On the doorstep of the Everglades, sits an island in the Gulf of Mexico called Marco Island. Marco is also a city in Collier County Florida.
Of the 22 square miles considered to be Marco Island, about half island and the other half is water. Perfect for a Florida island adventure.
Inhabited by about 17,000 people, Marco Island’s population swells almost double in the fall and winter months when tourists and part-time residents head for warm weather.
Marco Island was inhabited by the Calusa Indians until their disappearance in the 19th century due to war with Spain and diseases carried to Florida by Europeans. The Calusa built their huts on mounds of shells to reach high ground and drainage. Artifacts and a village recreation can be found at the Marco Island Historical Museum.
Marco Island Full of Resorts, Hotels and Condominiums
Numerous hotels and resorts line Collier Ave. on the Island. Most are beachfront of the Gulf with spectacular sunsets. The wide beaches have soft white sand. Our favorite along the beach is the Marriott Beach Resort, probably the most prominent on the beach.
The Marriott has a tiki bar named Kane’s and a restaurant on the beach called Quinn’s. Both are casual fun places.
Inside there are several other restaurants and bars along with a large entertainment/gaming area in their newest tower. Marriott is large and comfortable with a magnificent beach.
On your Florida island adventure to Marco Island, you must visit the Snook Inn. Located on a main waterway encircling Marco Island, the Snook Inn has dozens of secure docks for their boat-loving crowd.
Food at the Snook Inn is above average, but normal Florida fare. Normal is plenty of local seafood. We can attest to entertainment that people enjoy starting at about 2 PM each afternoon.
Marco Island is a few minutes from Naples, Florida and two hours to Miami. Naples has exceptional upscale shopping.
For entertainment try an airboat in the Everglades (30 minutes away), or fishing charter boat from Marco, and various watercraft rentals and sailing options.
Other restaurants and bars around the Marriott include Marco Prime, NeNe’s Kitchen (breakfast), Marriott Lobby Bar for sushi and The Salty Dog.
Marco Island is about 25 minutes southeast of Naples. You can access the road to Marco Island (Rt. 951, Collier Ave.) from the Tamiami Trail or off I-75.
Tigertail Beach is gorgeous. It runs along the major hotels including the Marriott Resort.
