Marco Island, FL Recap
Some vacations are about seeing all the sights, cramming in every last attraction, and coming home needing a vacation from your vacation (am I right or am I right?). And then there are the trips like our recent getaway to Marco Island—where the goal was simply to soak up the sun, swim until we were waterlogged, and spend slow, easy days with family. Mission accomplished!
How We Spent Our Days
If you ask my kids, the pool was the highlight of the trip. We could’ve told them we were vacationing in the backyard and as long as there was a pool involved, they’d have been just as thrilled. While they splashed away, I got to enjoy the rare luxury of sitting still—watching them, drink in hand, without a million to-dos buzzing in my brain.
We also spent a lot of time on two wheels, thanks to our trusty rentals from Island Bike Shop. Biking around the island is one of my favorite ways to explore—it’s just fast enough to cover ground but slow enough to actually take in the sights. My big kids are at the ages where they don’t take naps anymore and bikes were a perfect way for them to get some pre-dinner energy out.
Island Bike Shop is our go-to for bike rentals!
Where We Ate (and Didn’t)
One of the things I actually love about vacation? Cooking. I know, I know—but hear me out. There’s something about cooking when I’m not also juggling 10 other responsibilities that makes it feel less like a chore and more like a creative, relaxing activity. Especially when my in-laws are around to watch the kids. But I’ve also learned (through trial and plenty of error) that vacation burnout is real, so I set the expectation from the start—I’ll happily cook every other night, and the other nights? We’re dining out.
We had a fantastic dinner at Quinn’s on the Beach at the JW Marriott one night, complete with sunset views and fresh seafood. And for date night, my husband and I slipped away to The Deck at 560, where we actually got to have an uninterrupted conversation over a meal that we didn’t have to share with tiny hands. Glorious.
Speaking of food, a MUST for takeout pizza: Napoli on the Bay IV. The tiny lobby is always filled with retired New Yorkers picking up their pizza so that’s how you know it’s good!
Meanwhile, breakfast was my husband’s domain. In our everyday life, I’m the one manning the breakfast station, but on vacation? He takes over. And I don’t mind one bit. This year, we even carried on our Valentine’s Day ‘Love Breakfast’ tradition—heart-shaped donuts and scrambled eggs, because nothing says romance like a little sugar rush first thing in the morning. Three years strong and counting.
Ocean views from Quinn’s on the Beach at the JW Marriott
“Love Breakfast” for Love Day
Who Wants to Go to the Beach?
One of the best parts of the trip was our afternoon at Marco Island South Beach—but it almost didn’t happen. My kids were firmly in the “why do we need the beach when we have a pool” mindset, but we convinced them to give it a try. Within ten minutes of arriving, a nearby fisherman reeled in a baby hammerhead shark. Not only did they get to see it up close, but they actually touched and held it. That was it—the beach was suddenly the best place on Earth, and they never wanted to leave. Go figure.
Aside from it now being “the best place on Earth”, we also love the beaches in Marco Island because they are wide with beautiful white sand. You can almost always find a spot to park your crew without feeling overcrowded.
Don’t worry, the baby hammerhead shark was released back into the wild.
Why Marco Island Will Always Be Special
This trip was simple, but that’s exactly what made it special. Marco Island has become one of those places that just feels like ours—a spot where we can slow down, breathe deep, and enjoy each other’s company without the distractions of everyday life.
If you’re looking for a family-friendly getaway that’s equal parts relaxing and memorable, I can’t recommend Marco Island enough!
Want to make your next trip flow smoother? Check out my Travel Essentials List where I’ve curated all my must-have travel items!
Got questions about Marco Island? DM me on Instagram!
