Naples Beaches are Hidden Gems in Themselves
When most people think of Naples Florida, they may immediately think of the vibrant art culture, incredible food in downtown Naples on Fifth Ave South, or stunning luxury real estate. However, beaches in Naples FL are the focus of our tourist traffic. Popular beach access points can be found along the 30+ miles of Naples beach shoreline for all to enjoy!
Naples Florida beaches are hidden gems, boasting crystal clear calm waters, wide white sand beaches, unforgettable sunsets, and unparalleled landscapes compared to Florida’s east coast beaches. Whether you’re looking to soak up the sun, take a dip in the refreshing salt-calm waters, or simply enjoy a quiet half-mile stroll along the shore, Naples’ beaches are the beach lover’s paradise of choice to unwind and take in the beauty of nature. So if you’re planning a trip and looking for things to do in Naples FL, be sure to visit these local hidden treasures and experience all the natural beauty Clam Pass Park offers.
Clam Pass Beach Park & Rhode’s End Beachside Restaurant Cafe
Have you heard about the secluded beach in Naples FL called Clam Pass Beach or the Clam Pass beach bar Rhode’s End Cafe? If not, now is the time to take a closer look.
Clam Pass Park
Clam Pass Park is a lesser-known Naples public beach, and this powdery white sand beach has something for everyone. It’s tranquil and less crowded than Vanderbilt Beach.
The beach access point is tucked away on Seagate Drive, which is north of the Naples Pier Beach. Getting to the very best beaches is part of the fun! And Clam Pass Beach doesn’t disappoint. The adventure begins once you find the parking lot and the complimentary trolley/tram pick-up location.
The trolley/tram shuttles visitors from the parking area along the mangrove forest through the three quarter mile boardwalk daily, pretty much morning to night.
The trolley/tram is super convenient, but also offers half the “experience.” Once you arrive, the beach stretches for miles, so prepare your walking legs to take in one of the best beaches Naples Florida has to offer.
From the pristine shoreline and coastal habitat to the one-of-a-kind beach cafe, Clam Pass Beach Park has been locals’ go-to beach for years. And has been on our short list of Naples Florida, things to do when visitors are here.
Rhode’s End: One of Only a Few Naples Restaurants on the Water Near Naples Beaches
Located at the end of the Clam Pass Boardwalk, Rhode’s End is a locally owned beachfront cafe offering a wide range of lunch and snack items, breathtaking views, direct warm sea breezes, and a beach umbrella to protect your skin and beach bag.
Whether you’re looking to spend a day at the beautiful beach or unwind with the Naples sunset, make sure you budget time to enjoy Rhode’s End Cafe’s delicious food and drinks while you are at Clam Pass Park.
The Clam Pass boardwalk will lead you directly to the cafe. The menu offers various Greek-inspired options, from tasty salads to gyros to more traditional items like burgers and sandwiches.
Once your belly is happy, make sure to throw down a towel and observe. You might see dolphins swimming!
Discovering Clam Pass Park: From Nature Trail to Beach Access
As the saying goes, “Some of the best things in life come with a little effort,” and that’s partially true for Clam Pass Park.
Tucked away among the mangrove forest, Clam Pass Park offers a secluded beautiful beach access point, but you have to venture the three quarter mile boardwalk into the mangrove forest first. This nature trail and wooden boardwalk are worth the extra effort if you want to walk, bike, or run. If you want to relax, hop on the Clam Pass Park shuttle trolley/tram…
The mangrove forest is a classic Southwest Florida backdrop prized by locals and visitors alike. So whether you ride or walk, take in the lush landscape and Gulf of Mexico direct warm breezes.
If you want to see Clam Pass and the landscape by water, canoe and kayak rentals are available.
Want to take it easy, how about shelling along the shoreline? In my opinion, the best beach in Florida for shells is either Clam Pass Beach or Keewaydin Island! So bring a bucket!
How to Get to Clam Pass Beach Park and Where to Park
Clam Pass Park is a public beach park managed by Collier County in Naples Fl and is between the Pelican Bay community and Park Shore neighborhood. Although this county park is located in very close proximity to Pelican Bay, it is not a part of the official community.
- Near Clam Pass, Venetian Bay is adjacent and has a similar body of water and nature to take in. If you are looking for another Naples FL, hidden gem, the Venetian Bay shops and restaurants are worth exploring. You will find the shopping complex in the Park Shore neighborhood.
- Clam Pass Park is in central Naples, off Pine Ridge Road and Tamiami Trail (US 41). The beach park Seagate Drive is easy to find, just head West on Pine Ridge Road until it dead ends into the Clam Pass community park.
- Clam Pass Beach Park is close to one of Naples beach hotels, the Naples Grande Beach Resort. If you are looking for one of the best places to stay in Naples Florida, check out Naples Grande Hotel.
- The Clam Pass beach parking permits are sold for $10 per car during the day, but local hint, get there after 6 pm to catch sunset, and you will park for free. Beach park Seagate Drive has limited spots, so if it’s a holiday, plan accordingly. Once parked, head to the covered trolley roundabout to wait for the free tram. Providing beach access, the trolley/tram wait times are about 5-10 minutes.
What to Expect at Clam Pass Park: A Naple’s Beach Beautiful and Seclusion
A big smile is what you can expect! Between the secluded sandy beach, the calm waters, and the entry of mangrove forests, your heart will be happy that you took on Clam Pass Beach Park with all the beaches to visit.
Naples Florida takes care of their landmarks; Clam Pass is a beautiful beach access point that gets extra attention from Collier County because tourists staying at Naples Grande Beach Resort use Clam Pass Park more than the locals.
