Southwest Florida
Best places to stay, eat, and explore
Book Direct & SaveMarco Island is Southwest Florida's only developed barrier island — and one of the most beautiful vacation destinations in the United States. With white sand beaches, warm Gulf waters, world-class seafood, and a laid-back Old Florida vibe, it attracts families, couples, retirees, and remote workers year after year.
Marco Island has two distinct areas: the main resort strip along the Gulf, and Olde Marco Island — the original historic village on the Marco River side. Most visitors default to the big hotels, but savvy travelers stay in Olde Marco for a more authentic, walkable, and affordable experience.
For travelers who want a waterfront condo with resort amenities and no hotel prices, Riverside Relaxation at Riverside Club is the top-rated option on the island.
The main hotel options include the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort and the Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort. Both are full-service beachfront hotels with higher price points. For a more personal, home-like experience at a lower cost, a direct-booked vacation condo is hard to beat.
The most popular public beach. Wide white sand, calm lagoon for kids, open Gulf on the other side. Arrive early — parking fills fast in season.
Less crowded, great for shelling and long walks. Stunning Gulf sunsets.
Quieter, locals' favorite, less tourist traffic.
Pro tip: If you're staying at Riverside Relaxation, your beach kit is already packed — chairs, umbrella, coolers with ice packs. Just grab it and go.
The quintessential Marco Island waterfront restaurant. On the Marco River with outdoor docking, live music, and great grouper. Walking distance from Riverside Relaxation.
A true Old Florida institution. Cold beer, classic food, and locals who've been coming for decades.
Casual, fun, excellent for wings and cold drinks after a beach day.
Fresh local seafood, no-frills, great value. Go for stone crab in season (October–May).
Casual waterfront drinks with one of the best sunset views on the island.
Dolphins swim the Marco River daily. Guests at Riverside Relaxation see them from the lanai almost every morning.
Marco Island produces some of the best shelling in Florida. Early morning low tide at Tigertail Beach lagoon is best.
The 10,000 Islands and mangrove tunnels are world-class paddling territory.
Dolphin watching tours, sunset cruises, and deep-sea fishing charters all depart from Marco Island marina.
Riverside Club has courts on site. Riverside Relaxation guests get access plus paddles and racquets included.
One of the largest mangrove estuaries in North America. Right off Marco Island.
Peak Season
December – April
Perfect weather, sunny skies, highs in the 70s–80s°F. Book early — good properties fill months in advance.
Shoulder Season
May & November
Still beautiful, less crowded, slightly lower rates.
Summer
June – September
Hot and humid, lower rates, quieter island. Great for families visiting in June.
Hurricane season runs June–November. Travel insurance recommended.
Fly into Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers — about 45 minutes away. A car is essential — no public transit on Marco Island.
63 five-star reviews. Airbnb Guest Favorite. Private lanai with dolphin views.
Resort pools, beach kit, and hosts who actually respond.
Book Direct & Save 20–30%