Marco Island

I love these bitter 99 per centers complaining about Marco and in the same review praise Clearwater beach … Clearwater is a dump, you belong there. And to those complaining about a «lack of diversity» on the island. You’re the racist, stay away.

Wonderful Island. I had a great time. i had visited this island previously while staying in Naples and did not like the high buildings. My first impression completely changed for the better.

Gorgeous sunsets! Ideal weather, white powder sand beaches and shells everywhere!!! The best trip in a long time! Definitely going back soon!

Marco Island may have been great once upon a time but I did not have the «enchanting» experience everyone else described. Try driving around the island looking for the water, for the beach, for the view. It is not existent. Instead you find walls and walls of corporate hotels and condos with their private beach access. In fact, there is really only one place you can park and walk over to the beach, and that is a little parking area you have to pay 8 bucks to use.
Maybe if you are staying in one of the fancy on beach hotels the trip may be better, but there is something haunting about the way that Island has turned into a corporate honey-​pot. If you are looking to find shells, starfish and sand dollars think again. Everything has been picked over time and time again. You wont be finding anything spectacular.
Last gripe I had is that the water is not clear. I drove from Orlando to hit an island with clear blue water but ended up being disappointed with its cloudiness. I think that I would have rather hit sarasota, siesta key or a clearwater beach closer by.
The only reason this Island gets a star is because of the amazing sunsets. That was really really nice and relaxing, until you turn around and see all the high rise condos and hotels lining the beach. This island got a «top 10» rating for islands in the world or something. I feel that all that real estate has some very wealthy investors able to bribe for that award. Dont fall for it…

Marco, you were awesome! Loved your beaches and sunsets. I don’t remember the last time I saw that many shells in one beach! Perhaps I’ve never seen a beach with so many shells before. Loved how shallow the shore was in the morning, perfect for a nice walk. I had a great time here with my husband and son. Very relaxing and serene few days and can’t wait to go back.

It’s all about perspective and your M.O. If you’re searching for a place to be still, engage in solitide or ride out your final days then you found the right spot but if you’re here to party and hook up on tinder, no can do buckaroo! The beautiful beach stretches for 6 miles on its West side. White powdery sands and bath-​like water. The most striking sunsets of orange and fiery red hues. The beach, the view, the calm waters and sunset all garnered 3-​stars. Here’s when Marco lost me at hello. It’s lack of diversity and overall attitude towards brown happy smiling faces. We were the only minorities — normally that doesn’t bother me– my cash is as good as yours, am I right? but when people look at you with that quizzical look — wondering if you’re the «help» or which planet you came from, then it’s time to bounce. Not all but most of the indigenous population. Heres the run down of the island’s racial pop= 96% white 3% latino and asians. And .01% black .not 1% but .01% so what’s the .09%. 50% of the pop is over the age of 65. I know alot of sexta and septagenarians and they’re super cool and laid back but here, they’re 100% grumpies!!! really, i don’t mind just chilaxing and taking in the view but sheeeez the amount of sunny days are overshadowed by grimaced constipated faces. Anyway who cares about the looks when you’re on a beautiful island??? nah, who am I kidding, Well i’ll be a monkey’s uncle. The island is beautiful the people, not so much.

We liked Hoot’s so much that we went there every day for breakfast during our stay at Marco Island Jan. 2 – 6, 2014. Prices were half what we would have paid at the Marriott where we were staying. Portions are huge (consider sharing with your tablemates if you order french toast or egg skillets) and tasty. The servers are friendly and super-​competent. Crunchy French toast made with cornflakes and Eggs Benedict were big hits with our group. Don’t trust your GPS to get there. Road had been realigned. From the main drag (Collier Blvd.) turn east onto Bald Eagle Dr. Turn left at second left (E. Elkcam Ci.) and it will be in a strip center to your right

