Marco Island may have a laid-back pace, but dont be fooledthis Florida gem is filled with surprises.
ROBBIE CAPONETTO
A trip to Marco Island can feel like youve discovered the sweet spot ofsouthwest Floridas Paradise Coast.
Ryan Young, the founder ofRising Tide Explorers, a local company offering kayak and boat tours.
Credit:ROBBIE CAPONETTO
Heres our guide to seeing it for yourself.
The inn itself features a collection of two-bedroom suites with living areas, full kitchens, and screened porches.
Youll find sandbars, shells, and weekenders enjoying fare from floating food and drink boats.
Order honey-Sriracha snapper at the Snook Inn. Thereâs plenty of room for splashing around at the pool at the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort.Credit:ROBBIE CAPONETTO
The west coast of Florida is famed for its glowing sunsets.
Infinity doors open wide to let in the warm light at this stunning spot on the coast.
The restaurant offers an extensive wine list, but if youre feeling adventurous, try a signature martini.
Enjoy a stay at Olde Marco Island Inn & Suites in the historic district.Credit:ROBBIE CAPONETTO
On the east side of Marco, located in the fishing village of Goodland, isLittle Bar Restaurant.
As the owner, Niki Bauer, says, Little Bar is home to a lot of people.
Our staff is one big family, and our customers are family to us too.
There’s plenty of room for splashing around at the pool at the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort.Credit:ROBBIE CAPONETTO
The spot is well known for its fresh seafood and du jour menus.
Enjoy their stone crabs, fried soft-shell crab sandwich, and tangy Key lime pie on the patio.
Other nearby public sands of note include Marco Island South and the Keewaydin Island beaches.
Rookery Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve is only accessible by boat.Credit:ROBBIE CAPONETTO
Were on the edge of wild Florida, says Captain Young of Rising Tide Explorers.
One of our mantras is You cant see Florida from a lounge chair.
About a 15-minute drive north of Marco Island is the Briggs Boardwalk trail.
Seaside Adventures. Grab dinner at Lee Be Fish, walk in the surf at Tigertail Beach park, and catch glimpses of coastal birds among the many acres of mangroves in Collier Seminole State Park.
This half-mile loop is an easy walk with much to see.
You will encounter different habitats, various coastal bird species, and a scenic overlook.
Sunshine State of Mind. Grab cocktails with a side of salty air at Little Bar Restaurant. Be sure to save room for a bite of the famous (and award-winning) Key lime pie after a meal at Lee Be Fish. Settle in for a gracious stay amid the elegant surroundings of JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort.
Don’t miss the branzino at Sale E Pepe.
Tasting and Toasting. Donât miss the chance to try a plate of coconut shrimp from Kane Tiki Bar & Grill at JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort or the tiramisu martini from Sale e Pepe restaurant.
Tasting and Toasting. Donât miss the chance to try a plate of coconut shrimp from Kane Tiki Bar & Grill at JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort or the tiramisu martini from Sale e Pepe restaurant.
Sunshine State of Mind. Grab cocktails with a side of salty air at Little Bar Restaurant. Be sure to save room for a bite of the famous (and award-winning) Key lime pie after a meal at Lee Be Fish. Settle in for a gracious stay amid the elegant surroundings of JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort.Credit:ROBBIE CAPONETTO
Seaside Adventures. Grab dinner at Lee Be Fish, walk in the surf at Tigertail Beach park, and catch glimpses of coastal birds among the many acres of mangroves in Collier Seminole State Park.Credit:ROBBIE CAPONETTO
Take a stroll along Briggs Boardwalk trail.
