Just off the coast of southwest Florida, Ten Thousand Islands is a marine constellation of a few hundred keys, isles, and islets of various sizes. Marco Island is the largest and only developed island in the bunch. It’s hemmed in by nature preserves such as Big Cypress National Preserve, Collier-Seminole State Park, the Everglades, and Ten Thousand Islands National Wildlife Refuge. But it is not just the surrounding landscape that’s laced with waterways; so many canals slice through this tranquil beachfront retirement community that many vacation homes are on the water. Rent a kayak or paddle boat to explore the coastline, or hop on a dolphin tour boat and head out into the Gulf of Mexico. Or simply enjoy the fine, white-sand beaches like Marco Beach and Tigertail Beach: Pods of bottlenose dolphins often play in the surf just offshore and the beachcombing around here is excellent.

Located south of Naples on Florida’s southwestern coast, Marco Island is connected to the mainland by two bridges. The closest airport, Naples Airport (APF), is a municipal facility 18 miles north. However, unless you’re flying private, you’ll find it easier to fly into Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW), which offers commercial flights with 11 major airlines and is 48 miles (about an hour’s drive) north. You might also consider Miami International Airport (MIA), which offers many flight and airline options and is about two hours’ drive.

Most Floridians can road trip to Marco Island in seven hours or less, and it also makes a great weekend getaway for travelers visiting Miami, Naples, and Fort Myers. In town, the Collier Area Transit (CAT) bus service’s route 21 runs a loop through Marco Island.

A haven for snowbirds, Marco Island is busiest in the winter. Between November and March, you can expect comfortable highs around 75 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit, with sunny days and some scattered rain. Like other subtropical destinations, southwestern Florida experiences only two seasons — a dry season during winter and a wet season during summer; because the temperature doesn’t fluctuate drastically, be sure to pack lightweight clothes and sunscreen no matter when you visit. June, July, and August are hot and humid on Marco Island, with temperatures around 90 degrees, high humidity, and regular periods of rain during the day. Summer also brings a risk of hurricanes, which generally lasts through October.

Tigertail Beach

On the northwest side of Marco Island, Tigertail Beach is a 31-acre stretch of beach and dunes. A spit called Sand Dollar island separates the beach from the Gulf of Mexico. The mudflats on the northern end of Tigertail Beach attract various shorebirds, and the butterfly garden, volleyball courts, and boardwalks at the southern end of the beach attract locals and visitors alike.

Collier-Seminole State Park

You don’t have to head to the national park to experience the vegetation and wildlife of Florida’s Everglades. Collier-Seminole State Park is just a few miles from Marco Island and contains 7,271 acres of mangrove swamp, royal palm stands, and other native plant communities.

Cape Romano Dome House

Like something from a science fiction movie, the Cape Romano Dome House is a cluster of six empty igloo-shaped structures stilted over the water south of Marco Island. Constructed in the early 1980s by a retired Florida oilman, the house was eventually abandoned as the island beneath it eroded. Today, it’s accessible by boat and attracts birds, marine life, and curious photographers.