[DannyBanany]

I am planning a trip to a friend's summer house in Marco Island in either May or June. I have never been there before and I was wondering what there is to do there. What is the weather like? Where are the good stores/restaurants? How long is the drive to Miami? I am only 19 so I would definitely like to visit South Beach too. I do not need to worry about hotel costs nor renting a car either, so that's a perk!

Any help is appreciated! Thanks!

[Wilshire81182]

You should definitely visit south beach, that drive should take around 2 hours without traffic. I do not know much about Marco Island, but that it is an expensive area and mostly residential and exclusive. You should visit Naples. There are more shopping and restaurant options there and I have heard it is very beautiful. I know a lot more about S Florida than SW Florida. Have fun!

[RMD3819]

It will be hot and humid. It will also be deserted compared to the winter. Marco is for rich, retired snowbirds. There will be little for you to do except go to the beach. I think there are a total of about 170 high school age kids on Marco. I know you are not in high school, but that should give you an idea of what there is to do there for young people-very little.

All the restaurants are good on Marco. You should have little trouble getting a table in the off season.

The other poster is right about South Beach and go to Naples. Naples has more to do.

[Tarastomsgirl]

Other than beaches there isn't much to do on Marco. Marco is pretty much built to the max with condos or homes which left little room for entertainment. Any entertainment is going to be in Naples about 20 mins away. Try in Naples 5th ave, waterside shops, Tin City, 3rd. Ave, Coastland Mall etc for entertainment. Naples has a waterpark and lots of resturants or maybe a festival or concert going on. You can even go to Coconut Point Mall in Estero or Ft. Myers Beach. Miami/ South Beach is across the alley (Alligator Alley) about 2 hours away. There are tolls so bring money and a map cause once you get into Miami you're going to find a slew of highways and byways that intersect into some really confusing directions! Good luck and have fun on your vacation

[DomHPD]

Originally Posted by Tarastomsgirl

Other than beaches there isn't much to do on Marco. Marco is pretty much built to the max with condos or homes which left little room for entertainment. Any entertainment is going to be in Naples about 20 mins away. Try in Naples 5th ave, waterside shops, Tin City, 3rd. Ave, Coastland Mall etc for entertainment. Naples has a waterpark and lots of resturants or maybe a festival or concert going on. You can even go to Coconut Point Mall in Estero or Ft. Myers Beach. Miami/ South Beach is across the alley (Alligator Alley) about 2 hours away. There are tolls so bring money and a map cause once you get into Miami you're going to find a slew of highways and byways that intersect into some really confusing directions! Good luck and have fun on your vacation

It would be nuts to take I75 from MArco, SW 8st (tamiami trail) is a straight shot from Marco Island, no tolls, but becareful with Miccosukee Police.
I understand everyone wants to see Miami Beach, but all of that is over-rated, but by all means check it out from a tourist standpoint. Remember Marco Island is on the west coast, south beach on the east. 2 hours would be good, just dont head to Miami Beach during the week between 2-7pm or u will be sitting in traffic

[novanative75]

Originally Posted by DomHPD

It would be nuts to take I75 from MArco, SW 8st (tamiami trail) is a straight shot from Marco Island, no tolls, but becareful with Miccosukee Police.
I understand everyone wants to see Miami Beach, but all of that is over-rated, but by all means check it out from a tourist standpoint. Remember Marco Island is on the west coast, south beach on the east. 2 hours would be good, just dont head to Miami Beach during the week between 2-7pm or u will be sitting in traffic

I disagree and agree with Tarastomsgirl, I would definitely take Alligator Alley. I live in Naples and have a lot of friends on Marco and we all go to the east coast a lot and I know NO ONE that takes Tamiami. Leave Marco, head north on 951 for about 15 minutes and get on 75, easy and a lot better way to travel.

Marco is a great place to visit if you are into relaxation, good food and drinks and being with friends and family, simply hanging out. There is not a lot of nightlife but a lot of people like that. I know a lot of people that vacation on Marco and love it and never feel the need to leave the island. There are great restaurants, EXCELLENT seafood and cute little shops if you want to do that kind of a thing. You can rent boats, wave runners, go shelling, etc. or sit on the beach and relax.

[DannyBanany]

Thanks for the responses guys! You've all been a great help! I plan on staying on Marco for the most part, my friend's family has a big retirement place there and they have jet skis, boats, etc. I'm sure I'll be fine on Marco as far as entertainment goes.

I just plan on heading over to Miami for a day just to play tourist, beings it's so close and all...

[Tarastomsgirl]

Originally Posted by DomHPD

It would be nuts to take I75 from MArco, SW 8st (tamiami trail) is a straight shot from Marco Island, no tolls, but becareful with Miccosukee Police.
I understand everyone wants to see Miami Beach, but all of that is over-rated, but by all means check it out from a tourist standpoint. Remember Marco Island is on the west coast, south beach on the east. 2 hours would be good, just dont head to Miami Beach during the week between 2-7pm or u will be sitting in traffic

No there are tolls from Naples to Miami. Thats what I ment not taking I75 from Marco to Naples