Naples Pier Beach
The town's front-row seat for sundown: sugar-white sand at the foot of 12th Avenue South, the historic 1888 pier reaching out into the Gulf, and a crowd that gathers every evening to watch the sun drop straight into the water.
Updated June 2026
There are prettier-named beaches up the coast, but this is the one with the soul. Naples Pier Beach sits at the very end of 12th Avenue South, where the original 1880s town meets the Gulf of Mexico — a wide stretch of soft, pale sand with the historic pier reaching out over the water like a wooden exclamation point. Because Naples faces west, the sun sets straight out over the Gulf here, and every clear evening a quiet crowd drifts down to the sand to watch it happen.
It's the easy choice for a first visit, for families, and for anyone staying in Old Naples who'd rather walk than drive. Spend the day with your toes in the water, scour the low-tide line for shells, then claim a patch of sand before sundown. When you're ready for a meal, the restaurants of Third Street South and Fifth Avenue South are just a few flat, shady blocks inland — see our where to eat guide.
What makes it special
The pier, the sand and the sunset — plus the small wild moments that make this the most loved beach in town.
A perfect beach day
Sunrise calm to sunset applause, with the best of Old Naples a short walk inland.
- Get to the 12th Avenue South lot early, before the season crowd, and grab a low-tide shelling walk while the sand is cool.
- Settle in for a morning swim and watch for dolphins and pelicans working the shallows.
- Walk a few blocks inland for lunch and shade in Old Naples — Third Street South or Fifth Avenue South.
- Cool off in the afternoon at family-friendly Lowdermilk Park just up the coast, with its snack bar and playground.
- Come back to the pier beach 30 minutes before sundown, claim your patch of sand, and join the sunset gathering for the main event.
Where to go next
The pier beach is the heart of it — here's where to wander from here.
Old Naples
The historic grid behind the beach, with palm-lined streets, gardens and the original shopping blocks.
Shelling in Naples
When, where and how to find the best shells on the Paradise Coast, from tides to top spots.
Lowdermilk Park
The easy, amenity-rich public beach just up the coast, with parking, a snack bar and a playground.
Beaches & Outdoors
Every Naples beach, plus shelling, dolphin cruises and the mangroves, in one guide.
Stay near the Naples Pier
Common questions
Is the Naples Pier open right now?
Not as a structure — the historic pier was largely destroyed by Hurricane Ian in 2022 and has been closed ever since, with later storms hampering the recovery. The City of Naples broke ground on a full reconstruction in January 2026. The roughly 18-month rebuild (reopening targeted for 2027) means the pier itself is closed for now, so check the City of Naples for the latest status. The beach beneath it and the sunset view remain open throughout.
Where is Naples Pier Beach and where do I park?
It's at the western end of 12th Avenue South in Old Naples, off Gulf Shore Boulevard South, fronting the Gulf of Mexico. There's a paid parking lot at the 12th Avenue end plus metered street parking nearby; both charge non-residents and fill early on season mornings, so arrive early and bring a card. Restrooms and rinse-off showers are at the beach.
Can you watch the sunset at the Naples Pier?
Yes — this is one of the best sunset spots in town. Because Naples faces west onto the Gulf of Mexico, the sun sets straight out over the water here. A crowd gathers on the sand most clear evenings, and you'll often hear applause when the sun disappears below the horizon. Arrive 20 to 30 minutes early to claim a good spot.
Can you see dolphins at the Naples Pier?
Often, yes. Bottlenose dolphins cruise past offshore and are sometimes visible from the sand, especially in the warmer months, and brown pelicans dive for fish in the shallows. You may also spot stingrays gliding through the clear water. Bring binoculars if you have them, and watch the water patiently.
Can you drink alcohol on Naples Pier Beach?
Not right at the pier. The City of Naples prohibits alcohol on the pier and within one block north and south of it, which covers the immediate pier beach. Elsewhere on Naples Municipal Beach alcohol is generally allowed in cans or plastic — no glass on any city beach — but rules can change, so check the City of Naples if in doubt. Either way, the restaurants and bars of Third Street South and Fifth Avenue South are only a few blocks inland for a drink after sundown.
Is the beach good for shelling and swimming?
Both. The Gulf water here is usually calm, warm and gently shelving, which makes for easy swimming, and the sand around the pier is a dependable shelling spot, best at low tide and just after a storm. For a full rundown of tides and techniques, see our Shelling in Naples guide.