WELCOME TO BAREFOOT BEACH PRESERVE
Collier County’s desirable coast reaches its zenith at Barefoot Beach Preserve, where numerous animal species reside and visitors are able to enjoy the ambience of the park’s natural surroundings. Barefoot Beach Preserve is 342 acres of natural land, one of the last undeveloped barrier islands on Florida’s southwest coast. (Across the pass lies the very nice Delnor-Wiggins State Park).
LOCATED NORTH OF DOWNTOWN NAPLES
ABOUT BAREFOOT BEACH PRESERVE
This beach park is an excellent example of the shifts in habitat that occur within a very narrow strip of land with only slight changes in elevation and moisture. 8,200 feet of beach and sand dunes support the growth of seat oats, providing nesting sites for seat turtles during the summer months. The park also maintains a tropical coastal hammock of sable palm, gumbo-limbo and sea grape trees among many others. The site is also home to the protected gopher tortoise.
Barefoot Beach Preserve is popular for its gorgeous, plush surroundings and its opportunities for avid fishermen, who are able to enjoy many species of fish. The inland side of the island provides tidal creeks and mangrove swamps which serve as breeding areas and as a nursery for sport and commercial fish and shellfish.
Like at many of the Gulf’s spectacular beaches, you may find sand-dollars, shells or spot a sea turtle in the water in the distance.
Planning your visit to Barefoot Beach in Naples
Vanderbilt Beach makes a good addition to a trip that might include a great variety of nearby Naples recreational activities:
- Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park
- Kayaking or canoeing.
- Beach, kayaking and manatees in winter.
- Watching the sunset over the Gulf.
- Beach combing and collecting shells.
- Bicycling: A great way to sample beaches is by bike in old Naples.
- Another great beach nearby: Clam Pass Park.
Barefoot Beach
Barefoot Beach Road off Bonita Beach Road
$8 entrance fee
8 a.m. to sundown
(239) 591-8596