Where to Stay in Marco Island, FL - 4 Best Areas + Places

Destguides may receive commissions from purchases made through affiliate links in this article.

Are you wondering where to stay in Marco Island? This Floridian city is a vacation haven for couples, families, and even solo travelers. Tucked between Everglades National Park and Naples, Marco Island is incredibly laidback and has attractions that will appeal to everyone.

It's famed for having a host of breathtaking beaches, luxury golf courses, and many options for high-end shopping and dining. This city is linked to the mainland by a pair of bridges just south of Naples, offering an island feel with easy access to the rest of South Florida.

While Marco Island is small, especially compared to other Floridian hotspots, it still has a few distinct neighborhoods that offer something a little different. Picking the right area is crucial to a fantastic trip. So, where should you stay in Marco Island? Keep reading to explore the four top neighborhoods in the city.

4 Best Places to Stay in Marco Island, Florida

Marco Island Places to Stay Map

A map of Marco Island. Use the map to explore all the places to stay.

Show Interactive Map Loading Interactive Map...

Best Areas to Stay in Marco Island, FL

South Beach (South Coast)

Despite being the city's most expensive area, many consider South Beach the best place to stay on Marco Island. There's no better place to stay if you're dreaming of a beach-filled getaway near some of the top landmarks in Florida.

South Marco Beach is the more famous of the two public beaches in Marco Island, and it's where to stay if you're looking for beachfront hotels and luxury resorts. Whichever hotel you choose, you can guarantee that soft, white sand is mere steps away.

Aside from access to Marco Island's best beach, another reason to base your trip here is thanks to Marco Walk Plaza. Here you'll find a mix of big-name brands and independent restaurants, shops, and cafes.

Want to explore beyond Marco Island? You can also charter a boat to see the mangrove-filled Ten Thousand Islands located nearby.

North End

The North End is another ideal place to stay. Also known as Olde Marco Island, the North End is great if you want to explore the region surrounding Marco Island.

This neighborhood is home to the very popular Tigertail Beach and is within easy access to many nearby cities. This is ideal as there are many things to do in Naples nearby. Adventure lovers will want to base themselves here as there are plenty of opportunities for kayaking and watersports.

Another bonus of staying in the North End is that there are many accommodation options here, which are often cheaper than in the South.

Mid Island

Mid Island is a brilliant place to stay on Marco Island. It's ideally located to explore the rest of Marco either on foot or by bike. There are many bicycle rental shops all over this part of town, and, as a bonus, Marco Island is extremely bicycle-friendly.

One of the best things to see here is the Marco Island Farmer's Market, which runs seasonally throughout winter. It's also a great area for culture lovers to stay. Mid Island is home to the Marco Island Historical Museum, a fascinating spot where you can learn lots of facts about Florida.

Fancy a round of golf? Marco Island is famed for its incredible golf courses, and Mid Island boasts the Island Country Golf Club, one of the most popular in the region. Despite this, Mid Island is also one of the best places to stay if you want to save some cash.

East Side

Another of the top places to stay at Marco Island is the East Side. It's the best area to stay on Marco Island for families or for those looking for wholesome fun. East Side boasts a chilled-out vibe with plenty of lush parks sporting beautiful views.

This part of the island might not have its own beaches, but it has a myriad of waterways for you to explore on foot or by boat. The Otter Mound Preserve is one of the most popular spots in the neighborhood. Not to mention that you can easily access the South Beach area via a tranquil 20-minute walk.

Another great reason to stay on the East Side is that it is one of the cheapest places in Marco Island. This is because it is slightly further from the beach, so hotel prices are much lower.

Where to Stay in Marco Island, FL

Where to stay in Marco Island for first-timers?

Are you wondering where to stay on Marco Island for the very first time? The best place to stay is South Beach. This is because this neighborhood offers the true Floridian experience, filled with glorious beaches, luxury hotels, and relaxed vibes.

If you want easy access to crystal-clear waters and white sandy shores, there's nowhere better to stay. The hotels in this area might be some of the most expensive on the island, but it's worth paying a little bit extra for the convenience of being based in South Beach.

Where to stay in Marco Island with kids?

If you're traveling with kids and wondering where to stay, you can't go wrong with the East Side of Marco Island. There's plenty to do here, including visiting scenic parks for gentle walks and exploring the various keys around this area. And, if you're looking to dock a boat before exploring further afield, staying in the East Side neighborhood is ideal.

Another highlight is the Frank E. Mackle Community Park. Here you can play sand volleyball, let the little ones roam free on the playground, and have fun on the splash pad. There are lots of family-friendly places to dine in this area, too.

Where to stay in Marco Island for water sports?

If you're looking to get out onto the water, you'll want to base yourself in the North End area. Why? Swimming conditions are excellent on Tigertail Beach, and the inland lagoon is ideal for paddleboarding and kayaking.

You can even rent kayaks and make your way up to Rookery Bay Reserve from this stretch of coast. North End is the perfect place to stay on Marco Island for those who want to explore off the grid in a slightly quieter spot.

You can also head up north for a day and take a manatee boat tour, which is great fun for kids in Naples.

Where to stay in Marco Island on a budget?

Marco Island can be quite expensive, especially towards the south, where the prettiest part of the coastline is. To save some money, you should consider staying in Mid Island, where there are several hotel options for all budgets and styles.

You will be slightly further away from the beach, but this isn't such a bad thing as you can reach the South Beach area in around 20 minutes on foot. Or, it's even quicker if you want to rent a bicycle to get around.

In Summary

Marco Island has an abundance of excellent accommodation options. And, whether you want an adrenaline-filled vacation or would prefer to unwind on the sand, there's an inviting neighborhood for every kind of traveler.

Where is the best place to stay in Marco Island? For most people, staying in the South Beach area is ideal. This is because it has the most picturesque beach, South Marco Beach, and many fabulous restaurants.

However, it can also be the most expensive place. So, you can save some cash by heading inland towards Mid Island, where plenty of exciting cultural activities await.

This article was edited by Alli Sewell.

Give us feedback about this article