If you ever feel like you don’t have your stuff together, please note that I’ve had this blog post drafted for OVER A YEAR and am just now hitting publish. Whoopsies!
I grew up going to Marco every spring and now my mom lives there full time, so I’m kind of surprised it’s taken me this long to do a travel guide for one of my favorite places. Each time I visit and share photos on the gram, I get questions about where to stay and what to do there. So I’m finally answering your questions and sharing my favorite spots.
ONE // GETTING THERE
Here’s the thing – Marco Island is, well, an island. To get there, you’ll fly into Fort Myers (RSW) Airport and then drive about an hour to the island. To my knowledge, there isn’t an easier way unless you fly into Naples airport on a private/corporate jet if you’re superrrr fancy. Typically my mom usually picks me up or I’ll borrow her car, but I have rented a car before at the airport and it’s usually a very speedy process. A note – The weeks surrounding spring break/Easter are nutty in Southwest Florida. Tons of families at the airport and on the island. I’ve found that February, May, September and November are my favorite months to visit. Beautiful weather and very quiet.
I get questions asking if you definitely need a car and I would lean towards yes… but it depends where you stay. There are plenty of places to walk or bike to on the island, but then you’d need to Uber or taxi from the airport to the island which isn’t incredibly reliable. Probably a safer bet to rent a car unless you can line up transportation.
TWO // WHERE TO STAY
Even before my mom was there full time, we always rented a condo from VRBO or AirBnB. I don’t love staying in hotels for an extended period of time simply because it’s nice to have breakfast and lunch at home AND have access to laundry so you don’t have to pack as much. If you do prefer to stay at a hotel, I would definitely recommend the Marco Island Marriott. (I think it’s the most popular Marriott in the US??) It’s so beautiful, has all the amenities, great restaurants and is right on the beach. It’s also walking distance to other restaurants and some ice cream and coffee shops in town. If you stay at the Marriott, you probably don’t need a car on the island. The Hilton is also right on the beach front and was just renovated – another great choice and lovely location.
THREE // WHAT TO DO
In general, my days on Marco look a lot like this – Have breakfast at the condo, walk on the beach for an hour or two in the morning and look for shells, enjoy the water and a stroll. Then I’ll usually sit by the pool with my SPF 70 under an umbrella and read for a while or go swim. Maybe go for a bike ride in the afternoon or play pickle ball!
One of my favorite Marco traditions with my mom is spending part of a day at the JW Spa. We love to get a relaxing facial (THE BEST) and lay at their spa pool or sit in the mineral bath. It’s the ultimate relaxation afternoon.
A few snaps from the Marco Island Marriott Spa in years past
FOUR // WHERE TO EAT
For breakfast, you can’t leave Marco Island without trying Doreen’s Cup of Joe. It’s so adorable, has open air seating and BEST crunchy French toast!
For dinner, if you want a casual take on seafood, check out the Snook Inn right on the waterfront for a grouper sandwich or Quinn’s on the Beach at the Marriott. Casual, beachy vibes. Neither take reservations, so just get there a little bit early and enjoy a drink at the bar!
The Oyster Society is another favorite for… you guessed it… oysters. Right next door is the best Italian restaurant on the island – Davinci Ristorante Italiano. They have delicious pizza, pasta, bruschetta and tiramisu.
FIVE // HOW LONG TO STAY
Marco is a place where you can spend a long weekend or two weeks. Ha! Any length of time spend on the island is enjoyable, but my personal recommendation would be a 3 day minimum.
Comments