Naples is known as a destination for those who have the coin in their pockets; however, we think this is not entirely true. There are many places in Naples you can go to without necessarily having to spend much money. You can do a wide variety of things like swimming on the beaches, wildlife watching, shelling or even visiting a museum in Collier county. These places ought to make your stay here in Naples a memorable one while making sure you keep that extra cash.
You can take a hike around Everglades National Park, a beautiful 2000 square mile wildlife reserve which we have written an article about. You may also want to try Big Cypress National Preserve; perfect for nature lovers and those who want to see some alligators. After that you might want to head over just a little bit beyond Marco Island to see the majestic 10,000 Islands National Wildlife Refuge, an enormous mangrove sanctuary. These places and more will surely keep you in touch with nature with its boundless opportunities for hiking, walking, kayaking or simply good old wildlife watching.
There are also beaches that are open to public. We have written much about them; places such as The Naples Pier, Clam Pass Park and Vanderbilt Beach are just a few examples of popular beaches you cannot miss. There may be a small parking fee if you’re not a local but if you can manage to get to these places by foot then you’re in luck because you can enjoy these places for absolutely no charge. And yes, you can take shells with you too, just not the ones that are occupied with crabs and other living stuff.
When you’re done with the beaches and you feel like you’ve got the right tan already, you might want to go down to the museums next; perfect for those who would like to know the rich history and culture of the region. Try the Naples Depot Museum. It is a restored railway and passenger station that had its heyday during the roaring 20’s. There are a few coaches still about for display and there are vintage cars too, all restored to reclaim their former charm. The Depot Museum is actually a part of a museum chain called the Collier County Museums and all of them tell the vibrant memories of the region, from prehistoric to modern times. And of course, they are all free of charge.
All the attractions and places of interest found in Naples whether free of charge or not are world-class thanks to the efforts of the local government and the undying support of the people and companies who keep things going. As always, we invite you to come and be amazed by this city that’s blessed by nature and we would like to share her gifts to one and all. Come to Naples and experience the kind of joy that revitalizes the soul as we take you ever closer to nature with breathtaking vistas, romantic beaches and amazing wildlife.
