Exploring the Top Gulf Access Communities in Naples, Florida
Naples, Florida, is known for its stunning coastline, luxurious lifestyle, and exceptional real estate. Among its most sought-after features are the communities that offer direct access to the Gulf of Mexico. These neighborhoods provide not only breathtaking views but also the convenience of boating, fishing, and water sports right from your backyard. Here are some of the top Gulf access communities in Naples, Florida.
1. Port Royal
The story of Port Royal traces back to the early 20th century, when John Glenn Sample, a visionary developer, saw the potential of the area and drew inspiration from Jamaica's Port Royal region. In 1959, Sample acquired a vast stretch of land, laying the foundation for what would become the esteemed Port Royal neighborhood in Florida.
Right from the start, Port Royal was envisioned as an exclusive haven for the wealthy. Sample meticulously planned the development, ensuring that every property had prime waterfront access, either facing the Gulf of Mexico or Naples Bay. The neighborhood swiftly gained renown for its lavish estates, sprawling mansions, and top-notch amenities, attracting high-profile individuals from various spheres.
Central to the community is the prestigious Port Royal Club, founded in 1959. This private beachfront club epitomizes the luxurious lifestyle of the neighborhood, offering members access to pristine beaches, gourmet dining, tennis courts, and a vibrant social scene. It has played a vital role in fostering a tight-knit community and a sense of exclusivity within Port Royal.
Despite its reputation for luxury, Port Royal remains committed to preserving its natural environment. Residents have taken steps to conserve the lush tropical landscape and marine ecosystems, ensuring that the neighborhood's natural beauty endures alongside its opulent residences.
Today, Port Royal stands as a testament to its founders' vision, drawing admiration for its timeless charm, unparalleled waterfront properties, and exclusive offerings. It has earned its place as one of the most coveted addresses in the United States, blending modern luxury with a rich historical legacy that continues to inspire its residents.
The journey of Port Royal from concept to iconic neighborhood is a remarkable tale, reflecting the aspirations, accomplishments, and trials that have shaped its identity. As it evolves, Port Royal remains a beacon of luxury and exclusivity, embodying the enduring spirit of those who call it home.
2. Aqualane Shores
Nestled between Old Naples and Port Royal, Aqualane Shores offers a mix of elegance and old Florida charm. This waterfront community boasts deep canals and direct Gulf access, making it ideal for boating enthusiasts. The neighborhood’s lush landscaping and close proximity to downtown Naples enhance its appeal, providing both serenity and accessibility.
Situated between the historic downtown area of Old Naples and the opulent Port Royal neighborhood, Aqualane Shores offers residents easy access to the vibrant Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South, known for their upscale shopping, dining, and cultural attractions. The community is characterized by its deep-water canals and wide bayfronts, making it a haven for boating enthusiasts.
Homes in Aqualane Shores range from charming, mid-century cottages to expansive, contemporary estates, all designed to maximize water views and provide direct access to the Gulf of Mexico. The lush, tropical landscaping and tree-lined streets add to the neighborhood's appeal, creating a serene and picturesque environment. With its prime location, luxurious properties, and excellent waterfront amenities, Aqualane Shores epitomizes the best of coastal living in Naples.
3. Royal Harbor
Originally developed in the 1950s, Royal Harbor is one of Naples, Florida's premier boating communities, situated on the picturesque shores of Naples Bay. Just a few miles from downtown, this community offers residents the ability to walk, bike, or boat to various local attractions. The pristine white sandy beaches, vibrant area events, scenic trails, and the bustling shops and restaurants of 5th Avenue and 3rd Street are all within easy reach.
Royal Harbor is highly sought after for its combination of coastal living, convenience, and privacy. The community, comprising just over 400 single-family homes, has seen significant transformation over the decades. Many original homes have been either renovated or replaced with new, custom-built residences, reflecting modern architectural styles and luxury amenities.
Every home in Royal Harbor is waterfront, located either directly on Naples Bay or along deep-water canals. Boating enthusiasts enjoy quick access to open waters, with no-bridge routes to Naples Bay, the Inland Waterway, and the Gulf of Mexico. The majority of canals accommodate deep-draft sailboats and large vessels, with only a few restricted to shallow-draft powerboats. Adding to the charm, all neighborhood streets are named after fish or birds, enhancing the coastal vibe.
