Marco Island Travel Guide
Marco Island is like a second home to me. I've been visiting regularly since 2008 and in 2014 my parents bought their retirement home on the island. Since then we have spent a lot more time there. In this post I've rounded up my favorite spots on the island, so if you ever want to visit this little slice of paradise, be sure to check out these places!
How to get there:
Marco Island is about 45 minutes away from the Fort Myers airport. Your best bet is to rent a car so that you are able to travel around the island during your visit.
A Class Transportation- set up a ride in advance for a lower rate.
or
Uber/Lyft.
...and if you've been living under a rock and dont have Uber or Lyft, use my codes for discounted rides!
Uber: zu53v
Lyft: LINDSAY032541
Where to stay:
The Hilton
The JW Marriott
Rent a House
Where to eat:
Breakfast/Lunch:
Hands down the best breakfast place on the island and definitely the most popular. Get there early or expect to wait at least 20 mins for a table. It's worth it though! and get the Key Lime Pancakes!
Quick service and THE BEST cheesy hash brown casserole.
Another quick and easy breakfast place. Their breakfast specials are usually on point.
Lunch/Dinner:
This casual little spot is definitely a hidden gem on the island probably my favorite place on the island. It's located on a cute little marina and the food never disappoints. I LOVE that they have sushi and the boom boom shrimp is a fan fave.
Another casual spot on the water that has stunning sunsets and amazinggg fresh fish.
Tesoro is located in the JW Marriott on the 5th floor. It is a Mediterranean inspired restaurant with tapas style dishes and a stunning view of the beach + gulf!
Another quick and easy breakfast place. Their breakfast specials are usually on point.
Located at the Marriott Crystal Shores. The menu is small but the food is good and the view is awesome!
Located at the Hilton which was completely renovated back in 2017 so everything is new and super chic. The menu is somewhat small but everything I have ordered has tasted amazing. You can't beat the view either.
Best Italian food on the island in my opinion and they have gluten free options too!
This place is a little more upscale with smaller more "foo foo" portions (as JT and I like to call it lol) but the quality and taste of everything is on point!
Owned by the same family that owns Da Vinci's and Oyster Society. It is a classic American steakhouse with French, Italian, and Asian influences. The decor and outdoor bar are on point!
This place is a Florida chain restaurant and honestly you can't go wrong here. They have 2 for 1 drinks every day! My kinda place.
Not on Marco Island, but about a 10 minute drive north and totally worth it. They have the BEST carrot cake and key lime pie!
Deep Lagoon is always the place to be on the weekends. It is located in the Esplanade Shoppes right on the marina and they usually have live music going on which is always a vibe, especially on vacation.
What to do
GO TO THE BEACH
Marco Island has some of the whitest sand you will ever see, it's blindingly beautiful. There are a two public beach accesses, Tigertail Beach and South Marco Beach access, both charge a small fee for parking.
Marco Island Farmers Market- Only open on Wednesdays, 7:30 AM-1PM, between Mid November-Mid April. Located at 901 Park Ave.
and if the weather isn't cooperating you can catch a movie at Marco Movies. They serve food and alcohol (yasss) but get there before your movie time because the theaters are small and the good seats fill up quick!
Please don't hesitate to reach out to me, drop a comment below or DM me on Instagram if you have any questions! I hope you enjoy your stay!
Thanks for reading!
