Nestled along the stunning Gulf of Mexico in southwest Florida, Marco Island is a tropical paradise that offers a perfect escape for those looking to unwind and reconnect with nature. With its pristine beaches, abundant wildlife, and a range of outdoor activities, Marco Island is an ideal destination for a long weekend getaway. In this guide, we’ll take you through a curated itinerary on how to make the most of your long weekend in this beautiful coastal haven.
The Ultimate Girl’s Trip Destination
We began our trip by checking in to the stunning, luxurious JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort, conveniently nestled on the gorgeous South Marco Beach. Let’s dive into our Marco Island Girls’ Weekend itinerary:
Grab Some Lunch
400 Pazzi’s is a great choice for lunch on your first day in Marco Island. Savor the flavors of Italy with paninis, hearth-fired pizzas and fresh salads where you can order at the counter at this quick, casual restaurant. We grabbed some pizzas and a caesar salad for a light lunch before heading to the pool. The white pizza on the cauliflower crust was FANTASTIC!
Time to Beach It!
After settling in, head straight to South Marco Beach, which is conveniently located right in front of the JW Marriott. Sink your toes into the soft, white sand, and soak up the sun. Don’t forget your sunscreen and a good book. You can also rent water sports equipment, cabanas, beach chairs, or enjoy a leisurely swim in the calm Gulf waters.
If you’re looking for a beachside beverage, Kane’s is the place to go. We enjoyed the yummiest piña coladas, mojitos, and strawberry daiquiris and the bartenders at Kane’s were so friendly and fun!
Dining at the JW Marriott
For dinner, you don’t need to leave the resort grounds. The JW Marriott offers a range of dining options, including Tesoro, a Mediterranean restaurant featuring panoramic terrace views of the Gulf of Mexico from this adult-exclusive restaurant and bar on Marco Island. We ordered the Mezze Board, which came wiht hummus, muhammara, tirokafteri and balloon bread. Each dip was absolutely PHENOMENAL. And the ballon bread? We ended up getting an extra order because it was just that good! We also tried the croquetas de jamon as well as the yummy patatas bravas which we’d highly recommend.
Enjoy the Day Ahead in Beautiful Marco Island
Start the Day Off Right
We started each day of our trip at Maia, where the hotel offers a fantastic breakfast. Try locally sourced dishes from the market-style buffet, featuring omelets and Florida lobster Benedict. Morning cocktails and an extensive à la carte menu are also available.
Head to the Pool
Enjoy poolside relaxation with a good book under an umbrella and a drink in your hand! Quinn’s on the Beach, the JW Marriott’s beachfront bar, will serve you poolside so you just chill and enjoy the resort’s amenities. The resort offers two huge pools to enjoy, as well as luxury accomodations like a spa and fitness center loaded with top-notch equipment like Pelotons.
Off to Dinner
For dinner, we headed to the JW Marriott’s signature Ario Steakhouse, where you can enjoy prime cuts of beef and fresh seafood. Again, no need to leave the property, you can experience this sophisticated and elegant setting right at the resort.
After dinner we headed to Korals Sushi and Cocktail Lobby Bar, where we enjoyed a nice bottle of Sauvignon Blanc! We walked on the beach and enjoyed the sound of the ocean waves after that.
Get Ready to Relax
The JW Marriott Marco Island Beach Resort offers an exceptional experience, combining luxury, comfort, and the natural beauty of Marco Island. Enjoy the rest of your relaxing weekend in Marco Island in this lavish oasis, taking advantage of the resort’s amenities and exploring the island’s attractions.
A huge shoutout to the JW Marriott for hosting us on this incredible girls’ trip in Southwest Florida.
Getting to Marco Island
If you’re outside driving distance, Hopper is my favorite way to book flights! It’s great because you can watch your trip and book when the prices are the lowest. Grab an extra $20 off by shopping with my code: emilyc6wf.
We opted to road trip and it was just over 3 hours from the Tampa Bay area, making Marco Island the perfect place to staycation for Florida natives.
