As home to some of the world’s most beautiful beaches and amenities, Marco Island is a must-see for your next Southwest Florida vacation. Marco Island has its own thriving hospitality industry catering to upscale travelers and budget-savvy adventurers alike. But there is plenty to see and do in Marco Island that’s completely free. Here’s where to get started.
Marco Island Historical Museum
Visitors looking for free things to do in Naples and Marco Island, Florida can discover and explore local history at the Marco Island Historical Museum. Learn about the Calusa Native Americans with colorful exhibits and displays to revitalize this ancient civilization. The museum features items from area archeological digs going back as far as the 1800s.
Get to know the most famous resident on the island; the famed Key Marco Cat statuette estimated at 500 to 1,500 years old. This rare Pre-Columbian Native American artifact is astonishingly well-preserved. After exploring the history of Marco Island, stroll the landscape ground with ponds, waterfalls, and tropical plantings for a tranquil backdrop.
Museum of the Everglades
Located in historic Everglades City, the Museum of the Everglades features local history from early Native American times to modern-day. Guests learn more about the earliest roots of the city, as well as permanent exhibits telling the story of perseverance in Southwest Florida’s “Last Frontier.” Art enthusiasts should check out the work of Florida Artist Robert L. Storter Jr. with 30 framed artworks and passages from his journal.
And if you’re hoping to see even more free things to do in Florida; you’re in luck. All of the museums in Collier County are free to the public.
Mackle Park
Spend a day of family-friendly fun at Mackle Park on Marco Island. Take a jog or walk along the path or enjoy the wide range of amenities. Pool tables, shuffleboard, and more are perfect for big kids, with a toddler area and splash pad for littles. Play a game of basketball or soccer and end your afternoon with tranquil views of the on-site lake.
Shelling
Shelling is one of the best free things to do in Florida, with some of the best in the world located in Southwest Florida area. Shell hunters have their pick of pristine locations in Marco Island. Start your search at Tigertail Beach situated on the north end of the island. Look for lightning whelk, rare Junonia shells, sand dollars, starfish, and calico scallop among other beauties. Stick around for a free sunset and watch the shorebirds run along the white-sand beach and tidal lagoon.
Marco Island Center For The Arts
Creative minds head to the Marco Island Center for the Arts with new shows every month at the on-site Lauritzen, Rush, and La Petite galleries. Visit on the Second Tuesdays of the month from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm for a chance to meet current artists and learn more about their work and inspiration. Other events include Arts and Crafts Fairs, Cars as Art outdoor exhibits, Chalk Art and more. Museum visits are free, although guests can make a suggested donation as desired.
Everglades National Park Gulf Coast Visitor Center
Learn more about the history and wildlife of Everglades National Park Gulf Coast Visitor Center. As a gateway for exploring the Ten Thousand Islands, visitors learn more about the mangrove islands and waterways extending to Flamingo and Florida Bay. Once you’ve brushed up on your Everglades knowledge, get ready to play for free. Ask the visitor center’s about free programs like nature walks, nature talks and Timeless Travel canoe Trips for a budget-friendly adventure.
The best free things to do in Marco Island and Naples, Florida embrace a combination of nature, history, and culture for a greater appreciation of the area. Turn your next Marco Island vacation into your new favorite budget-friendly getaway.
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