Discover Why Marco Island is a Beach Lover's Dream Destination
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Marco Island is a tropical paradise located off the Gulf Coast of Southwest Florida. This stunning barrier island boasts miles of pristine white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and an abundance of natural beauty. Whether you're seeking relaxation, adventure, or a mix of both, Marco Island offers a diverse range of activities and attractions to suit every traveler's interests. There are tons of waterways, beaches, resorts, & restaurants which make it a fantastic place for a getaway, and is home to many snowbirds during the winter months.
From world-class beaches and water sports to upscale dining and shopping, Marco Island is a true gem in the Sunshine State. I lived in Southwest Florida for a couple of years and prior to moving to the area, I had no idea what or where Marco Island was. I visited the island a handful of times while living in Southwest Florida and easily came to see why so many people living in the region called it one of their favorite weekend getaway destinations. I also have Marco Island to thank for fueling my love of shelling! You can find some of the most beautiful and unique seashells on Marco Island beaches, especially after a big storm.
Top Things to Do on Marco Island
Beach Activities
Marco Island's pristine white sand beaches are a major draw for visitors. Spend a day relaxing on the beach, soaking up the sun, and swimming in the warm Gulf waters.
Hit the beach - Marco Island has a handful of public beaches but some of my favorite areas to go to are:
Tigertail Beach - located on the northwest part of the island, there’s not only a gorgeous beach but also more serene areas if you’re willing to walk. There are also kayak & paddleboard rentals here.
Keeywadin Island- is probably the most popular island only accessible via water. On the weekend you can find tons of boats tied up here enjoying the sun. I’ve also seen dolphins on the way to Keeywadin every time so your chances are high!
Hideaway Beach & Big Marco Pass - If you’re at Tigertail Beach & you keep walking North & curve with the beach then you’ll arrive at Big Marco Pass where all the boats go out to the ocean. And if you keep walking, it turns into a little inlet with Hideaway Beach on the other side. This is a great spot for shelling, picnics, and tying up your boat to spend the day!
Shelling - this is one of my favorite things to do on Marco Island since tons of shells wash up here. As I mentioned above, the Hideaway Beach area is a great spot for shelling, but like every other beach, if you don’t get there before all the groups of people then you won’t find the best shells so get there early! If you really want to find some cool shells then try to explore sandbars and other little islands surrounding Marco Island. Just remember - NO LIVE SHELLING! Make sure there are no little creatures living in your shells. If you’re visiting and want to go searching for seashells, there are some really great shelling tours that you can join and they will take you to more remote places around the island.
Water Sports
With its prime location on the Gulf of Mexico, Marco Island offers excellent opportunities for water sports enthusiasts. Go kayaking or stand-up paddleboarding through the mangrove-lined waterways.
Dome Houses & surrounding 10,000 Islands - The intriguing Dome Houses, were built in 1981 at the tip of Cape Romano as an actual home but as the shoreline has eroded, the houses are now partially submerged in the ocean and only accessible by water. Visiting the Dome Houses is a must while on the island! There are tons of boat or jet ski rental companies on the island to accommodate your needs. Also, be sure to explore the surrounding 10,000 Islands as well. No, there aren’t really 10,000 of them but there are enough to keep you busy for a while and they span from Marco Island towards the Florida Keys. Some are pristine sandy beaches while others are covered in mangroves. Either way, you’ll always find something new!
Guided SUP or Kayaking Tour - For a unique experience, take a guided tour to spot manatees in their natural habitat. Paddleboard or kayak through the many mangrove waterways that twist their way through Marco Island and you’re bound to see tons of wildlife from manatees to dolphins!
Guided Jetski Tour - Explore the Ten Thousand Islands with a local guide. For 2 hours you’ll make your way from mangrove waterways out into the ocean and zip around seeing some of Florida’s most protected areas. Yes, your chances of seeing dolphins are high! I saw them almost every time I visited Marco Island.
Family-Friendly Attractions
Marco Island offers plenty of activities to keep families entertained when they’re tired of going to the beach.
Take a Dolphin Tour - this 2-hour dolphin-watching tour is perfect for curious kids! The tour guide and captain of the boat teach guests about the ecosystem of the Ten Thousand Islands and share the different types of animals that call it home.
Visit the Briggs Nature Center - to learn about the local wildlife on a half-mile boardwalk trail that guides you through five unique habitats.
