naples City Hall, Finance Department, 735 8th St. S. Collier County resident beach permits may be obtained from any Collier County park or library (when open). For more information: Collier County beaches, call 239-252-4000; City of Naples beaches, 239-213-1800; and for Lee County beaches, call 239-472-6397. Collier County 1. Vanderbilt Beach, 100 Vanderbilt Beach Rd., Naples
4. Seagate Beach (officially known as North Gulfshore Beach Access), North Gulfshore Blvd., Naples While the small parking lot means it can be difficult to find a spot for your car, this also makes for a peaceful spot. Metered parking also is available on North Gulfshore Blvd. 5. Bluebill Beach Access, 11129 Park Dr., Naples Although this beach at the north end of Naples Park does not offer parking, Conner Park provides off-site parking a few blocks away. 6. Keewaydin Island Located north of Marco Island in the Rookery Bay reserve, this barrier island – with eight miles of white sand beaches – is accessible only by water (water taxi service available).
While this is one of the most popular beaches in Collier County because of plentiful parking and amenities, an empty stretch of sand usually can be found by walking a few hundred yards up the beach.
7. Tigertail Beach, 430 Hernando Dr., Marco Island
2. Clam Pass Beach, 465 Seagate Dr., Naples
Ideal for families, with tidal pools to explore, boardwalks, a playground, and even a butterfly garden.
To access the beach, either board a free tram or stroll the 3/4-mile boardwalk from the parking lot to the beach. Clam Pass boasts a restaurant as well as a bar and water craft rentals.
8. South Marco Beach, 930 South Collier Blvd., Marco Island
3. Barefoot Beach Preserve, 505 Barefoot Beach Blvd., Naples With a learning center and nature trail in addition to its beautiful beaches, Barefoot Beach is the perfect spot to explore nature. 20
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The only other public beach access point on Marco, it is less busy than Tigertail. Parking and restrooms are located on Swallow Avenue, across South Collier Boulevard. NEAPOLITANfamily • June 2020
