8 Best Beaches On Marco Island, Florida (And Nearby) + A Map

If you’re looking for the best beaches on Marco Island, Florida, you’ll find no shortage of options.

Located on the state’s Paradise Coast, this vacation destination has been gaining the attention of solo travelers, couples, and families for years. And one of its main attractions is its beaches.

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This island sits on the Gulf of Mexico, so you can expect the best Marco Island beaches to come with warm breezes and picturesque ocean views. Due to the island’s location, it’s easy to visit these world-class beaches year-round.

Whether you’re looking for a weekend getaway or a week-long vacation, here are some of the top beaches you should visit on your next trip to Marco Island.

Best Beaches on Marco Island, Florida (+ A Map Of Where to Find Them)

From public beaches to private ones, here are the best Marco Island beaches to check out! We’ve also included a map below to show you where to access each beach!

1. Tigertail Beach

No nature enthusiast’s trip to Marco Island is complete without visiting Tigertail Beach. This is one of the top beaches of Marco Island for outdoor activities like shelling, bird watching, kayaking, and jet skiing.

Travelers in search of a relaxing vacation love Tigertail Beach because of its secluded nature, and families like it because of its playground and picnic areas.

Tigertail is also one of the few Marco Island public beaches you can visit. This means you can enjoy the local nature without being a resident of the island or a paid guest at one of the resorts.

The only fee you should expect to pay is parking which is $8 per vehicle per day.

2. South Beach

When researching the best beaches on Marco Island, South Beach almost always tops the list.

Paired with Tigertail, it’s one of two public beaches in Marco Island which makes it a popular spot for travelers. In fact, it’s the most visited beach on the Island.

As the name suggests, South Marco Beach is located on the southernmost end of the island.

If you imagine a beach with white sand, clear blue water, and a cityscape behind you, you’ve got a good idea of how South Beach looks already.

So if you’re searching for a quintessential beach vacation where you can also do some shelling, this is your spot.

Like at Tigertail, public parking is available at South Beach Public Parking Lot. Expect to pay $8 per vehicle per day.

3. City South Beach

City South Beach is another spot where you can find public beach access on Marco Island.

While technically part of South Marco Beach, this entry point on South Collier Boulevard is more accessible if you’re coming from most parts of the island.

This comes with some pros and cons, though.

Depending on the time of year you visit, the shorefront immediately surrounding the City South Beach entrance might be a little more crowded than other places farther south.

However, if you don’t feel like walking too far, it’s close to many of Marco Island’s beach resorts, like JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort and Hilton Marco Island Beach Resort and Spa.

4. Mid Beach

Marco Island’s Mid Beach sits halfway between Tigertail and South Marco Beach. If you plan on walking around the island on your trip, there’s a good chance you’ll run into it by accident.

Mid Beach is one of the best beaches on Marco Island because of its convenience factor. If you plan on pairing your time in the sun with sightseeing, Mid Beach can be an excellent starting point.

This beach stretch is located near San Marco Road, which you can easily use to access other parts of the island.

A few blocks inland, you’ll find the Marco Island Historical Museum and other amenities, like Publix to pick up a few things.

If you want to be right in the center of the action, visit Mid Beach.

5. Hideaway Beach

While there are several Marco Island, FL beaches, not all of them are open to the public. Hideaway Beach is one of them.

Located on the northern tip of the island, Hideaway Beach is part of a private community with beaches, lagoons, and nature preserves only residents can access.

While most Marco Island visitors will never have the opportunity to explore it, if you can, you shouldn’t miss the chance.

From meandering along the private boardwalk to learning about South Florida wetlands, Hideaway Beach offers its residents an unparalleled opportunity to enjoy the local ecosystem.

6. Residents’ Beach

Similar to Hideaway Beach, Residents’ Beach is only available to one group of people: residents.

This private section of the beach is located near Mid Beach, and it’s open year-round to those who can visit.

Access to Residents’ Beach is based on membership. To qualify, you need to either rent yearly on the island or be the owner of “improved property.”

If you have questions about whether you qualify, contact the Marco Island Civic Association.

7. Keewaydin Island Beach

If you want to explore other parts of Florida’s Paradise Coast, visit Keewaydin Island Beach.

This island features miles of underdeveloped coastline which makes it the perfect place to spend a day surrounded by nature. It’s also one of the few beaches in the area where you can bring your dog.

However, visiting this barrier island isn’t something you can easily do last minute: It’s only accessible by boat.

If you want to visit Keewaydin Island, the easiest way is to hop on the Hemingway Water Shuttle which leaves several times a day from Rose Marina on Marco Island.

Alternatively, you can visit the island by renting a boat yourself or taking this Pontoon Sightseeing and Shelling tour to Keewaydin.

>>> Click here to book a pontoon sightseeing tour to Keewaydin.

8. Naples Beach

If you’re spending three or more days on Marco Island, consider taking a day trip to Naples. This city is located about 15 miles north of Marco Island, and Naples Beach shouldn’t be missed while there.

Featuring a boardwalk, clear waters, and soft, white sand, visiting Naples Beach is a truly rewarding experience. Stay for the sunset and you’ll know why this beach is always crowded! Spoiler alert: it’s breathtaking.

However, if you’re looking to add some excitement to your trip, you can also visit nearby attractions like Naples Zoo or do some shopping on Fifth Avenue South.

Map of the Beaches on Marco Island

If you’re confused about where each access point for the Marco Island beaches we’ve looked at above is, here is a map to help you!

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Final Thoughts on the Best Marco Island Beaches

The best beaches on Marco Island depend on the type of vacation experience you want to have.

Whether you want to lounge by the water or learn more about the local environment, there’s a beach on Florida’s Paradise Coast for you.

Which beach on Marco Island will you be visiting first?

But before you go, consider sharing these Marco Island beaches if you found the article helpful!

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