At just six miles long, Marco Island is the largest and only inhabited of Florida’s Ten Thousand Islands, as well as a gateway to Everglades National Park, the largest subtropical wilderness in the U.S. It’s hard to believe walking on the alabaster beaches, watching dolphins frolic in the waves, that just a few miles away lies a mangrove wonderland, black-whiskered vireos serenade the alligators and crocodiles, and a tangle of coastal hammocks teem with wildlife. Located on the Gulf of Mexico, with approximately 300 days of sunshine per year, Marco Island offers a respite of luxury tucked into the wilds of Old Florida.

Hyla Crane, executive director of Marco Island Center for the Arts, traded New York City for the small barrier island and never looked back. “It’s a tropical vacation without leaving the country — the beaches are beautiful, the pace of life is calm and relaxing, and the art scene is vibrant.” she told Travel + Leisure about what makes Marco Island so special. “There are spas, museums, a theater, great restaurants, and plenty of water sports. When you cross the Jolley Bridge, you feel like you are on holiday.”

Best Hotels & Resorts

The Boat House

On the banks of Collier Creek, The Boat House exudes Old Florida charm at an affordable price. With 20 guest rooms, three condo units, and one rental home, accommodations here provide a cozy, pet-friendly atmosphere. Amenities include a waterfront pool, boat docks, and common areas for gathering. Crane noted, “The proprietor is charming and it puts you right on the water.”

Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort and Spa

“If you prefer a more upscale experience, the Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort and Spa offers a superb executive chef and luxurious spa, and you are right on the beach,” added Crane. In addition to the king and queen rooms, the property also has four dining options, a heated outdoor pool, a sundeck, and a show-stopping white-sand beach.

JW Marriot Marco Island Beach Resort

For the Cadillac of accommodations, according to Crane, the only choice is the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort. An ideal family resort in Florida, the property has four pools, including one with a slide, plus 13 food and beverage concepts, 10 acres of pristine beach, access to two golf courses, three fitness centers, and a 20,000-square-foot spa. Paradise by Sirene is a separate wing of adults-only suites featuring complimentary breakfast, rooftop pool access, beach butler service, your own vacation planner, and more. Crane added, “No stay is complete without a visit to 10K Alley, an amazing arcade that includes a bowling alley, mini golf, as well as a taproom with craft beers and bourbon.” Be sure to check out the sunset fire dance show, weather permitting.

Best Things to Do

Go fishing.

Surrounded by the perfect mix of fresh and saltwater, Marco Island is a fisherman’s paradise. Anglers can expect to hook snook, grouper, tripletail, snapper, redfish, tarpon, and more. Crane added, “If you enjoy eating what you catch, several restaurants on the island will take your fish and prepare it for you.”

Explore the Marco Island Historical Museum.

High on Crane’s must-stop list is the Marco Island Historical Museum, which explores southwest Florida’s Calusa Indians through artifacts unearthed from archeological digs, some dating as far back as the 1800s. One room is transformed into a replica of a Calusa village and its inhabitants’ daily lives. It’s also where visitors can see the famed Marco Cat, an artifact that traveled from Marco Island to the Smithsonian and now is home.

Check out the Marco Island Center for the Arts.

Marco Island Center for the Arts encompasses a working artist gallery, studios for classes, and a community theater. The Art Center, located on Winterberry Drive, showcases music, film, and presentations through dynamic monthly exhibitions, classes, and workshops for adults, free educational programs for children, and events, including wine-tasting nights and live music. The Arts Center Theatre, located on North Collier Boulevard, produces six shows each season. It also offers a theater camp, which culminates in a full-scale production — this summer, it’s “Finding Nemo,” complete with digitized animated art that makes you feel like you’re swimming underwater with Nemo, Dory, and friends.

Head to the beach.

Marco Island has some of the best beaches in Florida, thanks to its sunset views, access to wildlife, and water sports. Crane recommends Tigertail Beach Park if you collect shells — Florida fighting conch and lightning whelk are just a couple found here. Plus, it’s a stop on the Great Florida Birding Trail for all the bird-watching enthusiasts.

Join Rising Tide Explorers.

There’s no better way to see this part of the country than on a tour with a biologist who understands the ecosystem, can navigate the meandering waterways, and teach you about the history of the area. Rising Tide Explorers offers several boat and kayak tours, as well as rental options. It’s the only biologist-owned-and-operated ecotour company in the area. Be sure to bring insect repellent, sunscreen, and your curiosity as you explore Collier County’s 110,000 acres of protected coastline.

Best Shopping

The Shops of Olde Marco

Located on Royal Palm Drive on the northern tip of Marco Island, this collection of boutiques, art galleries, working artist studios, and eateries is one of Crane’s favorites. Visitors will find the Local Color Art Gallery filled with pieces created by local artists, Sage & Sand Beauty Co., Leebe Fish Restaurant and Seafood Market, and more.

