Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park

Some of the most popular restaurants near Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park include The Dock At Crayton Cove, known for its waterfront seafood, and The Boathouse on Naples Bay, which offers scenic dining with a focus on seafood. BALEEN provides an elegant dining experience with expansive views of the sea, while The Turtle Club offers locally sourced seafood in a scenic beachfront setting. These establishments offer a variety of cuisines and atmospheres, from casual to upscale dining experiences.

Visitors to Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park have a range of nearby accommodations, including the Vanderbilt Beach Resort, which offers classic beachfront lodging, and the Hilton Naples, known for its modern amenities and beach perks. The Naples Grande Beach Resort provides upscale accommodations with golf and multiple pools, and the LaPlaya Beach & Golf Resort offers a beachfront experience with dining and spa amenities. These hotels cater to different tastes and budgets, ensuring a comfortable stay during a visit to the park.

Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is equipped with a variety of amenities to enhance visitor experiences. The park features five parking lots, each connected by trails and boardwalks that lead to the beach. Picnic tables, grills, and bicycle racks are available, along with bathhouses offering changing stalls and outdoor showers. A picnic pavilion and observation tower are located at the north end, providing a bird's-eye view of Wiggins Pass. The park also offers a boat ramp, allowing access to the back bays and the Gulf of Mexico. Additionally, restrooms are fully accessible, and beach wheelchairs are available for use.

Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park offers a diverse range of activities catering to different interests. The park is renowned for its pristine beaches, where visitors can swim, sunbathe, and engage in shelling. Kayakers and paddleboarders can explore the mangrove trails and Water Turkey Bay, while boaters can launch their vessels to access the Gulf or the Cocohatchee River. Scuba diving is allowed in certain areas, providing access to a hard-bottom reef. For nature enthusiasts, the park is an excellent spot for birdwatching, with frequent sightings of shorebirds and other wildlife.

Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park strives to be inclusive and accessible. The park offers free beach wheelchairs, located at parking areas 1 and 5, to assist visitors with mobility needs. All restrooms are fully accessible, and the parking lots and ramps are designed to accommodate individuals with disabilities. These amenities ensure that everyone can enjoy the park's facilities and natural beauty.

Parking at Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is available in five lots, each connected to the beach by trails and boardwalks. However, parking capacity can be limited, especially following natural events like hurricanes. When the lots are full, the park may temporarily close to new vehicles. To manage this, Collier County offers a free beach shuttle service, allowing pedestrians and bicyclists to access the park while reducing congestion.

Parking is generally first-come, first-served, and admission includes a fee for vehicles.

Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park holds a lot of historical and ecological significance. The area was once a trading post in the 1800s under Joe Wiggins, and today it is named after him and the benefactors who helped establish the park. It is home to endangered species like the gopher tortoise and supports a wide array of marine life due to the mangrove forests' nutrient-rich environment. The park's mangrove forests cover about 80% of its area, providing a critical habitat for juvenile marine animals before they migrate to the Gulf.

Additionally, the park occasionally undergoes dredging to maintain the Wiggins Pass due to sediment buildup.

Near Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, several local attractions and activities are worth exploring. The Cocohatchee River and Water Turkey Bay offer excellent opportunities for kayaking and boating. The park itself provides a natural barrier island habitat with diverse wildlife, including bald eagles and sea turtles, making it a prime spot for nature walks and birdwatching. Visitors can also explore Naples' downtown area, which offers a variety of cultural experiences and shopping venues.

For those interested in golf, nearby resorts like LaPlaya Beach and Naples Grande offer golf courses amidst beautiful landscapes.