Two private Gulf-front clubs, tram rides through a nature preserve, and a “this is why we bought here” routine you can repeat for decades.

A quick day-in-the-life

It’s 4:45 pm and you’re not “going to the beach.” You’re going to your beach. You lock the door, grab a book, and hop on the tram like it’s a little resort shuttle. A few minutes later you step out onto a wide stretch of sand, order something cold, and watch the sky start doing that Naples thing. After sunset, you rinse off, head back through the preserve, and you’re home before your friends in Old Naples even find parking. That’s the Pelican Bay Beach Club lifestyle in one loop.

Big-Picture Appeal

• It’s private beach access without owning beachfront. You get the Gulf experience with more flexibility and less maintenance.

• The tram is the secret sauce. It makes “beach day” feel effortless, even in season.

• Two clubs means options. Think: different vibes, different dining moments, same level of ease.

• It’s built into daily life. Sunset cocktails, casual lunches, family beach days, and guests who suddenly love visiting you.

• It protects your time. Less planning, less hauling, more showing up and enjoying.

Pelican Bay Beach Clubs, Explained

The two clubs: North and South

Pelican Bay owners typically have access to two Gulf-front beach clubs (commonly referred to as the North Beach Club and South Beach Club). Each has its own feel, seating areas, and dining rhythm. Most residents end up with a favorite, and still rotate depending on the day, the crowd, and where they entered the tram.

The tram and boardwalk experience

Beach access is via tram stations that connect the community to the clubs through a protected natural preserve. It’s part convenience, part ritual. Many owners treat the tram like their personal transition from “real life” to “vacation mode.”

Dining and the “sunset plan”

The clubs are known for an easy, resort-like dining setup that fits real life:

• Lunch after tennis or golf

• Early dinners that turn into sunset watching

• Casual bites when you do not want a full Fifth Avenue outing
  You can keep it relaxed or make it a whole event, depending on your mood.

Guest-friendly, without being chaotic

Pelican Bay is popular for a reason, especially in season. The beach clubs are designed to feel lively, but still controlled compared to public access points. Owners love that they can host friends and family without turning the day into a logistics project.

Who Pelican Bay is Perfect For

• Buyers who want beachfront energy without beachfront responsibility

• Seasonal residents who want an easy “Naples routine” from day one

• Active households mixing beach time with tennis, golf, and wellness

• Entertainers who want a built-in place to take guests that always lands well

• Lock-and-leave owners who value simplicity and security

Smart Buyer Notes

• Access and usage can vary by building and association. Pelican Bay is a master-planned community with multiple neighborhoods and condo associations, so the practical details can differ.

• Budget for lifestyle, not just the unit. Pelican Bay’s value is the ecosystem: beach clubs, trams, fitness, tennis, and the overall experience.

• Parking, tram stations, and your “path to the beach” matter. Two condos can feel totally different depending on how naturally the beach club fits into your day.

• Seasonality is real. If you love energy and people, you’ll thrive in peak season. If you want quiet, there are ways to pick a location and building that feels more tucked away.

FAQ

1) Do Pelican Bay owners automatically get access to the Beach Clubs?
Yes. Every owner in Pelican Bay has access to the beach clubs here. 

2) What’s the difference between the North and South Beach Clubs?
They’re both Gulf-front and private to Pelican Bay, but the vibe, dining flow, and “feel” can be a little different. Most owners end up using both.

3) Do I have to take the tram?
Most people do because it’s easy, especially in season. Depending on where you live, you may also enjoy boardwalk walks for a little extra movement.

4) Can I bring guests?
Yes, typically, but guest rules and practical limits can apply. Jake can walk you through what to expect so you can host confidently.

5) Is it family-friendly?
Very. You’ll see multigenerational beach days all the time, especially around holidays and school breaks.

6) Is the dining more casual or more formal?
Casual, coastal, and easy. It’s designed to feel like a private resort clubhouse rather than a “plan your night around it” restaurant.

7) What should I wear?
Think polished beach casual. Bathing suits and cover-ups for day, smart casual beach wear at night

8) How far is Pelican Bay from Old Naples and Fifth Avenue South?
Pelican Bay is in North Naples, so you’re typically a short drive from Old Naples, plus very close to Waterside Shops and Mercato area conveniences. During Season it might take 10-15 minutes to drive to Old Naples

9) Does every Pelican Bay condo feel equally close to the Beach Clubs?
No, and this is a big deal. Location within Pelican Bay affects your daily rhythm. Jake can show you the difference in real time.

10) If I’m comparing Pelican Bay to Park Shore or Moorings, what’s the key difference?
Pelican Bay’s beach club and tram system is a true lifestyle infrastructure. It makes the beach feel built-in, not occasional.

Ready to see more? Call Jake. 

If you’re considering Pelican Bay, ask Jake Gunther with Premier Sotheby's International Realty to show you the beach club lifestyle the way owners actually live it, not just the way it looks on a map. He’ll help you compare buildings by tram access, daily convenience, and how each location supports the kind of Naples routine you want.