Need a tropical beach getaway packed with relaxation and adventure? Head to Marco Island, Florida! Lounge on white-sand beaches, explore mangrove estuaries, and savor fresh seafood by the Gulf. Whether you're into shelling, boating, or sunset cruises, Marco Island offers the perfect mix of luxury and natural beauty.
When I like to visit
The best time to visit Marco Island is during the winter and spring months (December–April). Sunny skies, low humidity, and warm temperatures make it ideal for beach days, boating, and outdoor dining. Summer is quieter but hotter, with afternoon rain showers.
Tips for getting There
- If you are traveling by car: Marco Island is accessible via Collier Boulevard (SR 951), about 30 minutes south of Naples and 2 hours west of Miami.
- By Air: Fly into Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers, then drive about 1 hour south to Marco Island.
- By Shuttle: Several shuttle services connect RSW Airport and Naples to Marco Island resorts and hotels.
Where I like to stay
- JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort – Luxurious beachfront resort with multiple pools, restaurants, and a world-class spa.
- Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort and Spa – Upscale resort offering beachfront access, ocean-view rooms, and a relaxing spa.
- Olde Marco Island Inn and Suites – Historic boutique hotel with charming suites near the island’s quieter north end.
Best Things to Do
1. Relax Where the Sand Sparkles: South Marco Beach
South Marco Beach is one of only two public beaches on Marco Island. It is the quieter of the two beaches and therefore is perfect for families who want to relax, go shelling, or watch dolphins playing in the sea. The beach has few amenities, including parking for a fee as well as restrooms and a paved walkway to the beach.
Several businesses offer tours and adventure experiences on the beach or nearby, such as Off the Hook Adventures Sailing-Shelling-Sightseeing and Florida Adventures and Rentals. The 1-acre, palm-lined beachfront is located nearby several luxury hotels.
930 S. Collier Blvd., Marco Island, FL 34145, Phone: 239-252-4000
2. Wander the Ruins by the Sea: Cape Romano
Cape Romano is a cape at the southern tip of Marco Island. The main attraction is a collection of bi-zarre, outer-space looking buildings at the edge of the sea. The buildings were built as a vacation home in 1980 by a retired oil producer. The home has been hit by several storms over the years, including Hurricane Wilma, which washed away some of the coastline.
They are now abandoned and only acces-sible by boat. Some locals and visitors fish from the curiously formed domes. It is likely that the home will eventually recede into the rising sea, however they are an interesting sight to behold while they last.
Activities and Attractions for Couples:
3. Launch into Island Time: Isles of Capri Marina
The Isles of Capri Marina is a full-service marina offering boat rentals in the Naples and Marco Island area. The marina is conveniently located near the Marco River, which provides easy access to the ocean and nearby waterways. The marina offers pontoons and kayaks.
Kayak rentals are best for trav-eling along the Marco River and paddling to islands that are only accessible by paddle. Powered pon-toons offer the opportunity for larger groups to enjoy a boat together and to travel a bit farther away. The marina staff are knowledgeable about the local area and can provide orientation information, di-rections, and tips for exploring the local waterways.
292 Capri Blvd., Naples, FL 34113, Phone: 239-389-4626
4. Paddle the Quiet Path: Isles of Capri Paddle Craft Park
Isles of Capri Paddle Craft Park is a unique paddling park specifically for kayaks and paddleboards. Mo-torized boats are not allowed on the waters. The park features amenities such as parking, picnic areas, restrooms, and a kayak washing station. Guests can access the water by paying a small fee to launch their boat.
Individual and tandem rental kayaks can be delivered and picked up at the park with prior reservation. Kayak tours are also a great way to explore the park and surrounding area with a guide. The tours visit mangrove tunnels and many visitors spot dolphins and manatees during the trips.
Collier Boulevard & Capri Boulevard, Naples, FL 34113, Phone: 239-530-5940
5. Drift Off the Grid: Keewaydin Island
Keewaydin Island is a barrier island located off the coast of Naples and is home to a variety of wildlife such as wild boar, white-tailed deer, bobcat, iguanas, and the gopher tortoise. The island is also a common nesting site for loggerhead turtles. The island is primitive with no cars, roads, or bridges and only has dirt pathways winding from private docks to homes. Because the natural beauty has been largely preserved, visitors can experience a pristine, natural ecosystem.
