Need a tropical beach getaway packed with relaxation and adventure? Head to Marco Island, Florida! I love the remove feeling of the beaches here and fantastic food. If I didn't enjoy living in Texas so much, I would move here in a heartbeat. While you get this feeling of remoteness, you are still just 30 minutes from Naples. Jolley Bridge that connect the island to the mainland, ensures that you can reach civilization if you want.
I don't really need anything past the white-sand beaches, but you can also explore mangrove estuaries, go boating or hop on a sunset cruise. The island really is a kayaker's paradise. You can rent kayaks at the marina and explore on your own.
If you prefer to kayak with a guide, there are some great affordable tour options with rates from $59.99.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Marco Island is during the winter and spring months (December–April). Summer is quieter but hotter, with afternoon rain showers. You should know that hurricane season is June 1st to November 30th. You'll get great deals then, but keep an eye on the weather. I prefer a last-minute getaway during that period to avoid weather surprises.
How to Get There
- If you are traveling by car, Marco Island is accessible via Collier Boulevard (SR 951). As I mentioned, it's about 30 minutes south of Naples (and 2 hours west of Miami). I think it makes a great day trip from Miami but I personally prefer to spend the night.
- 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 to Stay
- JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort is right on the beach, but there are also pools, an amazing spa and one of my favorite restaurants, Ario.
- Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort and Spa also offers beachfront access, ocean-view rooms, and a relaxing spa.
- Olde Marco Island Inn and Suites is located near the island’s quieter north end.
- There are many vacation rentals in the area if you are planning a family reunion.
Best Things to Do in Marco Island, Florida
1. Relax on South Marco Beach
Did you know that there are two public beaches on Marco Island?
Start your Marco Island adventure on the quieter of the two beaches, South Marco Beach.
On some mornings (or evenings), you can watch dolphins playing just off the coast.
Open Year-Round 8:00 a.m. – Sunset
Family Friendly
$10 Parking fee
No Dogs Permitted
930 S. Collier Blvd., Marco Island, FL 34145, Phone: 239-252-4000
2. Stroll along the boardwalks at Tigertail Beach
Next stop for a beach lover like myself was Tigertail Beach, the other public beach and park.
Since the beach is well developed, you will see park rangers taking care of things. You can park for a small fee. Then stroll along the six boardwalks to admire preserved natural habitats for shorebirds.
I like this beach for families because there is a playground and a butterfly garden.
You can rent stand-up paddleboards, kayaks and electric boats. If you are planning a beach day, you can rent a beach cabana that will provide your kids with shade.
A variety of beach rentals are available, including stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, electric boats, and beach cabanas.
Walk to the tidal lagoon that separates the beach from the Sand Dollar Spit. The lagoon is home to a wide range of wildlife you can observe there, such as crabs, fish, and conches.
490 Hernando Drive, Marco Island, FL 34145, Phone: 239-389-8414
3. Explore the Ruins by the Sea at Cape Romano
For some unique sightseeing. head to Cape Romano at the southern tip of Marco Island.
The main attraction you can see here is a collection of bizarre, outer-space looking buildings at the edge of the sea.
I leaned that the buildings were built as a vacation home in 1980 by a retired oil producer but have been abandoned after storm damage.
You can only access them by boat. Some locals and fish from the curiously formed domes.
4. Enjoy water sports at Isles of Capri Marina
If you want to rent a boat, pontoons and kayaks, head to Isles of Capri Marina.
Since the marina is conveniently located near the Marco River, you'll have easy access to the ocean and nearby waterways.
Don't be afraid to ask for local insider tips once you get there. The marina staff are knowledgeable about the local area and very friendly!
Single kayak rentals start at $30 for a half-day rental.
292 Capri Blvd., Naples, FL 34113, Phone: 239-389-4626
5. Paddle in the Isles of Capri Paddle Craft Park
If you are a kayaker or paddleboarding fan, you will love Isles of Capri Paddle Craft Park! It's a unique paddling park specifically for kayaks and paddleboards.
You can park, have a picnic, use the restrooms and a kayak washing station.
Open Year Round Dawn to Dusk.
Collier Boulevard & Capri Boulevard, Naples, FL 34113
6. Find remote seclusion on 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.
7. Go fishing on Marco Island
In addition to kayaking, Marco Island is famous for fishing.
You'll find fishing opportunities all year round in the Gulf waters, freshwater lakes, and nearby rivers.
You can rent a boat, or book one of the many fishing charters offered in the area.
8. Sign up for Marco Island Boat Tours
Although there are many tours offered in the area, I wanted to highlight one in particular.
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.
If you want to learn about the area's native wildlife as well as get time on a secluded beach, and/or family-friendly, this company delivers!
9. Explore the past at the Marco Island Historical Museum
Although I didn't want to leave the beach, since I'm a history buff, I popped over to the Marco Island Historical Museum.
You'll be able to see the history and development of Marco Island, including exhibits related to the Calusa Native American tribe.
The replica of a Calusa village gives you a glimpse into the daily lives of this unique civilization.
Learn about the history of the island from its early days as a Native American village, through its years as a pioneer fishing village, and on to its development as the present-day tourist destination.
180 S. Heathwood Drive, Marco Island, FL 34145, Phone: 239-642-1440
10. Cruise in Style with Sunset Views aboard the Marco Island Princess
For sunset cruises (and other daily sightseeing cruises), book the Marco Island Princess. You'll be on a 90-foot-long yacht with a gourmet kitchen.
You can choose from a buffet-style lunch cruise, complete with nature and history narration by the captain. They have two options of sunset dinner cruises.
As for food, order prime rib, turkey breast, salad, freshly baked cookies, and more.
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 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.
If you are interested in 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.
If you are looking for unique 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.
Frequently Asked Questions:
-
Where is Marco Island located?
- Marco Island is the largest island in the beautiful chain of south Florida islands known as the Ten Thousand Islands.
-
How accessible is Marco Island?
- Although relatively close to Naples and connected to the mainland by two bridges, the island maintains a remote, isolated feel.
-
What outdoor activities are available on Marco Island?
- The island offers a variety of delightful outdoor activities, including water sports, fishing, and nature exploration.
-
What are the beach options on Marco Island?
- Beach-going opportunities abound, with two public beaches and several offshore island beaches.
Map:
Plan Your Trip