Best Restaurants

Marco Prime Steak & Seafood

Located on South Collier Boulevard, Marco Prime Steak & Seafood is a perennial Wine Spectator Award of Excellence winner and Crane’s go-to for upscale dining. She added, “The food is superb and they have an impressive wine list, along with excellent wine events.” Expect a wide variety of fresh local seafood, wagyu steaks, and uncommon offerings like Siberian caviar. The restaurant is open for dinner only, seven days per week.

Mango’s Dockside Bistro

Crane’s favorite meal is brunch, and Mango’s Dockside Bistro gets her number-one spot. “They have the best bloody mary. It’s right on the water, and family-friendly,” she said. Open seven days a week from 11 a.m. until 9 p.m., the restaurant serves breakfast between December and April. Fur babies are also welcome on the patio so the whole family can join.

Snook Inn

Can you say you’ve been to Marco Island without dining at Snook Inn? Crane thinks not. She added, “The food is casual at this 30-year-old island staple. There’s live music and an exceptional happy hour.” Boat slips abut the back of the restaurant for easy docking, and a plethora of indoor and outdoor seating provides full waterfront views. The lavender lemonade is just the ticket on a sweltering South Florida day, and the iconic salad bar with an enormous pickle barrel brings lots of Old Florida nostalgia. The grouper sandwich, blackened with crispy fries, is the specialty here and for good reason — it’s a generous portion of fish served on a soft brioche bun.

The Oyster Society

This elegant dinner-only spot gives off Prohibition-era vibes with its moody color palate, leather loungers, and lively jazz trio playing for the crowd. The Oyster Society‘s extensive raw bar includes classics like shrimp cocktail, caviar service, and, of course, oysters from around the country. A sushi bar stationed in the center of the dining room, a selection of chef specialties like the Slash’N Burn Local Snapper, and a Fresh & Simple section with a variety of steak and seafood options (with your choice of cook preparation, sauce, and side) round out the menu. Make sure to leave room for dessert — the carrot cake with warm, spiced cream cheese frosting and candied carrot hay is the stuff of legend on Marco Island.

Doreen’s Cup of Joe

Set in a small strip mall, Doreen’s Cup of Joe has a warm farmhouse feel: chalkboards with specials, rooster statues, and handwritten missives adorn the walls and shelves. The breakfast and lunch hot spot is open seven days a week from 7:30 a.m. until 2 p.m. The menu features local products like Bradley’s Country Store sausage patties from Tallahassee and freshly squeezed Florida orange juice. But the star on the menu is the Crunchy French Toast coated in cornflakes with a tender cinnamon interior and served with pure Vermont maple syrup.

Best Time to Visit

Marco Island’s high season runs from October through May, coinciding with stone crab season, when the local delicacies are harvested and served in restaurants around the Paradise Coast. The weather is temperate, hurricane season has passed, and businesses are fully open. It’s also the pricier time to visit. Great deals can be found during the shoulder season (June through September).

Visit in March to catch Crane’s favorite annual event, the Marco Island National Fine  Art Show, a two-day event filled with work by more than 90 artists from around the country, including painting, jewelry, sculpture, glasswork, and ceramics. Local chefs provide tasty bites to enjoy while perusing pieces and meeting artists.

How to Get There

Approximately two hours from Fort Lauderdale and three hours from Tampa, Marco Island is easily reachable by car. If flying, Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers is the closest — 48 miles — and has service from all major airlines daily. Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL), Miami International Airport (MIA), and Tampa International Airport (TPA) are also options, though will require a longer commute.

Areas to Visit

Keewaydin Island

Located between Marco Island and Naples, Keewaydin Island is accessible only by boat. With eight miles of untouched white sand, this barrier island is a quiet spot for some uninterrupted shelling. It’s the only pet-friendly beach in the Naples/Marco Island area, and the Hemingway Water Shuttle departs from Marco Island seven times daily; well-behaved, leashed dogs are welcome on board. Though no amenities are available on the island, a food boat called Just Beachy Burgers & More parks just offshore between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. most days for hungry beachgoers wanting to try burgers, grouper sandwiches and tacos, hot dogs, fries, and other snacks.

Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge

Just 12 miles down Highway 41 from Marco Island, Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge is best accessed by boat. The refuge mainland can be reached via the Marsh Trail, a mile-long hiking and biking route that also features canoe and kayak areas, a two-story observation tower overlooking the marsh, and an adjacent parking lot. Visitors are treated to a wealth of biological diversity, including thousands of water birds, loggerhead sea turtles, and manatees feeding within the estuary. You may even catch a bald eagle soaring over the open water or an alligator observing the scene.

How to Get Around

There’s no getting around it — you need to rent a car to get the full experience on Marco Island. Luckily, Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers has all the major companies like Enterprise, Avis, and Budget. Once on Marco Island, there are several bike, golf cart, and scooter rental shops. Generous bike lanes surround the island, making it easy to navigate without a car. Uber also services the island for those who prefer to avoid driving. But if experiencing the abundant nature just a stone’s throw from Marco Island is on the agenda, opt for a rental.

Another popular option is Crabby Cabbie. For just $5, you can get a ride anywhere on Marco Island, and for three dollars more, you can visit nearby Goodland, home to a population under 400. Crane described the destination as a “drinking village with a fishing problem.”