Marco Island is home to a few of the most beautiful beaches in Florida. They are home to beautiful white sand, clear water, and unforgettable sunsets. Marco Island beaches are family-friendly and host water activities, including kayaking and paddleboarding. Here is your guide to Marcos Island beaches.
Marco Island is one of the best communities to visit for public beach access. While other Florida communities are almost entirely closed off to public beach access, Marco Island is home to two wonderful public beaches favorites among locals and visitors.
Tigertail beach is three miles long with white sand and plenty of wildlife. It is not uncommon to see dolphins and other sea animals offshore. The beach is also a favorite spot for bird watchers. Tigertail is a popular spot because it has affordable parking and excellent amenities. They have a great snack bar with a wide variety of food and a patio with lots of umbrellas. The beach also has a stand to rent kayaks, paddleboards, and other beach rentals.
South Beach on Marco Island is the less busy of the two public beaches but is still popular among visitors. It is a popular spot for relaxing and is very family-friendly. Since it is rare for this beach to get overcrowded, it is easy to spread out, and you can bring as much beach gear as you’d like. You also don’t have to worry about getting there early to get a prime spot. The beach also has gentle waves, so it is a perfect spot for young swimmers and low-key water activities. Public parking is convenient to the beach access.
In addition to public beaches, Marco Island is also home to several private beaches. Some private beaches are reserved for community members only, while others are open to long-term visitors or renters.
Residents’ beach is a private beach open to Marco Island residents or renters staying for more than one month. So if you are not a local but have a rental condo or rental house for more than one month, you are welcome to the beach. If you are a renter, be sure to get the proper credentials from your landlord or the beach office.
Membership includes unlimited access to the beach and several amenities including convenient parking, showers and bathrooms, an outdoor grille, and a playground. The beach is also known to host events such as concerts.
Membership also includes access to Sarazen Park, which offers beach access and more facilities. Members must wear or carry their beach pass administered by the beach office while on the property.
Hideaway Beach is a 2.5 mile-long private beach reserved for residents and members of the Hideaway Beach Club. The beach is impeccably kept and features plenty of lounge chairs, umbrellas, and chickee huts.
After a day at the beach, members can enjoy time at the spa on-site or dine at one of the facilities’ many restaurants. You can order a drink from the club’s beach bar, called Sand Bar. In addition, the club’s resort overlooks the beachfront, making it easy to transition from the pool to the beach and back.
One of the things that makes Marco Island unique is its relative lack of beach hotels. Vacation rentals dominate the beach. Vacation rentals keep short-term stays at a minimum, contributing to the island’s low crime rate. Most Island visitors stay for at least a week and many for a month or more. There are only a few hotels on Marco Beach, and they’re extensive and upscale resorts. Here are a few of the best beachfront hotels on the island.
The JW Marriott is a luxurious resort offering the best of Marco Beach. The 12 restaurants, two championship golf courses, fitness classes, and family activities will keep you and your family busy. Guests love the luxurious spa and full-service facilities for social galas and weddings. The JW Marriott is a popular place to stay for business, fun, and everything in between.
The Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort is situated in the middle of Marco Island’s famous beach. It is convenient to restaurants and shops nearby and offers some great eateries onsite.
The rooms have private balconies making for a perfect way to watch the sunset. The Hilton also has a full-service spa that offers massages, body treatments, and facials. The hotel also has an outdoor pool and a spa tub. It is family-friendly and caters to parents who want to enjoy a night out by offering childcare services. There are two restaurants on-site in addition to a poolside bar.
Crystal Shores is a Marriott property and is one of the most family-friendly resorts on the island. It is close to the beach and just a short drive from the Florida Everglades, Naples Zoo, and other local activities. It also features a kid-friendly waterslide and heated outdoor pools. There’s still plenty to do for parents, with an onsite bar & grill that is beachfront and open-air. In addition, all villas have a fully equipped kitchen and a washer/dryer, perfect for more extended stays.
Marco Beach Ocean Resort is an upscale resort offering modern design and a luxurious feel. The resort boasts five-star amenities while still maintaining a boutique-style feel. The resort is not too big or small, with 103 one and two-bedroom suites, each with private balconies.
Guests have plenty of options for dining, with beachfront food services and an onsite restaurant. Marco Beach Ocean Resort is home to Marco Island’s only AAA Four-Diamond restaurant. Sale e Pepe serves authentic Italian food that you’ll never forget. The resort amenities include a fitness center, full-service spa, rooftop garden, and swimming pool. MBOR is a beautiful resort for visitors looking for an elevated and relaxing experience.
The beaches on Marco Island are said to be some of the best in the world. From beach activities to relaxing to weddings, the beaches can accommodate just about anything. So whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a family-friendly trip, or a place to host a business function, Marco Island and its beaches have something for everyone.
For 50 years Marco Island has been treasured for its special beaches and relaxed lifestyle. Make our island your secret getaway with Sun King Vacation Rentals.
Nearby Naples has great beaches too. Catch some rays downtown and stroll over to 5th Ave. for lunch.
