Best Fall Vacation Ideas in Marco Island FL for Families
Table of Contents
- Why Visit Marco Island in the Fall?
- Events and Festivals
- Dolphin Tour
- Marco Island Historical Museum
- Kayak Tour
- Shopping
- Manatee Sightseeing
- Briggs Nature Center
Why Visit Marco Island in the Fall?
Pictured above is the Boardwalk in Marco Island, Florida
You can never go wrong when planning a vacation to Marco Island in the fall. The fall season brings much-needed relief from the sizzling hot temperatures in the summer. These temperatures allow you to fully enjoy the water during the day and experience cooler mornings and evenings. Not only are the temperatures ideal, but the large crowds have diminished. You don’t have to worry about waiting in long lines for popular attractions and you can have a lot more fun.
Events and Festivals
Marco Island is full of a diverse selection of events in the fall and all throughout the year. Check out fun fall events below.
Johnsonville Night Lights in the Garden
Image by naplesgarden.org. A new, family-friendly exhibit located on the Performance Lawn invites attendees of all ages to sit around make-believe campfires and head into a brightly lit campground tent.
Celebrate fall and winter in a tropical atmosphere at the Johnsonville Night Lights in the Garden. Meander through the garden and gaze in awe at the allure of the spectacular collection illuminated in thousands of lights. This event runs from November 26 through January 1st. Click here for more information.
Christmas Tree Lighting on Third
Image by thirdstreetsouth.com. Third Street South, Naples’ iconic downtown shopping and dining district celebrates the holiday season with its 44th annual Christmas on Third.
A festive way to kick off the holiday season is at the annual tree lighting. Walk along Third Street South and be in awe of beautifully decorated window displays. Shop til you drop at area boutiques and enjoy live musical performances. See the tree lit at the courtyard in front of Tony’s after 6 pm.
Dolphin Tour
Pictured above is a dolphin family leaping out of the water
Looking for the best vacation ideas in Marco Island? A dolphin tour is a great activity for all ages. Search for dolphins and other amazing marine life as you traverse through the waters. Tours like the Ten Thousand Islands Dolphin & Shelling Tour take you through the Mangrove Forests and barrier islands that embody the Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge. On this tour, you’ll also be able to search for rare shells on a barrier island and see friendly Atlantic Bottlenose Dolphins.
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Marco Island Historical Museum
Image by colliermuseums.com. The museum is operated by the Marco Island Historical Society and is part of the Collier County Museum System.
The Marco Island Historical Museum is one of the most phenomenal and influential discoveries in the United States. It features permanent and traveling exhibits that trace the history of this tropical oasis from its early pioneer roots as a pineapple plantation, fishing village, and clam cannery to its stormy growth in the 1960s. The museum also has a large amount of information about the Calusa Indians and their civilization. See informative displays and an engaging recreated village scene.
Kayak Tour
Pictured above is a man kayaking in mangrove nature
For educational and entertaining family fun, take a guided kayak tour and see a variety of fish, birds, and other wildlife in their natural habitat. Explore the Mangrove Forest to learn interesting facts about local plant life such as bromeliads and orchids. Tours like the Cocohatchee River & Wiggins Pass Guided Kayak Tour are great for beginners, pros, and adventurers of all ages. If you’re traveling with your furry friend, there are also pet-friendly options.
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Shopping
From trendy apparel to fun beachwear, Marco Island has you covered
Marco Island is brimming with several open-air shopping centers and small boutiques. The Marco Town Center Mall has 30 excellent stores and restaurants featuring a variety of popular items such as casual and formal wear, jewelry, shoes, and more. To shop, eat, and possibly catch a new movie, head over to Marco Walk Plaza--the entertainment and dining center of Marco Island. Eat a delicious meal at one of the five outstanding restaurants or shop for trendy beach goods at Beach Daisy.
Manatee Sightseeing
Pictured above is a manatee swimming through the water
Go on a manatee sightseeing tour where you’ll join an unforgettable animal encounter experience. You and your family will enjoy seeing these magnificent and graceful creatures drift through the water in their natural habitat. Tours like the Manatee Sightseeing Eco-Adventure allow you to get up close to the manatees and other wildlife such as dolphins, birds, and alligators along the way.
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Briggs Nature Center
Image by conservancy.org. Briggs Nature Center Boardwalk Trail is a 0.6 mile popular loop trail.
Just a short drive away is the Briggs Nature Center. This popular attraction consistently draws in outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The nature center features an estuary and a multitude of habitats, and the boardwalk trail is the main attraction. If you hope to see wildlife, look no further. You’ll see plenty of wildlife--primarily alligators and ospreys. Along the trail, you’ll also see river otters circling around and floating on their backs, shouldered hawks, and a host of snakes.