A sun-drenched gem sitting on the lap of the Gulf Coast of the United States is Marco Island.
Marco Island is all about clear white sand beaches, exquisite and authentic seafood restaurants, and loads of water-based activities.
Marco Island is known for having the world’s most beautiful beaches; the island offers scenic beauty and many adventurous opportunities.
Marco Island Beach is one of the best islands among the other ten thousand in Florida. Also, the macro island beaches are fully developed, unlike the other islands.
But what makes it better than others, and what are the activities to indulge in here? Read on to find out everything about Marco Island Beach!
1. Where Is Marco Island Situated?
This tropical paradise is located in the south of Naples.
The island is located at the southern tip of Florida’s Paradise Coast, which can be easily reached by car 20 miles (32 km) south of Naples in Collier County, Florida.
Also, South Beach parking is available in Marco Island if you want to ride a car near the South Marco Island region.
And if not here, Tigertail Beach Public Parking offers parking space to park your vehicle and enjoy the sunny beaches safely.
2. Best Activities to Do on Marco Island Beach
Marco Island beaches’ natural surroundings are perfect for adventurous activities, scenic beauty, and a relaxing day.
For people who enjoy spending time trying new water activities, they will love the wide range of water activities offered here.
The water activities on Marco Island beach include fishing, dolphin watching, boating, kayaking, shelling, canoeing, and other activities waiting to be explored.
Apart from seeing the amazing Marco Island beach, there are other things you can enjoy on this island. Here is a list of some of the best activities on Marco Island on your next vacation.
2.1. Briggs Nature Center
Address: Naples, FL 34114, United States
The Briggs Nature Center is one of the best places to visit near Marco Island beaches for its enormous ecological surroundings.
The entire area shows many varieties of habitats. Here, one can find a mix of saltwater and freshwater, resulting in important habitats for many species.
This nature center has two main parts to see.
The first part is a small welcome and introduction center; some volunteers are present in this area to introduce visitors to the center’s preservation history and what visitors can expect to see in this center.
The main and second part of the center is the Nature Center boardwalk trail, which consists of a half-mile path with preserved island mangroves.
This area’s primary trail goes through scenic routes and Florida wildlife — a great adventurous place for hikers.
Situated on Shell Island Road near Naples, this place is a popular and major attraction for nature lovers who love outdoor activities.
Visitors always appreciate this place’s scenic and calm trails and remoteness. Here, you can find abundant animals that can always be seen from its beautiful boardwalk.
The center is a major and popular part of the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. This reserve is a great area with many animals like unseen birds, marine turtles, and fishes.
The center features more than approximately three miles of pristine hiking trails. This place is open to the public throughout the year.
Dogs are allowed only if kept on leashes and cleaned up after their visit.
And be ready to take your camera with you to keep clicking amazing pictures of snakes, foxes, turtles, and even sea turtles.
2.2. Marco Island Seafood & Music Festival
This has been the best thing to enjoy on Marco Island beach for many years.
This three-day seafood and music festival is the largest yearly event on Marco Island beaches. They get more than 10,000 visitors annually who attend the event.
Attending this is a must to get the authentic taste of seafood and music. The event is organized by a small group of members who volunteer during the entire three-day seafood extravaganza and music entertainment.
A wide variety of seafood is available, and there are more than 60 handcrafting vendors and artists; they also offer their authentic crafts and creations.
There is also a free Kid’s Zone, which adds to the fun for your little ones.
Also, the place is very budget-friendly and is a highly recommended place to visit. However, always check their official website for annual event dates and timings.
3. Activities to Do on Marco Island Beach
Marco Island Beach offers some of the rare shells found throughout the coast.
From small boat trips to water activities, one can find anything one wants to do. Some of the best things to enjoy on this beach are:
3.1. Enjoy Different Water Adventures
- Visitors can also try different guided Waverunner tours. Visitors can experience an unforgettable adventurous ride from Marco Island beach to the other Islands.
- If visitors want to find out the best eco-adventure opportunity, then parasailing is a great option. And when you enjoy the fresh air, you can also get views of playful dolphins, manatees, and other tropical wildlife.
