Marco Island

🌴 Discover Paradise on the Gulf: Welcome to Marco Island, Florida 🌴

Tucked away on Florida’s Gulf Coast, just south of Naples, Marco Island is a tropical haven that blends natural beauty, laid-back charm, and upscale flair. As the largest of the Ten Thousand Islands, this barrier island is a dream destination for beach lovers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone craving a serene escape with a splash of adventure.

Whether you’re planning a relaxing getaway or looking to explore Southwest Florida’s hidden gems, Marco Island offers a little something for everyone. Let’s take a look at the top 5 places you can’t miss while you’re there:

1. Tigertail Beach

This isn’t your typical beach. Tigertail Beach is part pristine shoreline, part tidal lagoon, and 100% worth the visit. Walk the sandbar, rent a paddleboard, or explore the tidal pools teeming with birds and sea life. Shell hunters will be in heaven here, especially after a low tide.

Pro tip: Bring water shoes and be ready to wade across the shallow lagoon if you want to reach the most untouched part of the beach.

2. Marco Island Historical Museum

Step back in time and learn about the rich history of the Calusa Indians and the island’s evolution from a fishing village to a luxurious resort destination. The exhibits are immersive, and the replica Calusa village is fascinating for all ages.

Don’t miss: The Key Marco Cat, one of the most significant pre-Columbian artifacts ever discovered in North America.

3. Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge

For the adventurers at heart, a boat tour or kayak trip through the Ten Thousand Islands is a must. Navigate through mangrove tunnels and spot dolphins, manatees, and countless bird species in this stunning, protected ecosystem.

Guided eco-tours are popular and well worth it, especially if you want to learn more about the area’s unique wildlife and geology.

4. Marco Island Princess Cruise

Want to see Marco from a different angle? Hop aboard the Marco Island Princess for a relaxing sunset cruise. Sip a cocktail as you drift past multimillion-dollar homes, watch dolphins play in the wake, and take in one of the most spectacular sunsets in Florida.

This is a great way to cap off a day on the island—romantic, relaxing, and totally Instagram-worthy.

5. The Esplanade Shoppes

A charming waterfront complex offering boutique shopping, galleries, and some of Marco’s best dining spots. Enjoy dinner with a view, grab a gelato, or just stroll the promenade while watching yachts bob in the marina.

Favorites: Mango’s Dockside Bistro for casual bites or CJ’s on the Bay for sunset dining.

Marco Island might be small, but it’s packed with beauty, culture, and unforgettable experiences. Whether you’re soaking up the sun on a quiet beach or exploring the winding mangrove estuaries, Marco is the kind of place that makes you want to come back—again and again.