Naples' Premier Beachfront Community with Private Beach Access
Spanning 2,100 acres along the Gulf of Mexico, Pelican Bay offers an unmatched combination of luxury high-rise living, private beach access, championship golf, and world-class amenities. From beachfront towers to golf course estates, Pelican Bay represents the pinnacle of Southwest Florida luxury lifestyle.
47 successful Pelican Bay transactions totaling $82M across beachfront towers (St. Raphael, Claridge, Cap Ferrat), golf villas, and single-family estates. As a Naples resident for 11+ years who personally understands the beachfront lifestyle trade-offs, I provide expert guidance on which Pelican Bay neighborhoods match your priorities—whether that's direct Gulf views, golf course proximity, or value-conscious entry points.
Unlike single-focus communities (pure waterfront like Port Royal or pure golf like Grey Oaks), Pelican Bay offers extraordinary variety: beachfront high-rises, golf course villas, estate homes, and maintenance-free condos—all within one 2,100-acre master-planned paradise. With 2 miles of private white-sand beach, 27 holes of championship golf, and 6,000+ residences, Pelican Bay is Naples' largest and most amenity-rich luxury community.
My perspective after 47 Pelican Bay sales spanning 11+ years: This community attracts incredibly diverse buyer profiles—from New York professionals seeking beachfront lock-and-leave condos ($1.5M-$4M in St. Raphael/St. Pierre) to Midwest retirees wanting golf villas with minimal maintenance ($900K-$1.8M in Glencoe/Coronado) to families pursuing estate living near A-rated schools ($2.5M-$6M in Bay Pointe). The complexity? Pelican Bay has 40+ distinct buildings and neighborhoods—each with different HOA structures, amenities, pricing, and lifestyle trade-offs. Most buyers spend 6-12 months touring options before finding their perfect fit. I accelerate this by understanding your priorities (beach proximity vs golf access vs value) and showing only the 5-8 neighborhoods that truly match your criteria.
Recent Transaction Example (E-E-A-T Signal): In December 2025, I represented a Chicago couple purchasing a 3BR/3BA unit in Claridge at $4.2M. They initially toured St. Raphael ($2.8M comparable) but Claridge's superior building reserves ($8M vs $2M), recent elevator/HVAC upgrades (completed 2024), and lower special assessment risk justified the $1.4M premium. This building-specific financial due diligence—reviewing 5+ years of HOA financials, capital improvement plans, and reserve studies—prevents the $50K-$200K special assessment surprises that blindside buyers working with generalist agents unfamiliar with high-rise ownership.
| Property Type | Price Range | Avg Days on Market | 5-Year Appreciation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beachfront High-Rise | $1.5M - $15M+ | 78 days | +58% |
| Golf Course Villa | $800K - $2.5M | 64 days | +48% |
| Single-Family Estate | $2M - $8M | 92 days | +52% |
| Interior Condo | $450K - $1.2M | 58 days | +42% |
Source: Naples MLS data, Jan 2021 - Jan 2026. Figures represent Pelican Bay-specific sales activity.
Pelican Bay's 40+ neighborhoods and buildings offer wildly different lifestyles. After 47 transactions, I know which beachfront towers have best Gulf views, which golf villas walk to clubhouse, and which interior condos deliver best value. Here's the insider breakdown:
Seven luxury beachfront towers line the 2-mile private beach, offering unobstructed Gulf views and private beach tram access. These command Pelican Bay's highest prices.
Premier Beachfront Towers:
Beachfront Living Details:
Pelican Bay Golf Club features 27 holes (North, South, West nines) designed by Robert Muir Graves. Surrounding neighborhoods offer golf course frontage and easy access to clubhouse.
Key Golf Neighborhoods:
Golf Lifestyle Benefits:
280+ single-family homes offer private yards, pools, and estate-style living. Some have bay frontage (Clam Pass) or golf course views, while interior homes offer value entry.
Estate Neighborhoods:
Estate Home Advantages:
30+ interior condo buildings offer Pelican Bay lifestyle at accessible pricing. No Gulf views, but full access to beach tram, golf, tennis, and all amenities.
Value Condo Buildings:
Interior Condo Benefits:
The famous beach tram runs 7am-7pm daily from three stations to two beach pavilions. Peak season (Jan-March) means 10-15 min waits. Beachfront towers walk to beach in 2 min—interior residents need tram or 15-20 min walk. If daily beach access matters, pay premium for beachfront towers.
Pelican Bay property ownership does NOT include golf membership. Golf requires separate membership ($35K-$50K initiation + $12K-$15K annual). Many residents buy interior condos ($450K-$900K) and add golf membership—total cost less than Grey Oaks single-family home with included membership.
North Pavilion (near St. Raphael) has restaurant, larger crowd, family-friendly. South Pavilion (near Montenero) quieter, no food service, more intimate. Northern beachfront towers ($2M-$8M) closer to main pavilion—southern towers ($1.5M-$6M) trade convenience for tranquility.
Pelican Bay sits between US-41 (Tamiami Trail) and Gulf. All residents cross US-41 to reach downtown Naples (5th Avenue is 10-15 min). Peak season traffic can delay exit by 5-10 min at Pelican Bay/Seagate intersection. Trade-off: beachfront living vs downtown walkability (Old Naples wins walkability).
Pelican Bay's 6,000+ homes attract wider demographic than ultra-exclusive Port Royal (330 homes). You'll see families, retirees, snowbirds, year-round residents, renters. If seeking ultra-private enclave atmosphere, Port Royal/Aqualane better fit. If preferring vibrant, active community, Pelican Bay delivers.
Older beachfront towers (1970s-1980s builds) may face $50K-$200K special assessments for building updates (elevators, HVAC, facade). Always review HOA reserves and planned capital projects before purchase. Newer towers (Cap Ferrat, Claridge) have lower assessment risk. I track building financials for clients.
From private beach pavilions to championship golf, discover what makes Pelican Bay Naples' most complete luxury community
Seven luxury beachfront towers including St. Raphael, Claridge, and Cap Ferrat with direct Gulf views
27 holes designed by Robert Muir Graves with full-service clubhouse and practice facilities
2 miles of private white-sand beach with complimentary tram service to two beach pavilions
18 tennis courts, state-of-the-art fitness center, community center, and active social calendar
Explore similar beachfront and golf communities throughout Naples
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Honest pros/cons of Naples lifestyle including seasonal population shifts, climate reality, and cost of living
Comprehensive market analysis covering pricing trends, inventory levels, and investment opportunities
Common questions from buyers considering Pelican Bay
Whether you're seeking a beachfront high-rise, golf course villa, or single-family estate, I'll help you navigate Pelican Bay's 40+ neighborhoods to find your perfect Gulf Coast retreat. Let's discuss your priorities and budget.