Where is Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park in Florida? 5 things to know about this Dr. Beach favorite
Two Florida beaches just made Dr. Beach’s list of top 10 best public beaches in the U.S. and one is in Naples.
Both Caladesi Island State Park near Tampa and Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park in Naples took top 10 spots on the highly-anticipated annual list for beachgoers.
Here’s where Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park ranked on Dr. Beach’s top 10 list and five things to know about the park.
What is the best beach in Florida, according to Dr. Beach?
Dr. Beach, whose real name is Dr. Stephen P. Leatherman, is a professor in the Department of Earth & Environment at Florida International University and just released his 34th annual rankings list of the best public beaches in America on Thursday, May 23.
Tampa Bay’s Caladesi Island State Park is the highest-ranking Florida beach of the two on Dr. Beach's list, taking fourth place nationally. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park in Naples was the second and last Florida beach to make this top 10 list, taking eighth place.
"This barrier island beach boasts of beautiful white sand beaches and crystal-clear Gulf waters. Activities include swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, shelling, and fishing. Wildlife in the park includes bald eagles, ospreys, and manatees," Dr. Beach said in his rankings list.
Here are Dr. Beach's top 10 beaches in the U.S. for 2024:
Duke Kahanamoku Beach Oahu, Hawaii
Coopers Beach Southampton, New York
Wailea Beach, Maui, Hawaii
Caladesi Island State Park Dunedin/Clearwater, Florida
Beachwalker Park, Kiawah Island, South Carolina
Main Beach, East Hampton, New York
Poipu Beach, Kauai, Hawaii
Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park, Naples, Florida
Coast Guard Beach Cape Cod, Massachusetts
Coronado Beach, San Diego, California
What is there to do at Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park?
If sunbathing or swimming isn’t for you, there are plenty of other activities to get into at Delnor-Wiggins Pass.
“Visitors can sunbathe, paddleboard, kayak, hike, bird-watch, fish and search for seashells. There are specific areas designated for anglers to drop their lines in the northern areas of the park for trophy catches,” the Florida State Parks website says.
“Boaters will find the launch area into Turkey Bay easily accessible for most vessels and can experience the delicate natural estuaries of the Cocohatchee River, leading out to the Gulf of Mexico.”
The park is also ADA-accessible, with first-come, first-served beach wheelchairs available for visitors to use.
Is there a fee to enter Florida’s Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park?
Yes, there usually is a fee to enter. Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset, 365 days a year and it costs $6 per car (eight people) to enter.
It only costs $4 for a single-occupant vehicle and $2 for pedestrians, bicyclists, extra passengers (more than eight) and anyone in a vehicle with a holder of an annual individual entrance pass.
You don't have to pay to enter on Memorial Day weekend, though. Gov. Ron DeSantis announced that all Florida state parks are free to enter for the holiday weekend.
Is Wiggins Pass dog friendly?
No pets are allowed on the beach, but they are allowed to enter the park. But service animals are allowed in all areas of the park.
“Pets are allowed in the park but not on the beaches. They must be well-behaved and kept on a 6-foot, hand-held leash at all times,” the Florida State Parks website says.
“Pets must not be left unattended or taken into restroom facilities or concession areas. You must pick up after your pet (don't forget your baggies). These rules help preserve important wildlife habitat.”
Is there a boat ramp at Delnor-Wiggins Pass State Park?
Yes, there is a boat ramp at the park. It only costs $5 plus tax (in addition to the entrance fee) to use.
Can you fish at Wiggins Pass?
You can’t swim at the northern section of the beach, along Wiggins Pass, but you can fish there.
“At the northern section of the beach along Wiggins Pass where swimming is not allowed, fishing is a popular activity,” the park’s website says.
“Boaters can launch their vessels into Water Turkey Bay from the boat ramp and travel to the Gulf or up the Cocohatchee River for both saltwater and freshwater fishing.”
This article originally appeared on Naples Daily News: Naples state park ranks on Dr. Beach's best beaches in the U.S. list
