25 Best & Fun Things To Do In Marco Island, FL

25 Best & Fun Things To Do In Marco Island, FL

 

A popular tourist attraction, Marco Island is well-known for its breathtaking beaches and undeveloped areas.

The southernmost of Florida’s Paradise Coast is home to the largest of the swarming Ten Thousand Islands.

It is only 15 miles from Naples and is surrounded by some wild mangrove estuaries as well as the stunning Gulf of Mexico.

Its many attractions include restaurants, beaches, parks, and museums.

Individuals of all ages and tastes can even choose from a wide range of tours!

Adventure-loving people will enjoy going on kayak excursions or exploring the wilderness.

The serene parks, islands, and beaches will appeal to those who want a more laid-back experience.

The region’s legendary past, particularly the tradition of the Calusa people, will captivate history buffs.

 

1. Breakwater Adventures

Going on a trip with Breakwater Adventures is one of the most enjoyable things to do in Marco Island, Florida!

For its diverse clientele, the boat trip company provides a range of bespoke tours.

Dolphin tours are the most well-liked tours that Breakwater Adventures does.

On these amazing excursions, you will be able to see these magnificent mammals in addition to sea turtles and manatees.

For a range of tastes, Breakwater Adventures also provides private cruises.

Wakeboarding, waterskiing, shelling, tubing, and many other activities are available.

Even larger packages are available that let you take in all of Marco Island’s natural beauty!

For an amazing shelling experience, visitors can also take a private cruise to a secluded white sand beach.

The company also provides wakeboarding, waterskiing, and tubing for those seeking a little more of an adrenaline sensation.

The tours can be combined into a personalized boat tour and beach day package, and they are always private charters.

Address: 909 Collier Ct, Marco Island, FL 34145, United States

2. Isles of Capri Marina

This weekend, the Isles of Capri Marina is a fantastic destination for adventure.

It is a full-service marina where visitors can rent a variety of boats.

Situated on the Marco River, you will have easy access to the ocean and several must-see locations.

The Isles of Capri Marina has kayaks and pontoons for rent.

You can get directions, advice, and other information from the very informed staff.

Being a family-run company, it takes pride in providing affordable and amiable service.

So be sure to check it out if that’s what you need when exploring Marco Island!

Address: 292 Capri Blvd, Marco Island, FL 34113, United States

3. Captain Horr’s Pineapple Plantation

One of the most unique sights on Marco Island is Captain Horr’s Pineapple Plantation.

You may see the titular Captain John Foley Horr’s holiday house, which is located within a gated community.

While learning about his past, you may also take a look at what remains of his pineapple plantation.

In 1876, the story of Captain Horr’s Pineapple Plantation starts.

Captain Horr moved to Key West to work as a clerk during this year.

After serving as a Union soldier during the Civil War, he spent some time traveling before settling in Florida.

Captain Horr bought an island to establish a pineapple plantation while he was residing here.

As a result, he and his family built a very successful firm, which he departed in 1920.

As a result, the island would get its current name, Horr’s Island!

Address: Marco Island, FL 34145, United States

4. Everglades National Park

There is no denying that one of the most enjoyable destinations in Florida is Everglades National Park.

It is certainly worth a day trip and is only 20 minutes from Marco Island!

Rich in a variety of plants and animals, the natural wetlands cover an astounding 1.5 million acres of land.

This is a fantastic display that combines history, natural significance, and panoramic scenery!

It would be hard to cover every activity that could be available to you in Everglades National Park.

Hiking, paddling, and airboating are all options.

Numerous boardwalks and pathways that lead to numerous intriguing and distinctive destinations are open for exploration.

You can take the opportunity to study Native American history or visit some of the many restaurants along the route.

The journey might be very overwhelming!

As a result, it’s wise to make appropriate plans and decide exactly what you want to accomplish here!

Address: FL, United States

5. Boat Tours

Boat tours around the Florida coast are among the top things to do in Marco Island.

