When looking for the best things to do in Naples, FL, many of the activities you’ll find have to do with being outdoors. After all, the weather here is pleasant all year long, and you can explore the beaches or get into nature any time you please.

During your stay in one of our Naples vacation rentals, there are plenty of parks you can explore with your family. But if there’s only time for you to experience one of them, we’d recommend Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park. 

The History of Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park

Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park can trace its history back to the days of the Calusa Native American people, who once built villages and thrived on the land where the park sits today. The first written record of the area comes from Joe Wiggins, for whom the park got its name. Wiggins was the first homesteader in this area, learning his trade and becoming friends with the local settlers and the Seminole Native Americans in the late 1800s. 

After several decades, Lester and Dellora Norris were in control of the land and donated it to Collier County, providing the “Delnor” portion of the park’s name. The park officially opened as a Florida State Park in 1976 and has welcomed visitors from around the country ever since. 

Things to Do at the Park

Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is easily one of the most popular places to experience outdoor activities in Naples, and for good reason. If you’re interested in spending time on the water, you’ve got plenty of opportunities to explore. You can sail through the waters on your boat, cast your line into the Gulf or the Cocohatchee River within the park, or rent a kayak or canoe from Naples Beach Adventures. There are even areas where you can scuba dive or snorkel to reveal the wonders underneath the waves! 

If you’d rather stay on dry land, there’s still an abundance of things to do. This park offers some gorgeous hiking trails for you to explore, and along the way, you’ll find shady picnic areas where you can enjoy your lunch or relax in peace and quiet. Be sure to bring your binoculars; there are all kinds of ospreys, eagles, owls, and other Naples, FL wildlife!

Hours and Location

Guests are welcome to visit Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park any day of the year from 8 a.m. until sundown. When you arrive, expect to pay $6 per vehicle. You’ll need to bring exact change or pay with a credit card.

Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is located at 11135 Gulfshore Drive in Naples, just a quick drive from our vacation rentals in Naples, Florida. Make your way northbound on 9th Street South/Tamiami Trail/US Highway 41 North toward 5th Avenue Parkway. Use the left two lanes to turn onto 111th Avenue North/Immokalee Road. After one mile, continue onto Bluebill Avenue, then after another half-mile, continue onto Park Drive. Just 0.7 more miles before you reach the park! 

Where to Stay

If you enjoy exploring the great outdoors while on vacation, stay in one of our lovely homes near Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park. You’ll have the perfect place to relax and swim when you return from your exciting outdoor adventure.

After exploring the park all day and seeing some of the other fantastic sights Naples offers, you’ll probably want to take a shower and get some well-deserved rest. Naples Vacation Homes has you covered! We are proud to provide top-notch condo rentals in Naples, FL, suited for any group on any budget. Contact our team today to book your perfect Florida vacation!