Marco Island, Florida, is famous for its pristine, white sandy beaches and clear turquoise waters. South Marco Beach and Tigertail Beach are especially popular.
Marco Island is home to diverse wildlife, including dolphins, manatees, and a variety of bird species. The island's proximity to the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge enhances its appeal for nature enthusiasts.
Activities such as boating, fishing, kayaking, paddleboarding, and jet skiing are readily available. The beaches are known for excellent shelling opportunities, attracting collectors from around the world!
The island's close location to the Florida Everglades offers opportunities for airboat tours and exploration of the unique ecosystem.
Marco Island features a range of high-end resorts, hotels, and vacation rentals, providing luxurious amenities and services. There are several top-rated golf courses in and around Marco Island, along with a variety of dining options, from casual beachfront eateries to fine dining establishments, all offering diverse culinary experiences.
The overall atmosphere is tranquil and laid-back, making it a perfect destination for those looking to unwind and escape the hustle and bustle of city life.
Easily accessible from major cities in Florida, especially from Naples and Fort Myers, Marco Island provides a convenient getaway.
These factors combined make Marco Island a special and sought-after destination for tourists and residents alike.
DIRECTIONSTO MARCO ISLAND FROM AIRPORTS
FromSouthwestFloridaInternationalAirport(RSW): Take I-75 South to Marco Island Exit 101. Turn right (South) onto SR951, also called Collier Boulevard, the main road on Marco Island. Marco is 48 miles from the airport.
Ft.Lauderdale/HollywoodInternational Airport (FLL): Take I-75 (Alligator Alley) West to Exit 101, then SR951. Driving time is approximately two hours.
MiamiInternationalAirport(MIA): For your safety and to avoid the city, take the historic Tamiami Trail (U.S. 41) toward Tampa to Rt. 92. Driving time is approximately two and one-half hours.
Tampa/St.PetersburgAirport(TPA): Take 275 South to I-75 South to Exit 101. Driving time is approximately three hours.
OrlandoAirport(MCO): Take I-4 West to I-75 South to Exit 101. Driving time is approximately four hours.
FAMILY FRIENDLY THINGS TO DO
Mackle Park: great to run off some energy! Mackle park is located at the southern end of the island and offers basketball and volleyballs courts, along with a fun sized rock climbing wall and splash pad.
Marco Island Farmer's Market: in season, there is a Farmer’s Market on Wednesday’s at Veteran’s Park. It’s a great place to grab fresh fruit and vegetables and different food items.
Tigertail Beach: at the entrance of the park, there is a great playset for kids to enjoy. The park has a great playground at the entrance and full facilities which makes for a great family friendly beach day! And bonus - just .3 miles from 581 Blackmore!
Marco Island Historical Museum: The museum opened in 2010 and features numerous informative and exciting exhibits. This museum is incredibly unique because all of the items in its collection are found by archaeologists, including an art gallery with works from around the globe.
FOOD & DINING - OUR FAVORITE SPOTS
Doreen's Cup of Joe: Great for breakfast/brunch with an amazing menu/food and beautiful outdoor dining. It’s a very popular spot and fills up quickly so you might have to wait. It’s worth it. Try Doreen's Crunchy French Toast. It's the standard order for our kids!
Dolphin Tiki: Our little hidden gem behind Rose Marina. It’s truly a little tiki hut right on the water with a great menu. There is limited seating so choose carefully about what time you get there. It’s also a great spot for happy hour drinks and apps. The Jumbo Lump Crab Stack is delicious!
Lee Be Fish Company:Hands down, the best fresh fish on the island! Located in Olde Marco, Lee Be has a very limited menu but everything on it is amazing and fresh! Lee Be only takes cash so make sure you have that on hand.
Island Gypsy (Isle of Capri): Anchored on the Capri Marina in the Isles of Capri, Island Gypsy Café & Marina Bar boasts fresh seafood, idyllic bay side views, plenty of boat gazing and an abundance of waterfront seating. The Lobster "N"euben does not disappoint!
Marco Prime: On the pricier side but totally worth it. Located near the movie theatre, MP is a classic American steakhouse with a wonderful menu. Their Happy Hour is totally worth the wait. Literally... folks line up in advance to get a seat. Note: Happy Hour menu is only available at the bar and a few surrounding high top tables. The Blackberry Lemon Drop and Beef Crostini are our favorite!
Snook Inn: Best atmosphere for outdoor dining! Great place to catch lunch and watch boats go by as Snook sits right on the Marco River. They don’t take reservations so you might prepare yourself for a wait, depending on when you go. Same owners are Marco Prime and The Oyster Society.
Mango’s Dockside Bistro: Family-friendly restaurant located on Smokehouse Bay, Mango’s has a great menu and outdoor dining atmosphere.
CJ’s on the Bay: Beautiful waterfront dining – located adjacent to Mango’s Dockside Bistro.
The SpeakEasy: Very unassuming from the outside but The SpeakEasy sits right on the water and has a fantastic menu and outdoor dining.
Sunset Grille: Located directly next to the South Beach Access, Sunset has a good menu and amazing sunset views. You can access Sunset from South Beach and grab food and drinks to take on the beach.
Sami’s: Amazing food and phenomenal service! If you like gyros, this is where you can get them.
Joey’s Pizza: Owned by the same owners as Doreen’s, Joey’s Pizza is a great pizza shop and located in the same parking lot as Doreen’s.
Thai Sushi by KJ: If you like Thai food and sushi, this is your place! Great menu and phenomenal food! I highly recommend the Tom Yum soup.
Smith House: Located in Olde Marco, next door to Lee Be Fish Company. Open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Also check out the musical line-up for The Boardroom Tavern, their bar and outdoor entertainment venue. Great place to spend a Marco evening!
Sandbar: Local dive bar with good bar and happy hour menu and plenty of TVs to watch games.
ENTERTAINMENT
Stan’s Idle Hour: Located on Goodland, Sundays at Stan’s is a “must” if you enjoy live music and dancing. Great live bands and party atmosphere. They close for “off-season” from roughly July – October. Check their website for details.
Quinn's on the Beach at JW Marriott: located inside the stunning JW Marriott resort, Quinn's offers casual beach dining right on the beach. Near sunset, there's a fire dancer on the beach (weather permitting)! Parking is tough so plan on getting there early.
The Esplanade Shoppes: Located on North Collier, the Esplanade has stores and fine dining plus a 77 boat slip marina. Check out their website to view the live music schedule. Also, stop by Cold Stone Creamery for a sweet trip!
Sweet Annie's Ice Cream: Locally owned and operated, Sweet Annie's is Marco Island's original ice-cream shop! Stop by for hand-scooped ice cream, vintage candy or puzzles/novelties. Beware - the lines can be out the door (and around the corner!) during high season.
WATER SPORTS AND ACTIVITIES
There is no shortage of water activities to keep you and your family entertained during visiting Marco!