Accommodations

Marco Island offers a relaxing, nature oriented getaway with a variety of condos, vacation homes, hotels, and resorts. Choose an accommodation near any of Marco Island's local attractions that offers comfort while making the most of the beautiful beaches and nature preserves at affordably priced rates.

View our Marco Island Vacation Rentals or Marco Island Resorts

Activities

Fishing, Boat Rentals, Airboat Tours, Charters, and Sunset Cruises can all be arranged at the Cedar Bay Yacht Club. Spend the day hiking, canoeing, or kayaking through any of the six national parks and nature preserves in the area. Marco Island has tropical sun-washed white beaches and a casual easy paced life style.

Events

The Marco Island Film Festival, showcasing films by national and international filmmakers is a week-long festival with an inviting tropical flair. In addition to film screening, other highlights of the October festival include celebrity events, student workshops, and panel discussions with film directors, screenwriters, actors, film distributors and other film industry experts. The Everglades Seafood Festival takes place on the first weekend in February in Everglades City. The Marco Island 4th of July Celebration at Residents Beach offers entertainment and fireworks.

Water Sports

The Gulf Coast beaches of Marco Island and Naples are perfect for swimming, parasailing, or catching up on your tan. You can also find powerboat, canoe, kayak, and sailboat rentals, as well as jetski rentals. The warm Gulf of Mexico waters are inviting for snorkeling and scuba diving.

Golfing

It has been said that the nearby Naples area has more golf holes than any other place on the planet. The amazing weather and sculpted landscapes make Southwest Florida a wonderful golfing destination. With numerous public and private golf courses, players can always find a challenge.

History

In 1870, William T. Collier brought his wife and nine children to Marco Island from Tennessee and became the first American settler on the island. In 1896, his son, William D. "Captain Bill" Collier opened a 20 room hotel that is known today as the Olde Marco Inn and is registered as a historical landmark. In 1922, Barron Collier, who was not related to the original settlers, purchased most of the land on the island and was responsible for building the Tamiami Trail, spending over 1 million dollars of his own money on the project. Due to the Great Depression, Collier was unable to develop Marco Island. Most of the city was built in the 1960's by the famous Deltona Corporation.