Vanderbilt Beach

In north Collier County, Vanderbilt offers soft, sugar sand and some of the clearest water along the Southwest Florida coast. Dozens of resorts, condominiums and restaurants are within walking distance of the beach. The sand is ideal for dropping the flip-flops and taking a barefoot stroll.

Pros: Beautiful beach with upscale development.
Cons: Parking is at a premium, although the county is building a multi-level parking garage within walking distance.
Likely visitors: Sunbathers and swimmers. Skimboarding is also popular.
Getting there: Head west on Vanderbilt Beach Road in Naples until the entrance to the beach.
Parking: Several parking meter spots line Vanderbilt Beach Road with a fee of 75 cents per hour. Private parking lots along the beach charge as much as $20 per day.