Historic Naples Pier

Historic Naples Pier has seen both hurricanes and a fire in its storied history.

First built out of necessity by Walter N. Haldeman and The Naples Town Improvement Company, Naples Pier has been rebuilt many times since originally erected in 1888 but still sits at the West end of 12th Avenue South. An example of ever evolving Naples and its historic resilience, the pier has grown over the years and is now 1100 feet long compared to the 600 foot original structure.

The Naples Town Improvement Company was founded in the autumn of 1886 to establish a town named Naples, reminiscent of the Italian peninsula, and develop it as a winter retreat. The company purchased 3,712 acres between the Gulf of Mexico and what is now known as Naples Bay for $11,136, or $3 an acre.

In 1889 the post office was added to the foot of the pier where it was located until 1922 when an accidental cigarette fire destroyed the building and that part of the pier.

Since its infancy the pier has been constantly improving and by 1909 a bathhouse and changing rooms were available. Unfortunately in the following year 1910 a hurricane nearly destroyed the pier and delayed the nearby hotel from opening. A testament to the resilient spirit of the area by 1911 It was rebuilt 100 feet longer, with two wings, forming a “V.”

A 1926 hurricane damaged the pier and pushed saltwater into the cisterns and wells. It also delayed the building of the Tamiami Trail. There was another round of repairs needed in 1935’s labor day hurricane. It wasn’t until 1944 when building standards were set for the pier to be sturdier.

Hurricane Donna’s category 5 winds and water caused Naples Pier to collapse in 1960 where it was generously rebuilt by local philanthropists, Mr. and Mrs. Lester Norris for $130,000 saving the community from having to raise taxes for this rebuild. They were able to rebuild Naples Pier this time in 10 months.

In November 2015 the rebuild was completed using ipe or Brazilian walnut which measuring 3,684 lbf (16,390 N) on the Janka scale(test measuring the resistance of a sample of wood to denting and wear)e of wood to denting and wear) That rebuild was followed by hurricane Irma’s damage in 2018.

Add Naples Pier and its living history to your list of things to do when visit Olde Naples .

Parking at the Pier
Parking for beach access in the City of Naples requires the resident or visitor to have a beach parking permit or pay-by-space. This is enforced year round. The pier parking lot is closed from 11:00 pm – 5:00 am.

Naples Parks Department Website

See Naples Pier in real time here: https://www.earthcam.com/usa/florida/naples/?cam=naplespier