Naples Pier and Beach
Sunset ritual on a long pier.
Naples and Sanibel
Elegant Gulf beach towns, with a famous pier, and Sanibel's seashells and its wildlife refuge up the coast.
Naples has a long white beach, a historic pier and elegant shopping on Fifth Avenue. Sanibel and Captiva are world-famous for their shells, and they have the Ding Darling wildlife refuge. Hurricane Ian did great damage in 2022, and recovery continues.
- Best Time
- November–April
- Time Needed
- 2–3 days
- Cost Level
- $$$$
- Open
- Check before you go; hours vary by season
- Getting There
- About 2.5 hours by car from Miami, on Alligator Alley.
What to See
1 of 3 are freeSanibel Island
Shelling and quiet beaches, with a toll causeway.
J.N. Ding Darling Refuge
A 4-mile drive past wading birds.
Know Before You Go
- Check on storm recovery before you book on Sanibel.
Where to Stay
Stay in Naples or on Sanibel.
Where to Eat
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Last checked 2026-11-02. Part of the Florida list.