A Local’s Guide of The Best Things to Do in Marco Island, FL

A Local’s Guide of The Best Things to Do in Marco Island, FL

If you’re searching for the absolute best things to do in Marco Island, FL written from an expert that is actually from the area, read this definitive guide to plan your vacation.

Great Things To Do On Marco Island For Families and Friends

The Gulf Coast of Florida offers some gorgeous beaches, and Marco Island is no exception. It’s the largest island in the Ten Thousand Islands of Florida, although it still feels like a quaint beach island.

There are so many great things to do with your kids, like jet skiing, paddle boarding, and other water sports.

Take a Professionally Guided Seashell Finding Tour

Don’t just go home with just any shells – go home with the best in Florida! When you take a professionally guided shelling (seashell finding) tour, you’ll learn lifelong skills on how to find the best shells on the beach! During these shelling tours, you can bring a party of up to eighteen people over three boats (six people per boat), making this a great way to have a fun birthday party or family gathering. On the way to the magnificent island layered with prized shells, accompanied by pods of dolphins jumping mere feet from the back of the boat.

There is a particular island located in the Ten Thousand Islands that is home to one of the best shelling beaches in Florida. There are many types of shells that you can find, including the famed Junonia shell (worth well over $100). To get to this secluded island, you’ll need to take a guided boat. One thing to look for when finding the best Marco Island shelling tours is making sure the tour guide actually assists with helping your party learn about the shells of the area and how to spot special ones better.

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Best Everglade Airboat Tour From Marco Island

With their distinctive large propeller and open design, airboats are a fun and exciting way to explore the swamps and lagoons of southern Florida. These fun tours combine occasional high-speed thrills with nature viewing and education about the local ecosystem. One popular provider is Wooten’s Everglades Airboat Tours. After the tour, guests can stay for a live alligator show and even pet a baby gator.

Wooten’s Everglades Airboat Tours

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Kid-Friendly Things To Do On Marco Island

Traveling with kids may sometimes feel daunting with the lack of kid-friendly activities, especially in Marco Island. However, below, we list several great things you can do with your kids.

Challenge Your Kids to a Fun Game of Mini-Golf

Want to challenge your kid to a fun game of mini-golf? Spend a couple of hours Marco Golf and Gardens for a game or two of mini-golf. You can enjoy funky sculptures and perfectly manicured gardens in the 18-hole mini-golf course for a great start to your day, or a casual afternoon before you go out to dinner.

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Best Parks & Nature Attractions in Marco Island

A visit to Frank E. Mackle Jr. Community Park is a must. With plenty of activities for kids and even a dog park. The island’s community park is a lovely walk around a pond (watch for gators). Movies in the evening when advertised. Basketball and the bike path leads up to the park. There are ping pong and other assorted activities to keep the kids entertained.

Frank E. Mackle, Jr. Community Park

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Exciting Things To Do In Marco Island at Night

Though Marco Island is home to many things to do during the day, the night scene is different than Naples and other cities. Many people who stay on Marco Island tend to head up north to 5th Avenue, but some want to do things nearby. If you’re sticking to your guns and staying on Marco Island for the night, read below to see what we recommend to do.

Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth With Ice Cream

At Sweet Annie’s Ice Cream Parlour, you’ll be amazed by the size of the ice cream scoops they give you. Whether you want your ice cream scoop(s) in a cone, mixed in a milkshake, scooped with a banana, or served with a side of fudge, this ice cream store will satisfy the greatest of a late-night sweet tooth. While you’re eating your dessert, take a few minutes to play a few of their arcade games.

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Catch a Movie at Marco Movie Theater

While you can catch a movie anywhere, there’s something about just spending a couple of hours in front of the big screen to relax, even when you’re on vacation. Check out Marco Movies at the Marco Walk Plaza for the latest releases and some movie treats.

Marco Movies

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Where to Find Craft Beer on Marco Island

The Marco Island Brewery isn’t your typical brewery. A family-friendly restaurant, the Marco Island Brewery, offers a restaurant-style environment with house brews and 35 TVs. You can relax and watch the current game-playing or try out the different beers the brewery has to offer.

Check out the Marco Island Brewery for a selection of house brews that include the Tigertail Red Ale, Pelican Pilsner, and the Rock IPA. Along with that, you can choose from 40 additional beers and grab a few snacks to pair with them.

Marco Island Brewery

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Eat Iside One of The Biggest Resorts on Marco Island

Located in the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort, you can enjoy a bite and a drink. Then spend the rest of your time wandering along the beach and the rest of the JW Marriott premises. If you aren’t a guest, be sure to contact the hotel beforehand for any questions about parking.

JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort

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Eat Some Freshly Caught Fish With a Side of Beer

If you’re searching for something to eat a night in Marco Island, try the Snook Inn. Happy hour is from 4 to 6 on weekdays and closes at 10 pm each night. It’s a great opportunity to get in one last meal, a few laughs, and a night to remember at this waterfront restaurant and chickee bar.

