While looking for a summer staycation, the Florida west coast can be a strong contender for a weekend getaway. Marco Island is one of these Gulf-coast beaches that not only include gorgeous water, but also great history and entertainment options for fun with the whole family. If planning to travel to Marco Island anytime soon, here are the top spots to visit to make the most of your travel experience.
Snook Inn ($20-$30)
Address: 1215 Bald Eagle Dr, Marco Island, FL 34145
A restaurant on the water, Snook Inn serves fresh island cuisine and seafood straight from the Gulf Coast. What makes this restaurant stand out is not only its extremely fresh food options but also the ambiance created by eating on the gulf coast. The restaurant also serves as a docking location for boats, and contains an Observation Deck for visitors to attempt to view dolphins in the water below. Live music plays every night, creating a friendly environment, and there is a Snook Shack Store on property. This store contains quintessential vacation gifts, from seashell necklaces to “Marco Island” lifeguard sweaters. If you’re looking for a dinner spot with a wonderful ambiance, food and entertainment for everyone, Snook’s is the place to be.
Drinks such as a piña colada and mango passionfruit are staples of the inn, adding a tropical vibe to the dining experience. (Photo/Emma Colarte Delgado)
The Snook Inn has been a Marco Island staple ever since the 1920s, 20 years after Marco Island began to be developed. Throughout the years, fresh seafood and docking areas have been provided to many coming through the island. (Photos/Emma Colarte Delgado)
Doreen’s Cup of Joe ($15-$25)
Address: 267 N Collier Blvd, Marco Island, FL 34145
A Marco Island staple, Doreen’s Cup of Joe is the perfect stop for all your breakfast needs. From French toast to Eggs Benedict, anything you wish for breakfast is served fresh here. Doreen’s is destined to always have a line when you visit it, due to it being so delicious and popular with the locals. From the fresh orange juice and muffins served to every table to the comfortable farmhouse ambiance, the atmosphere in this restaurant is perfect to start your day with a smile. This teal farmhouse is a must-try in Marco.
Large portions are served at Doreen’s, perfect to add a boost of energy to fuel a long day relaxing at the beach. Acai bowls are some of the most popular dishes here, due to their refreshing and tropical taste. (Photos/Emma Colarte Delgado)
BeeBee’s Ice Cream/ Marco Movies ($45-$55 including ticket, food and ice cream)
Address: 599 S Collier Blvd STE 103, Marco Island, FL 34145
Two shops right next to each other, these are the one-stop-shop and plaza for an entertaining night. Marco Movies is a dine-in movie theater, where food is served while watching the newest movies on the block. With six theaters, six movies can play at once, being able to provide a wonderful movie experience filled with delicious food and entertainment. Burgers, pizza and chicken tenders can all be found here, in addition to the classic movie theater popcorn and candy. After the movie, make sure to stop by Beebee’s ice cream shop right next door for a delicious cup (or cone) of homemade ice cream.
Beebee’s has been open since the 1950’s, and has remained family owned and operated. Here, homemade and home-churned ice cream such as Moose Tracks and Caramel Caribou are some of the best sellers. (Photo/Emma Colarte Delgado)
