Naples, Florida, has fun in store for you and your group. From the beautiful beaches and the unique shops to the fascinating history and the welcoming locals, there’s a little something for everyone.
But we think vacation should be about more than just getting to know one area. Why not take the chance to explore your surroundings a bit?
Naples is just a short drive away from the stunning Marco Island, a true island paradise that you have to see to believe. This destination offers activities for the entire family and has an incredible population of locals to welcome you into the fold. During your stay in one of our Naples vacation rentals, take a day trip over to Marco Island for a completely new experience.
About Marco Island
Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands are full of breathtaking sights, but Marco Island is the biggest of them all, not to mention the developed one. Here, you can strike the perfect balance between nature and modern amenities. Spend your days strolling through a park or relaxing on the beach, exploring the Everglades’ sights and sounds, or let yourself be pampered at a local spa or indulge in a mouthwatering upscale meal.
When you visit Marco Island, you might be surprised to find that it’s smaller than Naples. There are tons of unique attractions packed into its 24 square mile area. When you visit Marco Island, your only issue will be figuring out how to pack it all into just one day!
Marco Island Beaches and Parks
When it comes to the best Marco Island things to do, visiting the beaches and parks has to top the list. Tigertail Beach is likely the first beach you’ll want to come to when you arrive on Marco Island. This beach is easily the most popular in the area, and it’s often named among the best beaches in Florida. You can enjoy the shallow lagoon area that’s great for young kids and offer ideal fishing opportunities when the tides turn. You can also head to the observation tower to see the local birds take to the skies, visit the inner beach to get a bite from the snack bar, or let your kids run around at the playground.
Speaking of playgrounds, you can find even more activities for your kids at Mackle Park. Of course, there’s a vast playground for your kids to enjoy, but you can also get involved in sports like volleyball, basketball, bocce, shuffleboard, and more. If you’re traveling with your furry friend, you can bring them here to the dog park so they can socialize, too! There are plenty of amenities to utilize while you’re here, so you can stay as long as you please.
Explore the Everglades
Marco Island is the perfect place for nature lovers coming to Florida, thanks mainly to the easy access you’ll have to the Everglades. Thousands of visitors come to this area every year to kayak through the Everglades! You can rent a kayak from a local equipment rental company, or you can choose to embark on a guided kayaking tour. Either way, you’ll be exposed to the most beautiful sights of the Everglades, seeing unique wildlife and exploring countless barrier islands along the way.
If you’d rather stay on land, you can still explore the majesty of the Everglades. There are quite a few breathtaking hiking trails in and around the Everglades, including Big Cypress Preserve and Collier-Seminole State Park. Put on a comfortable pair of walking shoes, and don’t forget your sunscreen as you discover a new sight every turn!
Check Out the Dome Houses
If there’s a history buff in your group or you want to see one of the area’s most famous landmarks, you’ve got to head to the Cape Romano Dome Houses. These houses are located just south of Marco Island and are a unique destination. Here, you’ll find six dome-shaped homes (hence the name) standing in the middle of the water on stilts. Here’s the kicker: these homes were built on dry land!
At the time of their construction, the Dome Houses were on the shore. However, the beach has eroded quite a bit over the years, and the sea level has changed quite a bit. As a result, the Dome Houses have been sinking for years now, and they’re no longer inhabited. Still, people come out to get pictures and ponder the unique history surrounding this incredible landmark.
Eat Like a Local
During your day on Marco Island, you’re bound to get hungry! But instead of heading to a local chain, take the time to experience the restaurants that even the locals can’t get enough of.
Sunset Grille
Sunset Grille is an excellent choice for dinner with an uninterrupted view of the Gulf of Mexico just steps away from your table. Enjoy the ocean breeze and spend quality time with your family as you indulge in menu options like fish and chips, beef cheddar melt, snow crab legs, BBQ baby back ribs, coconut shrimp, and more.
CJ’s on the Bay
Another popular waterfront option is CJ’s on the Bay, serving up unique cocktails and classic seafood dishes and an incredible view of the water. The menu here changes based on the season, so you’re always assured that you’re only getting the area’s freshest ingredients. Notable menu options here include the salmon BLT, CJ’s Burger, diver scallops, rum butter mahi-mahi, and Key West pink shrimp linguine.
Lee Be Fish
If you’re searching for something genuinely laid-back and casual, Lee Be Fish is the place to go. They call themselves “one of the best kept secrets in Marco Island,” so this is a spot you won’t want to miss! Stop by to enjoy fresh-caught seafood like grouper, shrimp, snapper, or whatever else has been caught that day. Finish off your meal with Lee’s award-winning Key lime pie! Just note that this is a cash-only business, so stop by the ATM before you come.
Once you’ve spent the day exploring all of the magnificent attractions that Marco Island offers, it’ll be time to hop in the car and make your way back to Naples. You’ll have one of our stunning Naples beachfront rentals waiting for you!
Your search for the perfect rental in Naples ends here. Our properties are always complete with convenient amenities such as fully equipped kitchens, high-speed WiFi, flat-screen TVs, and more. You can come to visit for a long weekend or book one of our Naples monthly rentals if you want to get to know Naples and Marco Island! You’ll be just moments away from Marco Island and the best things to do near Naples itself.
Our team is standing by to help you find the perfect rental for your next visit to Florida. Don’t wait another day to start booking the getaway of your dreams!
