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Home >> Travel >> United States >> Florida >> Family Getaway: Two Days in Marco Island, FL

Family Getaway: Two Days in Marco Island, FL

Published: Aug 29, 2013 · Modified: Nov 1, 2021 by Stefanie Fauquet · This post may contain affiliate links · 35 Comments

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I've lived on the west coast Florida all my life and it wasn't until earlier this month that I visited Marco Island for the first time. With so many beaches in Florida, it's hard to not have favorites — unfortunately this means that we usually stick to what we know, instead of venturing out to explore new destinations along the Gulf Coast.

Thankfully, the Naples, Marco Island, Everglades CVB invited my family out for two days to discover what we were missing -- and let me tell you, the Paradise Coast has more than white sand beaches! Marco Island proved to be an excellent family getaway, with unique activities, great food and comfy accommodations.

marco island

How to Get to Marco Island

Marco Island is located off Southwest Florida, near Naples and the Everglades. The closest airport with commercial flights is RSW - Southwest Florida International Airport in Fort Myers. From there, it's about 45 minutes by car. Driving to Marco Island from around Florida is quite easy: From the west coast of Florida take I-75 south to exit 101. From Miami/Fort Lauderdale, head west on I-75 (Alligator Alley) to exit 101. From either direction follow Collier Boulevard (SR 951) west to Marco Island.

Where to Stay in Marco Island

Hilton Marco Island

hilton marco island

Whether you're spending two days or a week in Marco Island, one thing is for sure: You'll want to stay in a resort on the Gulf of Mexico! The Hilton Marco Island has a great location with private beach access within steps of the hotel. Accommodations range from junior to penthouse suites, with amenities that include a furnished balcony, sofa bed and mini fridge.

Our 2 Queen Bed Junior Suite with a Gulf View provided a ton of space for my family. Though there's only 3 of us, the Junior Suite could have easily slept a family of 5 comfortably. And the view, well that just speaks for itself—

hilton marco island view

Resort activities include a spacious outdoor area with pool, whirlpool spas, lounge chairs and tiki hut with complimentary towels, beach and pool toys.

hilton marco island pool

There's also an on-site spa (that sadly, I didn't have the chance to use) and 24-hour fitness center. Rounding out the resort are three on-site restaurants and room service with options for breakfast lunch and dinner.

We completely enjoyed our stay at Hilton Marco Island and would absolutely return. The best part was being so close to the beach, which we took advantage each day and evening -- there's nothing like wading in the Gulf at sunset! The water is super mild (re: not freezing cold!) and there are a ton of shells. My daughter and I spent a good part of our day at the beach shelling. Between the two of us, we found some real gems — I, of course, adored our mother/daughter time together!

marco island shells

What to Do in Marco Island

Naples Zoo

The Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens is approximately 25 minutes from Marco Island, and it's well worth the drive into Naples! The zoo is on the smaller side, but it's packed with exhibits and shows, featuring 70 different species of animals in a very lush setting. The entire zoo is within a historic tropical garden that was founded in 1919. Some of the more unique animals at the zoo are African Honey badgers, Malayan tigers, striped hyenas, and the fossas of Madagascar.

Two exhibits really stood out for us— The first was the Giraffe Feeding Experience. For $5 you receive 3 leaves of lettuce to hand feed one of the giraffe. You can share the leaves among your party as long as you don't break the lettuce apart. My husband went first, then myself, and finally our daughter -- each time one of us snapped a picture to document the occasion. Feeding the giraffe was very cool; it's definitely an experience you won't want to miss at the Naples Zoo!

naples zoo

The Primate Expedition Cruise was the other favorite. Instead of just looking at monkeys, apes and lemurs through a cage or plexi-glass window, the primates at the Naples Zoo live on small islands. Guided catamaran tours are led throughout the day, giving guests a unique look at the animals in their natural habitat. The 20-minute cruise is included with zoo admission.

naples zoo primate cruise

I loved how manageable the Naples Zoo is — we spent about three hours there, seeing most of the animals and a couple of the shows. The zoo definitely surprised us, especially since we've been to a few notable zoos in the US. The Naples Zoo is a great family-friendly activity that won't break the bank. Admission is $19.95/adults and $12.95/children 3-12. Discount tickets can be purchased in advance online.

