Marco Island, Florida Travel Guide
Marco Island is located South of Naples on Florida’s stunning West Coast. It’s parallel to Miami (it’s pretty much a straight line across the state via Alligator Alley), yet it couldn’t be more opposite. And that makes me love it even more. The nightlife on Marco Island is essentially non-existent, but that doesn’t bother me one bit. Early nights mean early mornings, allowing you to make the most of your days in the Florida sunshine.
My husband grew up going to Marco Island and we plan on keeping up with the tradition. Though his grandparents' brothers and sisters lived in different states, they all had vacation homes on Marco Island, and spent holidays and retirement together. After visiting a few times myself, I understand why it’s such a special place. Marco Island symbolizes family time and is all about that laid-back, waterfront living.
How to Get There
Fly into Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), rent a car, and drive the 45 minutes South to Marco Island. Taxis and ride sharing services like Uber are easily accessible, but it’s nice to have a car. You can also fly into Miami or Fort Lauderdale and drive across the state if the flight rates are substantially less expensive.
Things to Do on Marco Island
The attractions on Marco Island focus on the beautiful natural environment. I love taking it easy with long beach walks, boat rides, and watching the sun melt into the Gulf of Mexico.
Relax on the beach. Make sure you catch a legendary Marco Island sunset.
Go shelling. Marco Island has some of the prettiest shells in the world. Tigertail beach is particularly good for shelling. Don’t forget your shoes!
Bike around the island.
Go fishing.
Marco Island Water Sports: water sports like jet skiing, parasailing, kayaking, and stand up paddle boarding.
Calusa Spirit Eco Tours: take a boat ride around the uninhabited islands and mangroves. Cruise by the famed “dome houses”.
Cool Beans: another great boat operator, offering fun sunset booze cruises and private charters.
Play a few rounds of golf.
Go shopping in Naples. Downtown Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South have chic shops and tons of different types of restaurants.
Take a day trip to Captiva Island or Sanibel Island.
Speedy’s Airboat Tour: explore the swampy Everglades.
If you are on Marco for an extended period of time, you can take a day trip or overnight trip to Key West via the 3 hour catamaran ride, Key West Express. I call it the vacation within a vacation.
Where to Eat & Drink
Doreen’s Cup of Joe: the best breakfast spot with fresh squeezed OJ and key lime pie pancakes.
Quinn’s on the Beach, Kane Tiki Bar & Grill, & Tesoro Rooftop: these three restaurants are located at the JW Marriott and have stunning views of the beach. They offer delicious cocktails and the Caribbean-inspired food is excellent too. I never visit Marco without getting a miami vice with a rum floater on top.
Stilts Bar: another hotel bar that’s worth a visit. This one is located at the Marriott Crystal Shores Vacation Club and has my favorite piña colada on the island. The food is really good here too.
Sunset Grille: right on the beach in South Marco. Watch football games on Sundays and grub on pub food inside. The outside is more of your typical island vibe, with a tiki bar and picture perfect sunset views.
Island Gypsy: this bar & restaurant located in the Isle of Capri, just North of Marco, has a fun, tropical atmosphere. Get their rum punch, giant onion rings, grouper sandwich, and key lime pie.
CJ’s on the Bay: one of my go-to happy hour spots on the water.
Snook Inn: a retro waterfront bar & restaurant that’s been operating for 35 years. They also have a great happy hour, so it’s lively place for drinks and snacks.
Dolphin Tiki Bar & Grill: a small, easygoing tiki bar known for their jumbo lump crab stack and key lime pie martini.
Mangos Dockside Bistro: a fun dockside restaurant with an extensive menu, so they have something for everyone.
Lee Be Fish: a low-key fish market offering incredibly fresh fish. Get the catch of the day or their seared ahi tuna, with a side of rice and beans, and enjoy it on their outside patio.
Joey’s Pizza: the best spot for takeout pizza on the island. Sometimes you just need to switch up the seafood.
The Speakeasy: a casual waterfront eatery near the entrance bridge to Marco Island. The mahi mahi sandwich is always fresh and tasty.
Fin Bistro: one of the fancier choices, with amazing lobster dishes and crab cakes.
Bistro Soleil: another classy choice with French inspired cuisine.
Stan’s Idle Hour: dive bar famous for it’s drinks and dancing on Sundays. Have a buzzard punch and do the buzzard lope, a drunk adults version of the chicken dance. Google it and you’ll get the idea. This is right over the bridge from Marco in Goodland, “a drinking village with a fishing problem”.
Little Bar: also in Goodland, this an unpretentious restaurant specializing in fresh seafood and steaks. It’s the best place for stone crab claws if they are in season.
Check out the farmers market that operates on Wednesdays in peak season, from November - April.
Where to Stay on Marco Island
Solid hotels on the main strip include the JW Marriott or the Hilton. They are both massive resorts with multiple restaurants and pools, that primarily cater towards families. They’re pretty expensive, so try to use points if you have them.
If you are staying for more than a weekend, I recommend renting a condo or a house. Book through Airbnb, VRBO, or work with a real estate agent in the area.
