Vanderbilt Beach derives its name from either a marketing tactic by developer J.B. Conners who chose the prestigious Vanderbilt name to create an impression of wealth and luxury, or from Cornelius Vanderbilt Jr., friend and associate of Barron Collier who owned winter property in Naples. The unincorporated community sits in Collier County, named after New York City advertising mogul and real estate developer Barron Collier when the county was created from Lee County in 1923. Aerial photographs from 1952 show wilderness composed of scrub oak habitat, mangrove stands, and lagoons before development. Between 1950-1952, hydraulic dredging opened a channel from Wiggins Pass to the Vanderbilt intercanal area, with subsequent operations creating buildable landmass and finger canals in the mid-1950s. Road builder J.B. Conners from Tampa began platting in 1953 and completed development by 1959. The late 1970s building boom brought single-family homes and condominiums for full and part-time residents to this location nine miles north of central Naples along the Gulf of Mexico.
Swimming in gentle waves and clear shallow waters provides safe recreation for children playing considerable distances from shore. Fishing in local waters just beyond the shoreline yields catches of snook, cobia, tarpon, and even sharks. Shelling produces excellent finds along the sandy beach, while dolphin spotting entertains visitors watching marine mammals alongside diving pelicans and hermit crabs. Volleyball courts accommodate beach games. Sunbathing, beachcombing, wildlife watching, picnicking, hiking, stand-up paddleboard surfing, kitesurfing, windsurfing, surfing, snorkeling, skimboarding, bodyboarding, paddleboarding, kayaking, canoeing, jet-skiing, water-skiing, parasailing, and boating fill recreational hours. Beach amenities include concession stands, a boardwalk, foot showers, restrooms, benches, and nearby rental facilities for beach chairs serving the popular public beach destination.
The Turtle Club Restaurant on Vanderbilt Beach Resort grounds offers Naples' finest beachfront dining with fresh seafood, steaks, poultry, and chops served under the stars with feet in the sand. Buzz's Lighthouse Restaurant across from Vanderbilt Beach serves Old Florida charm with waterfront views, featuring grouper sandwiches, shrimp, fish tacos, and fried seafood platters in a laid-back setting. Hogfish Harry's inside Park Shore Resort prepares from-scratch seafood including signature crispy Hogfish sandwiches, tropical appetizers, and handcrafted cocktails in relaxed island atmosphere. Gumbo Limbo at The Ritz-Carlton Beach Resort showcases Gulf of Mexico views from the open-air beachfront location, highlighting fresh tropical-inspired dishes and local seafood in casual yet refined setting. Beach Box Café at the corner of Vanderbilt Beach Road and Gulf Shore Drive provides the last stop to and from the beach, serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and full bar.
