All about Marco Island
All the information you will need.
In the next few paragraphs we are going to discuss all of the random questions i have been asked, and I'm going to include links to all of my favorite places.
I will address how to get around the island, the best restaurants, parks and museums, fishing and boating, beach access points, and things to do OTHER than book photos with me :) I will also list hair salons, nail salons, beauty bars, and makeup professionals incase anyone needs vendors for photoshoots.
How to get around the island
Yes, There is Uber on Marco Island:
If cabs are too old-fashioned for you you can easily navigate around the island via the Uber app. Uber rides maybe limited but worth a try.
Beach Access Spots
Beach access locations- please note that residents beach and Hideaway beach are NOT public.
Save time - get a ride
i HIGHLY suggest using an uber, taxi, or the wave to get to the beach. Parking is $10/day at all collier county beaches. THERE IS NO BATHROOMS ON THE BEACH. There are several spots where you can park illegally, but you may get a ticket or even get towed. For example, you can not park in the swells or over the sidewalk. You can not park at a business to go to the beach. Also please note that when looking at lodging, please take this into consideration! If you want to spend every day on the beach, then renting a condo on the beach or within walking distance is going to be best for you. Especially when you're 4 hours in, sunburnt, need to use the bathroom, and want to run home real quick. Bicycles are also useful when navigating the island because there is MUCH more bike parking than car parking.
South Beach
This is personally my favorite beach access spot. Pack a cooler and bring some chairs, then park on swallow ave. at the public parking and walk across the street over Collier blvd, down the brick path, through the sand and your at the waters edge.
Make your way to the left and as you walk along the beach looking for shells you will end at the jetty. I love to shoot sunsets here, and i always see dolphins!
This beach does have a handicap mat that is laid out November-April to allow easier access onto the beach for anyone with difficulties.
Sunset Grille is also located on south beach! If you dont feel like packing a cooler, head up to sunset grille to cool off with a pina colada and steak tacos. There is also parking available at sunset grille (validated with receipt if south beach parking lot is full)
Mid Beach
There is 2 mid-beach public access spots.
One is located across the street from Marco Walk Plaza which is at the Winterberry & Collier intersection.
The other is located at Mapple Ave & Collier to the right of the Marriott.
However...
There is NO parking for these access points.
Yes... of course you could park illegally, but DO NOT BLAME ME when you get a ticket or a towed car.
Tigertail Beach
This is our most pristine beach. There is Ample parking, a playground, restrooms, kayak and paddleboard rentals and more. I prefer to use this location for my photography TOURS because of true Florida vibe. You start by walking the boardwalk through our mangroves, then i have a secret path that takes you back to the estuary. After that we walk through the expanded beach to the Florida Tall Grass path, then finally arriving at the waters edge.
NOT IDEAL FOR ELDERLY OR ANYONE PHYSICALLY IMPAIRED. OVER 1.5 MILES ROUND TRIP.
Cara's Secret; There is a playground for kids with a nice beach cafe that sells beer, wine chillers, and the best Chicago-style hot dog on Marco. Enjoy your happy hour while the kids play at the park directly in your vision 10 feet away.
WHERE TO STAY?
Fishing Charters, Tours, Shelling & More
Things To Do
Museum
Discover how Marco was built by the Calusa Indians 500AD and then developed by the Mackle Brothers into the tropical paradise that it is today. A full sized replica of the Indian village with over 300 artifacts will give an idea of how complicated colonial life was here on the island. This museum is also home to the oldest wooden sculpture ever found which we recently procured back from the Smithsonian museum.
----FREE----
Mackle Park
Located right across the street from the Museum, Mackle park is sure to delight children and adults alike. There is a large playground for big kids, the smaller one for toddlers, and a splash pad to cool off. Inside you will find several pool tables, ping pong, and an assortment of board games. Next to the main building is a lake with a paved .5 mile walking path around it which goes past our dog park, and our mechanical RC boat area. There is also tennis courts, basketball courts and bocce ball.
----FREE----
10k & Tisero
Located on the beach in the Marriott you can enjoy Marco Island's first and only super game room complete with a full mini golf course and duck pin bowling. Basically like a Dave 'N Busters. Jump on my husbands team and order the Smoked Manhattan while you relax at the bar while the kids spend your money and become future gambling addicts. (its a joke- Marriott please dont hate me!)
If you dont have children or have a night free from them, next to the 10k alley is the adults only Tisero. Amazing views with hanging egg chairs that make any photo instagram worthy.
Marco Princess
Hop aboard the 90' Marco Princess for a lunch or sunset dinner cruise!
Fully narrated by your Captain highlighting points of interest along the way; providing interesting facts about Marco and the 10,000 islands, as well as educational information about the History and Nature of Marco Island and Southwest Florida. You may see dolphins, nesting osprey, a variety of shore & wading birds, rays, sea turtles and even manatee!
Fun and educational for all ages! Don't forget to take photos!
