33rd Avenue South Beach derives its name from its location at the western terminus of 33rd Avenue South in the Old Naples neighborhood of Naples, Florida, part of the city's systematic grid of beach access points along nearly nine miles of Gulf Coast shoreline. Naples itself received its name in the 1880s from Kentucky newspaperman Walter N. Haldeman and Louisville Courier-Journal General Manager Roger Gordon, who believed the bay's beautiful scenery resembled the Bay of Naples in Italy. The Orange Blossom Special first arrived at Naples Seaboard Air Line Passenger Station on January 7, 1927, transforming Naples into a premier Gulf Coast destination. The City of Naples maintains 40 beach accesses along the coastline, with public entry available at the western terminus of most residential streets between 7th Avenue North and 19th Avenue South. Recent restoration projects replaced seawalls at multiple avenue beach ends including 14th, 15th, and 16th Avenue South locations, ensuring continued public access for future generations along this pristine Collier County coastline originally inhabited by Calusa and Seminole peoples before European settlement.
Swimming in gentle Gulf of Mexico waves attracts beachgoers to the soft white sand shores characteristic of Naples beaches. Sunbathing on the wide sandy beach provides relaxation with views of spectacular Gulf sunsets. Shelling draws collectors searching the tideline for Gulf coast treasures washed ashore by waves. Beach walking along the water's edge connects 33rd Avenue South access to neighboring public entry points in both directions. Fishing from the beach accommodates surf anglers casting into Gulf waters. The residential beach access provides intimate neighborhood character compared to busier commercial beach areas, maintaining peaceful atmosphere favored by nearby Old Naples residents and visitors seeking quieter alternatives to the Naples Pier and main tourist beaches. The consistent southwest Florida weather allows year-round beach activities with warm waters supporting swimming throughout winter months when northern beaches close seasonally.
Rhodes End offers unique beachfront dining reminiscent of a remote Greek island with Mediterranean flavors and grilled dishes, specializing in stunning Gulf sunset views. Gumbo Limbo at The Ritz-Carlton provides casual open-air dining directly on the beach with panoramic Gulf views and fresh seafood. T-Michaels delivers upscale waterfront dining on Venetian Bay featuring prime steaks, fresh seafood, and stunning bay views in sophisticated atmosphere. M Waterfront Grille serves contemporary American cuisine with Venetian Bay vistas. These waterfront establishments showcase Naples' reputation for sophisticated dining complementing the city's high-end shopping, world-class arts and culture, family recreation, and natural environment that established Naples as Southwest Florida's premier Gulf Coast destination.
