Naples Pier a Longtime Community Landmark

The Naples Pier, situated at the west end of 12th Avenue South off Gulf Shore Boulevard in Naples, Florida, was originally built in 1888 as a freight and passenger dock. In its early days, the pier was lined with narrow gauge train rails that spanned the entire length of the structure, designed to transport baggage and freight to waiting vessels that would travel across the Atlantic or to other points in the Caribbean or along the Eastern seaboard.

The Naples Municipal Pier has been rebuilt a number of times during its lifetime. It was first destroyed by a hurricane in 1910 and then again in 1926 and 1960. In 1922, a fire consumed much of the pier and the post office that sat upon it. Throughout the last 50 years, however, it has remained steadfast, only experiencing minor damage from the violent summer storms that sometimes touch the southwest Florida coast.

Today, the Naples City Pier no longer serves as a dock for boat traffic but is instead the most popular place in Naples for fishing. From sunrise to sunset, avid anglers line the pier with their rods and buckets of bait, hoping to score a good catch for the day. Unlike elsewhere in Naples, fishing from the pier does not require a state fishing license as the city of Naples purchased a bulk license that covers anyone who casts their line off the pier.

For many, the Naples Municipal Pier, which stretches 1,000 feet out into the Gulf of Mexico, is the ideal place to enjoy the southwest Florida sunset. Visitors gather in droves on the pier at dusk in order to experience the beautiful colors of nature. It is also a great place for a long, relaxing stroll and the benches along the pier accommodate those who want to sit a while and enjoy watching the gentle lapping of the small waves in the Gulf of Mexico.

A concession stand sits at about the halfway point on the pier and caters to fishermen and others who spend time relaxing atop this man-made structure. Pelicans and other birds frequent the pier, looking for scraps left over by the anglers and hoping others will toss them a treat or two.

The beach around the pier is lively and is lined with some of Naples' most luxurious homes, many visible from atop the pier. There is nearly always some sort of group activity occurring in the vicinity of the municipal pier as well, including energetic beach volleyball games that draw a crowd of spectators.

Parking is available at a lot located one block east of the pier and on-street parking is available to pier visitors as well, though most of it is metered.