The Naples Florida Pier, Southwest Florida’s Famous Historic Landmark

Whether you want to cast a line or just relax and marvel at the sunset, no vacation to Naples Florida is complete without at least one trip to the iconic Naples Florida Pier.

Having withstood the onslaught of six hurricanes since its inception in 1888, the Pier still stands today, rebuilt over time, and serves as a favorite haunt for both anglers and sightseers alike.

The Pier is the marketing brand of Naples, a source of community pride, a symbol of the growth and evolution of Naples through the years.

It’s an engineering marvel and a welcoming symbol of Naples.

More importantly, a stroll on the Pier is one of the top things to do in Naples Florida.

There’s poetry to the Naples Pier as well, as with any historic landmark around the world that embodies fascinating local history — that turns a stroll into a walk through time.

History of the Naples Florida Pier

The task of constructing the Naples Pier in 1888 just off 12th Avenue in downtown Naples, was awarded to Captain James Canty by Walter N. Haldeman, the founder of Naples.

The purpose of the pier, at that time, was to serve solely as a freight and passenger dock for the Old Naples Hotel which was under construction on the opposite shore.

Consequently, a 600 foot long T-shaped wharf with a tramway and boardwalk was built on the 18 ft waters of the Gulf of Mexico, facing the hotel.

A bath house with changing rooms and a freight elevator were added to the project in 1909, before the first of a series of unwelcome storms hit the pier.

In 1910, a Category 2 hurricane nearly destroyed the entire pier and even prevented the hotel from operating.

It was then extended by another 100 feet with two more wings in the shape of a 'V'.

Then came the 1926 cyclone which severely damaged the pier, followed by another hurricane in 1935.

However, the most severe destruction was caused by the 1944 hurricane which caused the pier to be totally rebuilt.

To make it more sturdy, the pier was extended by another 100 feet, in 22 feet of water, and converted into a recreational site.

In 1960, when Hurricane Donna struck Naples with Category 4 force winds, it not only sounded the death knell for the pier, which collapsed totally, but for the hotel as well.

Two local philanthropists, Mr. & Mrs. Lester Norris, provided nearly $130,000 to rebuild the pier to how it still stands today basking in the Florida sun in the heart of Naples.

The Naples Florida Pier Today

The historic landmark disappeared for a few months in 2015 when the City of Naples carried out renovation work on the pier to make it safer and more attractive for visitors.

The ceremony to replace the planks began on Monday 6th July 2015 and the pier was reopened for the general public on November 1st of the same year.

Ipe, a Brazilian walnut hardwood, was used in the reconstruction, as it was expected to last for at least thirty years.

Bigger restrooms were added to cater to the massive one million people who visit this Naples attraction each year.

The old planks were cut into 18" sections, numbered and authenticated and sold to history buffs for $100 each, to serve as a memento.

In 2017, Naples suffered another direct hurricane hit when Irma made landfall in early September.

Ten foot high storm surges, fueled by sustained 135 mph winds, welled in its wake.

These gale force winds hit the Naples Pier hard, destroying railings and damaging supports leading to the closure of the far end of the landmark for nearly three months for repairs.

In September 2022, it was Hurricane Ian that destroyed the last half of the Naples Pier. As of this writing, plans are underway to rebuild the Naples Pier. A small portion of the pier is currently open to visitors.

Visitors can learn more about the history of the Naples Pier on a guided tour at The Palm Cottage House museum, the oldest building of Naples, which are conducted every Wednesday and Saturday between 1- 4pm.

Things to Do at the Naples Pier

Fishing (Currently Prohibited During Rebuild)

When someone refers to the Pier as the Naples Fishing Pier, you know you’re talking to a serious angler.

Apart from the stunning panoramic views, the Naples Pier is the popular spot in Naples for fishing, as there are plenty of spaces for casting a hook and a fishing license is not needed.

Saltwater fishing in southwest Florida is a bucket list attraction, and these waters are known for catching sharks, sting rays, grouper and other incredible saltwater species.

Visitors can fish from the Pier without the need of a fishing license though anglers should use a non-treble 5/0 sized hooks and avoid overhand casting.

Pelican nets are kept at the far end of the Pier in the event of having one get caught in your line.

The Naples Pier also provides opportunities for fishing at night, when the temperatures are much cooler.

During the months from April to June, visitors can get great views of dolphins and stingrays from the pier.

Catch Sunset

Stretching 1000 feet into the Gulf of Mexico, the expansive Naples Pier is undoubtedly one of the best places to catch sunset in Naples, and the structure itself is the perfect silhouette backdrop for photos.

Plan arriving at least a half hour before the main event and staying until the blue hour — 15 minutes after sunset — for the most stunning pics.

Swimming at the Naples Pier Beach

The Naples Pier Beach, also known as Naples Municipal Beach, is one of Naples’ best beaches, and swimming here is divine.

Skim boarding is popular as is surfing when conditions are right, usually preceeding a storm.

There are ample spots on the beach adjacent to the Pier to enjoy a swim or take part in a game of beach volleyball with the locals as you work on your tan at the same time.

One thing that’s not allowed is diving off the Pier — it is prohibited!

Third Street South

For food lovers and shopaholics, there are scores of lively restaurants, bars, cafes, and shops to browse just two blocks from the Pier on Third Street South, where you can enjoy great food, enjoy live music, and people watch all day long.

The Third Street district is one of the best places to go shopping in Naples, so you can imagine the possibilities for shopping, dining, and great beaches all within a block or two of each other!

Naples Pier Fireworks

Those visiting the Naples Pier on the 4th of July and over the New Years holidays will find the Naples Pier an ideal location to watch the fireworks from the Pier which usually begin at 9:00pm.

Thousands of visitors and locals gather to celebrate these holidays with family and friends so it can get crowded, and finding parking is a challenge.

It’s worth getting there early to find a parking spot to enjoy the best view in town.

The fireworks usually include a good half-hour display. Bring your own chairs and blankets to see the fireworks show which is visible all along the Naples beach.

The fireworks show is operated from a barge, about a 1000 feet off the beach.

Play Volleyball

A volleyball net is set up to play just off the start of the Pier, on a first come first served basis.

Know Before You Go

• Showers and Bathroom Facilities - Men’s and Women’s restrooms at the Pier with changing spaces and shower facilities.

• Entry Fee - Entrance to the pier is FREE, while parking is available east of the pier for a fee.

• Naples Pier Hours - The Pier is open 9:00 am - sunset year round

• Handicap Accessibility - The Naples Pier is ADA compliant and wheelchair friendly.

• Naples Pier Parking - Parking for beach access in the City of Naples requires the resident or visitor to have a beach parking permit, pay-by-space, or use the coin-operated parking meters.

  You can also find other beach access points and metered parking at regular spots on either side of 12th Ave, which are usually less busy than those next to the pier.

  Parking is enforced year round. All City of Naples Parking Areas including the Naples Pier and Lowdermilk Park offer the pay-by-space option. $.25 for 5 minutes or $3.00 per hour.

  Cash accepted: Quarters Only. Credit/Debit Card: Visa, MasterCard, American Express or Discover

This most loved destination in Naples has been serving the city for more than 100 years with its simple charms and a beachfront setting.

Take a gentle stroll down the pier in company of hundreds of other walkers who throng on the pier each day for a breath of fresh air and to take in the spectacular views of the scenic Naples coastline from its end.

During the warmer days, one can relax on benches under the shade of a gazebo, in order to laze around and enjoy the ambiance.

With so much to see and do at Naples Pier, it’s a no brainer to add a visit to your Naples Florida itinerary.

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