Stay on Marco Island with a base that matches your plans. Do you want beachfront lounging, a boat-only Keewaydin escape, or backcountry vibes with live music? This guide helps you choose the right area. Then, layer in beaches, tours, dining, and essentials using our on-site links.

Marco Reviewer Tip: Sketch your weekend: one beach day, one boat day, and one sunset dinner. Then pick the neighborhood that makes that plan easy.

Beach Resort Corridor (Central–South Marco)

This is the “toes-in-the-sand” zone along Collier Blvd. It offers wide beaches, walkable dining, and quick access to marinas. You’re only a short hop from Tigertail Beach for shelling and lagoon/sandbar adventures. Time crossings with the tide for an easy day. Use Tides & sunsets and grab ideas from Things to do.

For Keewaydin, most shuttles depart from Rose Marina. They take you to a boat-only Gulf beach with shells, sandbars, and frequent dolphin sightings. Local operators like Hemingway Water Shuttle run regular trips. In fact, VISIT FLORIDA highlights Keewaydin as a remote, boat-access beach between Naples and Marco.

Old Marco (Historic North End)

If you prefer Old Florida charm, choose Old Marco. The district grew from the island’s pioneer settlement. The Olde Marco Inn, dating back to the late 19th century, still anchors the walkable, small-scale neighborhood near docks and waterways. It’s only a short drive to beaches and just minutes from Rose Marina for rentals and Keewaydin shuttles.

Staying here makes it easy to blend history, beaches, and boats in one loop. Start with our Marco Island beaches guide. Then, add an eco-cruise from Things to do. Finally, time your sunset with Tides & sunsets.

Goodland (Fishing Village Next Door)

For salty, local energy and quick access to the Ten Thousand Islands, base yourself in Goodland. Calusa Island Marina offers a public ramp, fuel, bait, and wet slips. From here, it’s an easy shot to the backcountry or open Gulf. That’s why guides love it. Expect a working-waterfront vibe and lively music spots in season, all just minutes from Marco by car.

Even better, five minutes down the road lies the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge. It’s a 35,000-acre maze of mangroves, rookeries, and tidal creeks. This is prime country for guided boat tours, birding, and photography. Because it’s tidal and remote, most visitors benefit from going with a guide.

Marco Reviewer Tip: In shallow approaches, arrive or depart around mid- to high tide. It makes marina transits easier. Then, chase golden hour on a short sunset run.

Don’t Miss: Keewaydin (Boat-Only Beach Day)

No matter where you stay on Marco Island, plan a day on Keewaydin Island. This eight-mile Gulf beach sits between Naples and Marco and is accessible only by boat. Water taxis and shuttles leave from Rose Marina. On calm days, expect clear shallows, shell-filled sandbars, and maybe even a floating food boat on weekends. Pack shade, water, and a cooler. There are no cars or facilities.

Nearby Heritage (Easy Day Trip)

If pioneer history interests you, add Chokoloskee and the Smallwood Store to your plans. Built in 1906, this trading post turned museum stands at the edge of the Ten Thousand Islands. Today, it’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Pair it with a backcountry tour or a Goodland lunch for a memorable side trip.