Check out the Marco Island Center for the Arts - for indoor fun and a place that hosts art classes and exhibitions.
Restaurants and Nightlife
Marco Island boasts a vibrant culinary scene, with plenty of restaurants serving fresh seafood, international cuisine, and local favorites. Dine al fresco at one of the beachfront eateries or enjoy a romantic dinner with a view of the sunset. For nightlife, check out the lively bars and live music venues along the island's main strip.
Marco Island Princess - This was part of my birthday surprise last year & I loved every minute of it! The Marco Island Princess is a tour boat leaving daily from the Rose Marina & offers sightseeing cruises as well as dinner & sunset tours. We did the sunset cruise where they took us out to sea to watch the sunset with no obstructions and then back to port. They also offer holiday cruises for Easter, Christmas, etc. It’s a great activity for everyone and a great way to see the island.
Doreen’s Cup of Joe - A must for breakfast! Every time I’ve visited there’s a wait but it’s well worth it. The décor is super cute & they have both indoor & outdoor seating. They source most of their food locally & use real Vermont maple syrup (the only option in my eyes)! Their french toast is one of my favorites but they have all of your breakfast staples & a yummy lunch menu as well.
Empire Bagel Factory - Two words… homemade bagels. NY style at that! I always make it a point to stop here when I leave the island & head home. They serve basic coffee, tons of bagel varieties, muffins, & even bagel sandwiches for lunch. Dine-in is available here for a casual setting.
Fin Bistro - Hands down my favorite place in all of Florida so far! If you’re looking for a nicer dinner with amazing seafood, this is for you. Dinner at Fin Bistro was part of my birthday surprise last year & I still to this day will bring up how amazing the food was. I had the seared Chilean sea bass and it was mind-blowing. Cannot recommend enough!
Kane Tiki Bar & Grill - Located outside, right on the beach at the JW Marriott Marco Island, Kane Tiki Bar is perfect for a daytime drink when you’re having a beach day. You do not need to be a guest, you can just walk right up to it from the beach and sit at the bar.
Stilts Bar & Grill - Located at Marriott’s Crystal Shores, this is a great option for lunch or dinner with a view. The outdoor patio overlooks the beach which is a huge added bonus. The food here is casual fare such as salads, pizza, burgers, sandwiches, etc.
Tesoro - The ideal place to catch the sunset if you’re not sitting in the sand. Tesoro is a Mediterranean restaurant in the JW Marriott a few floors up and has a large patio where you can grab a glass of wine with an undisturbed view of the sunset. It does get a little crowded for sunsets so I suggest getting there a bit early.
Marek’s - Another great option for fresh seafood that’s also not your typical casual restaurant. Marek’s has been around since 1996 & has become somewhat of a staple on the island. Both the service & food are perfect so you can’t go wrong.
Favorite Places to Stay on Marco Island
Marco Island offers a wide range of accommodation options to suit every traveler's needs and budget. From luxurious beachfront resorts to cozy vacation rentals, there's something for everyone on this idyllic island.
And for those of you traveling in a larger group, this 5-bedroom waterfront home is PERFECT. Just a mile from the beach too!
Is Marco Island Worth Visiting?
Marco Island is undoubtedly worth a visit, especially for those seeking a laid-back beach getaway. This Gulf Coast island boasts miles of pristine white-sand beaches, turquoise waters, and a relaxed atmosphere that instantly transports you into vacation mode. However, like any destination, it has its pros and cons to consider.
Pros:
Stunning Beaches: Marco Island's crown jewel is its breathtaking beaches, which consistently rank among the best in the United States. The soft, sugar-white sand and calm, clear waters create a paradise for sunbathing, swimming, and various water sports.
Abundant Wildlife: Nature enthusiasts will delight in the island's diverse ecosystem, home to a variety of bird species, dolphins, manatees, and even the occasional sea turtle sighting.
Relaxed Vibe: Unlike some of Florida's more crowded and hectic beach destinations, Marco Island maintains a laid-back, small-town charm that allows visitors to truly unwind and escape the hustle and bustle of daily life.
Cons:
Limited Nightlife: While Marco Island offers a range of excellent dining options, those seeking a vibrant nightlife scene may find the island a bit too quiet and low-key.
Potential for Crowds: During peak seasons, such as spring break and winter, the island can become quite crowded, making it more challenging to find secluded spots on the beach or secure reservations at popular restaurants.