It’s a great way to learn from and experience guides while simultaneously seeing as many of Marco Island’s natural beauties as possible.

One well-known provider of boat tours is Mangrove Maniacs.

They provide personal experiences for up to six people on their primarily private tours.

Although the organization specializes in fishing expeditions, tours can be fully customized to meet your unique interests.

Before planning its visits, the business also makes sure that the weather is optimal for observing wildlife.

Marco Island Boat Tours is another excellent business.

Its main objective is to offer educational trips across the region, particularly at the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge and Everglades National Park.

Every trip is led by environmental educators and Master Naturalists.

The four-hour Family Beach Half Day Tour is one of their most well-liked tour options.

This tour includes native wildlife education along with swimming, shelling, and fishing activities.

6. Marco Mystery and History

Are you a fervent believer or ghost hunter?

Do you like visiting haunted places?

If so, one especially enjoyable choice for things to do on Marco Island, Florida, is Marco Mystery and History!

For two eerie hours, they provide “fright-seeing” tours, a unique experience.

A experienced guide who can simultaneously make you laugh and shiver leads each tour.

The excursions offered by Marco Mystery and History start in Bistro Soleil, where you can get a free drink.

The Olde Marco Inn, which is said to be haunted, houses the cafe.

After that, the tour will take you through five distinct locations, including a cemetery and a 300-year-old Native American burial site.

As you travel, your guide will tell you a variety of terrifying stories!

Address: 100 Palm St, Marco Island, FL 34145, United States

7. Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge

The Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge is located southwest of Florida.

It is one of the most stunning tourist destinations for outdoor enthusiasts and wildlife lovers, covering 35,000 acres.

With additional mazes of waterways, marshes, beaches, and bays, the refuge is mostly composed of mangrove habitats.

The Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge is home to many species of wildlife, including some that are endangered.

This explains why it’s so frequent to see birds and wildlife here!

Manatees, bottlenose dolphins, green sea turtles, river otters, Atlantic loggerhead turtles, and other creatures will be visible.

You can also feast your eyes on around 200 different species of fish and birds!

You might spot ospreys, herons, egrets, and cormorants, among other birds.

There aren’t many land-based activities available in Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge.

The one-mile Tamiami Trail is really uncomplicated.

More hikers choose the 2.2-mile Marsh Trail, which leads to a two-story observation tower.

Additionally, hunting and fishing are permitted on park property.

You can camp for free on one of the islands in the refuge if you have a boat to get there.

Remember to visit the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge’s beaches.

Whitehorse and Panther Key are perfect for camping!

On the plus side, there are plenty of water-based activities available!

To prevent getting lost, first-timers are advised to paddle or boat with a guide.

You can bring your boat inside if you own one.

Powerboat trips for wildlife and birdwatchers, ecotours where you may see dolphins, and guided kayak and canoe tours are also available.

Authorized tours of Everglades National Park are also available if you’re interested!

Address: FL 34114, United States

8. Fin Bistro

For foodies, one of the nicest things to do on Marco Island is to have a lovely, leisurely supper at Fin Bistro.

The relaxed eatery offers a menu full of taste and fresh seafood, as well as a warm and inviting ambiance.

It sources many of its supplies from nearby farmers and fishermen and prepares and transports a variety of fresh fish.

The majority of the dishes on Fin Bistro’s menu are straightforward classics that you might find on the Florida shore.

They usually serve veggies with healthy seafood, such as swordfish and wahoo.

Arugula potato cake wrapped in bacon is one of the unusual side dishes.

Try seared tuna, seafood soup, crab cakes, salad with tomatoes and goat cheese, sautéed scallops, and umami kobe sliders as appetizers.

Rock shrimp risotto, snapper with risotto, grilled sea scallops, and grouper over crab and gnocchi are the main meals.

There are more upscale versions, such as grilled dorado with tomato bacon succotash.

A delicious seafood Meyer lemon brodetto is also available!

Are you not a big seafood fan?

