6 Best Places to Catch Sunset in Naples Florida

Looking for the best places to catch sunset in Naples Florida? Of course you are — it’s a ritualistic celebration practically every day and one that no traveler to Naples should miss.

Thanks to its fantastic Gulf Coast location and its many sandy shorelines, Southwest Florida has lots of amazing places to see the sunset. You’ll be enchanted by all the beautiful whirls of color that paint the sky as the sun dips below the horizon.

So where are the best places in Naples to wave goodbye to the day? If you’re looking for a quiet slice of paradise, Lovers Key State Park or Rookery Bay is a great option. If it’s a more festive atmosphere you crave, head to the Naples Pier instead.

If you’re looking to enjoy a romantic dinner while watching the sunset, consider one of the Naples waterfront restaurants like The Turtle Club or Baleen at La Playa.
It won’t take you long to realize that watching the sun set if one of the most popular things to do in Naples. Regardless of what you’re looking for, you’ll find that one of the best places to catch the sunset in Naples, Florida is exactly your style.

Best Places to Catch the Sunset in Naples, Florida

1. Naples Pier

The Naples Florida Pier is undoubtedly one of the best places to catch the sunset in Naples, Florida, and one of the most popular too.

Officially finished in 1889, the Naples Pier has been around for over 130 years! It has even withstood six major hurricanes! Due to its consistent presence, the Naples Pier has become ingrained into the city of Naples – and you can see that as you watch the sunset.

You won’t be the only people on the pier waiting for the sunset. There will also be couples strolling hand in hand, visitors taking loads of photos, and if you’re lucky, you might even see some friendly animals, including seabirds and dolphins, watching the sunset with you!

2. A Naples Sunset Cruise

What better way to see the sunset in Naples than from the bow of a boat or catamaran — we can tell you it’s the best way to view sunset! There are several Naples sunset cruises and catamaran cruises to choose from.

Just picture it: You’re leaning on the railing of a magnificent yacht that’s lightly bobbing in the waves. You sip on a fabulous drink while watching the colors in the sky become more vibrant with each second as the sun makes its way towards the horizon. And then, when the sun finally disappears, your luxurious boat cruise will finally make its way back to shore.

Catamaran cruises are quieter and an overall smoother ride. Check out the three Naples sunset catamaran cruise companies Miss Naples, Cool Beans, and Sweet Liberty to cruise with. For a powerboat sunset cruise, Rising Tide Explorers at Rookery Bay, Pure Florida and the famous Naples Princess each run excellent sunset and/or dinner cruises.

3. Lovers Key State Park

Although Lovers Key State Park is situated about 30 minutes away from the heart of Naples, it’s definitely worth the drive. As a matter of fact, Lovers Key State Park is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places in all of southwest Florida. The 712 acres are filled with golden sand, beautiful blue waters, and of course breathtaking sunsets.

Since Lovers Key State Park is so beautiful, you might as well as spend a few hours there and just hang out until sunset. You can soak up the sun, take a dip in the water, and maybe even enjoy a lovely picnic. Then, at the end of the day, you can take in the beauty of a sunset from Lovers Key State Park.

4. Rookery Bay

Rookery Bay is definitely one of the best places to catch the sunset in Naples, Florida – and absolutely underrated. But that’s okay, because that just makes it one of southwest Florida’s hidden gems.

Rookery Bay, officially known as Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Preserve, is a 110,000-acre mangrove forest on Marco Island. With its thriving ecosystem, quiet setting, and abundance of birds and other wildlife, it’s an awesome sunset viewing spot.

If you’d like to take your Rookery Bay sunset viewing experience to the next level, you can splurge on one of the Reserve’s amazing boat tours. First, there’s the three-hour Sunset to Full Moon Cruise, a unique cruise that takes you from Rookery Bay to the remote Keewaydin Island — so you’ll be able to see the fiery sunset from two magical spots instead of just one!

But if you’re more of an animal lover, you might prefer to book the Sunset Bird Rookery Boat Cruise. This two-hour tour is led by one of the Reserve’s knowledgeable biologist captains, who’ll teach you all about the birds that flock to the area. And all the while, you’ll be able to watch the striking colors of the sunset take over the sky.

5. Dinner With a View

Not all of the best places to catch the sunset in Naples are sandy shorelines. As an example, several Naples waterfront restaurants boast some of the best views in town!

Just in case you feel like you’d miss the feeling of the sand between your toes and the view of the waves crashing, don’t worry! The Turtle Club Restaurant and BALEEN Naples both have the sand at their doorstep. The Turtle Club restaurant serves up some of the best seafood in Naples, and their outdoor patio features tables on the beach.

BALEEN restaurant at the LaPlaya Beach and Golf Resort has high-end dining with a seafood-focused menu & fabulous views of the sand, sea & sunset. Go early and enjoy a cocktail at one of the outdoor fire pits before heading up for dinner.

Dinner and drinks with a view? Sounds like the perfect night!

6. Vanderbilt Beach

Last but certainly not least, there’s the gorgeous shoreline known as Vanderbilt Beach. Situated in North Naples, Vanderbilt beach is certainly one of Naples' best beaches and a great place to catch sunset.

With its sparkling white sand, lovely little shells, and glimmering blue waters, Vanderbilt Beach is already stunning during the day. But then, when you add the pink, red, and orange hues of sunset, this shoreline simply becomes irresistible!

So what are you waiting for? Grab your beach mat, beach towel, and camera and head on over to Vanderbilt Beach for a picture-perfect sunset!

Whether you’re looking for a popular location or a hidden gem, this list has many of the best places to catch the sunset in Naples, Florida. You’ll definitely find at least one option that’s perfect for your ideal sunset watching experience.

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