Marco Island Historical Museum
If you are looking for free things to do on Marco Island, check out Marco Island Historical Museum. This museum boasts its world-famous Key Marco Cat, a feline statuette crafted by a Calusa artist between 500 and 1,500 years ago.
Kids will love the touchscreen excavation exhibit. It is easy to spend several hours there, learning all about the history of Marco Island and the Calusa people who left their crafts behind. Plus, it’s free, so it cannot get much better than that.
Mackle Park
Those who love immersing themselves in nature and parks will thoroughly enjoy spending time at Mackle Park. Amenities range from fishing areas to bocce courts, from a walking path to a water spray park. It makes for hours of family-friendly fun in the sun, and the best part is that it is totally free.
Marco Island Farmers Market
The Marco Island Farmers Market takes place every Wednesday, this year running from November 13, 2019 – April 15, 2020. It is a great place to get fresh fruits and veggies, seafood, handmade jewelry, and works made by local artists. This is a quick walk away from many Marco Island beachfront rentals. You don’t have to worry about bringing your own bags; reusable ones are available for you.
Keewaydin Island
When on the hunt for Marco Island things to do, you’ll probably come across the luscious Keewaydin Island. You can only reach it by boat, so make sure you get your rental boat ahead of time or get the Hemingway Water Shuttle to take you there.
As locals will tell you, this is a local hot spot on weekends. Kick back, relax, watch dolphins swim, and gather up some seashells to keep as souvenirs. You can bring food with you or buy it from the food boats that sail along the island.
South Marco Beach
South Marco Beach is a Marco Island Public Beach and is only one of two. You can park in the public lot on Swallow Avenue for $8, but many Marco Island vacation properties are within a reasonable walking distance.
The beach is open year-round and is a great place to take the family. Build a sandcastle, take a swim in the cool turquoise water, or layout in the sun.
Cape Romano
Want to get away from the Marco Island beaches for a while? Check out Cape Romano and its abandoned dome house, a complex of concrete igloos built in 1981 that are slowly sinking into the water. This was an environmentally friendly getaway for retired oil producer Bob Lee and his family. The new owner, who bought the home in 2001, hasn’t been able to refurbish the property. Hence, rumors have spiraled about everything from aliens to a cult hide-out! Now, it is a place where wildlife flourishes.
Caxambas Pass Park
Caxambas Pass Park is a four-acre park that has concessions and public boating access. It’s a beautiful spot to relax and look for dolphins. Bring a book to read, grab some ice cream, or stop by the bait shop for some well-priced necessities before launching your boat down the ramp.
Marco Island Center for the Arts
Since 1969, the Marco Island Center for the Arts has delighted the public with exhibits, classes and workshops, art galleries, performances, and more. Even though it’s a small building, it has a big impact on all who visit. It’s open weekdays from 9 AM to 4 PM and has a nifty gift shop.
Canine Cove
Need a place to walk your dog? Take them to Canine Cove Dog Park on Andalusia Terrace. There are separate sections for small and large dogs and plenty of benches beneath shade-giving trees.
Goodland Boating Park
This 5.22-acre park features a bait shop, cleaning station, and double ramp – perfect for anyone who likes to fish! You can easily get to Ten Thousand Islands from here, and there are food shops to fuel you up before you hit the open water.