A tasty pork tenderloin marinated in cider is available at Fin Bistro!

It comes with a delicious farm bean salad, smoked tomato butter, and potato puree.

Remember to sample their delicious sweets, such as bread pudding and key lime flan.

Savor each one with their assortment of delicious wines!

Address: 657 S Collier Blvd, Marco Island, FL 34145, United States

9. Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum

The Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum is situated in Sanibel, directly on the Florida coast, not far from Marco Island.

It’s an entertaining place that features a variety of exhibits about shells and the shelling industry.

It contains a wealth of interesting, little-known information.

The Calusa Indian tribe, who formerly inhabited this area and used shell-made tools, is the subject of several exhibitions.

Additionally, a variety of shell-based crafts and artwork are on exhibit.

But that’s not all!

In fact, the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum is a valuable resource for residents of the state.

The museum provides information on various native mollusks to researchers, scientists, students, and organizations of all kinds.

In addition to creating various collection kits and study plans for people worldwide, the museum runs a comprehensive outreach program.

It should come as no surprise that this is one of the main attractions here, as the region is a major gathering place for shell collectors.

From the early hours of the morning, residents and tourists alike can frequently be seen beachcombing throughout the Gulf Coast.

For this reason, the stooped stance of these beachcombers is frequently referred to as the Sanibel stoop!

When someone discovers a unique shell, such as an alphabet cone, golden olive, or scotch bonnet, the local newspaper even publishes a statement.

These shells are really vital in today’s world!

You will be urged to look for your own shells before you depart the Bailey-Matthews National Shell Museum.

Blind Pass Beach and Bowman’s Beach are great places to do this if you have the time.

Address: 3075 Sanibel Captiva Rd, Sanibel, FL 33957, United States

10. Marco Golf And Garden

Go no farther than Marco Golf & Garden if you’re looking for enjoyable activities on Marco Island!

A popular family outing is this fantastic 18-hole mini-golf course.

With adorable figurines that give variation to the experience, the course is engaging and well-maintained.

There are even more ways to play with water features.

Marco Golf and Garden is open from dawn till dusk every day of the week.

Children under five can play for free!

There are complimentary water bottles available if you need refreshments.

You can buy ice cream and soda as you like.

Although it’s a basic golf course, it works!

Address: 971 Winterberry Dr, Marco Island, FL 34145, United States

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11. The Marco Island Princess

Are you trying to find something a little more opulent to do on Marco Island?

You don’t need to search any farther.

For a very long time, the Marco Island Princess has been a prominent fixture along the Florida coast!

This stunning vessel, which is 90 feet long, departs from Rose Marina on the island and takes visitors on a fun and interesting journey.

This is among the greatest methods to unwind while taking in the island’s scenery.

The Marco Island Princess provides a variety of tours.

Sightseeing excursions offer special historical and natural perspectives from informed guides.

You can see stunning local plants and animals on nature tours.

The stunning seaside sunset serves as a backdrop for evening cruises.

The majority of trips come with free refreshments, and many also include buffet-style lunches.

The boat can accommodate up to 149 people at once, which makes it feel lively but still personal.

Address: 951 Bald Eagle Dr, Marco Island, FL 34145, United States

12. Briggs Nature Center

In Naples, close to Marco Island, is the Briggs Nature Center.

It is unquestionably one of the nicest places in America and one of the most enjoyable tourist destinations for nature lovers for those who are ready to venture farther into Florida.

The vast Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve includes the center as one of its components.

The breeding and hatching of a wide variety of animals is the responsibility of that reserve.

Dogs are welcome on the three miles of trails at the Briggs Nature Center, provided they are kept on a leash.

Both hikers and animal viewers will enjoy the fantastic exploration experience that each gorgeous and secluded trail offers.

Especially popular is the half-mile boardwalk!

Along the journey, you might spot snakes, bobcats, bald eagles, hawks, woodpeckers, and river otters.

