This 6-Mile Florida Island Serves as a Gateway to Everglades National Park

Stretching just six miles, Marco Island is home to some of Florida's premier all-inclusive resorts and is the largest inhabited island among Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands. As a gateway to the expansive Everglades National Park, the largest subtropical wilderness in the U.S., it’s astonishing to stroll on its white beaches, observing dolphins dance in the surf while just a short distance away lies a vibrant mangrove ecosystem, with black-whiskered vireos serenading alligators and crocodiles amidst a lush tapestry of coastal hammocks. Nestled along the Gulf of Mexico, Marco Island boasts around 300 sunny days annually, providing a luxurious escape into the heart of Old Florida’s wilderness.

Hyla Crane, the executive director of Marco Island Center for the Arts, swapped New York City for this charming barrier island and has never looked back. "It's like a tropical getaway without leaving the country — the stunning beaches, the serene pace of life, and the lively art scene make it truly special," she shared with Dinogo. "With spas, museums, a theater, excellent dining, and abundant water activities, crossing the Jolley Bridge feels like entering a holiday paradise."

Top Hotels & Resorts

The Boat House

Nestled along the banks of Collier Creek, The Boat House radiates the charm of Old Florida at a budget-friendly price. With 20 guest rooms, three condo units, and a rental home, it offers a warm, pet-friendly environment. Guests can enjoy amenities such as a waterfront pool, boat docks, and inviting common areas. Crane mentioned, "The owner is delightful, and it places you right on the water."

Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort and Spa

"For a more luxurious experience, the Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort and Spa boasts an excellent executive chef and a lavish spa, all situated right on the beach," Crane noted. Alongside king and queen rooms, the resort features four dining options, a heated outdoor pool, a sun deck, and an impressive stretch of white-sand beach.

JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort

For the ultimate in luxury accommodations, Crane insists that the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort is the only choice. This family-friendly destination includes four pools, one with a slide, 13 dining and beverage venues, 10 acres of immaculate beach, access to two golf courses, three fitness centers, and a 20,000-square-foot spa. The Paradise by Sirene wing offers exclusive adults-only suites with complimentary breakfast, rooftop pool access, beach butler service, a personal vacation planner, and more. Crane emphasized, "A trip isn't complete without experiencing 10K Alley, a fantastic arcade featuring bowling, mini golf, and a taproom with craft beers and bourbon." Don't miss the sunset fire dance show, weather permitting.

Top Activities to Enjoy

Go Fishing.

Nestled amid a perfect blend of fresh and saltwater, Marco Island is a fisherman’s paradise. Anglers can expect to catch snook, grouper, tripletail, snapper, redfish, tarpon, and more. Crane mentioned, "If you love to dine on your catch, several island restaurants will cook your fish for you."

Visit the Marco Island Historical Museum.

A top recommendation from Crane is the Marco Island Historical Museum, which delves into the history of southwest Florida’s Calusa Indians through artifacts discovered in archaeological digs, some of which date back to the 1800s. One room features a replica of a Calusa village, showcasing the daily lives of its residents. It's also home to the renowned Marco Cat, an artifact that made its way from Marco Island to the Smithsonian and has now returned.

Explore the Marco Island Center for the Arts.

The Marco Island Center for the Arts includes an artist gallery, studios for classes, and a community theater. Situated on Winterberry Drive, the Art Center hosts music, film, and presentations through engaging monthly exhibitions, classes, and workshops for adults, along with free educational programs for children. It also organizes events like wine-tasting nights and live music. The Arts Center Theatre, located on North Collier Boulevard, puts on six shows each season and offers a theater camp that culminates in a full-scale production — this summer's feature is "Finding Nemo," complete with digitized animated art that immerses you in an underwater experience with Nemo, Dory, and their friends.

Visit the Beach.

Marco Island boasts some of the finest beaches in Florida, known for their stunning sunset views, abundant wildlife, and various water sports. Crane suggests Tigertail Beach Park for shell collectors — Florida fighting conchs and lightning whelks are just a few treasures found here. Additionally, it is part of the Great Florida Birding Trail, making it a prime spot for bird-watching enthusiasts.

Experience Rising Tide Explorers.

The best way to explore this region is by joining a tour led by a biologist who knows the ecosystem, can navigate the winding waterways, and share insights about the area's history. Rising Tide Explorers offers a variety of boat and kayak tours, along with rental options. It is the only ecotour company in the area that is owned and operated by a biologist. Don't forget to pack insect repellent, sunscreen, and your sense of adventure as you discover Collier County’s 110,000 acres of protected coastline.

Top Shopping Spots

The Shops of Olde Marco

Situated on Royal Palm Drive at the northern end of Marco Island, this collection of boutiques, art galleries, working artist studios, and dining options is a favorite of Crane. Shoppers will find the Local Color Art Gallery showcasing works by local artists, along with Sage & Sand Beauty Co., Leebe Fish Restaurant and Seafood Market, and more.

