3 Days on Marco Island: The Ultimate Beach Itinerary

If you're planning a beach trip to Florida's Paradise Coast, Marco Island offers a different kind of coastal getaway. Located just south of Naples, it’s the largest of the Ten Thousand Islands, offering access to nature preserves, excellent shelling, and plenty of room to relax and recharge. Whether you’re drawn to the easy access and water activities on Marco Beach or the secluded, wild setting of Tigertail Beach, this itinerary helps you make the most of a three-day stay with the island as your home base.

Day One: Arrive and Relax at Marco Island Beach

Begin your trip by checking in at a beachfront resort like JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort, Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort & Spa, or Marco Beach Ocean Suites. Each offers direct beach access, Gulf views, and all the comforts of a full-service stay—pools, restaurants, and a front-row seat to Florida’s famous west coast sunsets.

Once you’ve settled in, make your way down to South Marco Beach, known for its wide shoreline and calm, family-friendly waters. Rent a beach chair and umbrella, or walk along the water looking for seashells. Dolphins are often spotted offshore, especially in the late afternoon.

For dinner, reserve a table at The Oyster Society, where you’ll find an oyster and raw bar, sushi, craft cocktails, and an impressive wine list. Afterward, enjoy a scoop of ice cream from Sweet Annie’s! Choose between over 40 ice cream flavors, including Elephant Ears, Special Praline, Sunken Treasure, Peppermint Flash, and more.

Day Two: Explore Tigertail Beach and Beyond

In the morning, head north to Tigertail Beach, one of the most beautiful wild beaches in Florida. If you’re staying near the Hilton or JW Marriott, you can walk north along the shoreline—no need to cross any lagoon—to reach Tigertail. The walk takes you a few miles along the sand, getting quieter and more remote the farther you go.

Once you arrive, you’ll find a wide beach ideal for shelling and birdwatching. Keep an eye out for sand dollars, whelks, and shorebirds like black skimmers and snowy plovers. Spend the morning walking the coast or exploring the tidal pools before heading to lunch.

For a midday break, head to the Esplanade Shoppes, where you can choose between restaurants like CJ’s on the Bay, Mango’s Dockside Bistro, or Deep Lagoon. Located on Smokehouse Bay, the Esplanade is a perfect stop after a beach morning. You can also squeeze in a bit of shopping while you’re here!

In the afternoon, relax back at your resort. For example, the JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort has multiple pools (including one for adults only), beachside service, and a large spa offering massages, facials, and body treatments. At Hilton Marco Island, you’ll find a heated free-form pool and a full-service spa. Finally, Marco Beach Ocean Resort offers a rooftop pool and complimentary beach chair and umbrella setup.

For dinner, try a classic Marco Island haunt: Snook Inn. It’s known for its outdoor seating, live music, and classic seafood dishes. Come early to grab a table along the water!

Day Three: Shelling Tours and One Last Walk on the Beach

Make the most of your final morning with a short boat trip! Several local operators, including Dreamlander Tours, Sand Dollar Shelling, and Treasure Seekers, offer shelling excursions and eco-cruises through the Ten Thousand Islands. These tours often include dolphin sightings and stops on remote barrier islands (like Keewaydin Island) where you can hunt for rare shells without the crowds.

After the tour, have a hearty brunch at Doreen’s Cup of Joe, a local favorite with plates like breakfast sandwiches, skillets, and homemade donut holes—and of course, strong coffee. If you're in a hurry, pick up something to go and head back to the beach!

Spend your last few hours back on Marco Beach—swimming, sitting with your toes in the sand, or just watching the boats go by. Many hotels offer late checkout options or can hold your bags after your checkout time.

Before you leave, consider having your last meal at Stonewall’s, The Crazy Flamingo, or Dolphin Tiki Bar & Grill for something casual. Or, if you're in the mood for one more round of oysters, head back to The Oyster Society.

From walks along Tigertail to sunset views from your resort balcony, Marco Island delivers the kind of beach trip you’ve been dreaming about. Think toes in the sand, seafood right off the boat, and gentle Gulf waves stretching for miles. For the kind of beach trip worth traveling for, ONLY Paradise will do.