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Top Things To Do Near Marco Island

Though Marco Island may seem remote at a glance, just a few miles north is Naples, Bonita Springs, and Fort Myers. Taking a quick 20 to 40-minute drive will open the door for more opportunities.

Spend The Day Golfing and Eating at a Resort

Spend your day at the Lely Resort and Country club by starting your morning with 36 holes of championship golf, the driving range with seven target greens, and two practice greens and one chipping green. Then, enjoy your afternoon at the clubhouse and full-service bar and finish your day off by shopping at the pro shop and restaurant.

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Take a Short Drive Up North To Naples

Naples is only a short trip across one of the two bridges connecting Marco Island to the mainland. You’ll enjoy spending the day downtown Fifth Avenue South and Third Street South, notable areas for the best shopping Naples has to offer.

Take a Boat Tour To See The Ultra-Luxurious Houses of Port Royal

Naples Boat Tour offers guided tours through the canals of downtown Naples and Port Royal where you’ll learn all about the history of the area, where celebs and politicians live, and much more. Want to bring a bottle of wine or a case of beer on this slow-moving boat tour? This alcohol-friendly boat tour in Naples is one that you’ll have a blast on. Plus, you can bring takeout from your favorite restaurants!

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Take a Walk on Fifth Avenue South

With a comfortable atmosphere surrounded by four and 5-star restaurants, walking on 5th Ave South feels like a dream to some; on the left, you may see an art gallery, while on the right, you may see a high-end children’s clothing store.

5th Ave Naples

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Visit an Oddly-Connected Metal Building With Unique Stores

If you didn’t know yet, there is an interesting shopping/dining building called Tin City located on the water. While inside there, you’ll discover some impressive, artistically-styled shops crafted from, what looks like, scrap metal. You can grab a bite to eat while checking one of a couple of dozen shops.

Tin City

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Splurge on Shopping at High-End Shops

A little north of Downtown Naples is Waterside Shops, which has a few well-known stores/showrooms like Tesla, Barnes and Noble, California Pizza Kitchen, an Apple Store, and much more. In the center of it all is an elegant water display that has many benches to relax on.

Free Things To Do On Marco Island

At times, traveling can be hard on finances, which is why finding free things to do in Marco Island may be appealing to most. Below we have a couple of ideas

Captain Horr’s Pineapple Plantation Historic Site

Captain Horr’s Pineapple Plantation was the vacation of Captain John Horr. Built-in 1877, the civil war veteran’s home holds a pineapple plantation on the south side of Marco Island.

There, you can visit the remains of the home, 12-inch thick walls made out of shells and mortar, along with the wildlife that inhabits it.

There are more than enough museums available on Marco Island. With such a variety of sights to see around Marco Island, you will be sure to find a museum to fit your interests.

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Art Galleries are Always Free, and a Great Place to Learn

Explore the free art galleries at the von Liebig Art Center in downtown Naples and the Marco Island Center for the Arts. Also, at the von Liebig, an extensive arts library is available for browsing by the public. Members of the Naples Art Association enjoy free lending privileges.

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Best Things To Do On Marco Island This Weekend

With nearly 100 miles of palm trees, islands, and picturesque turquoise bays, Marco Island is an oasis located at the southern tip of Southwest Florida. It’s known as the Ten Thousand Islands and located 15 miles south of Naples. Here you can find some of the best things to do on Marco Island and the surrounding area.

Take a Marco Island Fishing Charter With a Seasoned Captain

Want to catch some of the biggest fish and sharks in Southwest Florida? Jungle Jim’s Safari, one of the best-rated Marco Island fishing charters, offers fly and backwater fishing tours that guarantee the best catches around. This company has been fishing in Southwest Florida for decades, so they know the best spots to go! You and your group can expect to catch a wide variety of different types of fish and sharks ranging from tarpon, red drum, snook, blacktip sharks, and much more.

There’s no need to be licensed or bring any gear on this unforgettable fishing trip; the tour comes with rods, bait, lures, and a temporary fishing license. Your captain will even cut and clan your catches at the end of the trip.

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Here is one of the best farmers markets on Marco Island

Marco Island is home to one of the largest farmer’s markets in Southwest Florida. Located in the heart of Marco Island in Veteran’s Park, the farmer’s market is open from November to April.

At the farmer’s market, you can find a wealth of treats like fresh fruit and vegetables, flowers, and meats. You will also find unique delicacies like baked goods and handmade pasta and sauce.

Marco Island Farmer’s Market

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Amazing Things To See In Marco Island FL

Sometimes shopping and doing regular, everyday activities won’t cut it. Going out and seeing something that many won’t be able to see can fit the bill for most. Below you’ll see our top-pick for what to see while on Marco Island.

Watch Dolphins Play Within a Few Feet Away

Seeing dolphins jumping out of the water and riding the wake behind a boat is an incredible memory to have for the rest of your life. Marco Island Dolphin Tours seats up to 6 passengers and accommodates infants and dogs. On this tour, you and your family can expect to learn all about the local breed of dolphins and facts about various species. This company experiences “super pods,” which include several dozen dolphins swimming in the same area.