Address: 401 Shell Island Rd, Marco Island, FL 34113, United States

13. The Dolphin Explorer

Dolphin viewing is among the most thrilling activities available on Marco Island, Florida!

The Dolphin Explorer, an eco-tour company, has experience with that.

The Dolphin Explorer, a beautiful catamaran that can accommodate 28 passengers, is also the name of the company’s vessel.

It is 30 feet long and features both a sunny and a shaded area for your convenience.

There are two daily trips available on the Dolphin Explorer: an afternoon trip and a morning trip.

Free drinks, snacks, and shelling bags are included with every tour.

With a USCG Master Captain, Master Naturalist, and professional wildlife photographer on board, these tours are likewise well-staffed.

Address: 951 Bald Eagle Dr, Marco Island, FL 34145, United States

14. Marco Island Brewery

Located on North Collier Boulevard, Marco Island Brewery has grown to be a popular destination for both locals and visitors.

Couples (even single adults!) who appreciate a decent craft beer and inventive, amusing pub fare will love this place.

More than 40 beer types from around the world are served in the laid-back, small-scale brewhouse and operation.

Three house brews are produced by Marco Island Brewery.

The Pelican Pilsner, Tigertail Red Ale, and Rock IPA all have distinctively Florida flavors.

In addition to the standard sandwiches, pizzas, and burgers, it offers some seafood.

Try their eggplant caprese if you’re looking for a classier supper!

This brewery doubles as the island’s biggest sports bar, which makes it one of its vibrant sites of interest.

The restaurant area is equipped with 40 HD TVs for sports broadcasts!

Address: 1089 N Collier Blvd, Marco Island, FL 34145, United States

15. Keewaydin Island

This weekend, would you like to take a day trip?

One of the top Florida tourist destinations is Keewaydin Island, which is close to Marco Island.

It is located close off the coast of Naples and is incredibly picturesque, with a wide variety of plants and animals.

Iguanas, bobcats, wild boar, gopher tortoises, white-tailed deer, and loggerhead turtles are all visible!

There are no highways, cars, or even bridges on Keewaydin Island, which is a barrier island with just dirt trails.

This makes it possible for a breathtakingly intact, pristine natural paradise.

Although getting here requires a boat, most people would say it’s worth the effort!

With all its white sand, the island’s 8-mile length makes it a wonderful place to find peace and quiet.

Address: FL, United States

16. Cape Romano

Cape Romano, an abandoned gem of local legend on Ten Thousand Island, is ethereally unique and surreal.

Once an ultra-modern vacation home, it is now reclaimed by waves and consists of a series of odd concrete structures that resemble domes.

It is only reachable by sea and is about 300 feet off the coast of the southernmost tip of Marco Island.

Rich Florida oil producer Bob Lee constructed Cape Romano in 1981.

Constructed on stilts and resembling igloos, it was made especially to be environmentally friendly and self-sufficient.

They were heated by fires that were ignited in concrete pylons beneath the rooms.

Additionally, its dome form serves the function of collecting and directing rainfall into troughs for use within the house.

The island’s natural erosion eventually made Cape Romano uninhabitable, despite its remarkable resistance to harsh weather conditions.

The domes, which resemble something from a science fiction movie, are now only held up by the pillars that keep them above the water.

The property was repurchased in 2001, but renovation efforts have not been successful.

It’s interesting to note that game fish are drawn to this peculiar photo opportunity.

Therefore, if you’re a serious fisherman searching for something to do, you may find some excellent catches here!

Address: Marco Island, FL 34145, United States

17. South Marco Beach

On Marco Island, Florida, there are just two public beaches.

Among these is the stunning South Marco Beach, which has grown to be one of the area’s most enjoyable tourist destinations.

With just a concrete walkway and a few bathrooms, it has basic amenities yet provides pleasant family time.

South Marco Beach is a great place to go shelling, birdwatching, dolphin watching, or on an adventure excursion.

You can also take part in water sports like jet-skiing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.

