How to Spend a Vacation in Marco Island, Florida

If you’re looking for a Florida getaway that feels a little more relaxed and tropical, Marco Island is officially one of my favorite places for a beach vacation now! With beautiful beaches, incredible restaurants, plenty of shopping nearby, and a resort that makes it very easy to never leave, it’s the perfect destination for a few days of sunshine and relaxation. We recently spent some time on Marco Island, and while there are plenty of ways to fill your itinerary, I honestly loved having a mix of planned activities and plenty of time to simply enjoy the resort. Here’s exactly how I would spend a vacation in Marco Island if I were you!

We stayed at the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort, and it was the perfect home base for our trip. The resort has everything you could want for a beach vacation, from a beautiful stretch of beach to multiple pools, restaurants, and a spa. One of my favorite things about staying somewhere like this is that you really don’t have to plan much once you arrive. Some days, the best itinerary is simply grabbing a spot by the pool, walking down to the beach, and enjoying the fact that you’re on vacation, am I right?

Getting There

We flew into Miami and rented a car for the drive to Marco Island. Flying into Miami gave us the option of a direct flight, and having a rental car made it easy to get around during the trip. I definitely recommend having a car if you want to explore beyond the resort. Naples is close enough for an easy day or afternoon trip, and there are plenty of restaurants, shops, and beaches worth checking out.

Marco Island and nearby Naples have no shortage of great places to eat, and we found ourselves mixing resort dining with a few spots off property. If you’re spending time in Naples, Del Mar is a great dinner option. Naples is an easy addition to a Marco Island trip, especially if you want to spend an afternoon shopping and stay for dinner.

For something more casual and quintessentially Florida, add Snook Inn to your list. It’s a fun spot for a laid-back meal and a great way to enjoy the island atmosphere. If you’re staying at the JW Marriott, Korals Sushi is an easy dinner option without having to leave the resort. It’s perfect for a night when you want a great meal but don’t want to get back in the car.

For coffee and breakfast, stop by Doreen’s Cup of Joe. It’s a popular local spot and a great way to start a morning before heading to the beach or exploring the island.

Spend the Day at the Resort

Honestly, don’t feel like you need to fill every minute of your vacation. One of my favorite ways to spend a day in Marco Island is simply enjoying the JW Marriott. Grab a spot by the pool, head down to the beach, take a walk along the water, and let yourself have a completely unstructured vacation day.

Visit Tigertail Beach

If you want to get out and explore, Tigertail Beach is a great place to add to your itinerary, especially if you enjoy shelling. It’s a beautiful spot to spend some time outside and see a different side of Marco Island beyond the resort.

Book a Dolphin-Watching or Shelling Tour

Marco Island is also known for its incredible water excursions. There are several options for dolphin watching, shelling, and exploring the surrounding waters. We didn’t do one on this trip, but it’s definitely something I’d consider adding if we go back. If you’re looking for a more adventurous day, a boat tour would be a great way to experience Marco Island from the water. Plus, one of my followers mentioned the dolphin boat tours are top rated in the US and taking an airboat ride in the Everglades was highly suggested. We will definitely be back with the kids, so we’ve made a note of this!

Don’t Forget the Spa

And, of course, if you’re staying at the JW Marriott, make time for the spa! A beach vacation is already relaxing, but adding a spa treatment to the itinerary is a great way to take it to the next level.

Take A Day Trip to Naples

While Marco Island is definitely more about relaxing than shopping, I would absolutely plan some time in nearby Naples. Spend an afternoon wandering 5th Avenue South in downtown Naples. You’ll find boutiques, restaurants, coffee shops, and plenty of places to pop in and out of while you’re exploring. If you’re looking for more luxury shopping, head to Waterside Shops. It’s a beautiful outdoor shopping center with upscale stores and restaurants. This is a great option if you want to mix a little shopping into an otherwise relaxing beach vacation.

For me, the best part about Marco Island is that you can make your trip as busy or as relaxed as you want. You can spend your days exploring Naples, shopping, trying new restaurants, and booking excursions… or you can spend three days sitting by the pool and walking on the beach. And honestly? I think the perfect Marco Island vacation is a little bit of both! Stay somewhere beautiful, eat really well, explore when you feel like it, and leave plenty of room in your schedule to simply enjoy being on vacation.