You can expect clean bathrooms, excellent service, hospitable staff, and plenty of sunshine!
The park and facilities were opened around Christmas of 2022, after Hurricane Ian swept through, in case you were wondering!
Beach Lovers: Florida Beach Activities
Whether you prefer to relax in the sun or engage in a more active pursuit, you will not be disappointed with any of these activities (well unless it’s winter and hurricane season).
Boat Clam Pass:
Take in the views from a boat on the Gulf of Mexico or venture through Clam Pass waterway via the calm waters and mangrove forest; observe the coastal habitat and marine life along the stroll. Look up ‘Park Shore Marina’ for nearby boat rentals.
Bike Clam Pass Boardwalk:
If you are looking for fun casual bike paths in Naples FL, the wooden boardwalk within Clam Pass Park, is an adventure everyone can enjoy. The three quarter mile boardwalk is flat, shaded, and would be easy enough for the little ones in your family. Look up ‘Big Momma’s Bicycles’ for nearby bike rentals.
Observe Wildlife:
Keep an eye out for native birds, dolphins, manatees, and even bald eagles found within Clam Pass Park. Protected beaches allow visitors to experience nature differently. Manatees are only seen during the winter, making their trek from Southwest Florida to Central Florida.
Beach Activities:
Our family loves the calm waters, so we typically end up wet. My wife prefers a long meditation walk, with soft sand beach paths in both directions. Kids also love to collect shells and hunt for shark teeth.
Kayaking Naples FL:
Looking to paddle Naples yourself? Within a short drive from Clam Pass, Naples kayak and paddle boarding rentals await your arrival. Travel solo or hire an experienced guide to take you through Clam Pass inlet and mangrove tunnels. Check out these three resources for your kayaking and paddle boarding Naples Florida adventures. 1) Get Up and Go Kayaking, 2) Naples Outfitters and 3) Naples Beach Adventures.
Bird Watching:
For avid birdwatchers, this strip of beach in Naples is ideal for wildlife observation and photo opportunities. Roseate spoonbills, bald eagles, and countless other avian species can be spotted around the Clam Pass Park. Keep an eye out for roseate terns and black skimmers, which nest near the beach during the summer months in Naples Florida.
Sunbathing:
Rent beach chairs and bring an umbrella to soak up the sun rays. If you like to travel light, lay down your beach towel. Bottom line, get comfy to soak up some Vitamin D! Be sure to bring your mineral sunblock—the midday rays can be intense. Whether in North Naples near Vanderbilt Beach or in North Naples area near Barefoot Beach, always pack a hat, sunscreen and plenty of water.
Explore the Tidal Inlet:
Clam Pass Park has a unique tidal inlet that connects Clam Pass and the Gulf of Mexico. This is where you will see all sorts of marine life, including dolphins, as they feed on the fish in the tidal inlet.
Best Times to Visit Clam Pass Beach Park
Want to experience Naples’ popular beach access points without the crowds? Weekdays are usually less busy than weekends, and the early morning hours are likely to see fewer people. Sunset hours are typically the busiest time of the day.
Insider tip, if staying to watch sunset, head to the tram a few minutes before the sun disappears past the horizon. The tram line back to the parking lot tends to get long if it’s a busy time of the year (season is busiest in January-April).
Noseeum’s and mangroves go hand in hand, so depending on the time of year, these pesky bugs might also have you grabbing the tram back a little early. Local tip: bring along your own essential oil spray of lemon, eucalyptus, mint, and camphor, which all have bug-repellent properties…
Visitors should remember that Florida weather can change quickly, so it pays to stay flexible!
If visiting during the summer months (June-Sept), it typically rains between 3-5 PM so plan accordingly.
Clam Pass Park for Locals
If you are a local looking for new beach access or seeking a new adventure as an alternative to the Naples Pier or Vanderbilt Beach, Clam Pass Beach and Rhode’s End Cafe will surely bring life to your beach routine. The tram ride and walking paths differ entirely from any other beach in Naples. Layer in Rhode’s End beachfront cafe, and you complete the experience.
Clam Pass Park for Visitors
If visiting, Clam Pass Park should definitely be on your bucket list. The experience is fun for everyone, young and mature, so reserve time to either stop by or spend the day on one of Naples’ best beaches. Every family or friend of ours, that comes to visit, ends up at Clam Pass. We highly recommend the experience for everyone who spends time in Naples Florida.
Conclusion
Naples Florida beaches are diverse and unique in their own way. We have so many popular beach access points: Clam Pass Beach near Pelican Bay, Barefoot Beach in north Naples area/Bonita Springs, Lowdermilk Beach in Coquina Sands, Naples Pier Beach in Old Naples, Horizon Way Beach in Park Shore, Vanderbilt Beach, Delnor-Wiggins Beach in north Naples area and the many sandy beaches in Marco Island…all have serene calm waters to enjoy!
Clam Pass Park offers many experiences in one. An adventure through the mangroves, exercise via the three quarter mile boardwalk, sightseeing, nature gazing, vibrant marine life, rustic beaches, and beach activities.
Rhode’s End snack bar is icing on the cake. Having the beach experience and not lugging a huge cooler with you is nice. You will be chilled and refreshed all day if you plan on eating and drinking at the Clam Pass bar.
With easy and fun beach access, Clam Pass Park will end up on your list of favorite Naples Florida, activities. If you are planning a visit and want to check out Naples FL homes for sale, connect with an agent who has been in real estate for over 20 years. Matt Brown’s history as a top Naples real estate agent and his client reviews speak volumes.
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