Fodor's Travel Talk Forums

Fodor's Travel Talk Forums (https://www.fodors.com/community/)
-   United States (https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/)
-   -   naples beaches? (https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/naples-beaches-695266/)

EJC Apr 9th, 2007 10:39 AM

naples beaches?
 
Which Naples beach is the most lively? In terms of, the amount of people and things to do, such as parsailing or jet skiing. Thank-you

mama924 Apr 13th, 2007 07:00 PM

Hi EJC,

Vanderbilt Beach is definitely the most lively beach. Lots of people of all ages. you'll see some men playing bocci ball on the beach too. Unfortunately, there is no jet skiing. The hotels don't want the liability. There is parasailing, paddle boats and hobie cats. The pier is very lively as well but no watersports rentals are available.

Enjoy your trip!

EJC Apr 14th, 2007 03:28 AM

Thanks mama924,,,, Are there concession stands and restrooms @ both beaches?

NeoPatrick Apr 14th, 2007 07:29 AM

mama is right about the most activity being on Vanderbilt.

Within the city of Naples, the only two areas with public restrooms and (minimal) concession stands would be at the pier and at Lowdermilk Park. But again, not a lot of the busy activity you are talking about at either place. Sorry, that just isn't Naples.

J62 Apr 14th, 2007 08:39 AM

The advantage of Vanderbilt is the large parking garage nearby. The city charges a $6 parking fee. There are restrooms, a small concession stand. The Ritz is right there, and the watersports are run by a concessionaire (I believe not by the hotel) on the beach. They can arrange parasailing or rent sailboats as well.

If you want a quieter day Delnor Wiggins state park is much less busy. Restrooms are there as well.


LLindaC Apr 14th, 2007 09:37 AM

The charge at the Wiggins park keeps the "riffraff" off the beach as my Mom used to say. It's a lovely area. They have shaded picnic tables and grills. Expect friendly raccoons. The restrooms are at every parking spot, about 300 ft apart. Each is clean and has an outdoor shower.

mama924 Apr 14th, 2007 12:07 PM

Yes, there are restrooms at the pier and Vanderbilt. The pier has a small concession on the pier itself and at Vanderbilt you can stop at the store across the street after you park. It's right across the street of the entrance of the beach. There is also a tiki bar that sells burgers and such in front of the Ritz.

As one of the previous posters states, Vanderbilt is probably your best bet since there is a garage so it's easier to park and you pay at the booth so no quarters or running back to feed the meter necessary.

Have fun!


All times are GMT -8. The time now is 11:51 AM.