Naples – Marco Island
Naples- Naples was once a sleepy getaway on the southwest coast of Florida where well-to-do older folks, many of them hailing from the Midwest, relocated to collect a few shells, play a little golf, and enjoy their sunset years. Technicolor sunsets over the Gulf of Mexico are still a prime asset, but there’s been a sea change in Naples and other neighboring Collier County communities over the past few years. The average age of the typical new arrival has declined dramatically.
Not only is Naples, Florida the pinnacle of luxury communities and a Mecca to shopping and dining connoisseurs alike, Naples has earned a reputation of having some of the most sought after golf courses in the World. Naples, Florida presently boasts over 100 golf courses, some of them part of extraordinary golf communities that surround magnificent homes and condominiums.
The powdery Gulf beaches are pristine, well-kept shops and al fresco cafés abound in Olde Naples and Naples Pier remains the best place in town to take in a lingering sunset. Fishing, both inshore among mangrove-lined inlets and offshore in the Gulf, is excellent. Despite the recent growth spurt, much of the region has been preserved as natural habitat and wildlife sanctuaries. It’s possible to play golf in the morning and take an airboat tour of the nearby Everglades in the afternoon.
Naples is best known for its white sandy beaches, upscale cosmopolitan downtown and an abundants of championship golf courses. Only steps away from island seclusion or the untamed tropical wilderness of The Everglades, visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities.
Marco Island is located at the northernmost point of the picturesque Ten Thousand Islands and just south of Naples, Florida. “Marco” as the locals call it has managed a delicate balance between the quiet tropical island living of Olde Florida and the excitement of being one of Florida’s hottest vacation destinations. Marco Island is graced with miles of white-sand beaches, luxurious high-rise condos, beautiful year-round weather, variety restaurants, fine shopping, dining, lively entertainment, attractions and plenty of recreational activities from boating and fishing, to golf and tennis, and more. All set amid the stunning subtropical beauty that is unique to Southwest Florida’s Gulf coast. From family vacations to a romantic rendezvous for two, Marco Island, Florida offers visitors more than just plenty of sunshine.
From family vacations to a romantic rendezvous for two, Marco Island, Florida is an unforgettable paradise where memories are made. It is surrounded by a unique ecosystem and home to exceptional wildlife and vegetation. There are a number of parks and preserves within short distance from the island.
Just slightly north of the island on Shell Island Road off State Road 951 is the 9,400 acre Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. In the mangroves you will find mullet, snapper, oysters, crabs, snook, pelicans, osprey, bald eagles, deer, bobcats, snakes and tortoises. Tours can be arranged at the Briggs Nature Center which also rents canoes.