Top Restaurants

Marco Prime Steak & Seafood

Situated on South Collier Boulevard, Marco Prime Steak & Seafood consistently earns the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence and is Crane’s top choice for fine dining. She remarked, "The cuisine is exceptional, and their wine list is impressive, featuring excellent wine events." Diners can expect a diverse selection of fresh local seafood, wagyu steaks, and unique items like Siberian caviar. The restaurant serves dinner only, seven nights a week.

Mango’s Dockside Bistro

Crane's top brunch spot is Mango’s Dockside Bistro. "They serve the best bloody mary, it’s right on the water, and it’s family-friendly," she shared. The restaurant is open daily from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and offers breakfast from December to April. Pets are welcome on the patio, making it a great spot for the whole family.

Snook Inn

Is it really a visit to Marco Island if you haven’t dined at Snook Inn? Crane certainly doesn’t think so. She remarked, "The food is laid-back at this beloved island spot for 30 years. Enjoy live music and a fantastic happy hour." The restaurant features boat slips for convenient docking, along with ample indoor and outdoor seating that offers stunning waterfront views. The lavender lemonade is perfect for a hot South Florida day, and the nostalgic salad bar boasts a large pickle barrel. Their specialty, the blackened grouper sandwich with crispy fries, is a generous portion served on a soft brioche bun — and for good reason!

The Oyster Society

This refined dinner-only venue exudes Prohibition-era charm with its rich color palette, plush leather seating, and a lively jazz trio entertaining guests. The Oyster Society features a vast raw bar that offers timeless favorites such as shrimp cocktail, caviar, and, of course, oysters sourced from across the nation. The menu also includes a centrally located sushi bar, chef's specialties like the Slash’N Burn Local Snapper, and a Fresh & Simple section with a variety of steak and seafood dishes tailored to your preferred cooking method, sauce, and side. Don’t skip dessert — the legendary carrot cake topped with warm spiced cream cheese frosting and candied carrot hay is a must-try on Marco Island.

Doreen’s Cup of Joe

Nestled in a cozy strip mall, Doreen’s Cup of Joe offers a welcoming farmhouse atmosphere with chalkboards displaying specials, charming rooster decorations, and handwritten notes throughout. This popular breakfast and lunch spot is open daily from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The menu highlights local ingredients, featuring sausage patties from Bradley’s Country Store in Tallahassee and freshly squeezed Florida orange juice. The standout dish, however, is the Crunchy French Toast, which is encrusted with cornflakes, has a soft cinnamon center, and is served with pure Vermont maple syrup.

Best Time to Visit

Marco Island’s peak season spans from October to May, aligning with stone crab season, when these local delicacies are harvested and showcased in restaurants across the Paradise Coast. The climate is pleasant, hurricane season has ended, and all businesses are fully operational. However, this is also the more expensive time to visit. Travelers can find great bargains during the shoulder season from June to September.

Plan your visit in March to experience Crane’s favorite annual event, the Marco Island National Fine Art Show. This two-day celebration features works by over 90 artists from around the nation, showcasing everything from paintings and jewelry to sculptures, glasswork, and ceramics. Local chefs offer delicious samples while you browse the artwork and interact with the artists.

How to Get There

Marco Island is conveniently located about two hours from Fort Lauderdale and three hours from Tampa by car. For those flying in, Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers is the closest, at 48 miles away, with daily service from all major airlines. Alternatives include Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), Miami International Airport (MIA), and Tampa International Airport (TPA), though these will require a longer drive.

Areas to Explore

Keewaydin Island

Nestled between Marco Island and Naples, Keewaydin Island is only reachable by boat. With eight miles of pristine white sand, this barrier island is a serene destination for peaceful shelling. It’s the sole pet-friendly beach in the Naples/Marco Island region, and the Hemingway Water Shuttle departs from Marco Island seven times daily, welcoming well-mannered, leashed dogs on board. Although there are no facilities on the island, a food boat named Just Beachy Burgers & More anchors just offshore from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on most days, serving up burgers, grouper sandwiches, tacos, hot dogs, fries, and other tasty snacks for beachgoers.

Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge

Located just 12 miles down Highway 41 from Marco Island, the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge is most easily reached by boat. The mainland of the refuge can be accessed via the Marsh Trail, a mile-long path perfect for hiking and biking, featuring canoe and kayak launch areas, a two-story observation tower that overlooks the marsh, and an adjoining parking area. Visitors can enjoy a rich array of biological diversity, including countless water birds, loggerhead sea turtles, and manatees grazing in the estuary. Keep an eye out for a bald eagle gliding overhead or an alligator lounging nearby.

Getting Around

To truly experience Marco Island, renting a car is essential. Fortunately, Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers is home to all the major rental companies, including Enterprise, Avis, and Budget. Once you arrive on Marco Island, you'll find numerous options for renting bikes, golf carts, and scooters. The island is equipped with ample bike lanes, making car-free navigation easy. For those who prefer not to drive, Uber services the island as well. If you plan to explore the abundant natural beauty just a short distance from Marco Island, consider opting for a rental.

Another favored transportation option is Crabby Cabbie. For just $5, you can get a ride anywhere on Marco Island, and for an additional $3, you can venture to nearby Goodland, which has a population of fewer than 400 residents. Crane described this charming locale as a “drinking village with a fishing problem.”