Residents can enjoy stunning sunsets, water views, and refreshing trade winds from their pool decks, outdoor kitchens, balconies, or docks. Nature enthusiasts will find plenty to appreciate, with abundant local wildlife providing a constant source of interest. Dolphins and manatees are common sights in the neighborhood canals and nearby waters, while otters, egrets, blue herons, pelicans, and even the occasional manta ray add to the vibrant ecosystem.
Royal Harbor offers an idyllic blend of natural beauty, recreational opportunities, and luxurious living, making it one of Naples' most desirable communities.
4. Moorings
The Moorings is a well-established community offering a variety of waterfront properties with Gulf access. Residents enjoy private beach access and scenic views of Moorings Bay. The neighborhood is also home to the Moorings Country Club, adding to the appeal with its golf and social amenities.
Located in the heart of Naples, The Moorings Golf and Country Club is a prestigious, member-owned club offering an exclusive 18-hole golf course. Nestled within a distinguished residential neighborhood, the club is just a stone's throw from Naples' sunny, sandy beaches. Notably, it stands as the only private golf club west of U.S. 41 in the City of Naples, providing a unique and luxurious golfing experience in a prime location.
The Moorings Golf and Country Club offers an exceptional 18-hole golf course featuring Bermuda celebration turf grass on both tees and fairways, along with meticulously maintained greens. This challenging course remains in pristine condition year-round and includes 9 Par 4s and 9 Par 3s, providing the perfect setup for enjoying golf as it was meant to be played.
Players can complete a round in just three hours, whether riding or walking. The club also boasts a putting green, a chipping practice area, two Trackman golf simulator suites, and hitting nets. Regular weekly golf events, as well as special seasonal events, ensure that tee times are always available, even during peak season. The club hosts Men’s and Women’s Golf Leagues, along with mixed golf events, fostering a fun and engaging environment for all.
Members of The Moorings Golf & Country Club share a passion for golf and enjoy a vibrant social atmosphere. The club is often considered a second home, with members going out of their way to welcome newcomers and ease their transition into the community. The dining experience rivals that of the finest restaurants in Naples, offering a variety of casual and fine dining options, including a fantastic Sunday brunch.
Catering to the diverse interests of its members, the club features holiday celebrations, live entertainment, bridge and duplicate bridge, car clubs, Mah Jongg, poker, bingo, book clubs, and investment clubs. Active Bocce leagues are held twice a year, ensuring there is an activity for everyone at the friendliest club in Naples!
5. Park Shore
Park Shore is famous for its beautiful beaches and Venetian Bay. The community features a unique system of canals and waterfront homes with direct Gulf access. Park Shore is also known for its upscale shopping and dining at the Village Shops on Venetian Bay, providing a blend of luxury living and convenience.
Park Shore is conveniently located between Pelican Bay and the Moorings, offering a diverse mix of residential properties, retail outlets, and dining options. The neighborhood boasts the Village Shops on Venetian Bay, an upscale waterfront shopping and dining area, as well as a variety of establishments along 9th St. N (US-41), extending the Naples central business district.
Residences in Park Shore range from spacious bayfront estates and gulf-front high-rise condominiums to venetian-style residences along the bay. With over 600 single-family homes, many situated along Venetian Bay with gulf access boat docks, residents can enjoy stunning sunset views and convenient boating access through Doctors Pass to the Gulf of Mexico.
The neighborhood also offers villas and townhomes such as The Mews, an exclusive community of duplex villas close to commercial areas, and the Villas of Park Shore, featuring townhomes with serene garden or lake views.
For those seeking non-waterfront condos, options include Jacaranda, a small 22-unit complex close to retail areas, The Colonade with resort-style amenities, Hidden Lake Villas surrounded by lush landscaping and offering recreational facilities, and Swan Lake Club, a peaceful condominium community with lakeside amenities.
For waterfront living, Park Shore presents a range of bayfront condos like Ardissone, featuring Venetian-inspired residences with deeded beach access and boat docks, and The Tropics on Venetian Bay offering spectacular views and spacious floor plans. Other options include Venetian Isle, Park Shore Landings, Pelican Point, and Colony Gardens, each providing luxurious living spaces with access to bayfront amenities and stunning views.
Park Shore residents also enjoy a private beach access at Raymond Lutgert Park and benefit from low-traffic streets ideal for walking and biking. Boating enthusiasts can access the Gulf of Mexico via Venetian Bay and Doctors Pass, although non-waterfront property owners do not have boat dockage within the neighborhood.