The public beach is a great place to have a picnic consisting of a burger from the local burger barge, which serves sandwiches and cold drinks on the sand. To get to the island, visitors must rent a boat, come as part of a tour, or travel with a private person who has a boat.
6. Set Sail for Wild Beauty: Marco Island Boat Tours
Marco Island Boat Tours specializes in educational tours in the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge, Everglades National Park, and other protected areas. The company is unique in that all of their guides are environmental educators and Florida Master Naturalists.
The com-pany offers several tour options, one of their most popular being the Family Beach Half Day Tour, which takes guests on a 4-hour trip to explore the many facets of the Ten Thousand Islands. The tour includes a naturalist-led boat tour that teaches guests about the area's native wildlife as well as time on a beach for shelling and swimming and a family-friendly fishing opportunity.
Marco Island Boat Tours, 1083 N. Collier Blvd. #322, Marco Island, FL 34145, Phone: 239-695-0000
What to do if you are traveling with kids:
7. Dig Into Island Roots: Marco Island Historical Museum
The Marco Island Historical Museum is a historical museum that is dedicated to the history and devel-opment of Marco Island, including exhibits related to the Calusa Indians. The museum includes an en-tire room that features a replica of a Calusa village and gives visitors a glimpse into the daily lives of this vanished civilization.
The museum exhibits feature many artifacts that have been discovered in ar-cheological digs on Marco Island. The exhibits trace the history of the island from its early days as an Indian village, through its years as a pioneer fishing village, and on to its explosive development as a world-class tourist destination.
180 S. Heathwood Drive, Marco Island, FL 34145, Phone: 239-642-1440
8. Cruise in Style with Sunset Views: Marco Island Princess
The Marco Island Princess is a beautiful, 90-foot-long yacht that provides daily sightseeing cruises. Tours aboard the Marco Princess depart from Rose Marina and are the perfect way to explore the Marco Island area in style. Guests can choose from a buffet-style lunch cruise, complete with nature and history narration by the captain, and two options of sunset dinner cruises.
The food served aboard the Marco Island Princess consists of spectacular offerings, including prime rib, turkey breast, salad, freshly baked cookies, and more. The yacht is also available for private charter and is especially popular for weddings, anniversary parties, and business functions.
951 Bald Eagle Drive, Marco Island, FL 34145, Phone: 239-642-5415
Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:
- Explore Tigertail Beach Park – Paddleboard, birdwatch, or hike coastal trails in this nature-lover’s paradise.
- Take a boat tour to Ten Thousand Islands – Explore a breathtaking network of mangrove islands teeming with wildlife.
- Book a sunset or dolphin-watching cruise – Spot playful dolphins and soak in vibrant Gulf Coast sunsets by boat.
Where I Like to Eat
- Snook Inn – Iconic waterfront eatery known for seafood platters, island cocktails, and live music.
- Dolphin Tiki Bar & Grill – Casual tiki bar offering seafood, burgers, and laid-back island vibes.
- The Oyster Society – Upscale seafood restaurant specializing in fresh oysters and elegant coastal cuisine.
My favorite local events:
- Marco Island Seafood and Music Festival (March) – Enjoy seafood delicacies, live bands, and fun for the whole family.
- Christmas Island Style Boat Parade (December) – Festive boat parade featuring twinkling lights and holiday cheer.
- Marco Island Farmers Market (November–April) – Fresh produce, artisan goods, and local flavors every Wednesday at Veterans' Park.
My favorite day trips within 30 Minutes of Marco Island, Florida:
- Naples, Florida (30 min) – Upscale shopping, art galleries, fine dining, and beautiful beaches.
- Everglades City (25–30 min) – Launch point for Everglades airboat tours and swamp adventures.
- Fakahatchee Strand Preserve State Park (30 min) – Explore the "Amazon of North America" with lush trails and wildlife sightings.
- Goodland, Florida (10–15 min) – Quirky fishing village known for laid-back vibes, seafood, and live music at Stan’s Idle Hour.
- Collier-Seminole State Park (20–25 min) – Canoe through mangrove forests and explore historic trails.
- Tigertail Lagoon (5–10 min) – Kayak calm waters, birdwatch, or relax in a hidden beach paradise.
Plan Your Trip