The Florida Metropolitan Statistical Area of Naples-Marco Island in Collier County is a few miles north of Fort Myers in southwest Florida. Naples Florida, one of the wealthiest cities in the country, has a reputation for being the golfing capital of the world, sporting a whopping 80 golf courses of championship quality.
There is no strict golfing season as such, although the hot summer months could be described as the off-season. During the summer, you can still find a few dozen courses that remain open. One of the cheapest times, and the least crowded, is during the months of November and December, just before the winter peak season prices kick in. Green fees can be pricey, although it is sometimes possible to save money by booking online.
One reason for Naples' popularity with golfers is the awesome scenery that accompanies the links. A lot of effort has gone into creating interesting, three-dimensional courses in what is essentially very flat topography. For example, the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Reserve and Eagle Lakes Community Park surround a course with beautifully-formed bunkers and numerous water features. This is a challenging course, so come with extra golf balls. A similarly-endowed course, with tight fairways and undulating greens, exists north of Naples' botanical gardens, blessed with undulating greens and tight fairways.
For serious scenery junkies who do not like their golfing view tainted by homes and other indicators of civilization, there are courses with certification by the Audubon International Gold Certified Signature Sanctuary. At these courses, you will find natural wetlands, thick vegetation and wildlife, including the odd spotting of a snowy white heron.
Some people can barely wait to get through baggage claims before they hit the links. For these people, there is a course adjacent to Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW). While the golfers are getting their fix, the rest of the family can visit Naples Zoo, the Museum of Art or the Teddy Bear Museum, which boasts more than 2,100 furry residents. Also nearby is the Audubon Corkscrew Swamp and other aquatic preserves, Estero Bay and San Carlos Bay.
Spare some time for topping up your suntan. Naples Beach is considered by some of the travel media to be the best beach in the United States. It runs for 10 miles from Gordon Pass to Seagate Drive. Noted for its unblemished white sands and cleanliness, amenities include a 1,000- fishing pier, shops and snack bars, restrooms with outdoor showers and parking meters.
If you really want to get close to nature, rent a canoe for a paddle down the Blackwater River located in Collier-Seminole State Park. Row, row, row your boat down one of the largest mangrove swamps in the world. The park is also the home of a National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark in the form of the Bay City Walking Dredge. Built in 1924, the dredge was used to build part of US 41.
The climate here is tropical wet and dry. This means it experiences hot, humid and sometimes-thundery summer months and enjoys warm, short winters. In addition to the international airport, with flights to Canada and Europe, the area is served by Naples Municipal Airport (APF).
There is no strict golfing season as such, although the hot summer months could be described as the off-season. During the summer, you can still find a few dozen courses that remain open. One of the cheapest times, and the least crowded, is during the months of November and December, just before the winter peak season prices kick in. Green fees can be pricey, although it is sometimes possible to save money by booking online.
One reason for Naples' popularity with golfers is the awesome scenery that accompanies the links. A lot of effort has gone into creating interesting, three-dimensional courses in what is essentially very flat topography. For example, the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Reserve and Eagle Lakes Community Park surround a course with beautifully-formed bunkers and numerous water features. This is a challenging course, so come with extra golf balls. A similarly-endowed course, with tight fairways and undulating greens, exists north of Naples' botanical gardens, blessed with undulating greens and tight fairways.
For serious scenery junkies who do not like their golfing view tainted by homes and other indicators of civilization, there are courses with certification by the Audubon International Gold Certified Signature Sanctuary. At these courses, you will find natural wetlands, thick vegetation and wildlife, including the odd spotting of a snowy white heron.
Some people can barely wait to get through baggage claims before they hit the links. For these people, there is a course adjacent to Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW). While the golfers are getting their fix, the rest of the family can visit Naples Zoo, the Museum of Art or the Teddy Bear Museum, which boasts more than 2,100 furry residents. Also nearby is the Audubon Corkscrew Swamp and other aquatic preserves, Estero Bay and San Carlos Bay.
Spare some time for topping up your suntan. Naples Beach is considered by some of the travel media to be the best beach in the United States. It runs for 10 miles from Gordon Pass to Seagate Drive. Noted for its unblemished white sands and cleanliness, amenities include a 1,000- fishing pier, shops and snack bars, restrooms with outdoor showers and parking meters.
If you really want to get close to nature, rent a canoe for a paddle down the Blackwater River located in Collier-Seminole State Park. Row, row, row your boat down one of the largest mangrove swamps in the world. The park is also the home of a National Historic Mechanical Engineering Landmark in the form of the Bay City Walking Dredge. Built in 1924, the dredge was used to build part of US 41.
The climate here is tropical wet and dry. This means it experiences hot, humid and sometimes-thundery summer months and enjoys warm, short winters. In addition to the international airport, with flights to Canada and Europe, the area is served by Naples Municipal Airport (APF).
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