Best Beaches in Florida: Marco Island
Situated at the southern tip of Florida’s Paradise Coast, Marco Island holds the distinction of being the largest among the Ten Thousand Islands.
Ten Thousand Islands Deserted Beach.
Photos Courtesy of Naples Marco Island Everglades CVB.
Situated at the southern tip of Florida’s Paradise Coast, Marco Island holds the distinction of being the largest among the Ten Thousand Islands. It occupies a prime location, nestled north of the Gulf Coast entrance to Everglades National Park and just 15 miles south of Naples. This captivating island finds itself embraced by the Gulf of Mexico on one side and pristine mangrove estuaries on the other.
Marco Island presents visitors with a picturesque 6-mile long crescent-shaped coastline renowned for its abundant seashells. Situated at the southern tip of Florida’s Paradise Coast, Marco Island holds the distinction of being the largest among the Ten Thousand Islands. It occupies a prime location, nestled north of the Gulf Coast entrance to Everglades National Park and just 15 miles south of Naples. This captivating island finds itself embraced by the Gulf of Mexico on one side and pristine mangrove estuaries on the other.
Marco Island’s allure extends beyond its stunning beaches. It showcases a captivating combination of attractions, including world-class golf courses in close proximity, as well as a wide range of shopping and dining options both on the island itself and in the nearby city of Naples. Furthermore, the world-famous Everglades National Park lies adjacent to Marco Island, providing visitors with immediate access to a remarkable natural wonder. This access grants them the opportunity to explore the mangrove-lined estuaries of the Ten Thousand Islands, engage in activities such as shelling, fishing, boating, bird and wildlife watching, kayaking, and canoeing. The surrounding environment of Marco Island sets the stage for a perfect blend of relaxation and adventure.
Notably, Marco Island’s beach and its adjacent sandbars rank among the finest shelling destinations worldwide. A leisurely stroll along the island’s shores offers shell seekers an array of treasures, including whelks, olive shells, scallops, and countless other varieties. Island tour operators offer short boat trips to secluded sandbars and beach islands, creating an idyllic setting free from crowds where shell enthusiasts can immerse themselves in the search for these natural gems.
The vast expanse of the Ten Thousand Islands unfurls endlessly from Marco Island’s southern boundary, meandering past Everglades City and Chokoloskee, until it reaches Flamingo at the southernmost point of Florida’s mainland. A substantial portion of this expansive region falls within the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge or Everglades National Park, establishing a sanctuary for numerous rare and endangered animal and bird species.
Orlando magazine’s dedicated editorial team is taking the guesswork out of your next beach day! This chart will show you the best Marco Island’s amenities to fit your needs.
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