The Naples Pier

The Naples Pier is one of Naples’ most visited and best-known landmarks.  It’s charming and full of character and I feel it embodies what Southwest Florida is all about:  warm weather, warm people, wildlife watching and beautiful scenic views.

History

Originally built in 1888 as a freight and passenger dock a narrow gauge train transported freight and baggage in the early 1900.  Razed and damaged by hurricanes in 1910, 1926 and 1960 it has been partially rebuilt many times and it stands as a symbol of Southwest Florida history.

 

photo credit: Kwong Yee Cheng via photopin cc

photo credit: Kwong Yee Cheng via photopin cc

Why It’s Worth Visiting

The pier offers beautiful views  of the Gulf and of the shoreline.  It’s a great place to take photographs and observe pelicans and other ocean birds as well as dolphins.  It’s also a good place to people watch and to get a sense of Southwest Florida life and the view of the sunset from the Naples pier is truly breathtaking.

There are many places where you can fish directly from the pier and you are not required to have a license.  There is kiosk halfway down the pier where you can get beverages, popsicles and smoothies.

There is also a beach access, although the beach might be a bit crowded on weekend and especially in season. After taking a stroll down the pier and grabbing an ice cream or something to drink in the kiosk we love to spend the morning or afternoon at the beach. The kids will splash around in the warm Gulf waters and we usually have a pick nick there as well.

 

photo credit: ervega via photopin cc

photo credit: ervega via photopin cc

Whether you go in fishing or dolphin watching in the morning, visit at dusk to watch the sunset or take a romantic walk under the starry sky, the Naples pier is a great place to visit any time of day.

Parking can sometimes be a challenge, specially in season.  So expect to walk a bit to get there.

Follow 365 Things to Do In Southwest Florida on Facebook for more great ideas, events and activities for the whole family.

 

 

7 comments

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  1. That does look like some great photography opportunities!

  2. This is gorgeous! I love the history behind the pier as well. I really, really need to be someplace warm!!

  3. What a beautiful place!!! Wish I could come visit!

  4. I’ve never been to Naples Paula. I live way up in Jacksonville here in N.E. FL. I have been as far down as Boca Raton and Anna Marie Island but that’s it. I can only image what traveling through FL in the early 1900’s was. Love the picture of the beach and bridge. It looks like a tropic island off of Florida.

    Thanks for sharing.
    Hugs…Tracy @ Cotton Pickin Cute

    1. Tracy you should plan a trip down to SW Florida. It’s really gorgeous and the beaches are some or the best in the US. I also love that it’s not crowded and you get to see dolphins and all sorts of marine wild life all the time.

    • Mary Withrow on 11 September, 2013 at 10:53 pm
    • Reply

    Just a beautiful place to visit. 1888 is amazing. I love the beach and anyplace new to visit is always fantastic!

  5. There are some exciting new things to do in Naples FL. There is the Hypnagogic light Lucia 3 and a Samadhi Floatation Tank are very unique and blend technology and relaxation. you can see it at The Om Spa in Naples Fl across from the Waterside Shops or check theomspa.com

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