The Dolphin Study Eco-Tour and Cruise

dolphin explorer cruise

The one activity in Marco Island that you can't miss is The Dolphin Study Eco-Tour and Cruise. More than anything else, the three-hour Dolphin Explorer cruise is an education (for both kids and adults) in the study of the bottlenose dolphins of Southwest Florida. Not only will you see dolphins, but you'll assist the team, which includes a biologist and a naturalist, by identifying them for the 10,000 Islands Dolphin Project. The Dolphin Study Eco-Tour is listed in National Geographic's 100 Places That Can Change Your Child's Life.

The Dolphin Eco-Tour was by far one the best activities that we have participated in as a family. I have a full post coming on what you do on the cruise, but it's so much more than a sightseeing. I can't recommend the tour enough. Tickets are $59/adults and $37/children 3-12. Two cruises leave Marco Island daily.

Where to Eat in Marco Island

CJ's on the Bay

You can't visit Marco Island and not have a little seafood. Luckily for my family, there's plenty to be had ... and we LOVE fresh shrimp and fish. One of the two restaurants that was recommended to us was CJ's on the Bay at the Esplanade Plaza. CJ's is a waterfront restaurant with an outside gazebo bar with outdoor live entertainment Thursday evenings and inside live entertainment Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings. It's got a great atmosphere (very causal) and even better food. The menu features a variety of appetizers, salads, sandwiches, pizza, pasta and seafood. Honestly, everything looked good on the menu.

We started with an appetizer of crispy calamari, which was excellent — the spicy marinara sauce was super yummy, too. I went light with my entree having a Blackened Tilapia Sandwich (delish!) and my husband enjoyed CJ’s Blackened Prime Rib Sandwich. Our daughter was very predictable, ordering her usual, classic fish and chips. Even though we were stuffed, we still devoured dessert; the Pineapple Upside Down Cake was out of this world!!! Everything was fresh and flavorful, and the views at sunset made dinner that much more enjoyable. If you can, grab a table outside! CJ's on the Bay is a great option for families as there's a kids menu and a lot of variety for picky eaters.

cj's on the bay marco island

Captain Brien's Seafood and Raw Bar

Directly across from the street from the Hilton Marco Island is Captain Brien's Seafood and Raw Bar. The location is great because you can walk from the Hilton or any of the other area hotels. With fresh seafood, fun decor and friendly servers, Captain Brien's is a great spot for families looking for a good meal at a great price. Though seafood is primarily on the menu, the Prime Rib was recommended to me and I couldn't resist — it was incredible; one of the best pieces of prime rib I've ever had. My husband loved his fried seafood platter with shrimp, clam strips and grouper. Once again, my daughter order fish and chips off the kids' menu. For dessert we shared an amazing slice of Key Lime Pie. Captain Brien's is a keeper!

captain brien's marco island

marco island family travel

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Comments

  1. Amber K

    August 29, 2013 at 10:45 am

    I want a giraffe! And that water looks heavenly.

    Reply
  2. Angela

    August 29, 2013 at 7:27 pm

    How fun! I've been to Marco Island. It's a beautiful beach.

    Reply
  3. HilLesha

    August 29, 2013 at 7:59 pm

    Awesome pictures! This looks like a nice place to visit. 🙂

    Reply
  4. Colleen

    August 30, 2013 at 12:02 am

    Looks beautiful, this is why I love Florida. We need to branch out and visit other places other then Orlando.

    Reply
  5. Vanessa: the queen of swag !

    August 30, 2013 at 2:13 am

    Looks like an awesome place to go visit.

    Reply
  6. Courtney

    August 30, 2013 at 11:28 am

    My husband and I both have family in Florida but don't visit enough since we're scared of planes and trains so only car riding. I miss that crisp blue water! Now I'm craving some Calamari!

    Reply
  7. LyndaS

    August 30, 2013 at 2:58 pm

    Wow - there's so much to do there. I agree, while at the coast one should stay on the beach.

    Reply
  8. Tammy

    August 30, 2013 at 6:37 pm

    What a hidden gem of a place to go visit. The beach looks beautiful and such neat things to do!

