Budget things to do in Naples, Fl

[2disneyboys]

Please give me some ideals for some budget things to do in Naples Fl... May 2014 we are crusing out of Ft Lauderdale and will be staying a few days before in Naples FL. the furthest south we have been is Cape Carnival/Tampa/Orlando so we want to take a few days & explore the "tip" of Florida... Any suggestions & ideals are appreciated

 

[PatsMom]

The Everglades is a short drive away. We did a tour of the estuary that was run by the National Park service and it was really interesting. Might not be as good for the kids though. We found some free walking trails and viewing areas on the highway that cuts east/west across Florida on our Everglades day. I was determined to see an alligator and I saw many! We checked on air boat tours but the price was enough to scare you!

The beach is free in Naples, although you will pay to park. We had a great afternoon and evening there. Anyplace with the beach and I am happy for a long time!

 

[chris31997]

There is a Children's Musuem in Fort Myers, maybe a drive away. Not sure the admission price.

There is a Esturay "Musuem" not sure exactly where. But it was a fun little place to walk.

The County has Water Park and Musuems. Google Collier County and look those up.

 

[pocomom]

Naples has a zoo, the everglades boat tour in the National Park is awesome, wild dolphins come right up to the boat, and you can go to Marco Island for the day for a great beach trip. Marco Island has an eat in movie theater and shopping and restuarants walking distance from, or right on the beach.

 

[a1tinkfans]

The naples pier is free, beach is free and youll see dolphins near sunset time...its lovely, take a picnic basket, a ball and relax and watch the show..parking is a fee, it takes charge cards or coins

The naples zoo is good for a few hours...pick up one of those area booklets at the supermarket etc..,..coupons for a few dollars off The boat ride is nice (included) feeding giraffes is $5 but instead, you can just watch and be just as close, so save the money...

Publix has great picnic type lunches ready packed or made to order.
Not sure where youll be but there all over..

For a good meal that isnot expensive, consider Mels diner...YUM food and Options galore..

There is tin city, kitschy shops, overpriced, but you can walk around a bit, the trolley is also there...also coupon..fun to see the area

Laudermilk Beach/Park is great...you again pay to park, do yourself a favor and use a charge instead of the coins...there is a Beautiful beach, washroom and outside showers, area to eat, covered palapas to use (they are to the right side of beach, which is not huge by the way) a nice short walk to the water..There is also a concession stand.

You wan walk fifth avenue and third street...which s loaded with little shops (some pricey) but there is also a great ice cream shop that smells so good with the fresh made cones...youll see the lines LOL
There is also a really fun store if you have a girl (and for any woman) which is so fun and inexpensive overall, its called best of everything...you get a jewelry tray and you walk up and down these rows and rows of fun, mostly summer type jewelry, watches barettes, etc etc...I am talking like $3, 5, 10 dollars...the place is always packed lol...
anyhoo, fun to just see it if you are downtown,
Park on the street OR park for free behind Tommy Bahamas...It literally is like a 5 square mile area of wonderful shops, small bistros etc...(they are costly mostly)
Lovely at night when the lights are twinkling...check out tripadvisor for the naples area...

We LOVE Naples..........bet you can tell......

 

[Dis_Yoda]

Downtown has cute shops. The beach is free but you have to pay for parking.

Tin City is also eclectic.

I just moved here in December & where I find things to do is off here:

http://www.paradisecoast.com/events/events.php

or

http://www.gonaples.com/

There are things there that are free listed or low cost but you have to hunt for it a bit.

 

[FINFAN]

The naples pier is free, beach is free and youll see dolphins near sunset time...its lovely, take a picnic basket, a ball and relax and watch the show..parking is a fee, it takes charge cards or coins

The naples zoo is good for a few hours...pick up one of those area booklets at the supermarket etc..,..coupons for a few dollars off The boat ride is nice (included) feeding giraffes is $5 but instead, you can just watch and be just as close, so save the money...

Publix has great picnic type lunches ready packed or made to order.
Not sure where youll be but there all over..

For a good meal that isnot expensive, consider Mels diner...YUM food and Options galore..

There is tin city, kitschy shops, overpriced, but you can walk around a bit, the trolley is also there...also coupon..fun to see the area

Laudermilk Beach/Park is great...you again pay to park, do yourself a favor and use a charge instead of the coins...there is a Beautiful beach, washroom and outside showers, area to eat, covered palapas to use (they are to the right side of beach, which is not huge by the way) a nice short walk to the water..There is also a concession stand.

You wan walk fifth avenue and third street...which s loaded with little shops (some pricey) but there is also a great ice cream shop that smells so good with the fresh made cones...youll see the lines LOL
There is also a really fun store if you have a girl (and for any woman) which is so fun and inexpensive overall, its called best of everything...you get a jewelry tray and you walk up and down these rows and rows of fun, mostly summer type jewelry, watches barettes, etc etc...I am talking like $3, 5, 10 dollars...the place is always packed lol...
anyhoo, fun to just see it if you are downtown,
Park on the street OR park for free behind Tommy Bahamas...It literally is like a 5 square mile area of wonderful shops, small bistros etc...(they are costly mostly)
Lovely at night when the lights are twinkling...check out tripadvisor for the naples area...

We LOVE Naples..........bet you can tell......

ITA w/ALL ^...and would add the Conservancy nature center

http://www.conservancy.org/nature-center

honestly, hitting the beach is the best. Grab some slurpees at 7-11 down by 12th st and go shelling.

you can also rent boats at Tin City. I love eating at Kelly's Fish House, lot of history in that place.

Also, for eating we love, love, love, The Dock.
You will probably hit an art fair or something going on in town (5th ave) nose around, see what's up.

http://www.dockcraytoncove.com/
If you don't mind the drive, you can day-trip to Sanibel Island, very pretty there.

My folks used to live in Naples..man, I miss it so much. Have been going there for over 30 years.

Have a great time!

 

[2disneyboys]

Thank for this! I appreciate the suggestion. Now, on to some research. Thanks again.

 

[Melynny]

I am not sure what you are into to.. but my grandaughter is active in Community theater there and it's AWESOME! I was totally surprised at the talent and the quality of the shows there. if you have time, check out the Naples Players, Community Theater! right now they are working on The Producers! It should be great! Right on 5th street, there are good restaurants there too, and the Inn on 5th were all the real Stars hang out..

www.naplesplayers.org