Take us back! Over New Years we started planning our annual Mother-Daughters trip. We love warm weather and mom wanted to go somewhere our grandmother loved. Mom threw out Marco Island and we’d never been before. Grandma would visit with my grandfather for his company’s conventions and loved it. We booked our trip and it was nice having something to look forward to over the winter months.
Now that we have our own families it’s so nice getting that one on one time with our mom! We have the same taste in what we like to do, so it’s easy to travel together. We laughed so hard, explored, relaxed, ate lots of fresh seafood, enjoyed every second of our time together, and I even survived the stomach bug!
Since it was our first time on the Island I did my research and put together our travel guide. I’m sharing all the deets on where we stayed, what we did, and where we ate on Marco Island.
Where to Stay
We stayed at the beautiful JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort and had incredible service. I highly recommend staying here for your next family vacation!
What to Do
Enjoy the beach, pools, and hot tubs at the beautiful JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort.
Book a massage at the beautiful JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort and spend the day enjoying the amenities. With any spa service, you have access to all amenities from open to close and you can come and go as you wish. After our massages we enjoyed the outdoor adult only pool and mineral tub. We ordered lunch from the spa’s menu and relaxed. Before we headed to the beach for the rest of the day, we enjoyed the indoor hot tub, plunge pool and eucalyptus steam room. Our therapists recommended we sit in the hot tub and then do 3 seconds in the cold plunge pool. We did that three times and it felt so good. Amanda and I held hands the whole time and laughed, but it really did feel good when we got back in the hot tub. We showered and headed to the beach for the rest of the day.
Book a professional guided Marco Island Shelling and Dolphin Boat Tour. I was looking forward to this, but I woke up with the stomach bug (that Brooks had a couple of days prior. Michael and Maci even caught it). My mom and sister went ahead (I insisted) and they had a great time. They brought back 3 whole buckets of shells!
Shelling – Tigertail Beach and Sand dollar Spit. Get there early in the morning and bring your own bucket!
Where to Eat
Doreen’s Cup of Joe – A must for breakfast or brunch!!! They don’t take reservations like most places on the island. If it wasn’t so crowded I’d go every morning. They have something for everyone and their fresh squeezed Florida oranges make for the perfect mimosa!
Quinn’s on the Beach – They serve lunch and dinner right on the beach and have a fun fire dancer show at sunset. Fresh fish and their piña coladas are amazing. If you’re staying at the resort they have a cart that comes around all day and you can order food and drinks from while laying out on the beach! Talk about full service!!
Snook Inn– Waterfront tables and live music with great food! Order their Ahi Tuna Nachos to start! Open for lunch and dinner.
Island Gypsie – Located on the Isles of Capri this waterfront family owned spot is known for their fresh shrimp, onion rings, and carrot cake!
The Oyster Society – Walking distance from the resort this spot was amazing. Lots of outside seating and live music! Fun cocktails and fresh seafood and sushi!
On the list for next time!
DaVinci’s Ristorante – The Oyster Society and Snook Inn’s sister restaurant. We heard this spot was great if you’re looking for authentic Italian food!
The Little Bar – Waterfront dining with fresh seafood. A local favorite!
Stans – Recommended if you’re looking for a good time. Know for their Sunday funday.
CJ’s on the Bay – Waterfront dining with fun drinks and entertainment.
Joey’s – for a casual pizza and pasta.
Transportation
Uber – I recommend using Uber during your stay on Marco Island, but be aware there aren’t many drivers on the island. Plan ahead and build in time to wait. We asked one of our drivers if he would be available to take us to the airport the next morning and he did, which was amazing!
Marco Island Bike Rentals – You can rent bikes and have them delivered right to the resort.
Some of the restaurants and shops are also walking distance to the resort.
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Do you have a special mother-daughter tradition?
Inspired, Maryashley
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