    Reply
  9. Kathleen

    August 30, 2013 at 7:25 pm

    I have lived in Florida my whole life too, and have never visited Marco Island either. Looks like we need to get out there, it is so beautiful, and my boys would love the chance to feed a giraffe.

    Reply
  10. Kira

    August 30, 2013 at 9:17 pm

    Your post made me realize how much we need a vacation (sigh).

    Reply
  11. Tiff @ Babes and Kids

    August 30, 2013 at 9:58 pm

    It's funny how you can live so close to something so amazing and never have experienced it! It looks like a beautiful place to take a vacation with plenty to do. I know my kids would love the zoo and dolphin cruise.

    Reply
  12. Jenn- The Rebel Chick

    August 31, 2013 at 12:04 am

    It all sounds (and looks) so amazing, the beach, the food...everything.

    Reply
  13. Penelope (NYC Blogger)

    August 31, 2013 at 1:30 am

    It really looks wonderful, so much to do!

    Reply
  14. Jenn

    August 31, 2013 at 1:51 pm

    Looks like the perfect family vacation destination. My mom lived in Naples for a time when she was a kid and loved it.

    Reply
  15. Anne - Mommy Has to Work

    August 31, 2013 at 4:17 pm

    We've been to Naples before. It is so pretty over on the west coast.

    Reply
  16. Mellisa

    August 31, 2013 at 4:23 pm

    Sounds like you all had an amazing trip!

    Reply
  17. Jennifer

    August 31, 2013 at 8:03 pm

    feeding a giraffe would be so cool. and I totally would love to go on a dolphin cruise!

    Reply
  18. Jennifer @ MySweetSanity

    September 01, 2013 at 12:00 am

    Oh that looks like paradise.

    Reply
  19. Lolo

    September 01, 2013 at 2:24 am

    I so want to go! We did not get to the beach this summer. 🙁

    Reply
  20. Rachel @ Following In My Shoes

    September 01, 2013 at 10:54 pm

    That water is AMAZING!!!!!!

    Reply
  21. Robin Gagnon

    September 01, 2013 at 11:04 pm

    Wow the water looks divine & the food looks tasty. I'm in 🙂

    Reply
  22. Tricia @ Night owl mama

    September 02, 2013 at 12:33 am

    looks like so much fun glad u had a great time

    Reply
  23. Shell Feis

    September 02, 2013 at 12:58 am

    Finding seashells was my FAVORITE activity as a kid!

    Reply
  24. Emily

    September 02, 2013 at 2:01 am

    Gosh I love Marco Island! That whole part of Florida is amazing. 🙂

    Reply
  25. Marcie W.

    September 02, 2013 at 1:04 pm

    As a West Coast girl, I am not too familiar with beaches in Florida, but Marco Island looks beautiful.

    Reply
  26. Donna

    September 03, 2013 at 5:53 pm

    What a wonderful getaway! And I would LOVE to feed the giraffes, myself! 🙂

    Reply
  27. Lisa

    September 05, 2013 at 11:34 pm

    This sounds like a great trip!

    Reply
  28. Theresa

    September 07, 2013 at 10:09 pm

    It looks like you had an amazing time!

    Reply
  29. Lolo

    September 08, 2013 at 1:56 am

    I have never heard of Marco Island! Looks pretty!

    Reply
  30. Jennifer

    September 08, 2013 at 9:38 pm

    I love discovering places that are practically in my backyard. That's one thing I love about Florida, there's always so much to see & do.

    Reply
  31. Ty @ Mama of 3 Munchkins

    September 08, 2013 at 11:59 pm

    Looks like a beautiful place to visit!

    Reply
  32. Kristy

    September 09, 2013 at 12:57 am

    The food looks very delicious and fresh especially the calamari (fried squid) and fish and chips! Oh boy those pictures are making me hungry!

    Reply
  33. Toni

    October 08, 2013 at 10:23 am

    This sounds like such a fun place to visit!

    Reply
  34. Crystal @ Simply Being Mommy.com

    October 08, 2013 at 10:24 am

    It looks like such a fun trip. I've never been but would love to visit.

    Reply
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    June 30, 2014 at 1:25 am

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    I'm looking for. Does one offer guest writers to write content to suit your needs?
    I wouldn't mind producing a post or elaborating on many of the subjects you write with
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