Spending summer on a budget: 7 things to do in Southwest Florida for less than $20
Summer is here for the Sunshine State. However, all the fun can get expensive pretty quickly between theme park visits, dinner plans with loved ones, and hitting all of the hot spots you've missed the previous months.
Whether you've already blown your budget from a summer vacation spending spree or are in the midst of saving up for one, it may be difficult to find activities that won't break the bank. Yet being short on some extra spending money shouldn't exclude you from finding something exciting to do.
Here's a roundup of fun things to do for free or under $20 in Southwest Florida.
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Wander through the region's nature preserves
While the region boasts some cosmopolitan cities and glamorous places, hundreds of thousands across the globe flock to Southwest Florida for its acres of untouched scenery, incredible wildlife, lush mangroves, and breathtaking nature.
Tourists and locals alike have spent hours trudging through the multiple trails, parks, and preserves both Lee and Collier offer. From bird-watching to hiking or biking along the pathways, there are endless ways to spend a day among nature.
Since the region is nearly covered in nature preserves, the options are endless on where to check out. Here are all the preserves within Lee and Collier County:
Lee County
Galt Preserve
San Carlos Bay - Bunche Beach Preserve
Wild Turkey Strand Preserve
Caloosahatchee Creeks Preserve
Hickey Creek Mitigation Park
Prairie Pines Preserve
Six Mile Cypress Slough Preserve
Collier County
Gordon River Greenway
Freedom Park
Pepper Ranch Preserve
Otter Mound Preserve
Caracara Prairie Preserve
Panther Walk Preserve
Cocohatchee Creek Preserve
Nancy Payton Preserve
Dr. Robert H. Gore IIII Preserve
Rivers Road Preserve
Alligator Flag Preserve
Redroot Preserve
Logan Woods Preserve
Hit the beaches
Maybe the swamp and forest scenery isn't your speed? In that case, Southwest Florida has dozens of beaches that might have what you're looking for. Despite Hurricane Ian's wrath back in September, most of the beaches have returned to the community, ready for patrons to soak up the sun.
Admission is free but most beaches do have a parking fee, which ranges from $1 to $5 per hour.
Here are all the beaches within Lee and Collier County:
Lee County
Alison Hagerup Beach Park (Captiva)
Andy Rosse Lane Park
Blind Pass Beach (Sanibel Island)
Boca Grande Beach Accesses
Bonita Beach Park
Bonita Beach Accesses #1-10
Bowman's Beach Park
Dog Beach
Estero Island Beach Assesses
Gasparilla Island State Park
Little Hickory Island Park
Lovers Key State Park
Lynn Hall Memorial Beach Park on Fort Myers Beach
San Carlos Bay-Bunche Beach Preserve
Tarpon Bay Road Beach (Sanibel Island)
Turner Beach Park
Collier County
Barefoot Beach Preserve
Bluebill Beach
Clam Pass Park
Connor Park Beach
North Gulfshore Beach
South Marco Beach
Tigertail Beach Park
Vanderbilt Beach Park
Visit the Fort Myers Butterfly Estate
Get a chance to hang out with butterflies up close for only $10 admission.
The small facility in Gardner's Park on Fowler Street hosts the nonprofit "Florida Native Butterfly Society" and features a 3,600-square-foot glass butterfly conservatory. Visitors can safely wander through the space while admiring the gardens filled with native plants and spot butterflies as they flutter by. Afterward, they can grab a drink and snack at their cafe.
Their current hours of operation are Tuesday through Sunday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. until October. In November, they will switch to 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. until May. Also, keep in mind that they can close early due to heat advisories.
Take a trip to a museum
Rather spend a day in air conditioning? Check out the various museums in the region and expand your knowledge.
Southwest Florida hosts several museums on fine art, history, prominent figures, and fashion. Most admission ranges from $5 to $20, however many offer discounts for locals, veterans, college students, and seniors.
Here are some museums:
Awaken your inner scientist at the IMAG History & Science Center
This option is towards the higher end of the scale, with adult tickets coming in at $19.50 per person. However, according to its site, IMAG hosts an "extraordinary, unique family-friendly destination in Southwest Florida featuring aquariums and animal exhibits; interactive displays, exhibits, and activities; presentations, and innovative programs all to inspire the imagination in you, your family and friends."
In addition to its adult tickets, children older than 3 years can get in for $15, as well as college students with a varied ID.
It's at 2000 Cranford Ave. in Fort Myers. It is open from Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. It is open on Sundays from noon to 5 p.m. and closed on Tuesdays.
Take a trip downtown
Whether in Fort Myers or Naples, you can't go wrong with a stroll in their downtowns. You can get some exercise and fresh air as you walk the busy streets. Several of the region's downtowns offer small parks and art exhibits visitors can stop in.
If you need a break from the hot sun, you can dart into one of the many stores and do a quick look over. Maybe you can spot a small treat to nab yourself.
Visit a brewery or coffee shop
Whether you're pursuing along the different downtowns or just want a place to sit in the air conditioning, you can join friends at some of the local establishments around the region for a drink.
Check out these breweries:
Millennial Brewing Co.: 1811 Royal Palm Ave, Fort Myers, FL 33901
Coastal Dayz Brewing Co.: 2161 McGregor Blvd E, Fort Myers, FL 33901
Fort Myers Brewing Co.: 12811 Commerce Lakes Dr #28, Fort Myers, FL 33913
Botanical Brewing Co.: 839 Miramar St., Cape Coral, FL 33904
Riptide Brewing Co.: 987 Third Ave. N., Naples, FL 34102
Ankrolab Brewing Co.: 3555 Bayshore Dr., Naples, FL 34112
Or maybe you prefer coffee instead:
Seed & Bean: 1520 Broadway, No. 107, Fort Myers, FL 33901
Urban Buzz: 4413 Del Prado Blvd. S., Cape Coral, FL 33904
The Perfect Cup: 4548 Pine Island Road, Matlacha, FL 33993
Vichino's Coffee and Wine Bar: 25987 S Tamiami Trail, Unit 100, Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Kunjani Craft Coffee & Gallery: 780 Seagate Dr., Naples, FL 34103
5th Avenue Coffee Co & 6th Street Diner: 599 Fifth Ave. S., Naples, FL 34102
Samantha Neely covers trending news in Southwest Florida. You can reach her at sneely@gannett.com. You can follow her reporting on social media @newsbyneely on Twitter.
This article originally appeared on Fort Myers News-Press: Here’s 7 fun things to do for free or under $20 in Southwest Florida
