Marco Island, Florida is a truly wonderful destination, boasting a balmy sub-tropical climate, breathtaking natural scenery, friendly natives, and an abundance of wildlife in the surrounding area. Visitors will discover a wealth of activities on and near the island, ranging from water sports to amazing historical sites to unique wildlife adventures. There's always something fun to do, rain or shine!
Once you experience the soft white sands and the clear blue water of the shore, you might never want to leave the beach! Bask in the sun, swim in the warm gulf waters, rent a jet ski, surf, or learn to sail. The beaches offer top-notch shelling at low tide, so you're sure to find a treasure to take home.
The area is also rich in history. Visit the Cushing Archaelogical Site, one of the most important excavations in North America. Artifacts discovered here are over 3,000 years old. Check out the Marco Cat statue, a beautiful example of ancient artwork.
To see a plethora of native wildlife, visit the Babcock Wilderness Adventure in nearby Naples. The 90,000-acre ranch is home to panthers, alligators, deer, wild turkeys, all kinds of birds, along with the domestic cattle and horses. A swamp buggy carries visitors on a tour through forests, marshes, and cypress swamps, viewing the animals along the way. Enjoy a picnic or sample the ranch's hot dogs, burgers, or gator bites.
For more exotic creatures, head to the Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens, a nationally accredited zoo and historic garden. Voted the "Best Place to Take Kids" by Gulfshore Life magazine, children will love touring the little islands on a catamaran, seeing monkeys, lemurs, apes, and gibbons in natural surroundings. There's also a Madagascar Pavilion, Leopard Rock, Alligator Bay, three play areas for kids, and paved paths through the zoo.
While you're in the area, the Everglades is definitely a must-see. A thrilling tour through the sawgrass prairies on an air boat will put you up close to alligators, manatees, deer, beautiful birds, and other amazing creatures. The boats carry from 6-30 passengers, so take the whole crowd!
A number of local cruise options are available. Take a sightseeing tour, a shelling adventure, or a relaxing sunset cruise. If you want something a bit livelier, try a dinner and dancing cruise or a party cruise a floating cocktail party!
Over 80 establishments in the area offer a wide variety of foods, but the favorite is the fresh-from-the-docks seafood, including jumbo gulf shrimp, stone crab claws, scallops, and many types of superb finned fish. If you want something a little different, order the gator tail or frog legs.
If shopping is your passion, Marco will not disappoint. The Esplanade Shoppes include 50,000 square feet of upscale shops, specialty stores, and dining. The Town Center Mall, located on North Collier, is another great shopping venue. You'll find all kinds of charming boutiques and quaint little nooks in the area, too.
Sports enthusiasts will enjoy a game of tennis or racquet ball at the Collier County Racquet Center, or a round of hoops at one of the island's parks. Beach volleyball is always fun and is available at Tigertail Beach. The area also has several championship golf courses, ranging from easy to difficult.
There are lots more things to do and see in this fascinating area, far too numerous to mention. Just be sure to schedule enough time to experience your favorites. Remember, though, you'll have to tear yourself away from the glorious beach to enjoy some of these attractions!
This guide to Marco Island attractions was brought to you by Holle Abee
No matter what you prefer to do--shopping, eating, sporting, or sight-seeing--you will be thrilled to come home to an amazing holiday home every night. YOu may not even want to go out the next day! (Maybe you can order some alligator tail for delivery?)