Located at the north end of the island off Hernando Drive, Tigertail Beach is the most popular public beach on Marco Island and offers 226 parking spaces, restrooms, showers, a snack bar, and playground. Run by Collier County, this beach features:

Two distinct beach areas: Lagoon Beach and Sand Dollar Spit

ADA-accessible walkways

Kayak and paddleboard rentals

Outstanding birdwatching and shelling opportunities

Parking is $10/day (free with Collier County beach permit)

Tigertail Beach is known for its natural beauty, wildlife viewing, and eco-tourism experiences. It’s also a key site on the Great Florida Birding Trail.

Located at the southwest tip of Marco Island, this family-friendly beach offers 70 parking spaces, restrooms, and beach rentals (umbrellas, chairs, Hobie Cats, etc.).

Parking lot on Swallow Ave, $10/day

Closest beach to Sunset Grille for dining

Great for dolphin spotting, shelling, and sunset views

Located on South Collier Blvd, opposite the Charter Club, this privately owned public lot offers 80 spaces. Daily rates range from $15–$25, payable via ParkMobile.

Closest access point to Crystal Shores and central resorts

A short walk leads to wide sandy beaches ideal for sunbathing and swimming

A lesser-known public beach access point just north of the JW Marriott, this spot has no parking, but is great for pedestrians and cyclists staying nearby.

Only accessible to members of the Marco Island Civic Association, this beach is not open to the general public. For more info, visit www.marcocivic.com.

Six ADA-accessible walkways

Beach café, BBQs, kayak rentals, and shaded picnic areas

Excellent for families with young children

Panoramic views of Sand Dollar Spit, the lagoon, and Big Marco Pass

Great for birdwatchers and photographers

A short walk or wade across the lagoon leads to this remote, natural beach:

Top spot for shelling in Marco Island

Quiet and uncrowded, great for romantic beach walks

Keep an eye out for sea turtles, shorebirds, and ghost crabs

If you want to explore beyond the main beaches on Marco Island, check out these uninhabited island beaches:

Keewaydin Island (North of Marco)

Accessible only by boat or the Hemingway Water Shuttle

Part of the Rookery Bay National Estuarine Reserve

Excellent for shelling, wildlife, and swimming

Umbrella and chair rentals are available via shuttle

Kice Island, Dickman’s Point & Sandbars (South of Marco)

Accessible via eco-tours or kayak rentals from Caxambas Park

Great for beachcombing, fishing, and birdwatching

Explore sandbars at low tide for sea stars, sand dollars, and sea urchins

Parking is limited: arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays

No pets, glass containers, or bicycles are allowed on public beaches

Beach access is open dawn to dusk only

Bring shelling bags, sun protection, and plenty of water

Whether you’re searching for quiet beaches in South Florida, family-friendly beach access, or wildlife-rich coastal hikes, Marco Island has something for everyone.

Plan your visit today and discover why Marco Island is consistently rated one of the best beach destinations in the United States!

Marco Island is a top destination for shelling in Florida, drawing beachcombers from around the world to its pristine shores. With its position on the Gulf of Mexico and proximity to the 10,000 Islands, Marco’s beaches—especially Tigertail Beach and Sand Dollar Spit—offer a treasure trove of seashells, including fighting conchs, lightning whelks, alphabet cones, tulip shells, and the occasional rare junonia.

Whether you’re a seasoned shell collector or just exploring with your kids, shelling on Marco Island is one of the most fun and relaxing things to do in Southwest Florida.

Best Time to Shell: Go during low tide, especially after a storm or full moon, when new shells wash ashore.

Top Shelling Spots: Visit Tigertail Beach, Sand Dollar Spit, or take a boat tour to Keewaydin Island or Kice Island for more remote shelling.

What to Bring: A mesh shelling bag, water shoes (especially for wading), sunscreen, and drinking water.

Shelling Rules: You may collect empty shells only. It’s illegal to take any shell with a living organism inside, including live sand dollars or starfish.

Wildlife Protection: Respect marked areas for nesting birds and sea turtles, and never disturb wildlife while shelling.