Situated on the southwest coast of Florida, Naples is home to a lot of millionaires. According to the city's visitor bureau, it is said to have "more millionaires per capita than any other city in Florida." It draws even more on holiday, as they indulge in luxury lodging and shopping, a well-cultivated arts scene, and the city's numerous golf courses.
That doesn't mean a trip to Naples isn't possible to those on a budget. Quite the contrary, since the city also has quite a few mid-priced budget lodging and dining chains.
It also has several things worth doing that won't cost much. Give these picks a try:
Naples Pier
Originally built in 1888 as a freight and passenger dock, the Naples Pier stands as an iconic community landmark. It's been damaged several times due to hurricanes, but the pier is still one of the top places to catch an amazing sunset over the Gulf of Mexico waters.
The pier also has a bait shop, and since the city of Naples has purchased a bulk fishing license for the pier, those wishing to fish do not need to purchase individual licenses. Just show up and cast off from anywhere on the pier for free.
Naples Beaches
Naples has often been designated one of America's top beaches by print, online and TV media. The combination of white sandy beaches and the warm Gulf of Mexico proves irresistible to most who visit the city.
During holidays and snowbird season (January to April), towel and chair space can be hard to find. However, a trip to Naples is not complete without spending a few hours at one of its beaches.
Stroll Downtown Naples Art and Shopping Districts
This one may require some willpower not to spend, but there are two main districts in Naples that are great to explore.
Third Street South and Five Avenue South are landscaped avenues lined with upscale fashion boutiques, fine art shops, and stores with unique gifts. Check out the art galleries, sample fine wines and cheeses and even window shop stores like Gucci, Tiffany & Co and Cartier.
Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary
Located about 30 minutes east of downtown Naples is this wilderness area managed by the National Audubon Society. This 13,000-acre remnant of old Florida's eco-system contains the country's largest remaining group of virgin bald cypress trees. It's also regarded as one of the top bird watching spots in the United States.
Cost to visit the Audubon Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary is a low $10 per person, which goes toward preserving the sanctuary and its inhabitants.
Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens
Fully accredited by the National Association of Zoos & Aquariums, the Naples Zoo delivers one of the best bang for the buck for families visiting Naples.
The zoo has many exhibits to explore, with everything from giraffes to butterflies to alligators and more. There are even lions and tigers and bears.
Kids will enjoy the shows that allow them up-close access to animals like sloths and snakes. Another highlight is the primate expedition cruise, where guests observe lemurs, monkeys and apes living on various islands in the middle of a lake. The cruise takes about 15-20 minutes and is accompanied by a guide.
Admission is $19.95 for adults and kids 13 and up. Kids under 12 are $12.95. Save money by buying online for an instant discount of $3.
Getting to Naples, Florida
Naples is easy to reach, as it's a mere two-hour drive from either Tampa or Miami. Naples is also accessible by air via the Southwest Florida International Airport in Ft. Meyers, thirty-minutes to the north.
Additional Sources
- Naples, Marco Island, Everglades Convention & Visitors Bureau
Michelle Snow - Michelle Snow been a freelance journalist and photographer for over twenty years, specializing in travel and entertainment. She got her ...
