Naples Pier Archives

Seeing the Naples Pier at Sunset

Teresa Luber Marco Island, Naples, Things to See and Do in Marco Island 06/15/201909/11/2025Fifth Avenue South Naples, Naples Day Trip, Naples Pier

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Key Takeaways

The Naples Pier, located on the Gulf of Mexico, is a popular spot for sightseers and fishermen with amenities like restrooms and a concession stand.
Built in 1888, the pier originally served as a dock but transformed into a social hub after its construction.
Despite suffering fire damage in 1922 and hurricane damage in subsequent years, the pier remains a historical landmark undergoing renovations.
Parking at the pier requires a permit or payment at meters, and it can get crowded, especially during sunset.
Fishing from the pier is free, as the City of Naples holds a bulk fishing license for visitors.

The historic Naples Pier is located on the Gulf of Mexico at the West end of 12th Avenue South. It is a favorite location for sightseers and fishermen with plenty of space to cast a line. The Pier features restrooms, showers, a concession stand with covered eating area, and beach supplies. It is one of the most photographed piers in the United States. Sunset pictures of the pier are especially nice!

A Historic Landmark

The Naples Pier was originally built in 1888 as a freight and passenger dock. It was first constructed by newspaper man Walter N. Halderman, founder of Naples. The pier was initially to act as a location for loading and unloading goods and baggage. This helped local commerce. It also served a hotel located across from it at the time. After its construction, the Naples Pier became a popular location for social gatherings like parties and dances.

In 1922 most of the Naples Pier was destroyed by a fire from a discarded cigarette. Rebuilt in 1924, its length is now 1,000 feet. The pier has also undergone several renovations due to hurricane damage. The latest renovations were in 1960 and 2015. NOTE: The Naples Pier is now undergoing a complete renovation due to damage caused by Hurricane Ian in September, 2022.

The Naples Pier remains a monument to the local lifestyle and culture. It is also a major attraction for both locals and tourists alike to visit while in Naples.

Parking at the Pier

Parking for beach access in the City of Naples requires the resident or visitor to have a beach parking permit, feed the parking meters, or pay-by-space. Enforcement occurs year round. Parking in this area can be difficult to find, so get there early. This is especially true if you are going for sunset!

Credit/Debit Card: Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover
Cash: Quarters only

Features of the Pier

Fishing from the pier does not require a fishing license. The City of Naples has purchased a bulk fishing license for the Pier. The beach here also features volleyball nets and is one of the best places to catch a spectacular Naples sunset.

A Day Trip to Naples Zoo

Teresa Luber Marco Island Day Trips and Tours, Naples, Things to See and Do in Marco Island 12/28/201809/11/2025Naples Day Trip, Naples Pier, Naples Zoo, Sea Mar Condo

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Key Takeaways

Naples Zoo is a fun day trip, located just 30 minutes from Marco Island, offering a variety of exhibits for all ages.
Main exhibits include Alligator Bay, African Oasis, Leopard Rock, and more, highlighting both native and exotic species.
Admission supports wildlife conservation, and parking is free at the zoo.
Visitors can enjoy unique experiences, like feeding giraffes and viewing endangered species up close on cruises.

A Day Trip to Naples Zoo is a wonderful adventure! Just a short 30 minute drive from Marco Island and Sea Mar Condo, the zoo is fun for kids and adults alike. Naples Zoo is a nationally accredited zoo. It is also a charitable institution that features a full day of fun activities. Plan your trip to the zoo, today!

Naples Zoo
1590 Goodlette Road
Naples, Fl 34102
Zooline: (239) 262-5409

Hours: Open 7 days a week
Monday through Sunday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm
(Last Ticket Sold at 4:00pm)

Zoo Exhibits

The Naples Zoo is a 1 mile long path that winds through botanical gardens past the main exhibits. The main exhibits are:

Alligator Bay

Alligator Bay – provides a home to the zoo’s American alligators. This lake is also home to many native species including herons.

African Oasis – This area houses many African animals including crested porcupines, Dorcas gazelles, greater kudus, miniature zebu, impala, African gray parrots, and leopard tortoises. You can even hand feed a giraffe in The Giraffe Preview Exhibit.

Leopard Rock

Leopard Rock – home to both spotted and black leopards.

Lake Victoria

Lake Victoria – contains several islands that are home to the zoo’s primates. Visitors can view the primates up close by taking a short Primate Expedition Cruise around the lake on one of the zoo’s catamarans. The majority of the animals on these islands are on the endangered species list in the wild.

Lion’s Lair

Lion’s Lair – is a mesh fenced area that is home to the zoo’s lions.

Fosas of Madagascar

Fosas of Madagascar – is home to fossas. Naples Zoo is the only zoo in the Southeast that houses fossas. The fossa is a cat-like, carnivorous mammal endemic to Madagascar.

Black Bear Hammock

Black Bear Hammock – is home to black bears, and consists of two separate habitats: one a natural environment and one a back yard. Viewing for both areas is from behind glass. It is also the largest black bear exhibit east of the Mississippi River.

Tiger Forest

Tiger Forest – a bamboo forest habitat for the zoo’s Malayan tigers. The Naples Zoo is a participating member of the Association of Zoos & Aquariums Species Survival Plan for this species.

Backyard Habitat

Backyard Habitat – a section of the gardens set aside and certified by the National Wildlife Federation in their Backyard Wildlife Habitat (BWH) program. In addition, it includes a pool where visitors can feed the fish.

Panther Exhibit

Panther exhibit – home to Uno a Florida Panther. The big cat was found after having been shot between the eyes at close range and left for dead. After being nursed back to health he was brought to the zoo and put on exhibit in a environment similar to what would be his wild habitat of mostly wetlands.

