Right on the south-west coastline of Florida lies Marco Island, the largest of Florida’s Ten-Thousand Islands. Being the most developed of the Ten-Thousand Islands, Marco Island naturally has plenty of things to see and do. From boat trips, to shopping, to shelling, it can be quite overwhelming to find something that you’ll love. Well don’t worry, as we here at Florida Rental By Owners have compiled a list of the 10 best things to do on Marco Island. Continue reading and you’re sure to find something that’ll make your next trip to Florida one you won’t forget.
A List of the Top 10 Things to Do on Marco Island
- Tigertail Beach – 430 Hernando Dr
- Eco Endeavors Ten Thousand Islands Adventure Boat Tour – 740 Palm Point Dr
- Marco Island Bike Rentals
- The Marco Players Community Theatre – 1089 N Collier Blvd #432
- Marco Walk Plaza – 599 S Collier Blvd
- Marco Island Historical Museum – 180 S Heathwood Dr
- Collier-Seminole State Park – 20200 Tamiami Trail E, Naples
- Marco Golf & Garden – 971 Winterberry Dr
- The Island Country Club and Golf Course – 500 Nassau Rd
- Art Galleries
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Tigertail Beach – 430 Hernando Dr
What would an island holiday be without a trip to the beach? Not an island holiday, that’s what! Tigertail Beach is located just off the north coast of Marco Island, with soft sand and calm, turquoise waters. It’s by far the best beach on the island.
It’s also the perfect spot for shelling, with a wide variety of different shells to collect. If you want to explore the ocean, then kayak and paddle board rentals are available for a unique day out. And if adventure isn’t your thing, then pull up a chair and relax on the quiet sands.
Tigertail Beach is the perfect beach no matter what you’re into, and comes highly recommended for anyone looking to visit Marco Island. That’s why it is the first topic on our Top 10 Things to Do on Marco Island list.
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Eco Endeavors Ten Thousand Islands Adventure Boat Tour – 740 Palm Point Dr
What better way to learn about Marco Island than a cruise through its waters? The Eco Endeavors Boat Tour takes you around the Ten Thousand Islands and the Marco Island coastline for a great day of sightseeing in perfect safety.
Get up close to dolphins and manatees in their natural habitats, and visit the mysterious Cape Romano Dome Home. Also included in the package is the opportunity to collect shells on a remote barrier island, or go snorkelling to observe even more of Florida’s marine life. Tour groups are small – 12 people maximum – so enjoy the personal, unique experience.
For those looking to learn about Marco Island, the Eco Endeavors tour is not to be missed! You can find more information on their website.
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Marco Island Bike Rentals
Feel like exploring the town instead of the coast? There’s no better way than bike-riding through the island’s quaint streets. Marco Island Bike Rentals makes the process of taking bikes out for the day as easy as it could possibly be. After a bike is reserved, they deliver it to you, and they pick it up when you’re done. It couldn’t be more simple!
There are plenty of places to explore on Marco Island too. Go for a breezy ride along the beach, follow one of the many canals throughout Marco Island, or, if you’re feeling adventurous, head to Collier-Seminole State Park for a wide array of bike trails and off-roading opportunities. The possibilities are virtually endless.
Renting a bike is the perfect way to spend an afternoon, so why not give it a try? Biking is one of the Top 10 Things to Do on Marco Island. You can find more information and ways to rent a bike on Marco Island Bike Rental’s website.
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The Marco Players Community Theater – 1089 N Collier Blvd #432
Looking for a new way to spend an evening? Well, why not check out The Marco Players and the shows they put on? Formed in 1974, this non-profit community theater has been putting on entertaining and exciting shows ever since.
Held at 8pm Wednesday – Saturday and at 3pm on Sundays, the Players hold performances of a different play each month. Additionally, special events are often held monthly. These include Lunch Box shows, where you get lunch and a Q&A with the performers included with the ticket, or Reader’s Theater, where actors perform several short plays over one night.
Whatever your into, the Players are sure to have something that’ll pique your interest. You can find more information about the plays being staged, as well as book tickets on the Marco Players’ website.
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Marco Walk Plaza – 599 S Collier Blvd
In need of some retail therapy in a lovely open-air plaza? Then you should make the Marco Walk Plaza your next port of call. In the heart of Marco Island, the Plaza is home to several specialty stores and restaurants that are sure to satisfy everyone.
If you’re in need of clothing, then the plaza has got you covered. Chico’s, Beach Daisy and Patchington all offer a great selection of women’s clothes in various colorful styles. Swim ‘N Sport swimwear offers a wide selection of designer swimwear and Richard’s Reef offers lovely jewelry and other gifts. After you’re done shopping, how about watching a movie in the Marco Movie Theater?
