Good to know: Visit and neighborhood recommendations in Marco Island Marco Island balances upscale leisure with outdoor excitement, offering something for every type of traveler. You can explore mangrove forests by kayak, enjoy fresh seafood at waterfront restaurants, or relax on Crescent Beach while watching dolphins play offshore. The island also has a rich history and vibrant community events year-round. Marco Island combines comfort and nature in a way that makes every stay memorable. Top areas to stay at in Marco Island South Beach Area The South Beach Area is known for its tranquil waters, seashell-covered shores, and access to wide sandy beaches. Vacation rentals in the South Beach Area include high-rise condos with ocean views and beachfront villas with resort-style amenities. South Beach provides direct access to one of Marco’s most beautiful stretches of sand. Tigertail Beach Area Located near the island’s northern shore, the Tigertail Beach Area is a hotspot for nature lovers and water sports enthusiasts. Rentals in Tigertail Beach Area offer views of the lagoon, quick beach access, and proximity to paddleboard rentals and birdwatching trails. The beach is also famous for its tidal pools and scenic boardwalks. Tigertail is ideal for those wanting both adventure and peace. Old Marco Village Steeped in charm and history, Old Marco Village offers a glimpse into the island’s heritage with cobblestone streets and preserved buildings. Vacation homes in this area include colorful cottages, waterfront homes, and cozy apartments near the marina. Guests can walk to art galleries, seafood restaurants, and live music venues. Old Marco is great for travelers who want a more cultural and walkable experience. Kendall Drive Area The Kendall Drive Area is a residential neighborhood with canal-front homes and easy boating access to the Gulf. Many Airbnbs here come with private docks, pools, and outdoor kitchens. It's perfect for families or groups looking to fish, sail, or simply unwind in a spacious setting. Kendall Drive offers comfort, privacy, and direct access to the water. Collier Boulevard Running through the heart of the island, Collier Boulevard is lined with restaurants, shops, and vacation rentals ranging from luxury condos to pet-friendly units. The boulevard connects easily to both South Beach and Tigertail Beach. Must-visit places and attractions in Marco Island Tigertail Beach One of the island’s most famous spots, Tigertail Beach offers soft white sand, tidal lagoons, and abundant birdlife. Visitors can rent paddleboards, explore nature trails, or relax under tiki umbrellas. The beach is also known for its seashell collecting and family-friendly atmosphere. Marco Island Historical Museum The Marco Island Historical Museum showcases the island’s Calusa heritage, pioneer history, and transformation into a tropical resort town. Exhibits include artifacts, dioramas, and a life-size recreation of a Calusa village. The museum adds cultural depth to your beach vacation. Keewaydin Island Accessible only by boat, Keewaydin Island is an undeveloped barrier island known for its pristine beaches and wild scenery. Visitors can take a boat tour or rent a kayak to explore the shore, where dolphins and sea turtles are often seen. The island is a popular picnic and shelling spot. Esplanade Shoppes Located along Smokehouse Bay, the Esplanade Shoppes is a Mediterranean-style complex with boutique shops, fine dining, and waterfront views. Visitors can enjoy gelato by the marina, browse local art, or dine al fresco with sunset backdrops. The Esplanade adds elegance and activity to any stay. Marco Island Center for the Arts This community hub hosts art exhibits, concerts, and educational workshops that showcase the talents of local and national artists. The Marco Island Center for the Arts features rotating galleries, art festivals, and hands-on activities for children. The center enhances the island’s vibrant sense of community. Caxambas Park and Marina Situated on the southern tip of the island, Caxambas Park and Marina is a launching point for boaters, kayakers, and anglers. The park includes a bait shop, picnic areas, and panoramic views of the Gulf and mangrove islands. The marina is a vital and scenic part of Marco’s boating culture. Briggs Nature Center Part of the Rookery Bay Reserve, the Briggs Nature Center offers boardwalk trails, wildlife viewing, and environmental education programs. Visitors may spot turtles, otters, and herons while exploring mangrove-lined paths. The center is a peaceful retreat for learning and reconnecting with nature. South Marco Beach Access South Marco Beach is a public beach access point with clean facilities, calm waters, and soft sand perfect for swimming and relaxing. The area has limited parking, so early arrival is recommended. Where to Find a Vacation Rental Near Marco Island, Florida Naples, Florida Just 30 minutes north, Naples is a sophisticated coastal city known for luxury shopping, art galleries, and sunset beaches. Visitors can explore the Naples Pier, take a boat tour of the mangroves, or enjoy high-end dining on Fifth Avenue. Naples brings elegance and cultural energy to your southwest Florida stay. Rest in a vacation rental in Naples whether in a stylish condo near the bay or a quiet villa tucked by the golf course. Everglades City, Florida Located about 40 minutes southeast, Everglades City is the gateway to Everglades National Park and Big Cypress Preserve. Visitors can book airboat tours, explore wildlife-rich swamps, or fish in remote backwaters. Everglades City adds wild, untouched beauty to your Gulf Coast journey. Spend a few nights in a cabin in Everglades City with access to the Ten Thousand Islands and untamed scenery. Bonita Springs, Florida About 45 minutes north, Bonita Springs offers family-friendly beaches, outdoor recreation, and easy access to both Naples and Fort Myers. Guests can kayak through mangroves, visit Lovers Key State Park, or relax on Bonita Beach. Bonita Springs offers a casual, nature-forward alternative near Marco Island. Enjoy your stay in a house in Bonita Springs close to waterways, parks, and sandy trails. Sanibel Island, Florida Roughly 90 minutes northwest, Sanibel Island is famous for shell-covered beaches, wildlife refuges, and bike trails through lush vegetation. Visitors enjoy birdwatching at Ding Darling Refuge and exploring quiet natural areas. Sanibel brings a serene and shell-filled escape to the Gulf experience. Stay in a vacation rental in Sanibel Island steps from the shore, with wraparound porches and bike path access. Goodland, Florida Just a short drive from Marco, Goodland is a quirky and close-knit fishing village with island character and waterfront dining. The town is known for its seafood shacks, live music, and weekly outdoor markets. Goodland adds local charm and funky flavor to your Marco Island adventure. Rest comfortably in an airbnb in Goodland near marinas, mangroves, and local fish fry spots. Discover stunning island destinations and pristine beaches across the United States This beautiful destination offers a gateway to enchanting island getaways, perfect for those yearning for tranquil retreats. Here, the serenity of the sea is matched by the charm of historic lighthouses and coastal paths. Explore more island wonders by opting for airbnb on Mackinac Island, where timeless beauty meets the grandeur of Lake Michigan. Alternatively, delight in the laid-back ambiance of rentals Anna Maria Island or experience the vibrant wildlife and extensive beaches with South Padre Island vacation rentals. In addition to its island allure, this destination also serves as a perfect launchpad to explore captivating beach towns known for their unique coastal vibes. Sunseekers will find joy with airbnb near Carpinteria, celebrated for its panoramic beach vistas along California's coastline. For those interested in Florida bliss, consider staying in vacation rentals in Port St. Lucie or unwind in the comforting embrace of the vacation houses in Madeira Beach. Lastly, immerse yourself in charming cultural spots by choosing Delray Beach rental homes, where the artistic vibe and sandy shores create an unforgettable experience.