Best Things to Do in Marco Island with Family (Beaches, Restaurants & Activities)

In this post, I’m sharing the best things to do in Marco Island with family, along with where to eat, where to stay, and our favorite activities after visiting year after year.

We have been to Marco Island, Florida countless times, always in the winter months (between January, February and March). The beaches are to love, as well as the weather, the restaurants, and all Marco Island has to offer. It is also one of the most southern parts of Florida (besides the Keys). We feel like Marco Island has the best chance of warmer and sunny weather, especially in the months of January, February and March. These are the reasons we love Marco Island and why we go back. In this post, I will talk about things to do in Marco Island with the family (including fishing), restaurants to eat at, the best activities and places to stay on Marco Island.

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Interactive Map of Things to Do in Marco Island with Family

This interactive map highlights the best things to do in Marco Island with family, including beaches, top Marco Island restaurants, popular attractions, and nearby activities. Use it to plan your days, find must-see spots, and see how everything is laid out across the island. Whether you’re looking for kid-friendly beaches, dolphin tours, or places to eat, this map makes it easy to build your perfect Marco Island itinerary.

Getting There And Renting a car

Firstly, I book all my flights through Expedia. We always take a non-stop flight to Fort Meyers (RSW) and typically we are traveling to Marco Island in January, February or March. I really do prefer when we fly Delta, but this really depends on when we go, flights available, and cost. Sometimes, we save hundreds of dollars by using a different airline or moving our travel dates a day or two.

Before we move on, here is the luggage and carry on we use. I love my TSA-approved Samsonite Suitcases. They have a hardshell and roll SO SMOOTHLY! The travel backpack keeps us on top of our organization game. It has a space for my computer with a TSA approved lock for security. Before you figure out things to do in Marco Island, Florida, be sure to have good luggage to get you there!

Car Rental Tip

Next, here is one of my favorite travel tip, USE ALAMO AT RSW! When it comes to travel, one of the biggest headaches we have, is focused around car rental. We have had many circumstances with waiting in lines for SO LONG waiting to get our rental. I don’t know if anyone else feels this pain too? Anyway, we will not use anything but Alamo at RSW. They have “Skip-the-Counter” which is a GAME CHANGER! Prior to leaving home, we check into our rental through Expedia. When we arrive in Florida, we walk right out to the cars, choose the vehicle we want in the category we paid for and we drive away.

This is especially a great tip if you fly to Marco Island during their busy spring break period, February, March or April.

Where to Stay in Marco Island with Family

Next question people often ask is, “Where should we stay in Marco Island?” Our family prefers to rent homes (VRBO, Airbnb, etc.). We have stayed in several different rentals on Marco. Typically we look for is a house with 2-3 bedrooms, a private pool and on a canal. Even though I prefer a rental over a hotel, if I had to stay in a hotel, the JW Marriott is a beautiful option. After a long day at the beach or activities in the Everglades, my happy place is to be poolside with the family and watching the kids swim or fish the canal on Marco Island.

Although the canal is a huge perk for a boy who loves to fish, it’s also a big perk if you want to use a boat. However, even if you do not fish or boat, it is still great. I love waking up to sunny weather in the morning and sipping my coffee looking over the water. It’s always a huge bonus when dolphins and/or manatees swim by (which they do).

Here are some places we’ve stayed or would stay…

Don’t forget your traveling fishing pole! We take along this traveling fishing pole for our son to use in the Marco Island canal. This folds down and fits into our suitcase. He could fish the canals all day! Fishing is a popular thing to do in and around Marco Island.

If you wish to start your VRBO search, here is a link.

Where to Eat – Marco Island Restaurants

We love our dining experience on Marco Island. The choices are endless and sometimes it can be hard to decide where to eat, but here is a list of some of our favorite restaurants on Marco Island. Remember that restaurants on Marco Island can be busy, especially during February, March or April. Reservations are not a bad idea.

Here are some not-to-miss restaurants on Marco Island:

1. Snook Inn: Snook Inn is one of those places that feels like Marco Island. It sits right on the water, boats drifting by on the Marco River, live music most days, and a menu that leans heavy on seafood without taking itself too seriously. Coconut shrimp, fresh fish, and their famous Snook Bites are always solid choices. One of our favorite memories here is letting our kids try oysters for the first time—bold move, instant regret. They hated them. We laughed. It’s that kind of place. Easy, casual, and perfect after a long beach day when nobody wants to get dressed up.
2. Sale e Pepe: Sale e Pepe is a totally different vibe. It’s elegant, polished, and sits right inside the Marco Beach Ocean Resort with sweeping Gulf views that honestly steal the show. The food is classic Italian done well—homemade pasta, fresh seafood, and a wine list that’s clearly meant for people who know what they’re doing. It’s a special-occasion restaurant for us, not an every-trip stop. If you’re watching your budget, this might be one to skip—but if you’re celebrating something, it’s memorable.
3. CJ’s on the Bay: CJ’s on the Bay is all about location. Sitting right on Smokehouse Bay, it’s one of the best spots on the island to catch sunset without feeling rushed or crowded. The menu has a little bit of everything—seafood, steaks, salads—so it works well if everyone in your group wants something different. It’s relaxed, reliable, and a great place to linger over dinner as the sky changes colors.
4. Sunset Grille: We go to Sunset Grille almost every single trip to Marco, and that probably says everything. It’s casual, comfortable, and consistently good. If we’ve spent the day at South Marco Beach, this is usually where we end up—no debating required. The food and drinks are always solid, and it never feels stuffy or pretentious. Just an easy place to unwind when you’re sandy, tired, and hungry.rful.
5. DaVinci’s: DaVinci’s feels like a neighborhood Italian restaurant in the best way. It’s family-owned, welcoming, and the kind of place where you know you’re getting a good meal without overthinking it. Pasta, pizza, veal—it’s all classic and made with care. We’ve never had a bad experience here, and it’s one of the Italian spots on Marco we’d go back to again and again without hesitation.
6. Mango’s Dockside Bistro: Mango’s Dockside Bistro is one of those places where the setting makes the meal even better. Located at the Esplanade Shoppes, the marina views are hard to beat—especially if you snag a table outside. The menu mixes seafood, steaks, and Caribbean-inspired dishes, and on sunny days the patio just hits right. Add live music some evenings, and it’s easy to see why this place is always buzzing.
7. The Oyster Society: If you love oysters, The Oyster Society is a must. The focus is clearly on fresh seafood and a well-done raw bar, but what stands out is the modern twist they bring to the menu. It feels a little more refined than some of the island’s casual spots, without being stuffy. Great for a date night or when you want something that feels a bit elevated.
8. Marco Prime Steaks & Seafood: Marco Prime is where we go when we’re craving a really good steak. The atmosphere is upscale but comfortable, and the quality shows in everything from the beef to the seafood. It’s not an everyday restaurant, but if you’re in the mood for a polished dinner and excellent service, this is the place. Definitely one of the top dining experiences on Marco Island.

