I am looking to plan a quick 5 day trip to Marco island. Does anyone have any recommendations?? What is Marco island's claim to fame????

Marco Island was Florida swampland until filled in and sold off as lots in a huge real estate deal. It does have a nice beach lined with resort hotels and condominiums, and hundreds of middle income houses as well as some upscale ones.
Its claim to fame? World's largest collection of polyester clad tourists? More t-shirt shops and shell souveneir shops per square mile than anywhere else in the world? More mediocre and fast food restaurants than any comparably priced community?

my father married a real dip---- who insisted on buying a condo on marco...my final and last trip was 5 years ago...plenty of polyester and old alcoholics to go around

Naples, Florida is a fabulous upscale community with top restaurants and resorts. Stuck in the former swamp land about a half hour south of there is Marco Island, trying to coast on the Naples name. It is for people who either can't afford Naples or just don't care to spend the money for the quality that Naples provides. Instead they are happy with a very poor imitation at a smaller cost. But you get what you pay for. Someone here once compared the Marco Marriott to the Naples Ritz Carlton as being "similar" but at a better price. Marco is for people like that, who really can't tell the difference between the two.

"More t-shirt shops and shell souveneir shops per square mile than anywhere else in the world?"

Wouldn't that be Waikiki?

We spent 7 days on Marco Island last May. Each day we got in the car and drove north to find things to do. We (my mom and sister and me) enjoyed walking the beach and doing some shelling but there are no close bathrooms available so we had to hike back to our own condo complex to use the facilities. It was a very quite place, good for book reading.

I wouldn't go back. I liked being closer to Fort Meyers. Sanibel Island is a great place to go shelling. Naples is a very expensive beach town if that's your liking. It also has lots of t-shirt shops. All of Florida is a t-shirt shop.

Golfing is everywhere and reasonable.

Have a great trip!

Sue

BTW, I read that Waikiki was also created by draining a swamp into the Ala Wai canal!

Also, the sand on Waikiki beach was imported from Australia! I kid you not.

My 70-year-old next door neighbors go there every winter and rent a condo for 2 weeks (they are there now). They play golf, walk on the beach, and dine out.

I am surprised how harsh people are being about Marco. I think it totally depends on what you are looking for in your few days away. If you are wanting to be at a beach to unwind and relax and not looking to do a lot of sightseeing- it is a great place.

I have been very impressed with the Marriott on the beach. The hotel is lovely, the beach is clean and long so you can walk a long time, the water is clean and wonderful temperature, the sunsets are incredible, the hotel has great ammenities including lots of boats you can go out on and palm trees on the beach so you can get out of the sun.

I went last Feb, for the 1st time and am going back this Feb. for 4 nights/5 days. I have heard about Corkscrew Sanctuary where you can kayak - supposed to be beautiful.

Oh, my God. I have made reservations for the Hilton Marco Island.
I made the plans based upon the following criteria:
1) Warmth
2) Nice beach
3) Husband wants to do an airboat tour of the Everglades
4) Maybe see some dolphins & other wildlife
Now I've come to this site and am reading all this negative stuff about Marco. Gees, have I made a huge mistake? We can afford to go to Naples, just thought Marco would be a bit more casual, and maybe not as crowded.
Will only be there for a 3 night stay w/hubby looking to escape together.
Have a made a mistake?

Marco's claim to fame-concrete!!

Kimberly -go to Sanibel Island not Marco!!!

Hi Kimberly,
Marco Island is a very laid back place to visit..have been there 3 times in the last 7 years on business..it is quiet & laidback, near the everglades,
beautiful area,..if you get bored you can always go to Naples..about 20 mins. away...Naples is a beautiful town..worth a trip to see & things to do.

Thanks for the reassurance Bob. After searching this site, there are indeed some people that don't knock Marco. Even one or two that actually like it!
Since our stay will be a short one, we'll just have to judge Marco for ourselves!
And, if we get bored, well, we're going away for some time together....
no kids, no jobs, you get the picture.
And, the last time I saw the ocean ~ the Atlantic, from Mrytle Beach. Never have been to the Gulf side of Florida, this has got to be better than Mrytle Beach!!

Kimberly: Don't panic over negative posts regarding Marco.I have vacationed there several times and have always enjoyed it.Sanibel and Naples are also very nice.We rent condo on the beach and go to swim,fish and just relax.There is however very little night-life.You may want to drive to Naples if interested.The beach is nice,there is plenty of golf & charter fishing. The Everglades National Park or the Corkscrew Wildlife Sanctuary are fun day-trips. I would try Marco and then Sanibel on your next trip and compare.
Regarding the previous post that Marco is full of polyester clad alcoholics let me say that I own no polyester clothing and, although I must admit to abusing alcohol on occasion,I have not been officially diagnosed a drunk.

Enjoy.

Harvey, you're a hoot!!
Thanks for your input and sense of humor. Vacations are what you make of them! I've relaxed about the whole Marco debate. Marco has what we're looking for, so we're going for it. Just getting away is heavenly for us. Thanks again for your post, it made me smile. Kim