When planning a vacation, you’re probably looking for a destination that’s not too crowded, has plenty to do, and offers a relaxing locale for you to unwind. Marco Island delivers! This breathtaking island off the Florida coast welcomes you to enjoy its white-sand beaches, clear waters, and abundance of activities.
While you’re staying in one of our Marco Island vacation rentals, here are some suggestions for attractions to check out during your trip.
Keewaydin Island
This destination is a separate island, but hear us out. Keewaydin Island isn’t your typical island. It’s only accessible by boat! From Marco Island, you can book a cruise over to Keewaydin Island to experience the beautiful scenery and pick up some genuinely unique seashells as you stroll along the shore. If you rent your boat, you can pack it up with your beach chairs and a cooler to spend a whole afternoon enjoying the unspoiled nature. Watch the boats roll in, dip your toes in the sand, and let all your worries drift away with the tide.
South Marco Beach
If you want the same incredible shelling opportunities that Keewaydin Island offers but don’t want to travel that far, walk down to South Marco Beach. Visiting this spot is easily one of the most popular things on Marco Island for locals and visitors alike. Not only can you collect some fabulous seashells, but you can watch a fantastic sunset, grab a bite to eat from the nearby Sunset Grill, or watch the waters to try to spot a family of dolphins! Since this area is so popular, it’s best to arrive early to guarantee yourself a parking spot. Come experience all that Marco Island beaches have to offer!
Marco Island Historical Museum
To get a bit of backstory on the area, don’t miss a visit to the Marco Island Historical Museum. Since opening its doors in 2010, this museum has welcomed guests to take a look at the island’s history dating back to the days of the Calusa Native Americans. Enjoy exhibits throughout history, walk around the grounds to witness the gorgeous landscaping, or head into the Sandlin Gallery to check out the traveling exhibits that rotate around the year. Don’t forget to stop by the Museum Gift Shop to pick up a unique souvenir or a present for a friend back home!
Marco Island Farmer’s Market
If you genuinely want to feel like a local during your time here, visit the Marco Island Farmers’ Market. You’ll have the chance to mingle with some of the friendliest vendors in town and pick up some incredible products. Of course, the farmers’ market is bursting with fresh produce, but that’s not all you’ll find here. Vendors also offer handmade jewelry, various foods, flower arrangements, artwork, apparel, etc. The market is held on Wednesdays from mid-November to mid-April.
Marco Island Center for the Arts
To get in touch with your creative side, the Marco Island Center for the Arts is the place to go. Active since 1969, this destination is nothing short of a local staple. You can first come in to enjoy the various exhibits throughout the venue, including permanent additions and rotating selections offering something genuinely unique. If you want something a bit more hands-on, attend a class! If you’re looking for Marco Island kid-friendly activities, they offer classes for all ages and skill levels, allowing you to hone your skills and create something extraordinary to take home with you.
Briggs Nature Center
The nature of Marco Island is awe-inspiring, and the Briggs Nature Center is one of the best places to witness it. Begin at the welcome center, where you can speak with the volunteers to learn about the attraction and discover more about the conservation efforts in the area. Then, head onto the nature center boardwalk trail, which spans about half a mile and makes its way through five different habitats! You’ll see plenty of breathtaking plant and animal life along the way. The center is open daily from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., so you should have plenty of time to schedule a visit.
Marco Island Marina
For those bringing their boats to the area, you’ll want to know about the Marco Island Marina. They offer a wide selection of boat slips and plenty of amenities to enjoy. You’ll find everything you need to freshen up and enjoy yourself if you’ve been on the boat for a while, including WiFi access, showers, a pool, barbecue grills, laundry facilities, and an exercise room. The Marina is conveniently located just moments from downtown, so you can easily explore the rest of the island before heading back out onto the waters.
Plan Your Stay!
If you’re looking for a vacation destination where there’s always plenty to do, Marco Island is the perfect vacation spot for you! Begin planning your favorite vacation to date and book a RE/MAX Affinity Plus vacation rental today!
Cape Romano
Easily one of the unique Marco Island things to do is Cape Romano. The main attraction here is the famous Dome House, which was constructed in the 1989s. This home, made up of multiple white concrete domes, is simply one-of-a-kind. After being hit by several hurricanes, two of the six original domes have collapsed, and the remaining four are sitting in the water quite a bit off the shoreline. It’s worth visiting Cape Romano to see the home for yourself and learn more about its fascinating backstory.
Tigertail Beach
If you want to hang out on the beach but want somewhere less crowded than South Marco, visit Tigertail Beach. This area is much more unspoiled than its counterpart but still offers plenty for you and your family to enjoy. You can let your kids run around at the playground, head to the tidal pool with the little ones, or get some shells along the shoreline. Be sure to bring your binoculars for some prime birdwatching! You can even rent a jet ski, paddleboard, or other beach gear to enjoy during your time here.
Frank E. Mackle Park
If you need a place for your kids to get out their extra energy, Frank E. Mackle Park is the perfect solution. This isn’t your standard park with just a small playground to enjoy, though. While there is a huge playground, there’s so much more to enjoy! Run around in the open fields, play volleyball or basketball on their respective courts, let older kids enjoy the Teen Center, or cool off at the water spray park. You’ll also find a beautiful walking path and a large picnic area.
Where to Stay
Whether you visit just one of these attractions or try to hit all ten, your time on Marco Island will be nothing less than unforgettable. But by the time you’ve explored the island all day, you’re sure to be tired! That’s where we come in. Remax Affinity Plus is proud to offer a massive catalog of Marco Island rentals for you and your group to enjoy. Our rental properties are equipped with convenient amenities such as high-speed internet, multiple TVs, gorgeous, fully stocked kitchens, and so much more. There’s never been a better time to escape your everyday life and explore the possibilities of Marco Island. Contact us today to learn more!