- Another great adventure not to miss is paddleboarding, and one should try paddleboarding by the picturesque Gulf of Mexico.
- Visitors can find kayaks that are readily available for rent reasons. They offer both short routes and extended tour routes for kayaking according to visitors’ preferences.
3.2. Fishing
Experienced guides are always present to give visitors great fishing excursion opportunities.
The fishing excursions include Marco Island, Everglades City, Goodland, Chokoloskee, and other regions.
Marco Island beaches offer some of the finest fishing experiences throughout the year in the Gulf of Mexico. Visitors can also rent a private or semi-private boat for fishing with their family members.
People wanting to fish from the shore need to get a fishing license between the ages of 16 and 65. Visitors can purchase a fishing license from the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation.
3.3. Shelling
Marco Island beaches are mainly known to have some of the best shelling experiences in the world.
You can walk around the sandy shorelines to collect colorful shells found throughout the beach.
There is also an opportunity to collect shells with the help of a professionally guided shelling tour.
During these tours, visitors can bring up to 18 members in three different boats for a small family gathering or a fun birthday party.
Some tours even take you to other nearby islands for a calmer and more peaceful shelling opportunity.
3.4. Enjoy the Luxurious Resorts and Hotels
Marco Island’s accommodations are always available for any budget. From luxurious waterfront resorts to small motels and even a historic inn.
These places are readily available for both short-term vacation and long-term vacation rentals. Some of the most recommended locations are:
3.4.1. JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort
Address: 400 S Collier Blvd, Marco Island, FL 34145, United States
JW Marriott is a sophisticated luxury Beach Resort with all the amenities one can wish for, spread over three miles of luxurious private beaches on the Gulf of Mexico.
The resort provides equal relaxation opportunities and fun and entertainment options. Different cuisines worldwide are available at their Florida beach resort’s 12 exquisite restaurants.
Also, there are two championship golf courses for visitors who love to play golf, and people can even take a fitness class.
They also offer an excellent hotel spa that offers visitors luxury massages and other services to help them rejuvenate. One can even host their wedding, business event, or social galas here.
They offer top-notch meeting rooms with attached terraces and amazing Gulf views. Staying in their rooms and suites is dreamlike; each room has a private balcony.
This resort also offers a cruise opportunity, an escape exclusively planned for couples. This place is just perfect for an amazing vacation with high-budget plans.
3.4.2. Marco Beach Ocean Resort
Address: 480 S Collier Blvd, Marco Island, FL 34145, United States
Another great place for spending a leisurely day with your loved ones is this resort. This place is a gem for people seeking relaxation time out of the chaotic surroundings.
In the lap of nature, this luxury beachfront resort is unique.
Full of amenities and personalized service, this place is a great way to enjoy a peaceful stay. This five-star resort is always beach-accessible for an exceptional and memorable time.
The casually elegant Marco Beach Ocean Resort offers approximately 103 luxurious one and two-bedroom suites, which offer spacious and distinct living areas with private balconies.
The views and rooms include the Gulf of Mexico or other tropical garden terrace views.
You can also visit Tigertail Beach, which offers two main spots – Tigertail Lagoon and Sand Dollar Spit. The entire place is quite underrated and comparatively quieter than Marco Island Beach.
Closing Thoughts
Marco Island’s sandy beach can be your perfect escape from mundane everyday life, so why not try it out?
Alas, chilling with a martini on a sunny afternoon and partying till sundown without a care does not sound so bad.
Except for all the things discussed above, there are many other things to do once you reach Marco Island beach.
Marco Island public beaches to check out are;
- Marco Island Tiger Tail Beach
- Sarazen Park South Beach
- residents beach
- Tiger Tail Beach Marco Island
- south Marco beach
- hideaway beach club
- barrier island
From romantic dinners to amazing water activities, you can expect anything. You can also go to Keewaydin Island, in southwest Florida, which is as peaceful as Marco Island.
Also, explore Road Trip Preparation Tips For Every Destination if you take your vehicle.
Last Updated on by Sathi Chakraborty, MSc Biology