Higher Prices: As a popular vacation destination, Marco Island can be more expensive than some other Florida locations, particularly when it comes to accommodation and dining.
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit Marco Island depends on your preferences and budget. The peak season runs from December through April, offering warm and sunny weather but also higher prices and larger crowds. For those seeking smaller crowds and lower rates, the shoulder seasons of May-June and September-November can be excellent options, with comfortable temperatures and fewer tourists. One very important thing to point out is that during peak season hotel prices and rentals are at their highest & in turn, the island is very crowded so expect long wait times if you plan on visiting from November to April. If you’re flexible, try to visit outside of peak season and I promise you’ll enjoy your stay a little more!
Who Would Enjoy Marco Island the Most?
Marco Island caters to a wide range of travelers, but it's particularly well-suited for:
Families: The island's safe, laid-back atmosphere, kid-friendly beaches, and abundance of family-friendly activities make it an ideal destination for those traveling with children.
Beach Lovers: With its world-class beaches and plethora of water sports, Marco Island is a paradise for beach enthusiasts seeking sun, sand, and surf.
Nature Enthusiasts: The island's diverse ecosystem, with its abundant wildlife and natural preserves, offers ample opportunities for birdwatching, kayaking, and exploring the great outdoors.
Couples: Romantic sunset strolls along the beach, cozy waterfront dining, and a tranquil ambiance make Marco Island a perfect choice for couples seeking a romantic getaway.
Where is Marco Island Florida?
Marco Island is the largest barrier island in Southwest Florida and is part of the highly protected Ten Thousand Islands which consist of, you guessed it - 10,000 tiny islands! Marco Island itself is highly populated and is overflowing with houses and hotels and it’s a great place to escape winter weather in other parts of the country. It’s part of Collier County and sits just a short drive south of popular cities on Florida’s west coast like Naples and Fort Myers. The island is nestled along the waters of the Gulf Coast, offering stunning beaches and easy access to the renowned Florida Everglades.
Situated approximately 20 miles south of Naples and just a few hours' drive from Miami and Fort Lauderdale, Marco Island is conveniently accessible yet feels like a world away from the hustle and bustle. Its prime location allows visitors to explore the natural wonders of the Everglades National Park, as well as the upscale shopping, dining, and entertainment options in nearby Naples. It’s full of nature, a little sleepy, but worth it for true natural beachy bliss.
How to Get to Marco Island
Marco Island is located in Southwest Florida, about 20 miles south of Naples. There are several convenient options for getting to this tropical paradise.
Major Airports Nearby
The closest major airport to Marco Island is Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers, about 50 miles away. This airport offers flights from many major U.S. cities and is serviced by all the major airlines.
Another option is Naples Municipal Airport (APF), located about 25 miles from Marco Island. This smaller airport offers regional flights and private aviation services.
Driving Directions
If you're driving to Marco Island, you'll likely take Interstate 75 to Exit 101 (Collier Boulevard/CR 951). From there, follow Collier Boulevard south for about 17 miles until you reach the entrance to Marco Island.
Marco Island is a true gem in Southwest Florida, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor adventures, and relaxation. It was always a treat to for me to drive down to Marco Island from Fort Myers and explore a new area of Southwest Florida. If you aren’t familiar with Southwest Florida at all, you should really check it out! It’s home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Florida (in my opinion) and I loved calling it home for a few years of my life.
So, what are you waiting for? Pack your bags, book your stay, and get ready to immerse yourself in the magic of Marco Island, Florida. This small but mighty island is unique and the perfect place to escape. Exploring the outdoors and being surrounded by the natural beauty of Florida is what Marco Island is all about. I hope you find this helpful in planning your next trip to Marco Island. Florida can’t wait to have you!
Happy travels!
-Tess
Tess Arnold
Hi! I’m Tess, founder of TravelingTessie.com, and not only do I love to travel, but I love immersing myself in new places and finding off the beaten path experiences wherever I go! I’ve lived in 4 different states & traveled to 13 countries and counting. I believe that tourism is meant to benefit both visitors and locals alike—and I want to bring that idea back into the travel industry by highlighting companies run by locals such as tours, hotels, restaurants, and more. On Traveling Tessie you can find hidden gems in top destinations around the world, travel tips, detailed city guides, and tons of inspiration for your next trip! If you love travel as much as I do, then please join me on this journey! I hope you enjoy my content as much as I enjoy providing it for you!