Location
Barefoot Beach Preserve County Park is located on a barrier island in Southwest Florida's Gulf Coast and is part of the Collier County park system. The park features 8200 feet of beach on the Gulf of Mexico that is popular for swimming and fishing. Little Hickory Bay and Wiggins Pass are other major water features within the preserve.
The preserve features a 1.5-mile nature trail that is a great way for families to explore Barefoot Beach. Roughly half of the trail winds through coastal strand with views of the beach. The other main portion of the trail traverses lush tropical hammock filled with mangroves. A short 70-yard portion of the trail provides access to a beach at Wiggins Pass. Over 30 species of plants grow along the trail, including Sea Grape, Wild Coffee, Black Mangrove and Red Mangrove.
Barefoot Beach is home to a wide range of wildlife. The protected Gopher Tortoise makes its home there and other large reptiles like Loggerhead Turtles can be seen in the preserve. A number of shorebirds can be seen combing the area, including the Snowy Egret, Piping Plover and Brown Pelican.
