Our list of five 'best' Collier County beaches. What's your favorite?

We asked our environment reporter to select his top Collier County beaches and what makes them special and unique.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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From the natural coastal habitat of Barefoot Beach Preserve State Park to the ritzy stretch of sand at Vanderbilt Beach, Collier County is home to a variety of stunning Gulf Coast beaches. The article highlights five top beaches in the area, including Naples Beach, Keewaydin, and Tigertail Beach on Marco Island, each with their own unique features and appeal.

Why it matters

Collier County is known for its beautiful beaches, which are a major draw for both tourists and locals. This article provides readers with an insider's guide to some of the best and most unique beaches in the area, helping them plan their next beach day or vacation.

The details

The article covers five top beaches in Collier County: Barefoot Beach Preserve State Park, Vanderbilt Beach, Naples Beach, Keewaydin, and Tigertail Beach on Marco Island. Each beach is described in detail, highlighting its special features, amenities, and what makes it stand out. For example, Barefoot Beach is praised for its natural coastal habitat and wildlife, while Vanderbilt Beach is known for its ritzy atmosphere and family-friendly vibe. The article also notes some of the challenges these beaches face, such as parking issues and the impact of recent hurricanes.

  • The article was published on February 11, 2026.

The players

Cindy Dolmage

The president of Friends of Barefoot Beach State Preserve Park.

Megan Hatten

The Southwest Florida shorebird project manager for Audubon Florida.

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What they’re saying

“Barefoot Beach's charms are the nature, the birds, the tortoises and the sea turtles. It has a lot of natural coastal habitat. It has the mangroves and there are several different environments in one space, and it's allowed to be natural.”

— Cindy Dolmage, President of Friends of Barefoot Beach State Preserve Park (news-press.com)

“If you take the time to walk up from Resident's Beach, it really kind of seems like the old natural Florida. It's just beautiful, and you can see a whole range of birds there. Now we have a small colony of black skimmers and Wilson's plover, but during the wintertime we'll have migrating birds and roseate spoonbills and reddish egrets.”

— Megan Hatten, Southwest Florida shorebird project manager for Audubon Florida (news-press.com)

What’s next

The article notes that most programming at Barefoot Beach Preserve State Park has been cancelled since Hurricane Ian, and the park is in a 'holding pattern' as the county works to restore it. The article suggests readers should check with the county to see what has been restored and what new programming may be available.

The takeaway

Collier County is home to a diverse array of beautiful and unique beaches, each offering something special for visitors. Whether it's the natural coastal habitat of Barefoot Beach, the ritzy atmosphere of Vanderbilt Beach, or the remote and bird-filled Tigertail Beach, there is a beach to suit every taste and preference in this coastal Florida region.