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When you’re planning a vacation to Florida, Marco Island should be at the top of your list of places to visit. With plenty of beaches, attractions, and golf courses at its disposal, Marco Island is a sanctuary of relaxation, perfect for a holiday. But with so many different areas to stay on the island, it can be tough to decide where to put down roots for your trip.
In this article, we’ll discuss the best areas of Marco Island to stay in, depending on what you’re looking for in a vacation. Are you looking for some peace and quiet? Or are you more interested in being close to all the action? No matter what you’re after, we’ve got you covered!
Let’s dive right in so you can start planning your dream beach vacation.
South Seas Towers
The South Seas Tower is a great place to stay if you’re looking for breathtaking views of the Gulf of Mexico. You’ll be able to see for miles from your room, and with easy beach access, the sand is just a short walk away. If you’re interested in being close to all the action, though, we recommend staying at one of the available vacation rental options. That way you can receive all the necessary amenities and never miss out on the nearby fun!
There are plenty of restaurants and shops to keep you busy, and the beach is just a short walk away. There are also plenty of great restaurants on-site or nearby that will satisfy your appetite.
At the same time, you enjoy all this island has available, from hiking trails through serene bayside neighborhoods filled only with natural beauty (and maybe some golf courses) to upscale shopping and dining. And don’t forget about what makes it so unique: the open ocean right at your doorstep. You can pursue watersports or boating in the Gulf of Mexico or simply enjoy the view from the beaches.
South Coast
The southern coast of Marco Island boasts some of the island’s best beaches with clear azure waters and soft white sand for breathtaking views. You can take it easy relaxing on the beach or take to the waves for some thrilling watersports. There are also plenty of spas where you can purge yourself of stress without the noise of a crowded beach.
Whether you are looking for a long-term or a short-term stay, south Marco Beach gives you many options for the ultimate holiday. With easy access to the historical museum, restaurants, nightclubs, and the beach, you can find yourself the perfect Florida getaway through any number of rent by owners.
This area has some of the best hotels and vacation rentals on the island. You’ll love this great location and the wide variety of amenities you can opt for from an outdoor pool to free wifi.
Cape Marco
What’s more stunning than a beautiful beach? The answer might be a great skylight, luxurious living spaces with floor-topping finishes, and mountain views. This is why six visionary skyscrapers were built in Marco Island on the southwest corner of this great city–for easy access to fun places around the island.
This beachside community is great for you if you’re opting for a luxurious southwest Florida getaway. Stroll down Main Street, where you’ll find unique shops like designer labels intended only at Waterdown Town Center Mall (which offers more than 200 stores!).
Or, you can kayak in the southwest end’s many bays and view the city from the water. The South Coast also gives you access to the Gulf of Mexico, where you can take a boat to explore the southern capes and islands of Florida.
From there, you can reach Ten Thousand Island and visit Morgan Beach or the Cape Romano Dome House. You can even explore further into Gullivan Bay and the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge.
The River Area
In the River Area, you can find a serene, quiet atmosphere away from the busy beaches on Marco Island. Located along the eastern part of Marco Island, this neighborhood consists primarily of older homes and residential areas.
Suppose you’re looking for extensive boat access without going through low bridges. In that case, this might be an area worth checking out as there are plenty of riverside lots where boats navigate freely with no obstruction whatsoever. You can take in the beautiful natural environment without city influences, or travel around the city outskirts towards Tigertail Beach.
The River Area also gives you access to the countless islands and natural inlets along the southwestern coast of Florida, like close proximity to the Florida Everglades. Take a tour or go by yourself by motorboat or kayak to explore all the waterways this area has to offer. For a more adventurous holiday, head to the Everglades to spot alligators from an airboat.
The South End
The South End is a haven for people who love boats and sailing them. With quick access to the Gulf, boaters can find their heart’s desire with ease! Plus, there are plenty of other benefits, too, like how close this neighborhood comes toward beautiful Marco Beach (just walking distance away).
And if you need some time off from work or school—you can explore the many keys just south of Marco Island, or pop into the Otter Mound Preserve to take in the unique and beautiful habitat. Barfield Bay is home to countless water routes, providing you with hours of exploration and discovery. You can even travel down to the Captain John Foley Horr House for a bit of historical context.
Old Marco
When you think of the most beautiful places in Florida, Old Marco might come to mind. This small island just off Old Davie Road has been around for centuries and now consists mainly of luxury homes with water views from their balconies or terraces; there are also some great restaurants to be found here if dining outdoors is your thing!
With all the history Old Marco has to offer, you can explore the island’s past at the Marco Island Historical Museum and through guided walking tours. There are plenty of parks, buildings, and plaques commemorating historical events, so if you want to get to know the island, feel free to wander through Old Marco and discover how it came to be.
The North Area
Tigertail Beach on the north side of Marco Island is a more raw and authentic experience. There are fewer attractions to explore here than in southern regions like Collier County, with its beautiful beaches lining up near Greater Fort Lauderdale for miles upon end.
This is the best area for beachfront access without the crowds. This is also a fun spot to enjoy early morning shelling while you take a stroll down the sand with the sunrise.
However, this area offers tons of marinas where you can join a fishing expedition or simply take a boat ride out on the water. You can also visit the Rookery Bay nature reserve to take in the local wildlife.
Hideaway Beach Club
The Hideaway Beach Club is a country club that offers memberships to those who desire the feel of an exclusive private beach.
With its new golf course and meticulous maintenance, this neighborhood has all you need for your perfect getaway! If solitude in nature sounds appealing, there are rental holiday homes available along with both shoreline landscapes as well and properties to sate any taste buds at leisure.
The Estates
The Estates is one of the most luxurious neighborhoods on the island. With complete amenities and spectacular views, this place has it all! The lots are big enough for whatever your heart desires: if it’s an infinity pool or access to nature. You may not want to leave the area to visit the city or nearby beaches at all!
Though the Estates are known for their luxury experience, there is plenty of rent by owner options at affordable prices. You don’t have to be a millionaire to relax in style.
The East Side Area
Located on the eastern side of Marco Island, there are no beaches or bays that can be found here. However, this doesn’t mean you’re missing out! Instead, what does exist in abundance are waterways and canal systems which make up for any lack with their charming look to fill up your time while vacationing.
This area also has plenty of nearby parks, perfect if family travel is more important than going out to nightclubs or bars. You will also be close to the city center and various golf clubs, giving you plenty of options for activities within the city limits. However, if you feel the beach calling, it’s a short drive to any of the nearby beaches where you can enjoy both sand and surf.
Fiddler’s Creek
What does it have when you think of the perfect place to call home? Is there a swimming pool and hot tub with endless amounts of sunbeds and cocktails on tap? Perhaps an oceanfront setting that never seems crowded? If so, you might be picturing Fiddler’s Creek!
Just a day trip away from Marco Island, this fantastic neighborhood in Naples is surrounded by excellent golf courses (they built this place around them) and has a private clubhouse for members-only events. You’ll feel right at ease knowing your neighbors are all rich folks, too; after all, they went through great lengths just like yourself so that someone could enjoy their summer months or winter getaway days.
Conclusion
As you can see in this travel guide, Marco Island is a beautiful place to stay and the perfect getaway for those looking to relax and enjoy some peace. With its white-sand beaches, lush vegetation, and crystal-clear waters, it’s easy to see why this island has become such a popular tourist destination.
If you’re thinking of booking a trip to Marco Island soon, you check out the available Marco Island rentals for your perfect Florida vacation today!
Featured Image Credit: Jacob Boomsma
