There are plenty of popular Florida vacation destinations for you to visit, but many of them cost an arm and a leg in terms of lodging and attractions.
But if you’re looking for a fun-filled place to visit with minimal crowds and low prices, then consider the breathtaking Marco Island.
This small island packs a punch, offering plenty to see and do for the entire family. Before you book one of our Marco Island vacation rentals, check out some of the free things to do in the area.
Free Things to Do on Marco Island
Mackle Park
There’s no better place to entertain yourself for free than the park. If you’re looking for a great family-friendly park on Marco Island, then you’ll want to head to Mackle Park. You can simply enjoy a picnic on the grass, or you can go fishing, get competitive in a game of bocce ball, walk along the paths, or take your kids to the water spray park. Whether you need a place to hang out for a couple of hours or want to spend the whole day out in the sunshine, Mackle Park is an excellent option for families on a budget.
Marco Island Farmers’ Market
One of the most popular things to do on Marco Island for both visitors and residents is the local farmers’ market. You don’t have to spend any money if you don’t want to, but if you do choose to purchase something, you can rest assured it’s top-quality and affordable to boot. Pick up some fresh produce to enjoy back in your rental, browse the selections of handmade crafts and jewelry, or talk to the locals about their wares. Best of all, you can easily walk to the farmers’ market from any of our Marco Island rentals!
Marco Island Historical Museum
Paying a visit to the Marco Island Historical Museum is a great way to escape the summer heat, learn a bit about the area, and see fascinating exhibits all at the same time. You’ll find everything from handmade art dating back more than 1,000 years to interactive touchscreen exhibits that the kids are sure to enjoy. Be sure to chat with the workers inside the museum to get the inside scoop on what life on Marco Island was like hundreds or even thousands of years ago. While admission to the Marco Island Historical Museum is free, donations are encouraged and appreciated.
South Marco Beach
No trip to Marco Island would be complete without spending time on the beach! South Marco Beach is one of just two public beaches on the island, so bring your towel and blanket and get a spot on the sand early. If you choose to park in the lot nearby, you’ll pay just $8 and will enjoy access all day long. Spend hours soaking up the sun, cooling off in the water, or playing a fun game of beach volleyball. Lounging around on the beach is perhaps the most obvious way to enjoy your vacation on a budget.
Cape Romano
If you’re looking to add a truly unique experience to your Marco Island getaway, then you won’t want to miss a visit to Cape Romano. You’ll know you’re in the right place when you see the iconic domes out in the water. These houses were originally built in 1981 and, over time, have slowly sunk into the water. Even though a new owner purchased the home in 2001, no renovations have been done yet. Still, you can find all kinds of wildlife around the area, offering plenty of entertainment. See the Cape Romano dome houses while you still can!
Marco Island Center for the Arts
Get in touch with your creative side when you pay a visit to the Marco Island Center for the Arts! This attraction has been open since 1969 and offers everything “art,” from classes and workshops to art galleries and live performances. You can always stop by and check out the artwork on display without ever spending a dime. Performances and special events may come with a small fee, but anything you’re asked to pay is sure to be more than worth it! They’re open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Plan Your Visit to Marco Island
Don’t let money stand in the way of the ultimate beach vacation. Contact us today to get started planning your next visit to Marco Island!
Canine Cove
If you’re taking advantage of a pet-friendly rental on the island, you’re probably looking for things to do with your four-legged friend. Look no further than Canine Cove! There are separate areas for big and small dogs, so you never have to worry about your pet playing with someone who’s not their size. You might even find a new human friend while you’re there, too! Just remember to pick up after your pet and be respectful of other dogs and dog owners in the park. The Canine Cove Dog Park is open every day of the week from 8 a.m. to dusk.
Cooking In vs. Going Out
One of the most expensive aspects of going on vacation is dining. Especially if you have a large group, it can get costly to eat out for every single meal. But when you stay in one of our vacation rentals, you’ll have a fully stocked kitchen at your disposal. You’ll find all the cookware and dishes you need to prepare a delicious meal! You can stop by the farmers’ market or head to the grocery store to find all your favorite foods, then bring them back to your rental to prepare and enjoy later. Even if you eat out for a few meals, you can still save hundreds or even thousands of dollars!
Where to Stay on Marco Island
Now that you know about a few of the fun (and free!) Marco Island has things to do, it’s time to decide on a rental. Booking a Marco Island condo or vacation home can have tons of advantages over staying in a hotel, especially when you’re trying to save money. Remax Affinity Plus proudly offers a huge catalog of Marco Island rentals in all sizes, letting you bring the entire family or opt for a low-key retreat with your sweetheart.
Enjoy Amenities at Your Marco Island Rental
You can also take advantage of amenities in your rental to enjoy a fun night with your family. Thanks to complimentary WiFi, you can search for a movie to stream on one of the flat-screen TVs in your rental. You can sit outside on your private patio or balcony and enjoy incredible views of the area, and in some units, you may even have your own pool! There’s nothing better than taking a dip after a long day of sightseeing.
Remax Affinity Plus is proud to help you plan a budget-friendly vacation that doesn’t sacrifice quality. Our rentals are specially designed to give you the most bang for your buck, and the surrounding attractions are affordable as well. Best of all, the team at Remax Affinity Plus is always available to answer your questions and help make your trip the best it can be.
