Feb
North America, Photo Essays, Travel Destinations, Travel Inspiration
20 Photos that will Inspire You to Visit Marco Island, FL
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You Must Visit Marco Island Soon!
We can all name destinations that are near and dear to our hearts. For example, I’ll always cherish Scotland since it was my very first solo trip and changed the course of my life. These places touch us, making them far more valuable than a pretty “insta-famous” vacation destination.
Marco Island is more than a tropical Florida paradise for me. Ever since I was four months old, my parents took me twice a year (or more!) to Southwest Florida to enjoy some sun rays on the Gulf of Mexico. For at least eleven years, we visited Marco Island every Thanksgiving Break. I’m not kidding. The Fort Myers International Airport and my family were quick friends. Instead of turkey and gravy, I associated the holiday with grouper or snapper sandwiches on the balcony, balmy breezes blowing through our hair. I gradually learned every restaurant, every street, every beach on this island. It’s not not far from Disney World either (if you need the best tips for Disney World, go here).
Then college and teaching happened, and my passionate for travel grew more intense. I wanted to climb the Canadian Rockies and roam across Central/Eastern Europe. Marco Island, although cherished, was a bit forgotten.
Then, over President’s Day weekend, I re-visited Marco Island with my mom … for the first time in six years.
It. Was. Amazing.
Seriously, I felt like I was returning home, and actually cried at the airport because I didn’t want to leave again.
So, yeah, I made another New Year’s Resolution: I will spend at least one long weekend a year in Marco Island. I can’t go so long without visiting ever again.
And to be even more honest, I almost didn’t want to share my experience here, because I’m greedy and want to keep Marco Island’s magic all to myself. But sharing is caring, right?
Hopefully these 20 photos will inspire you to reserve your hotel and visit Marco Island soon.
My first view of Marco Island. Be still my beating heart.
Ready for a dip in the pool at South Seas Towers?
Wandering Esplanade Shoppes.
A sunset view from CJ’s on the Bay.
Gorgeous early morning views of Tigertail Beach.
Tigertail Beach even has a fun little park – which is peaceful in the morning.
Who doesn’t love these sweeping views of the Gulf of Mexico?
Balmy morning breezes near the new JW Marriott Beach Resort.
Sunsets. Do I need to say anything else? Didn’t think so. And now let’s relax in Old Marco Village.
And here’s a bonus picture (cough, selfie, cough) to show you how happy this beautiful island makes me.
Do you want to visit Marco Island? What are your favorite destinations in Florida? Which picture was your favorite?
Remember if you’re planning a tropical vacation, don’t forget the essentials.
Share all thoughts in the comments section.
Note: Some links are affiliate-based. If you make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no additional cost to you.
Wow! I have never heard of Marco Island but it looks like a tropical paradise! Everything looks so pretty and relaxing. What an amazing place to spend a long weekend, although I could probably stay longer too!
Hannah —
I could have stayed way longer myself! I wish I had more time off from school, haha. You’re right. It’s a total paradise! Thanks for visiting!
What a beautiful place, I’ve never heard about it before! Looks like a nice place for a relaxing holiday. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Taís —
It was SOOO relaxing!
I’ve wanted to go here for sooooo long! One of my friends went here in like, elementary school and brought me a sand dollar haha.
Megan —
I found a sand dollar on this trip!! Definitely go!
How beautiful! The name makes me think of that childhood Marco Polo game! Tigertail beach looks stunning, and I love the look of the old town area.
Kavey —
Hahaha! I remember playing Marco Polo!
The beach and those skies are just so beautiful!! Incredible pictures!
Alice —
Thank you!!
Never even heard of this island before until I read this and now I want to stay in the hotel there and check out the beach. Great post 🙂
Danik —
Definitely go! You will LOVE it. The beach rules.
So pretty and love the secluded look that it has… very romantic and I bet a complete change from the more busier and touristy areas in Florida. Beautiful sunsets, boasts in the marina, and empty beaches… I guess this is what holidays are all about and its so nice that it is relatively close to you and you also have childhood memories about this place.
Ticker Eats the World —
It gave me such a wonderful change of pace. I looooove how much room there is on the beach!
What a great place to be able to spend Thanksgiving. I love the idea of snapper sandwiches! I’d love to lie in one of those cabanas on the beach! Beautiful
Kate —
I want to chill in those cabanas so much now that I’m back in New Jersey, haha.
OMG it is so beautiful there! I loved all of the pictures. The beaches and the bay were my favorite. I need to book a trip here to check it out for myself.
Shannalyn —
GO GO GO! You will LOVE it.
Marco Island looks like a top spot to photograph sunsets. And the beach looks really nice and pristine too. Does it get pretty busy at certain times of the year?
Christina —
It gets busier from December – March, I think. Easter week is usually busy too.
The island looks so inviting. Some of the friends do stay in Florida but have never really talked about this island. I am gonna definitely share about this island to them. Scotland is my fav country too and your thanksgiving day escape island is stunning. Wish US tourist visa is not a hassle would love to book a trip there.
Swati & Sam —
I’m happy to hear someone else’s favorite country is Scotland! It’s the best.
The photographs capture the pristine beauty of the island in vivid detail, Marco Island looks like a piece of paradise that has accidentally fallen down on earth. A great and idyllic place to relax, recharge and rejuvenate the body, mind and soul.
Sandy —
I felt very rejuvenated by the end of my stay. Needed – especially at this time of the year.
I was trying to figure out if I visited when I was down in fort Myers but once I saw the little village, I realise I missed out on this gem. What a shame. Those beach scenes are gorgeous but then Florida does amazing sunsets and cocktails!
Anne —
I love Florida so much. Gotta love the sunsets.
It looks like such a beautiful place to go to get a taste of tropical! I had never heard of this place before I read this post so thanks for opening up my eyes. Another destination to add to my list I think!
Anita —
Yay! I’m glad I opened up your eyes!