Things to Do in Marco Island with Family – Attractions and Activities in Marco Island

Here are some of our favorite activities in Marco Island (and some a little off the island) with the family:

Relax on the Beach

Firstly, Marco Island is known for its stunning white sand beaches. Spend your days soaking up the sun, swimming in the Gulf of Mexico, building sandcastles, and taking long walks along the shoreline. Our favorite beach on Marco Island is Tigertail Beach. This is on the north end. It’s usually a little less busy and the shelling is fantastic, without a doubt! Especially if you continue to walk north. Below you will see pictures from shelling during one of our beach trips, as well as a spider we saw. Searching for unique shells is one of my favorite things to do in Marco Island.

Furthermore, here is my favorite Beach Accessory. I Love my waterproof phone pouch! Beyond protecting my phone from water, it also protects it from sand. I love having this so I can take beach pictures because Marco Island has picturesque beaches.

Dolphin Watching Tours

Take a boat tour around the island to spot playful dolphins in their natural habitat. Many tour operators offer guided trips where you can observe these delightful creatures in their element. In general, I love getting out on the water and this is a perfect way to do it in Marco Island beautiful weather. We have done a dolphin tour twice, once in February and once in March, it’s a great family friendly activity on Marco Island and some even stop at beaches around Marco for shelling.

Sunset Cruise

Thirdly, Enjoy a romantic or family-friendly sunset cruise. Witnessing the breathtaking sunset over the Gulf of Mexico is an unforgettable experience. Marco Island has some beautiful weather for a great sunset Cruise!

Kayaking and Paddle-boarding

Explore the island’s waterways and mangroves by kayaking or paddle-boarding, one of a favorite things to do in Marco Island. You can rent equipment or join a guided eco-tour to learn about the local ecosystem. Wonderful activity in Florida’s sunny weather.

Fishing Charters

Marco Island is a popular destination for fishing enthusiasts. Charter a fishing boat and head out into the Gulf for a chance to catch a variety of fish, including snook, tarpon, and redfish. This is highly suggested! We go every time we are down there. Check out some of our catches below. Sunny March Marco Island weather calls for good SPF fishing gear!

Everglades National Park

Everglades National Park is a vast subtropical wilderness located in southern Florida, encompassing 1.5 million acres of wetlands, sawgrass prairies, and diverse ecosystems. It is renowned for its unique wildlife, including alligators, crocodiles, and various bird species, and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and International Biosphere Reserve. We have enjoyed airboat tours, dolphin watching tours, fishing and just driving in the park looking for alligators. The Everglades is not on Marco Island, but we have taken several day trip there and done a few fishing charters. This is the perfect day trip for those looking for a break from Marco Island’s beaches.

Explore Keewaydin Island – A Favorite for Activities in Marco Island

Keewaydin is a little island north of Marco. We rent a pontoon to get there, but it is one of my favorite excursions and definitely should be #1 on my activities on Marco Island. You could rent for a full day or a few, if you’re on a canal. We took our pontoon out to Keewaydin early. Along the way, we saw many dolphins and manatee. Keewaydin has some of the best shelling around. Check out the size of some of our shells in the below pictures. Also, if you go at the right time, there could be a “food boat” at the island that you can purchase lunch from. If Marco Island beaches are too busy for shore fishing, Keewaydin is a great second choice.

Golfing or mini golfing

If you enjoy golf, you’ll find several golf courses on and near Marco Island. Play a round surrounded by lush greenery and stunning views. However, if real golfing isn’t your thing, Marco has a fun mini golf course, Marco Golf & Garden.

Marco Island Historical Museum

Take a break from the sun and learn about the island’s history, including its Native American heritage and early pioneer days. Furthermore, the museum features exhibits and artifacts showcasing the island’s past. This is also one of the great activities in Marco Island on a rainy day.

Water Sports and Jet Skiing

Last but not least, some water sports. For the more adventurous, try jet skiing, parasailing, or other water sports at Marco Island’s beaches. Local operators offer rentals and guided experiences for those seeking an adrenaline rush. Water sports are one of the top activities on Marco Island’s beaches.

Raining on Marco Island?

One more side note. If you happen to get rain on your sunny vacation to Marco Island, read this post about activities to do with the family Marco Island when it’s raining.

Finally, I hope you enjoyed my take on Marco Island. We go to Marco almost yearly and we will continue to return. Marco Island has awesome restaurants to discover, fun activities to enjoy and undoubtedly amazing sunny weather.