Vanderbilt Beach is a popular Naples beach that is easy to reach, has sugary white sand, and near accommodations, shopping and restaurants. Vanderbilt Beach is really one of the perfect beach destinations in Collier County with crystal clear water, breathtaking sunsets, and relaxation 7 days a week.
What’s a coastal vacation without a day at the beach? Not much of a vacation! Enjoy sun, sand, and the beautiful waters off the Gulf of Mexico at the most gorgeous shoreline around: Vanderbilt Beach in Naples, FL. And with so many incredible homes from Naples Florida Vacation Homes, you won’t have to worry about parking. Get the inside scoop on this fantastic area attraction!
Are you looking for even more great things to do while you’re at Vanderbilt Beach in Naples, FL? We’ve listed our favorite water sport rental agencies, fishing guides and charters, and beachside restaurants.
Located just north of Naples, FL, this gorgeous stretch of shoreline is around nine miles long. While there is ample car parking, many of our guests prefer walking the short distance from their beautiful Naples Florida Vacation Homes property. There are restrooms and showers available at the beach, as well as bicycle racks who would prefer to cycle to the beach.
The most popular section of Vanderbilt Beach is right at the end of Vanderbilt Beach Road. The access point makes it easy to visit nearby restaurants and shops, as well as nearby parking spots.
Popular Activities at Vanderbilt Beach
If you’re traveling with your family, be sure to bring some buckets and shovels. You’ll find that the sand at Vanderbilt Beach is especially great for packing and stacking. You and your kids will have a great time building massive structures and intricate fortresses. Bring your camera to snap a photograph of your creation!
Speaking of great photos, you won’t want to miss seeing the most beautiful sunset of your life. Vanderbilt Beach is known for its sunsets. There’s something about the combination of the clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico and the unbroken horizon that creates outstanding sunsets. Bring a blanket or a chair and relax as the sky present its fiery colors before going dark.
Getting to Vanderbilt Beach
Vanderbilt Beach is located in North Naples just south of Bonita Springs and in the vicinity of the Naples Park neighborhood. The beach is west of 75 and at the end of Immokalee and Pine Ridge.
FROM U.S. 41 (TAMIAMI TRAIL)
If you are coming from U.S. 41 (Tamiami Trail), you would head West on Vanderbilt Beach Road and the park is at the end of the road. The parking garage is located just West of the Ritz Hotel entrance a few steps from the beach.
Naples Beach Trolley
Love going to the beach, but hate trying to find parking during the busy season? Try taking the Naples Trolley Tour or let Collier Area Transit (CAT) drive you to the beach.
The Beach Bus
CAT, the Florida Department of Transportation and the Collier County Tourist Development Council partnered to offer a Beach Bus for those who would like to get to the beach without the hassle. The Beach Bus will operate from 8am until 2:30pm, then 4:30pm until 7:10pm, Friday through Monday. You can catch the Beach Bus every 15 minutes.
Beach Parking
Parking is free for those with beach parking stickers, otherwise there is a $8 parking fee per day. There is ample car parking, with easy handicap accessibility to the beach, rest rooms, showers and sunset views. Bicycle racks are located close to the beach.
Vanderbilt Beach Park has opened a new 375-space parking garage for public use. This is a nice expansion on the parking lot that used to only hold just over 120 vehicles.
Vanderbilt Beach Parking Garage
Address: 100 Vanderbilt Beach Rd, Naples, FL 34108
Phone: (239) 252-4000
Things to Do on Vanderbilt Beach
White sand and blue water. Nice to have an early morning walk and a perfect beach for family and kids. Vanderbilt Beach offers wide space for all visitors, gorgeous white sand surroundings, sea oats and restroom access.
During season (tourist months), it can be a task finding a spot on the beach, but there is plenty of sand for everyone. If you arrive before 10 a.m. January to March, there will be plenty of room on beautiful Vanderbilt Beach. Read our Tips on Where, When and How to Enjoy Shelling on the Beach in Naples.
KAYAKING / PADDLEBOARDING
Sweetwater Paddle Sports will give you all the tools you need to start Stand Up Paddle Boarding and Kayaking (SUP). SUP lessons are available in group, private, and corporate settings.
JET SKI RENTALS
If you have ever wanted to try a wave runner, we’ve got you covered! Located on Vanderbilt Beach, Naples Beach Water Sports has been providing water sports adventures to Southwest Florida since 1981.
WILDLIFE WATCHING
Dolphin spotting is another popular pastime from the beach, along with watching other wildlife such as diving pelicans, shore birds, and hermit crabs. There are excellent birdwatching opportunities in the migratory winter months.
SUNSETS
Enjoy the setting sun as it ducks behind the crystal clear water of the Gulf of Mexico. During season be prepared because you aren’t the only one that wants to see this nightly event. Many couples and groups bring a picnic to enjoy before, after and during the sunset.
BEACH FISHING
Try your luck at catching the big one on Vanderbilt Beach. Our local waters have some of the best fishing just beyond the waters edge. You could catch a snook, cobia, tarpon and even a shark. Nonresidents must purchase a 3-day, 7-day or annual nonresident saltwater fishing license when saltwater fishing from the shore or a pier, bridge or jetty attached to the shore unless fishing on a pier with a pier license.
Planning your visit to Vanderbilt Beach in Naples
Vanderbilt Beach makes a good addition to a trip that might include a great variety of nearby Naples recreational activities:
- Barefoot Beach Preserve
- 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.
Learn more about the area and by visiting the Vanderbilt Beach Park Website.
