Day Trip: Marco Island

Photo by Phyllis Blanchette

There are farmers markets all across Southwest Florida, and if you’re lucky enough to be in Marco Island on a Wednesday between November and April, check theirs out. It’s held at Veterans Community park, and features produce, flowers, art and plenty of food, from seafood to French cuisine.

The most beautiful feature of Marco Island is the water. One great place to experience the beach and get great views of Florida wildlife is Tiger Tail beach. You can park for $8 a day and enjoy a manicured park with changing rooms, a full-service restaurant and kayak, paddleboard and beach gear rentals. Spend the day facing the beautiful saltwater lagoon or cross the lagoon itself to explore three miles of soft, white sands. Tiger Tail Beach is such an important habitat for wintering and nesting shorebirds that it’s an official stop on the great florida birding Trail. This makes it a fantastic spot for birdwatchers to spend a day.

There are many boat rental options on the island to get you out onto the water. Dolphin Cove Marina offers flexible boat and jet ski rentals, where you’ll only

pay for the time you were out on the water. There, you can rent boats for a few hours, days or even a month.

gator boat rentals offers kayaks, fishing boats and pontoons, and it’s located just five minutes from the Gulf of Mexico. The staff there will even deliver your boat rental right to you if you’re staying at a waterfront location on the Island. Boaters love snook inn restaurant & Chickee bar, a Marco Island landmark. With live music and waterside dining available inside and outside, it has a lively atmosphere that’s perfect for any vacation.

Marco island brewery is another high-energy spot to visit while you’re in the area. It’s a sports bar with more than 50 craft beers on tap, including selections from Southwest Florida’s favorite breweries, including fort Myers brewing Company, palm City brewing and naples beach brewery. If you want to experience the Southwest Florida beerscene but don’t have time to visit every brewery, make sure to check out Marco Island Brewery.

Photo by Pure Florida Photo by Marco island Brewery