I spent the first week of November in Marco Island on vacation with family and couldn’t have had a better, more relaxing experience. The Gulf is absolutely beautiful and the sunsets must be seen to be believed! The island itself is quaint and laid-​back, and just about everyone we encountered was friendly and welcoming. We really enjoyed the white-​sand beach (except for all the sharp scattered shells where the waves break — but this was no big deal). There is truthfully not so much to do on the island in the way of attractions (head north to Naples for that), but there are some nice places to shop and dine. Plus, if all you are looking for is just a peaceful and restful vacation without hustling from one place to the next (like us), that will work in your favor.
Overall, Marco Island is an amazing place to visit and I highly recommend it. There are lots of hotels on the island, but you might consider doing what we did and renting a fully-​equipped vacation home right across the street from the public beach access. The nightly rate actually came out to be cheaper than what we would have paid for a high-​end hotel, and it was awesome having a whole house and private pool to yourself.

This was my second vacation down at Marco Island and this time was better than the last. If you’re looking to get away without all the craziness of Orlando or Miami and just relaxing on the beach for a few days the Marco’s for you.
Spectacular sunsets, beautiful beaches, great shells, some very cute shops, amazing food, and there are still some fun touristy things you can still do here. We saw dolphins every single day we were down there. We were only there for four days this trip, but it was so nice to go to the Gulf Coast of Florida and just relax. No field hockey, no softball, no Disney, just amazing weather and great food.
If this is your kind of vacation, then this is the place for you. I can’t wait to return

There is no questions that West coast beaches have a different and unique enchantment than east coast beaches. To start their sunsets are breathtaking and their waters tend to have more animal activity and higher waves. There is really nothing to do here but leisure and enjoy the beach. Naples has more nightlife and art galleries than Marco.
I’m a shell lover and have a huge collection. Besides turtle beach near Sarasota, this beach has beat all of them when in comes to shelling. They have so many shells there is not an empty spot on the beach. I found over thirty sand dollars, conchs and endemic Floridian shells. I also found a Triton which are very unique and valuable.
Coming here was like a mini adventure since you have to cross a small lake to get to where the fun is. There were mullets jumping everywhere and stingrays along with with sharks on the water. This beach was great but i think i wouldn’t stay there a night. I think i would go for shelling in the morning through the afternoon then drive a few miles north to Naples and enjoy their sunset pier along with the art galleries at night.

I’ve been coming to Marco since 1983. It has gone from a secluded getaway to a popular place to vacation.

My tip would be to skip marco island and go to Naples or Clearwater beach. This place is a retirement island for old people, run by old people an they don’t like tourists. There are only two public beach access and the beaches are not that nice. Also expensive. Don’t waste our time or money. My group average age 54

you are a beautiful escape from reality.

Marco Island is a great place to come with your family and friends. If your looking for a quiet place to relax and lay by the beach this is what you’ve been looking for. I’ve been coming to Marco for years and I can tell you it wasn’t always like this, today Marco is a small island were many families seem to escape the craziness of Miami. It’s small but very relaxing, we always seem to leave wanting to stay an extra day or two. There are many little shops, bars, and local restaurants; however, many of them close early. Because of this we usually make our way to Naples on our weekend trips to Marco. There you can also find local shops, bars, and restaurants. Overall I would say Marco is a great place to come and spend a relaxing weekend with your family and friends.

I have been coming to the island for 10 plus years and always have a great experience. Great place to find shells and watch the wildlife (dolphins and manatee). This island is all about relaxation.

Marco Island is a great place to come if you want a quiet place to get away and lay on the beach, away from Walt Disney World and Miami. It’s small with some cute shops, bars, and restaurants. It’s not a bustling city by any means, but it is very beautiful and very nice (clean, friendly, etc.). Overall I wouldn’t say it’s a very «young» place either, but I do know some people that have come here on Spring break and said it was fun. I’ve been here a few times now and I would definitely go back!

The place is a little expensive but it is nice enough. The big downside is the beach is not the best with all of the shells and smelly clams. But it is nice and quiet in the summer, the winter is the busy season.

Unless you are a rich Republican old fart, don’t even think of visiting this condo infested shitpile. There are no good public beaches and shops aren’t especially interesting. Just lots of highrises inhabited by wealthy WASPs. Despite the the AAA guide’s oohing and aahing over this place, don’t waste your time. Only good thing we have to say about it is we got to see a dolphin close up.