Broad Avenue South takes its name from one of Naples' historic streets, established during the city's early development in the 1880s when Walter N. Haldeman and General John S. Williams founded Naples as a winter resort destination. The avenue borders what were once the grounds of the original Naples Hotel, constructed in 1888 and operational until it closed in 1930, with the two-block hotel property bounded by Broad Avenue South, Thirteenth Avenue, Third Street, and Gordon Drive. The Olde Naples Building at the corner of Broad Avenue and Third Street, built in 1921, served as Naples' first town hall and courthouse, as well as the community's first playhouse, movie theater, drug store, post office, library, and church. Historic structures along Broad Avenue include the 1919 Fisherman's Lodge at 239 Broad Avenue, a two-story Dade County pine cottage, and the 1935 Honeymoon Cottage at 88 Broad Avenue. The beach access along Broad Avenue South developed as part of Naples' commitment to providing public access to its Gulf of Mexico coastline, maintaining the area's character as a community-oriented beach destination within Old Naples' historic district.
The beach offers pure white sand and crystal-clear Gulf waters ideal for swimming and relaxation in a tranquil setting. Visitors enjoy beachcombing for seashells and sand dollars along the shoreline, with the west-facing beach providing spectacular sunset views over the Gulf of Mexico. The nearby Naples Pier, a short distance away, offers opportunities for leisurely strolls and panoramic coastline views, while local fishing activities can be observed from the pier. Picnicking is popular, with visitors utilizing the beach area for al fresco dining, and the location serves as an excellent spot for coastal photography. The beach access is situated within walking distance of Old Naples' shopping and dining district, where Third Street South's Farmers Market operates every Saturday morning from mid-November through April.
Dining options near Broad Avenue South Beach showcase Naples' waterfront and downtown culinary scene. The Boathouse on Naples Bay, located at 990 Broad Avenue South, has served generations of families for over 25 years, offering waterfront views and boat access with dishes highlighting fresh seafood. The Dock at Crayton Cove provides views of boats in the City Dock marina along with fresh Gulf fish and stone crab claws in season. Pinchers at Tin City serves peel-and-eat shrimp and grouper sandwiches from their outdoor deck overlooking Naples Bay. Riverwalk at Tin City offers waterfront dining with Florida lobster tails and she-crab soup. Kelly's Fish House, a Naples institution, features fried mullet and key lime pie in a casual Old Florida atmosphere.
