Marco Island Florida helps to form the larger Naples-Marco Island Metropolitan Statistical Area and is the largest of the Ten Thousand Islands. This island group off Florida’s southwest coast is made up of both islands and mangrove islets. Waterways wind their way throughout the region, and the boating opportunities are nothing short of wonderful. Kayaking and canoeing are also possible pursuits, and Marco Island vacations can surely include plenty of quality time on the sand.

Marco Island Attractions

Marco Island is well-developed. Shops, restaurants, hotels, and vacation homes reign supreme. There aren’t many historical attractions to consider. Instead, visitors primarily come to spend time on the beach and to take advantage of the island’s shopping and dining opportunities. Activities such as fishing and boating are also popular, and many Marco Island vacationers look to visit the nearby Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. Being that this is Florida, including some golf on the itinerary is also an option, and visitors should know that it is easy to arrange Everglades tours during a Marco Island escape. The closest public golf course is The Rookery at Marco. It is owned by the Marco Island Marriott Resort and can be found north of the island off route 951. Golf enthusiasts can also keep the Naples golf courses in mind.

Marco Island Beaches

When taking pictures of Marco Island, many photographers focus on Crescent Beach. The main attraction on the island, this beach extends for no less than three and a half miles along the western shore. Bright white sands meet the blue-green waters of the Gulf of Mexico along Crescent Beach, and visitors who are interested in beachfront accommodations should know that both beach resorts and condo complexes line the southern two mile stretch. The rest of Crescent Beach is well-preserved and goes by the tag of Tigertail Beach. On the northern side, it doesn’t cost anything to access the beach, though there is a fee for beach parking. Amenities include watersport rentals, outdoor showers, restrooms, a playground for the kids, and a snack bar. The beaches that are found along the southern portion are basically used by resort and condo guests, and various watersport activities can be enjoyed for a fee.

Marco Island Restaurants

As you might imagine, several of the Marco Island restaurants specialize in seafood, and there are fine dining establishments to select from if that is the aim. Many of the local dining establishments can serve up a juicy steak if that’s what you have a taste for, and at least one Marco Island restaurant tempts hungry visitors with its Austrian and German-inspired dishes. Some of the best restaurants on the island are offered by hotels, and it should be noted that some of the hotels and vacation rental properties have barbecue grills for their guests to take advantage of. Among other things, these grills can be used for cooking up the catch of the day.