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Unique Dining Experience on Marco Island

For a unique dining experience, you’ll find Quinn’s on the Beach Marco Island to fit the bill. It offers a fun and funky environment that will make you feel like you’re a castaway on a remote island. There’s nothing to do but enjoy delicious island food and drinks and enjoy the nightly entertainment.

Quinn’s on the Beach Marco

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Things To Do In Marco Island On a Rainy Day

Though many imagine Southwest Florida to have sunny days and blue skies, rainy days are bound to happen. Take cover at the following businesses to make the most out of the rainy day.

Marco Island Historical Museum in Marco Island

If you’re a history buff, be sure to check out the Marco Island Historical Museum. You will enjoy replicas of the Southwest Florida’s Calusa Indian villages. You may also run into the Key Marco Cat, a spiritual half-human half-panther from the tribe. You can even learn about the fishing village and pineapple plantations created from the first Marco Island pioneers.

Marco Island Historical Museum

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Romantic Things To Do On Marco Island For Couples

It won’t matter if you’re married for 50 years, or you’re just starting as a married couple, everyone deserves a romantic night out once in a while. What better way to indulge on a romantic weekend than on the sandy beaches of Marco Island? There are so many fine dining restaurants, beaches, scenic cruises, and outdoor activities, there’s something for everyone.

Take a Sunset Boat Tour With a Bottle of Wine

One of the most romantic things to do in Naples & Marco Island has to be an intimate, private sunset cruise with your partner. Sit back and relax while your tour captain guides you through the back canals of Naples, or in the open waters near Marco Island.

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Best Romantic Night Out on Marco Island

For a romantic night out with a loved one, check out Marco Prime Steaks. This sophisticated dinner option allows you to enjoy getting dressed up for a night on the town. Enjoy an eclectic selection of meals with French, Italian, and Asian influences as well as your classic steakhouse options.

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Enjoy a Romantic Dinner of Southern Italian Food

There are a wide variety of dining options at Marco Island, with Marco Prime Steaks being one of many. Depending on your tastes, you may find yourself discovering Sale e Pepe, an elegant Southern Italian restaurant that offers seaside dining.

You may also enjoy one of the many fresh seafood establishments located all along the Marco Island shore.

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Take a Long Romantic Walk On a Beach

If you want to take a long romantic walk on a beach at night, head over to Tigertail Beach, it’s the best time to find seashells in Florida. You and your partner may discover something rare! You can leave your sandals behind because the sand on this beach is as soft as snow.

Tigertail Beach

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Getting To Know Marco Island

Did you know that Marco Island is the largest island in the chain of south Florida islands, called the Ten Thousand Islands? Close enough to Naples and connected to the mainland by two different bridges, Marco Island offers a secluded and remote feeling for tourists wanting to get away. But, it’s not so distant that you can’t enjoy all the amenities the mainland has to offer.

Marco Island Has Some of The Best Beaches

Lined with almost 100 miles of palm trees, Marco Island provides both white sand beaches that come from the Gulf of Mexico on one side and mangrove estuaries. It also has access points to the Everglades National Park on the other side.

With such a diverse natural landscape, one may feel like their head is spinning with the number of Marco Island activities available to them. Trying to narrow down the things to do in Marco Island may feel nearly impossible, but this list can help!

You can find a wide variety of nature-based activities and indoor adventures. From Marco Island boat tours to golfing, to shopping and dining, to even exploring a plantation, the options are endless for things to do when visiting Marco Island.

Marco Island Has Plenty of Places To Visit

Visitors of Marco Island will never have a shortage of activities to do during your stay. Be it relaxing at the beach or spending your days in the water and your nights in the town, Marco Island has plenty of options to accommodate any interest.

To help you narrow down your itinerary, we’ve compiled the top things to do in Marco Island and the surrounding area for the perfect vacation, no matter your taste.

Start Planning Your Activities and Trip to Marco Island Today

If you’re thinking about booking a trip to Marco Island, get started today with these hand-selected activities that are fun for any interest or vacation type. Select your venture based on the people you’ll be traveling with your activity level, and what you think will be the most fun.

Some tips for you to enjoy planning your vacation is to get the whole family involved. Have everyone pick out an activity they’d like to do then plan the rest of your vacation around that.

Be sure to plan if you want to visit Marco Island during peak season, hotels and activities tend to fill up fast. Be sure to plan your trip the season before to ensure you book the hotel and events you’d like before they’re booked out.

To spice things up a little more, be sure to book a tour with us. You will be able to choose from a wide variety of boat tours that include searching for exotic shells, exploring secluded islands, and searching for dolphins!

If you’re looking for fun things to do in Marco Island with your family or friends, contact us today by calling (239) 301-8913. We’ll take your group on an excellent shelling tour!