Jun 2, 2009 6:47 pm US/Eastern
One-Tank Travel: Big Bargains For In-State Trips
MIAMI (CBS4) ―
As the economy continues to slump and money becomes increasingly tight for families, the days of expensive summer vacations may be numbered. But even on a budget, you can find some great vacation spots that won't take more than a single tank of gas.
One such destination is the city of Naples on the Florida gulf coast. Naples features some of the most beautiful beaches in Florida and all of them are free to tourists, with access points on almost every block. In addition, you can save some money on souvenirs as visitors are invited to collect and take home seashells.
But Naples isn't just about the beach. The Liibig Art Center is free of charge to guests and Naples provides other free evening attractions.
"Our four Collier County museums are free and open to the public another great free thing is Naples Pier. It's open 24-7, there's no admission and the city provides blanket fishing licenses so if you want to fish from Naples Pier, you do not need a Florida fishing license," said JoNell Modys of the Naples Visitor Center.
If Naples isn't at the top of your list, you might try the Florida Keys, specifically the island of Islamorada. You can find a myriad of free recreational options like the Wild Bird Center, which features a narrow wooden walkway that winds through the mangroves before unveiling a large variety of native birds in artificial and natural habitats.
Just like Naples, you can enjoy some rays and listen to the surf at Anne's Beach in Islamorada which is free of charge to the public.
Another Islamorada favorite is Robby's Marina. You can see the giant Tarpon for a dollar, and you never know, a manatee might just show up to drink off a hose. And if you're up to spending a little bit of money, you can check out the diving museum and find out about the history of diving.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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