Guide to Marco Island Beaches

During your stay on Marco Island, be sure to explore all of the incredible Marco Island beaches. We’ve compiled a complete guide to all the best stretches of shoreline you should check out while you’re in town!

Tigertail Beach

Tigertail Beach is the most impressive of all the beaches on Marco Island. Visitors enjoy coming here to try to spot dolphins off the coastline, look for wildlife or seashells at the tidal lagoon, or fish in the dedicated fishing areas. Head up into the Observation Tower for a better view of the local birds and marine life. 

To get to Tigertail Beach, make your way to South Collier Boulevard, follow it almost 2 miles until reaching Kendall Drive. Turn left onto Kendall Drive, then turn left again onto Hernando Drive. Turn right after 0.3 miles, and Tigertail Beach will be on the left. Parking is available right here at the access point for $8 per vehicle for the day or $1.50 per hour. The beach is open from dawn until dusk.

South Marco Beach

South Marco Beach is a popular spot on the island’s southwest side. Residents and visitors come here for surf fishing, swimming in the warm waters, watching dolphins, or shelling. This is a particularly great spot for families.

To get to South Marco Beach, take South Collier Boulevard until you reach Swallow Avenue. Turn left, and you’ll find public parking on your right. Parking costs $8 per vehicle, and the beach is accessible every day from 8 a.m. until dusk. 

Naples Beach

Naples Beach is a bit further away but is still among the best beaches near Marco Island. Visitors can walk along the pier, grab a snack from the concession stand, or simply relax and watch the waves roll in near Keewaydin Island.

To get to Naples Beach, follow South Collier Boulevard to US-41 N/Tamiami Trail E, then continue on to 10th Street. Turn left onto Gulf Shore Boulevard S, then turn right onto 11th Avenue S. Parking here costs 25 cents for 5 minutes or $2.50 per hour with a minimum fee of $1.25. The beach is accessible from 7 a.m. until 11 p.m.

Lowdermilk Beach

Also in Naples is Lowdermilk Beach, a smaller and more quiet location than Naples Beach. Here, you’ll find an expansive fishing pier, a covered gazebo area with picnic tables for dining, and a volleyball court for playing with your family and friends.

To get to Lowdermilk Beach, follow South Collier Boulevard to US-41 North Tamiami Trail East, then turn right onto 9th Street Sout Tamiami Trail. After 1.4 miles, turn left onto Banyan Boulevard and follow this street until you find Lowdermilk Beach on your left. Parking is available here for the same rates you’ll find at Naples Beach. The beach is open from 8 a.m. until sundown. 

Marco Island Residents Beach

If you’re planning a more permanent stay on Marco Island, you can access Marco Island Residents Beach. Those who rent on the island annually or own improved property can access this beach and its amenities, including a playground for the kids, an on-site restaurant, charcoal grills, and more.

To get to Marco Island Residents Beach, follow South Collier Boulevard about halfway down the shoreline until you come to the point where it connects with San Marco Road. There are convenient parking lots on either side of the beach access point. The beach is open daily from 6 a.m. until 6 p.m.

What to Pack

When you’re visiting any one of these family-friendly beaches, be sure to come prepared. You’ll want to bring all the beach necessities like hats, towels, sunscreen, sunglasses, and the like. You can also bring your favorite book to read on the shore, a camera to capture the fun memories or beach equipment to play catch or frisbee in the sand.