With its blend of residential options, retail opportunities, and waterfront access, Park Shore offers a unique and desirable lifestyle for its residents.
6. Vanderbilt Beach
Vanderbilt Beach is renowned for its luxurious condominium community, but it also boasts a selection of captivating single-family homes and spacious estates. The neighborhood showcases multimillion-dollar residences featuring lavish contemporary Mediterranean designs, along with extensive amenities, breathtaking panoramic views, and the epitome of luxury design.
One of the main attractions of Vanderbilt Beach is its proximity to one of South Florida's finest beaches, offering a wide expanse of pristine white sand. Surrounded by top-tier resorts and 5-star hotels, the area caters to those seeking a sophisticated coastal lifestyle. Boating enthusiasts particularly appreciate Vanderbilt Beach for its access to private docking facilities, with the Vanderbilt Channel and its waterways providing easy passage to the Cocohatchee River and the Gulf of Mexico.
The local lifestyle revolves around the beach and water activities, making it a paradise for boaters and water lovers alike. The culinary scene in Vanderbilt Beach is equally impressive, with an abundance of award-winning restaurants within the vicinity of the luxurious resorts.
At BALEEN, within LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort, diners can indulge in signature seafood dishes while soaking up the coastal ambiance on the outdoor terrace. The Ritz-Carlton Naples offers diverse dining experiences, from the romantic sunset views and sumptuous seafood at Gumbo Limbo to the elegant atmosphere of The Grill, perfect for special occasions. Terrazza offers authentic Italian cuisine with breathtaking vistas through its floor-to-ceiling glass doors, while Dusk provides a sleek, intimate setting for sushi enthusiasts.
Beyond the resort dining options, Vanderbilt Beach boasts restaurants like The Turtle Club, where diners can savor locally sourced seafood directly on the sand under umbrella-shaded tables. For a unique experience, The Cave Bistro & Wine Bar offers a swanky underground atmosphere complemented by an impressive selection of specialty wines, cocktails, and sophisticated dishes.
7. Pelican Bay
Pelican Bay stands as the epitome of Naples' premier Master Planned Gulf Front Community, amidst the breathtaking coastal Bay and Gulf preserves of Florida. Renowned for its grand beachfront lifestyle, this meticulously planned community sets the standard for luxury living.
Pelican Bay offers two exclusive resident-only beach clubs, where fine dining, sailing, paddle boarding, and canoeing await. A dedicated beachside concierge service ensures comfort with lounges, chairs, and umbrellas, while 2 miles of natural beachfront provide unparalleled relaxation. Residents also enjoy access to a natural waterway pass and estuary system, perfect for exploring the pristine surroundings.
The community's amenities extend beyond the shoreline, boasting a state-of-the-art fitness center and spa facility at the community center. Tennis enthusiasts can indulge in matches at the complex, while meeting and banquet facilities cater to various social gatherings. Additionally, Pelican Bay features a high-end shopping and restaurant retail center, along with the esteemed Artis-Naples campus, home to the nation's top 100 Philharmonic Center and the Baker Art Museum.
8. Coquina Sands
The Coquina Sands subdivision traces its origins back to the late 19th century, being the northernmost section of the original plat of Naples, filed in Lee County, Florida in 1887. Initially, it was planned with a grid-type street layout similar to that of Old Naples.
The area's first road, originating from Fort Myers, traversed The Moorings, Coquina Sands, and the Beach Club golf course, providing access to a small cluster of buildings near the pier. However, with the construction of the Tamiami Trail in the 1920s, this route was abandoned. In 1987, a Coquina Sands resident discovered a layer of crushed beach shells while constructing her home, indicating the presence of the old road to Bonita.
In 1946, the northern portion of the Town of Naples, including Coquina Sands, came under the ownership of the Naples Company. The Naples Company holdings encompassed The Naples Hotel and the Naples Golf and Beach Club, established in the 1930s. The original golf course was constructed first, followed by a clubhouse two years later. Subsequently, in June 1948, the first beachfront apartment building was erected, and a bar and restaurant opened at the Golf and Beach Club the following year, marking the inception of the Naples Beach Hotel.
In 1948, the City Council decreed that only single-family homes could be constructed on the beach south of South Golf Drive, shaping the future development pattern. The Unit 1 plat of Coquina Sands, approved by the City Council in April 1954, introduced wide, gracefully curving boulevards and streets named after shells and flowers. Unit 2, approved in October 1957, included the dredging of Hurricane Harbor.
