For a different side of Naples’ coastline, head north to Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park — nearly a mile of protected, undeveloped beach where the shoreline looks much as it has for generations. There’s no boardwalk of shops here, just soft sand, sea oats, and the pass where the Gulf meets Wiggins Bay.
It’s one of the best spots in the area for shelling, especially early in the morning before the tide line gets picked over, and the park’s dune and mangrove habitats make it a genuinely good birdwatching spot too. Bring binoculars if you have them.
The observation tower near the pass is worth the short climb for a wide view over the water, and it’s a great vantage point for watching boats pass between the Gulf and the bay. Go on a weekday morning if you can — the park is popular, and mornings are when it’s at its most peaceful. A small entrance fee applies per vehicle.
