Marco Island, Florida: A Caribbean-like Atmosphere in the United States

Welcome to the tropical paradise of Marco Island located in beautiful Southwestern Florida. This is a place where a pelican's call is natural island music and the smell of tropical flowers is delightfully abundant. If you have ever wanted to visit a Caribbean-like resort without going through the hassle of leaving the United States, then Marco Island is the place for you. The minute that you arrive on the island you are overcome by a sense of relaxation. Even though you will find all the modern conveniences available to you, the island still has a laid back type of feel to it.

There are a number of hotels and restaurants to entice all types of tourists. Many of the chain hotels including the Hilton, Radisson and Marriott are located right on the beach looking out towards the Gulf of Mexico. One such hotel which is a frequent tourist destination is Marriott's Marco Island Resort and Golf Club located at 400 S. Collier Boulevard (239-394-2511 (P)). The Marriott has over 700 guestrooms and a couple of pools to delight the Florida-bound tourist. It is located right on the beach where a variety of activities are available to individuals and families alike.

You could rent a wave runner, take a fishing trip, go parasailing or maybe try your hand at a little game of beach volleyball. The resort also has three restaurants to choose from including Kurrents, Quinns on the Beach and Tropiks. My favorite is Quinn's on the Beach where you can grab a tasty Pina Colada, sit on their beachside porch and watch the sun set over the Gulf of Mexico. They also have a wide variety of food to choose from including a number of fresh and unique seafood entrees.

If you are looking to venture out from your hotel for a bite to eat, there are very few places that you won't want to try. Marco Island is known for its wonderful restaurants. A great restaurant that can be a bit on the expensive side but is well worth the money is Sale e Pepe. This Italian restaurant is located inside of the Marco Beach Ocean Resort which is located at 480 S. Collier Boulevard and can be contacted by calling the resort at 239-393-1400 or toll free 800-715-8517. You can choose to sit inside to indulge in the delectable entrees or if a view is what you desire, Sale e Pepe's veranda provides an exquisite view of the Gulf of Mexico. Each course is a symphony for the taste buds and you will not be disappointed. This is a wonderful place to eat for a special occasion. We ate here on Mother's Day and the entire experience from start to finish was simply perfect.

Once you have had your fill of the sun for the day and your stomach is filled as well, why not hop on over to Rookies Bar & Grill at 599 S. Collier Boulevard for an ice cold beer, tropical drink or glass of wine. The sandwiches and munchies are a hit as well. If you are looking for some live entertainment then maybe you should try Bimini's Beach Club right up the road from Rookies. There are live performances on different nights of the week which range anywhere from reggae to rock. Grab yourself a cold beverage and dance the night away.

I could go on and on about the many splendors of Marco Island, Florida. When it comes to choosing the perfect hotel, restaurant or bar, it is very difficult to pick a wrong one. You are sure to return from your vacation a relaxed and happy individual.