Barefoot Beach

Barefoot Beach Preserve is widely considered one of the most beautiful and unspoiled beaches in Southwest Florida. Located on Little Hickory Island in Bonita Springs, it is one of the last undeveloped barrier islands along the Gulf Coast. Visitors choose Barefoot Beach for its wide sandy shoreline, peaceful atmosphere, and preserved natural landscape that feels worlds away from crowded tourist areas.

The preserve features 8,200 feet of beach along the Gulf of Mexico, backed by dunes, coastal strand vegetation, and maritime hammock forests. Five distinct habitats exist within the park, including beach dunes, mangroves, estuarine creeks, and tropical coastal forest. These protected environments support gopher tortoises, shorebirds, dolphins, manatees, and nesting sea turtles during summer months. It is an ideal destination for swimming, shelling, fishing, kayaking and wildlife viewing.

For guests who enjoy exploring beyond the shoreline, the one-mile nature trail winds through mangroves and coastal forest, offering opportunities to observe native birds and learn about the area’s unique ecosystems. The park also offers picnic areas, showers, beach wheelchair access, and equipment rentals. Rangers frequently host educational programs focused on local wildlife and conservation.

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
$8 entrance fee
8 a.m. to sundown