The Naples Company contributed land for a beachfront park, resulting in the establishment of Lowdermilk Park, named after Naples' first City Manager, Fred Lowdermilk. In the early 1960s, several streets in Coquina Sands were renamed, including Coquina Boulevard, which became Gulf Shore Blvd.
Today, Coquina Sands comprises approximately 230 single-family residences, 660 multi-family units, and the Naples Beach Club hotel and golf course. The redevelopment of the Naples Beach Club, managed by The Four Seasons hotel organization, alongside the aftermath of Hurricane Ian in September 2022, is expected to drive extensive renovation and redevelopment efforts, further enhancing the neighborhood's allure and vitality.
9. Pelican Marsh
While primarily known for its golf and country club lifestyle, Pelican Marsh also includes the upscale enclave of Pelican Isle. This area offers luxury condos with direct access to the Gulf via Wiggins Pass, appealing to those who desire a combination of golf, boating, and waterfront living.
Pelican Marsh Golf Club stands as a distinguished private club in Naples, Florida. What sets this eighteen-hole championship course apart from others in southwest Florida is its remarkable elevation changes, with some holes featuring up to thirty feet in variation from tee to green.
The fairways offer a challenging experience with defined rough borders, while winding lakes and flowering marshes add to the scenic beauty and test golfers' skills. The greens, varying in size and undulation, pose additional challenges, complemented by numerous large mounds on the fairways.
Beyond its renowned golfing facilities, the Pelican Marsh community offers a diverse range of property types to suit various lifestyles, from single-family homes to coach homes, villas, and condos.
For those considering membership, Pelican Marsh Golf Club presents a range of options, including one-time initiation fees and various membership tiers. The club boasts a maximum of 330 golf memberships, with options available for both residents and non-residents.
Property within Pelican Marsh spans from single-family homes ranging from $970,000 to $10,950,000 to condos priced between $665,000 and $1,410,000. With two decades of experience in the area, The Naples Golf Guy Team stands ready to assist buyers and sellers alike in navigating the real estate landscape of Pelican Marsh.
Designed by Robert von Hagge and opened in 1994, the Pelican Marsh golf course comprises one course with 18 holes. Practice facilities include a grass driving range, while the clubhouse, fitness center, community pool, and tennis courts provide additional amenities for residents and club members alike.
Pelican Marsh Golf Course Information:
Course Name: Bay/Pelican Golf Course
Par: 72
Holes: 18
Yardage Range: 4,020 to 7,050 yards
Rating: Varies from 64.0 to 74.5
Slope: Varies from 108 to 136
Community Amenities:
Gated Community
One Private Golf Course
Grass Driving Range
Clubhouse
Fitness Center & Studio
Community Pool
Tennis Courts
Whether you're seeking a challenging round of golf or a vibrant community to call home, Pelican Marsh offers a wealth of opportunities for residents and club members alike.
10. Barefoot Beach
Barefoot Beach Club stands as a luxurious mid-rise condo community situated on Little Hickory Island in Bonita Springs, Florida. With meticulous upkeep, the community comprises 348 condominiums spread across 12 buildings.
Exclusive amenities cater to residents and guests, including two heated swimming pools, two hot whirlpools, a newly constructed clubhouse featuring a 24-hour fitness area, a pool pavilion, social room, and conference room.
Perched overlooking the Gulf of Mexico, Barefoot Beach Club provides residents with breathtaking views and convenient access to the pristine white sand beaches. Additionally, its proximity to Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), just a 30-minute drive away, ensures easy travel for residents and visitors alike.
While residents enjoy the tranquility of the secluded surroundings, Barefoot Beach Club remains conveniently close to the vibrant shopping and dining scene of Naples. This balance allows residents to indulge in all that the area offers while still savoring leisurely strolls along the award-winning beaches just steps from their homes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Naples, Florida, offers a variety of Gulf access communities, each with its own unique charm and amenities. Whether you are a boating enthusiast, a beach lover, or someone seeking luxurious waterfront living, Naples has a community that fits your lifestyle. These neighborhoods not only provide stunning views and direct access to the Gulf but also offer a high quality of life with their proximity to Naples' vibrant downtown and exclusive amenities.
If you have any questions or would like to set up an in-person tour of homes in Southwest Florida, give me a call at 239-785-6986. I look forward to hearing from you! -Chad Damitz, Broker/Founder of AnchorPoint Real Estate
