This barrier isle of southern Florida is carved by waterways and peppered with neat cul-de-sacs, and it hosts countless villas and apartments that ooze chic seaside charm. Virtually all Marco Island vacation rentals are on the water, whether that means a marina running past the back garden or a front-row seat looking out over the sugar-white quartz sand of South Marco Beach. Boat trips, dolphin-spotting and kayaking excursions into the surrounding mangrove reserves are all on the menu. And so is good old relaxation under the sun, especially for those who bag themselves Marco Island vacation rentals with a pool.
National parks fringe the apartments and villas of Marco Island, making these deluxe vacation rentals a great base for exploring the natural attractions of Southern Florida. Top of the list is surely the vast Big Cypress National Preserve. A safari through the swaying grasses and the hardwood hammocks can mean glimpses of snapping gators and hissing rattlesnakes. Then there's the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge. Hop in a kayak or charter a motorboat to explore the endless array of sandbanks and mangroves. Wild camping on beaches, encounters with ancient archaeological sites and snorkeling are all possibilities.
Marco Island is a real hotspot for boat trips out across the Mexican Gulf. You can charter little paddleboats and splash around the shoreline, if you want, but most will prefer a bona fide dolphin tour. They last hours and take travelers across the swells to find bottlenose pods whizzing over the waves. Other water-based excursions will take you to the amazing Ten Thousand Islands. That means navigating their wealth of creeks and inlets, passing dense mangrove forests and white-sand beaches as you go.
The 2-season tropical routine dominates the weather down in Marco Island. Like the rest of Southern Florida around it, this diminutive barrier of sands and mangroves sees downpours during the hot and humid summer months of June, July and August. Fall, in September and October, can mean the occasional storm passing through. That leaves winter – November to March – and spring – April and May – as the top times to visit. They are warm, but not too warm, always sunny and with little rain.
You shouldn't have to stray far from your Marco Island vacation rental to discover real Floridian wilds. Just hop on a boat and you could be whizzing across the Gulf of Mexico, with dolphins and whales in view. Go east and there's the colossal Big Cypress Preserve. You can venture along the final lengths of the Florida Trail to discover murky swamps and sawgrasses towered over by old-growth oak and cypress hammocks– beware of the gators and snakes, though. Along the coast are the Ten Thousand Islands, where white-sand beaches and mangroves converge.
Marco Island is filled with pristine beaches for sunbathing, swimming, and watersports. Vacation homes are available near beach locales like Tigertail Beach, a picturesque white-sand beach with a tidal lagoon, and Residents’ Beach, a tranquil beach with calm waters for swimming. There’s also Marco Beach, a lively area with gentle surf that’s popular for fishing and watersports.
The nearest airport is in Southwest Florida Intl. Airport (RSW), located 40.7 mi (65.5 km) from the city center.
Kids will love the attractions and activities in Marco Island. Family-friendly vacation homes can be found near fun places like Capri Paddlecraft Park, a remote paddling launch site with access to shallow mangroves and wildlife, and MarGood Harbor Park, a large park with a kayak launch, playground, walking trails, and ball courts. Kids will also like Marco Island Historical Museum, a gallery with regional history spanning from indigenous Native Americans to modern day.
Elegant condos, unique treehouses and sprawling homes — everyone's dream getaway is different. Whatever your tastes, you're sure to find something that tempts you among these top vacation rentals in Marco Island:
For even more great options, use the search bar at the top of the page to find the perfect Marco Island vacation rental for you.
Clock out on Friday afternoon and then pack your carry-on bag. If you're up for some relaxation and fun, these escapes in and around Marco Island promise an unforgettable weekend getaway:
Studio apartments are a tough act to follow when it comes to location and convenience. Choose one of these studio apartments for rent in or near Marco Island and experience the local energy and vibe:
With the moolah you save on your studio apartment, you can afford to explore more of Marco Island. Cultural attractions like Philharmonic Center for the Arts and Naples Museum of Art will help you better understand the personality of this destination.
Whether you're after a studio apartment for you and a few friends or a house that'll fit the family, there's no shortage of short-term rentals in and around Marco Island. These properties make a comfortable base for a quick trip:
Forget chocolates and roses. Sometimes all you need is to get away for a weekend, just you and your boo. At Vrbo, we've got romantic getaways in and around Marco Island that would make even Cupid envious. Here are a few that'll sweep you off your feet:
Nothing screams "best vacation evvv-er" like staying in a mansion. Treat your nearest and dearest to a truly unforgettable getaway at one of these mansions for rent in or near Marco Island:
Vacation with others and have twice as much fun. Whether you're planning an adventurous getaway with your best friends or a family reunion, you'll have your choice of large group vacation rentals in and near Marco Island:
Whether you're organizing a big party or a vacation with your extended family, we'll help you find the ideal space for your group. Round up your posse and take a look at these large vacation rentals in or around Marco Island:
A pool is often a necessity when deciding where to stay, particularly if you're traveling with kids who are full of beans. Check out these houses with a pool in or near Marco Island and spend your days splashing around:
Not sure how to pack your suitcase for your Marco Island getaway? This appealing destination has a tropical savanna climate. During summer, you can expect average temperatures of between 80 ºF and 90 ºF. Look up our range of Marco Island vacation rentals by using the search bar at the top of the page. Simply adjust the filters to get more great ideas about where to stay.
Whether your ideal getaway is up in the hills or by the ocean, you'll enjoy it even more if you share it with loved ones. Check out these large family vacation rentals in or near Marco Island and bring the whole crew:
When it's time to venture outside and explore, there are lots of family-friendly attractions nearby to keep everyone entertained. Naples Pier, Naples Zoo at Caribbean Gardens and Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary should be at the top of your list.