Even though the beach is about an acre long, the beautiful sand and blue waters make the trek worthwhile!

Address: 930 Swallow Ave, Marco Island, FL 34145, United States

18. Tigertail Beach

Marco Island’s second beach is pristine, secluded, and stunning.

Tigertail Beach, which is calm but yet very popular, is regarded as one of the nicest places to visit and one of the top things to do on Marco Island.

With its beautiful white beach, backwater inlet, natural lagoon, and picturesque natural areas, its greatest draw is how unspoiled it is.

Tigertail Beach is unique because of its combination of beach and lagoon!

At high tide, the lagoon usually only reaches a depth of five feet.

You’ll probably feel more at ease with the pool’s soft bottom if you have water shoes!

And while you’re at it, watch out for stingrays.

There is a beautiful area of unspoiled wilderness to explore beyond the lagoon.

There are numerous activities available at Tigertail Beach.

It’s one of the best places in Florida to shell and beachcomb.

Scallops, sand dollars, conchs, and whelks are abundant.

A snack bar offers tasty sandwiches and drinks in case you become hungry.

A children’s playground, picnic tables, BBQ grills, restrooms, and change areas are examples of basic facilities.

Address: 430 Hernando Dr, Marco Island, FL 34145, United States

19. Marco Island Historical Museum

One destination for history aficionados is the Marco Island Historical Museum, which is located on Heathwood Drive.

The organization is committed to preserving and presenting the local history.

Important details on the native Calusa people, who formerly lived in this region, are included.

A large replica of a hamlet that this tribe formerly inhabited is also there, offering a glimpse into life before to the arrival of immigrants.

The Marco Island Historical Museum features relics, photographs, and testimonies from the original settlers.

It was merely a tiny, obscure fishing town at the time.

It’s incredible to see how much the island has developed into a tourism-driven economy now!

You’ll also get details on how that change occurred.

The Key Marco Cat Statue replica is one of the museum’s most fascinating features.

Kneeling on the ground is a tall figure of a half-human, cat-like monster.

In 1896, a Smithsonian expedition visited this island and discovered the original statue.

This statue was found preserved by gunk when the Court of the Pile Dwellers, a muck-filled pond, was unearthed.

Sitting in front of the nearby Historical Museum is a same duplicate!

Address: 180 S Heathwood Dr, Marco Island, FL 34145, United States

20. Marco Island Center for the Arts

There are plenty of family-friendly attractions at the Marco Island Center for the Arts.

The local art feature highlights the creations of Florida’s local and regional artists.

In several masterpieces, the state’s distinctively bright and lively style is brought to life.

Bright, natural motifs are prevalent in local art, which is influenced by the sun’s gleam and the stunning attractiveness of the coast.

For those looking for additional activities, the Marco Island Center for the Arts offers a well-liked and captivating film series.

For those of various ages, it also provides art classes.

For individuals who would like to meet the creative minds behind the art, there are artist receptions.

Its repertory is further varied with monthly exhibits, music performances, live entertainment, and guest speakers.

Address: 1010 Winterberry Dr, Marco Island, FL 34145, United States

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21. Frank E. Mackle Park

If you’re looking for some free things to do in Marco Island, head to the Frank E. Mackle Park.

It’s a bit of a hidden gem, but it’s also one of the top ways you may spend your recreational time!

It’s the perfect spot for a leisurely stroll, a family picnic, or some sports like swimming and basketball.

A beautiful lake in the middle of Frank E. Mackle Park offers catch-and-release fishing.

For those wishing to get some exercise, an 800-meter boardwalk allows you stretch your legs.

With two off-leash fenced areas, this park is incredibly dog-friendly, which will please dog owners.

Address: 1361 Andalusia Terrace, Marco Island, FL 34145, United States

22. Otter Mound Preserve

Nature lovers searching for something to see are drawn to the Otter Mound Preserve up in the Indian Hills.

In actuality, this historic place isn’t named after the adorable, entertaining mammals that we all know and like!