There are other exhibits throughout the zoo for hyenas, Parma wallaby, blackbuck, muntjac, yellow-backed duikers, honey badgers, cheetahs, coyotes and macaws.

Admission

Admission Prices: Your admission supports wildlife at the Naples Zoo and in the wild.
As a nonprofit institution, no tax is charged on admission.

Parking is Free at the Naples Zoo

Visit our website at https://seamarcondo.com. Our “Top 10 List” provides information on many things to see and do in Marco Island. We recommend several tour companies to make your vacation on Marco Island the best vacation ever!

Naples: A Perfect Day Trip from Marco Island

Teresa Luber Marco Island Day Trips and Tours, Naples, Things to See and Do in Marco Island 08/03/201809/11/2025Breakfast on Marco Island, Casual Dining on Marco Island, Fifth Avenue South Naples, Naples Day Trip, Naples Pier, Naples Zoo, Sea Mar Condo

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Key Takeaways

Start your Day Trip to Naples with breakfast at Doreen’s Cup of Joe, then explore 5th Avenue South for shopping and dining.
After lunch, enjoy the beautiful Naples Municipal Beach or visit the Naples Zoo for a unique experience with animals.
End your day at Kilwin’s Ice Cream for delicious treats and visit the Naples Pier for stunning sunset views.
Enjoy the vibrant evening atmosphere on 5th Avenue South or catch a show at the Naples Performing Arts Theater.
Conclude the day by returning to Marco Island, ready to relax and plan your next getaway.

Although I never tire of seeing the beautiful beaches, sometimes a day trip to Naples from Marco Island is just what I need! There is a lot to see and do in the Naples area. Here is a helpful list to help you organize your Naples get-away. (The drive to Naples takes around 30 minutes)

Leaving Marco Island for the Day

1. Let’s start with a cup of coffee and breakfast at Doreen’s Cup of Joe before we leave Marco Island for our day trip to Naples. (If coffee is not your way of waking up, there is always the fresh squeezed orange juice). Doreen’s has a wide variety of pancakes, waffles, French Toast, and traditional breakfast plates. This is the perfect place to start your morning.

5th Avenue South Shopping and Dining

2. Arriving at Naples, I highly suggest going to the 5th Avenue South shopping and dining area first. This street is lined with specialty gift and clothing shops and nice restaurants. Each shop has it’s own “uniqueness” – make sure you go in “Wind in the Willows” which has a “signature” cat that roams the store. Other favorite shops in this area are Chicos, Regatta, and the Blue Mussel.

3. After a few hours shopping, it’s now time for lunch. There are several nice restaurants along 5th Avenue South. The great thing about dining in this area is that the restaurants offer outdoor dining, giving you a great opportunity to people watch. It’s also nice to observe the nice vehicles lining the street – sometimes Bentleys, expensive sports cars, or collectable antique cars. One restaurant I want to try is new to the area – The Pearl Steak and Seafood Restaurant which has Key Lime Pie Cake Doughnuts for desert! I’m thinking yummy!!!

Beach Time or Zoo Time?

4. After lunch, how about some time on the beach? A short drive to downtown’s Naples Municipal Beach and Pier offers pearlescent sugar sand that runs along the gentle Gulf of Mexico. Activities along the beach range from sunning, walking, fishing, shelling and bird watching. It’s a good idea to bring a shell bag and binoculars. His beach offers a long stretch for walking and relaxing by the sea.

5. If you need a break from the beach, we suggest the Naples Zoo. Naples Zoo is a nationally accredited zoo and yet much more than a walk-through zoo. A paved path winds nearly a mile past rare and beautiful animals residing within a historic tropical garden of tropical plants. In this tropical setting, you can take delight at seeing many of your favorite animals like lions, giraffes, monkeys, pythons, and bears. In addition, you’ll also discover feature exhibits and an array of more rarely seen creatures like the Madagascar or a giant anteater.

It’s Ice Cream Time at Kilwin’s

6. After your day’s adventure at the beach or zoo, how about a visit to Kilwin’s Ice Cream? I have to admit that Kilwin’s is absolutely my favorite place in Naples!!!! In addition to the best ice cream (EVER) their homemade mackinaw style fudge and chocolates are not bad either!

The Evening Hours in Naples

7. As the evening arrives and the sunset hour gets close, a visit to the Naples Pier is not to be missed! There is no way I can describe the beauty of a sunset in this special place. Be sure to bring your camera for one of the most memorable photographs you will ever take. As the sun goes down over the Naples Pier you will wonder at the beauty of the moment! Note: The pier is closed for now due to damages by Hurricane Ian; however, the sunsets are still spectacular with the pier in the background. The pier is in the process of being rebuilt.

8. The evening hours are perfect for another stroll along 5th Avenue South. The street is bright with lights from all the beautiful palms. A visit to the Naples Performing Arts Theater with the Naples Players is also a great evening. The theater’s 65th Anniversary Season includes an exciting lineup of shows. including CHICAGO, Irving Berlin’s White Christmas and Guys & Dolls, heartfelt comedies, magical adventures and even a World Premiere Show!

Returning to Marco Island

9. What an eventful day we’ve had on our day trip to Naples – and now it’s time to return to Marco Island and Sea Mar Condo. If you haven’t made your reservation yet for your Fall and Winter get-away, visit us now to reserve your stay!

Visit our website at https://seamarcondo.com to our rates and availability. Our website also provides more information on Sea Mar Condo and Marco Island. Let us help you make the most of your Marco Island vacation!