You can drive to Marco Island using one of the two bridges connecting the island with the Florida mainland. The best and most popular route is via Collier Boulevard and the Jolley Bridge. The bridge extends for 486 meters over McIlvane Bay and East Marco Bay. It connects Bear Point on the mainland with the island in the north. The second bridge is located on the east of the island and connects with the Florida mainland via the San Marco Road and the Goodland Bridge. The bridge extends for 400 meters across the Goodland Bay.
Marco Island is a barrier island located in southwest Florida. It’s the largest barrier island in the Ten Thousand Islands area, measuring 6 miles long and 4 miles wide. It’s located just off the western coastline, 15 miles to the south of the city of Naples and 50 miles south of the Cape Coral / Fort Myers municipal area. Miami lies 100 miles to the east.
There are several different ways to get to Marco Island, although road is by far the easiest way to reach the island.
Road – The Jolley Bridge and Goodland Bridge connect Marco Island with the mainland, ensuring good transport links with southern Florida. If you’re heading to the island from Naples, Fort Myers, or the north, the easiest route is via the US-41 and Collier Boulevard. If you’re arriving from Miami, you’ll also want to use the US-41 and Collier Boulevard connection. Meanwhile, arrivals from Fort Lauderdale should use I-75N before connecting with Collier Boulevard.
Boat – A daily passenger ferry runs between Marco Island and Key West during peak season. Covering shy of 100 miles, the trip takes around 3.5 hours and is considered one of the country’s most scenic ferry rides. Prices for the Key West Express vary by day and date of travel.
Air – Owing to its size, there are no airports on Marco Island. Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers’s is the closest international airport. Miami International Airport is also an option with a wider range of destinations and connecting flights, although it’s twice as far away from Marco Island. The smaller domestic-only airport in Naples is also an option and is the closest airport to the island.
Not only is it possible to drive on Marco Island, but it’s also one of the least congested areas in the region. The dual bridge connections to the mainland and a modern road network on the island ensure no bottlenecks. While the island receives much higher traffic levels at peak points of the year, it’s rare to see bumper-to-bumper congestion like other islands in the region. Another positive point is that there are no tolls or fares for visiting the island, which helps the traffic flow on and off the island.
While Marco Island remains a popular tourist destination, it’s also a significant residential district for Naples. Therefore, you’ll find a hybrid feel to the island with less focus on tourist attractions and more local amenities for the island’s residents. That being said, there’s more than enough to keep you busy and entertained on the island and in the wider region. As with anywhere in the Ten Thousand Islands region, the beaches are the star attraction.
South Marco Beach – One of the most popular public beaches on the island, home to turquoise waters and white sand. It’s not excessively busy and features a host of wildlife, with starfish, dolphins, and stingrays commonly spotted. It’s also a great location for shelling. There’s a host of bars and restaurants along the seafront.
Tigertail Beach – An exceptional white sand beach, which is less developed than other areas of the islands. It’s a relatively long hike to get here from the parking lot unless you choose to wade through the waist-deep lagoon on the direct route. Regardless of your route, you’ll find an amazing beach with clear waters, beautiful sands, and excellent shelling.
Marco Island Historical Museum – This small museum packs a lot in and receives numerous rave reviews. Offering free admission, friendly staff, and a thorough history of Marco Island, from the prehistoric period onwards, there’s a lot to like. This is a great alternative to the beach for a morning or an afternoon.
Keewaydin Island – Located to the north of Marco Island, this beautiful island is a refuge just miles away from the city of Naples. The island is not connected to the mainland, and there are no roads or cars on the island. This ensures a unique and amazing experience for visitors who need to access the island by boat. If you want a rustic experience with a desert island feel, you need to visit Keewaydin Island.
As with other destinations in Florida, weather is a big factor in determining the best time to visit. Given the high temperatures, humidity, and rainfall during the summer months, avoiding this period is recommended if possible. The rest of the year is much drier and with lower humidity. Therefore, any period from October to May is a good time to visit. The fall or spring are generally considered the best time to visit, as some winter days can be on the cool side.
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