We’ll need to go back in time a little in order to comprehend its significance.

For ages, the indigenous Calusa people piled up different shells from clams, oysters, and other creatures.

Their primary food source was shellfish, thus piles of shells grew bigger and bigger.

As a result, a massive mound spanning 80 acres was created.

By making the soil alkaline, the abandoned shells improved the preservation of different stone tools, ceramics, and even bones.

As you can imagine, archaeologists were ecstatic!

A closed canopy forest known as a tropical hardwood hammock was also formed by the ancient mound’s special soil.

In addition to around 60 different species of birds, this woodland was home to a variety of animals, including armadillos, opossums, bobcats, grey squirrels, and raccoons.

This amazing gift to Florida’s natural environment was left behind when the Calusa tribe finally vanished.

A European immigrant named Ernest Otter came here about 150 years after the tribe’s decline.

He resided at the mound from the 1940s until 1997, using its shells to construct and furnish his home.

The distinctive shell walls turned into a visually appealing element.

The unique ecosystem, which combined shell architecture, teeming fauna, and Calusa heritage, deserved to be protected!

And for that reason, the Otter Mound Preserve was established in 2004.

Even though Otter Mound Preserve is only 2.45 acres in size today, it’s still worth exploring.

Trees like strangler figs, gumbo limbo trees, and yellow elders can be seen as you stroll along the shaded paths.

Otter’s walls of lightning whelk shells and the outhouse he constructed are still intact.

Since the trails aren’t paved, your bike, hike, or run will be completely unspoiled!

Address: 1831 Addison Ct, Marco Island, FL 34145, United States

23. Marco Island Seafood And Music Festival

One of the greatest entertainment options in the area is the Marco Island Seafood and Music Festival!

It is now among the most popular attractions on Marco Island.

It has been a yearly island event for over ten years, taking place every third week in March!

The event is eagerly awaited in Florida and elsewhere.

Fresh seafood is the major attraction at the Marco Island Seafood And Music Festival.

Numerous merchants supply all that goodies, utilizing a wide variety of seafood in creative methods.

For those who are not as interested in seafood, there are plenty of other cuisine options available.

However, you’re losing out if you don’t try some stone crab!

This is a family-friendly festival.

For youngsters, it’s a fun and interesting activity that includes cooking contests, arts and crafts activities, and kid-friendly events.

The festival has over 10,000 visitors annually, and it’s easy to understand why!

Address: Marco Island, FL 34145, United States

24. Sand Dollar Shelling

In search of enjoyable activities in Florida?

One of the most popular beach pastimes in Florida is shelling.

However, Marco Island is home to all the best locations for these kinds of activities!

You should probably choose a tour that specializes in shelling if you want to see all the best locations for this pastime.

One of the tour operators that provides these experiences is Sand Dollar Shelling!

You can visit a variety of remote islands with the group’s boat cruises.

You can search the shores there for a variety of unusual shells.

You may even come upon a rare Junonia shell with speckles!

Additionally, dolphin sightings are guaranteed on every Sand Dollar Shelling tour.

You can keep using the company’s services after you’ve finished shelling.

They include sightseeing excursions, charter fishing expeditions, and nighttime sunset cruises!

Address: 750 Palm Point Dr, Goodland, FL 34140, United States

25. Caxambas Pass Park

One of Marco Island’s most tranquil attractions is the little Caxambas Pass Park.

This quaint location might seem straightforward at first, but it’s a great place to relax.

At your leisure, you can observe vessels and fishermen entering and leaving Florida waterways.

Get on a kayak or paddleboard and go on an excursion if you want a little extra fun.

Any boats and equipment you require can be rented.

Along the trip, you might be fortunate enough to see some pelicans and dolphins!

The 4-acre Caxambas Pass Park has picnic areas, food vendors, and other facilities.

Every facility is excellent and ideal for a peaceful family outing!

Address: 909 Collier Ct, Marco Island, FL 34145, United States