Marco Island Florida Escape (2024)

Marco Island is the largest and only developed land in Florida's Ten Thousand Islands. This gives it a unique blend of luxury and untouched natural beauty. 

Located off the southwest coast of Florida, Marco Island is known for its pristine beaches, relaxed atmosphere, and diverse wildlife. It is a popular destination for families, couples, and nature enthusiasts alike.

It boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Florida, with soft white sand and calm turquoise-green waters. South Beach is the most popular, with plenty of amenities and activities, while Tigertail Beach is a quieter option known for its shelling & birding opportunities.  

Beyond the beach, there are plenty of other things to do in Marco Island. Visitors can go kayaking or paddleboarding through the mangroves, take a boat tour to see dolphins and manatees, or explore the island's many shops and restaurants.  

It's not just a beach destination, nor just one of our favorite staycation destinations; it's an adventure waiting to happen!  

Depending upon whether you are coming via car or flying into Florida, getting to Marco Island is relatively easy. Unfortunately, Marco Island doesn't have an airport (for the general public), so you must get here by car. 

Flying into Marco Island - here are a few international airport options to choose from:

• Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) is in Fort Myers, Florida. This is the closest international airport to Marco Island for the general public & is roughly 50 miles away
• Miami International Airport (MIA) which is in Miami, Florida & is roughly 100 miles away from Marco Island (also for the general public)
• Fort Lauderdale International Airport (FLL) which is in Fort Lauderdale, Florida & is roughly 120 miles away from Marco Island (also for the general public)

Here are a few executive airports (not typically used by the general public)

• Marco Island Executive Airport  
• Naples Florida Airport 
• Miami Homestead General Aviation Airport

Once you have identified which airport you are flying into, you will have to either rent a car, or you will have to catch a ride share/ private transport to get to Marco Island. Uber & Lyft are available, but here are a few local drivers that come highly recommended if you don't want any of the above options: 

• Robbie Taylor At NWRS (239-231-9552)
• Tiki Rides (239-259-4145)
• A Class Transportation
• Matt Taylor (239-672-1232)
• Classic Luxury Transportation (239-394-1888)
• Ambassador Limo (239-204-0783)
• RideNaples.com
• Marco Island Express

Choosing the "best" restaurant in Marco Island depends on your specific preferences and priorities, but lucky for you, we asked multiple locals, and here are 15 of the highly-rated options across various categories to help you decide:

• Davide Italian Cafe
• Mangos Dockside Bistro
• Snook Inn
• Thai Sushi By KJ
• Fin Bistro
• The Oyster Society
• Island Gypsy
• Zaza Mexican Restaurant
• DaVinci's
• Doreen's Cup Of Joe
• Sale E Pepe
• Cocomos Grill
• Joey's Pizza & Pasta
• Sunset Grille
• Little Bar in Goodland

The beauty of Marco Island is year-round, but the best time to visit depends on what you're looking for. 

For those seeking warm weather without the crowds, October through December offers pleasant temperatures and fewer visitors.

The peak season from January to May brings perfect beach weather, though expect more company on the beaches. 

For adventurers looking to avoid the rain, steer clear of the summer months, when the island experiences its rainy season. 

Not only does Marco Island have one of the best beaches in Florida, but it also has something else very unique about it...

Marco Island is known to be a part of the 10 Thousand Islands, and it's the largest of them all, with the longest beach (roughly 4 miles). 

I can hear you thinking...

'What are the 10 Thousand Islands?' 

The 10 Thousand Islands are essentially a chain of tiny little islands with small inlets and a massive amount of mangroves, spreading over 230 miles in SW Florida... and it's truly something to see in real life! In fact, this mangrove system is known to be the world's most extensive mangrove system. Can you believe that?! 

And Yes! Some of the most well-known & best beaches lie within these 10 Thousand Islands. If you get the opportunity, try to check these Marco Island beaches out:

• Keewaydin Island 
• Tigertail Beach
• South Marco Beach
• Cape Romano
• Hideaway Beach

Do make sure to try to see these specific areas in SW Florida! You will be pleased that you did!