For those who need a bite to eat, there is a wide range of restaurants offering Italian, Tex-Mex and Seafood cuisines. And for dessert, stop at either Beebe’s Ice Cream or Dolce Mare. The Marco Walk Plaza is the perfect spot for a relaxing afternoon, and comes highly recommended. That’s why it’s on our Top 10 Things to Do on Marco Island list. You can find more information on their website.
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Marco Island Historical Museum – 180 S Heathwood Dr
Learn about Marco Island’s amazing history and the different people who lived on the land over the centuries. In the town’s center, this large museum houses many permanent and travelling exhibits on the history of Marco Island.
Learn about the Calusa people, a Native-American Tribe who live across south-west Florida. Explore their interesting culture and ways of life, you can even see a recreation of a pre-colonial Calusa Village. The rest of Marco Island’s history is on display too, walk through its early days as a pioneer fishing village and pineapple plantation, up to the rapid development of the area in the 1960’s.
By the end of the day, you’ll come away knowing more about Marco Island than you’ll have ever dreamed. For a great half-day out, there isn’t a better place. You can find more information and directions on the Museum’s website.
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Collier-Seminole State Park – 20200 Tamiami Trail E, Naples
Over 7,000 acres of mangrove swamp, walking trails and wildlife await at the Collier-Seminole State Park. Around 20 minutes from Marco Island, the park offers a wide range of activities, from boating, fishing, walking and hiking trails as well as camp grounds.
Head down one of the park’s many nature trails and witness the serene vegetation of Florida’s Everglades. Keep an eye out too, as some of the wildlife includes some endangered species. You don’t just have to explore by land either, bring a boat and head down one of the rivers, or rent a kayak for some exercise. Don’t feel like exploring by yourself? Well, park programs on a variety of topics are presented from December to March.
After a long day of exploring the park, have a picnic in the campgrounds, or pull out the tent and sleeping bags to rough it for a night. There’s a little something for everyone at the Collier-Seminole State Park, and it cannot come more highly recommended. You can get more information on their website.
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Marco Golf & Garden – 971 Winterberry Dr
Right next to the Marco Walk Plaza and the beach, the Marco Golf & Garden mini-golf course offers plenty of fun for people of all ages.
With plenty of unique layouts and traps across its 18 holes, this open-air course is sure to challenge and delight anyone who plays on it. Score cards and golf-clubs for all-ages are available, so anyone can participate. Complimentary bottled water is provided for anyone on the course, and refreshments are available for purchase at the counter.
Open seven days a week, Marco Golf & Garden is the perfect way to spend time with the family, or the perfect quick-fix activity for those looking for something to do. You can find more information on their website.
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The Island Country Club & Golf Course – 500 Nassau Rd
Golfers, pay attention! You won’t want to miss out on The Island’s golf course. Recently renovated in 2017, this 18-hole course is perfect for newcomers and pros alike.
Head out onto the green and test your shot. The 18-hole, 72 par course has been enhanced with over 75 bunkers and new water features. Take in the lush tropical flowers and sparkling lakes as you make your way through each challenging and rewarding hole. Afterwards, should you choose, get something to eat or drink in the private restaurant. Or, head out to the tennis courts and work up a sweat in the gym.
The Island Country Club is not just golf, it’s so much more. You’re sure to have a great day out at the Island Country Club. You can find more information on their website.
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Art Galleries
Unique styles, beautiful colors and amazing artists await at Marco Island’s many galleries. Located across the island, these galleries present a range of different art pieces to admire and inspire.
The Blue Mangrove Gallery (1089 N Collier Blvd Suite 417) is located in the heart of the town. It puts a great emphasis on paintings, jewelry and pottery. Dazzling turquoise jewelry and pottery is littered throughout the gallery, and a motif of bright colors and contrasting shades is present throughout many of their paintings.
Studio International (800 E Elkcam Circle Suite 2) is located on the northern-most point of the island. Featuring works from a range of artists, Studio International takes a very modernist approach to its works. Limited palettes and abstract visuals make for unique and thoughtful pieces that are highly recommended.
Malenda Trick Gallery (160 Royal Palm Dr #274) is also located on the northern-most point of the island. For those looking for classical landscape painting, look no further. Trick has dozens of lavishly detailed paintings of local wildlife and beautiful landscapes. Art Lessons are also offered in December for those looking to improve their painting skills.
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There’s a little something for everyone on Marco Island. Whether you’re a snowbird couple escaping the winter months, a family on vacation, or just there with a group of friends, you’re sure to find something that’ll make your vacation perfect. Whatever you choose to do, there’s a perfect vacation rental for everyone on Florida Rental By Owners. For your long term trip to Florida, think about booking a vacation rental on a site that will allow you to “Book the Same Vacation Rentals for Less”.
If you like this article you might also enjoy our “Top 10 Vacation Rentals on Marco Island” article.
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